Body Side Moldings: Toyota Response

newprius2004 · 01-13-2004, 08:43 AM

I continue to be concerned about "dings" when the my car is parked in a lot. Toyota's response follows. Any suggestions for an alternative?

Toyota's Response:

"Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
We appreciate the opportunity to address your inquiry.

We apologize, body side moldings is not an available option on the 2004 Prius. However, we do understand your concern and have documented your comments at our National Headquarters under file 200401080440.

It is through communications such as yours that we become aware of the reactions and expectations of our customers.

" National Customer Relations

Jerry P · 01-13-2004, 05:59 PM

There are lots of aftermarket bodyside moldings available. They might be a bit tricky to install but I think any body shop would do it for a reasonable fee.

Cathy K · 01-27-2004, 12:12 PM

I was concerned too, so I got clear 15" wide film side panels put on the doors. There is a very faint line visible, but it is much less obvious than ding bars would be and I think it fits the esthetics of the car better. The work was done by a local window tinting company and the cost was about $525. The doors look great after 3 months. Unfortunately I've managed to put a scratch in the paint by the hatchback door and another on the rear fender. Both are from loading stuff and getting klutsy.

Mike N · 02-26-2004, 03:02 AM

I saw an ad in a MotorWeek magazine last summer for magnetic stick on side molding that looked like real factory molding. You can stick it on for parking and take it off or leave it on for driving. I have been uanble to find that ad or find the product anywhere on the net. Does anybody know wher to find that stuff? Please e-mail me directly (Mikenunb@aol.com) if you know where to get it. Thanks!

rockluvr · 02-26-2004, 11:38 AM

Please post it for us all! That sounds like a good option. Are the doors aluminum or steel?

dalfruin · 02-27-2004, 03:48 PM

Body side mouldings and bumper corner protectors appear in UK Prius brochures in the accessory section.

I have scans of the relevant pages but can't seem to post them.

I don't however vouch for their availability as I've just been told that mudflaps are not available in UK yet and it may be Summer before they appear.

boa8 · 04-23-2004, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dalfruin
Body side mouldings and bumper corner protectors appear in UK Prius brochures in the accessory section.

I have scans of the relevant pages but can't seem to post them.

I don't however vouch for their availability as I've just been told that mudflaps are not available in UK yet and it may be Summer before they appear.

Original Toyota 2004 Prius body mouldings are available in Switzerland.

CHF 140 = USD 106.90

CHF99 = USD 75.60

Current Fx rate CHF 1.31 = USD 1

norman · 04-23-2004, 08:04 AM

Mike N, I think that magnetic strip you mentioned is a "DingGuard". Go to www.dingguard.com.

BTW, that little strip of rubber for the bumper edges in the message above for $70+, about $6.99 will buy the same thing from an Auto Parts store.

smtrader · 09-03-2004, 01:11 AM

Is it possible to order factory side moldings from UK or Switzerland??

DaveinOlyWA · 09-03-2004, 01:28 AM

the ding guards are $39.95 for a pair and according to the website each is custom made for your make and model of car... although there was no color choices so i guess the magnetic strips are black. they also have free shipping.

01-13-2004, 08:43 AM	#1
newprius2004 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bethesda MD Posts: 10 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Body Side Moldings: Toyota Response I continue to be concerned about "dings" when the my car is parked in a lot. Toyota's response follows. Any suggestions for an alternative? Toyota's Response: "Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. We appreciate the opportunity to address your inquiry. We apologize, body side moldings is not an available option on the 2004 Prius. However, we do understand your concern and have documented your comments at our National Headquarters under file 200401080440. It is through communications such as yours that we become aware of the reactions and expectations of our customers. " National Customer Relations __________________ Marc Bethesda MD White AM

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01-13-2004, 05:59 PM	#2
Jerry P Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Waterford, PA Posts: 291 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #7 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	There are lots of aftermarket bodyside moldings available. They might be a bit tricky to install but I think any body shop would do it for a reasonable fee.

01-27-2004, 12:12 PM	#3
Cathy K Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 28 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I was concerned too, so I got clear 15" wide film side panels put on the doors. There is a very faint line visible, but it is much less obvious than ding bars would be and I think it fits the esthetics of the car better. The work was done by a local window tinting company and the cost was about $525. The doors look great after 3 months. Unfortunately I've managed to put a scratch in the paint by the hatchback door and another on the rear fender. Both are from loading stuff and getting klutsy.

02-26-2004, 03:02 AM	#4
Mike N Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 54 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I saw an ad in a MotorWeek magazine last summer for magnetic stick on side molding that looked like real factory molding. You can stick it on for parking and take it off or leave it on for driving. I have been uanble to find that ad or find the product anywhere on the net. Does anybody know wher to find that stuff? Please e-mail me directly (Mikenunb@aol.com) if you know where to get it. Thanks!

02-26-2004, 11:38 AM	#5
rockluvr Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 155 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Please post it for us all! That sounds like a good option. Are the doors aluminum or steel?

02-27-2004, 03:48 PM	#6
dalfruin Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Scotland Posts: 1 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Body side mouldings and bumper corner protectors appear in UK Prius brochures in the accessory section. I have scans of the relevant pages but can't seem to post them. I don't however vouch for their availability as I've just been told that mudflaps are not available in UK yet and it may be Summer before they appear.

04-23-2004, 08:04 AM	#8
norman Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 77 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Mike N, I think that magnetic strip you mentioned is a "DingGuard". Go to www.dingguard.com. BTW, that little strip of rubber for the bumper edges in the message above for $70+, about $6.99 will buy the same thing from an Auto Parts store.

09-03-2004, 01:11 AM	#9
smtrader Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cerritos, CA Posts: 94 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Is it possible to order factory side moldings from UK or Switzerland??

09-03-2004, 01:28 AM	#10
DaveinOlyWA Opps !! I Did it Again!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Puget Sound, WA Posts: 9,676 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 5	the ding guards are $39.95 for a pair and according to the website each is custom made for your make and model of car... although there was no color choices so i guess the magnetic strips are black. they also have free shipping.