Here's how it worked out.
About $10 a roll at my local big-box hardware store. You might find it cheaper on-line. The product I found is 1 inch wide, by 10 feet long. The thickness is .065 (or 1.65mm)
It's a nice, thick, rubberized tape on a paper backing that easily peels off.
Cut a piece off, and shape to your liking. (Others have suggested that you want to round the corners to help prevent them from peeling. Also, shaping helps to make the protector look like a pre-made product. I cut mine pretty crude, but it works ok for me.)
Gently set it on the frame and get it aligned to your satisfaction. It's pretty sticky, but you can lift it up and re-align it pretty easy if you haven't pressed it too the frame yet. Once aligned, run a finger down the centerline to get it set, then gently press it in to place by applying pressure over the entire surface.
Added Bonus:
Can it be used as a cable rub protector too?
Something else that was on my shopping list for the new build. I was looking for the clear, thick tape to protect the frame from cable rub. After I purchased the tape for the chainstay protector, I decided to give this a try. There is a product on the market that you clip on the exterior of your cable housing that appears to function similarly.
I cut a small piece from the roll of tape (maybe 1/2 inch in length) and rolled it around the cable housing at the point the cable contacts the frame. The tape is so rubbery and pliable that you can stretch it and mold it. I didn't want the tape to overlap as it would be pretty bulky if it were double-thickness. Cutting the tape slightly short allows you to stretch the tape and bring the edges into alignment. This tape really sticks well to itself.
I thought it turned out ok. I guess time will tell if this is a good alternative.
Awesome work Joe! Good job. Have you tried using 3m Vinyl Tapes before? Tell me how your project worked.
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