Successful Body Side Moldings Installation

Good Afternoon All,

I was going to have someone professionally install my side moldings but I wanted to see if I could do it. Everything went well! I have enclosed some pictures of the finished work. It took me about 1 hr


A few pointers:

1) Use a level and measuring tape to make sure moldings are straight.

2) Use blue masking tape (It comes off nicely)

3) Just follow the instructions that come with the moldings


I took the pictures with my Treo phone so the pictures are not that great. I need to buy a camera!





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Let me know if you have any questions.

Hay, very nice looking install!! Including all the measuring and leveling, how long did it take you??

If I remember correctly, the side molding goes at an angle, higher in the back than in the front. If that is still the case, how did the level help out?

Good job.

Very nice looking. I need to get some of the side moldings for my black beauty. Want to come to NC and install them for me?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jezroj @ Jan 26 2007, 08:17 PM) [snapback]381449[/snapback]</div>

The front side measures 13" from bottom of the door; and back side is 13 3/4". I used the level to make sure I was going at the proper angle, which is not very much. It was a bit tough doing it alone. It would be easier if another person could hold the molding while you measure. If you look at one of my pictures you could see the angle just a bit. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully. You need to prep and clean the area with alcohol and then use an Adhesive promoter that comes with the moldings.

I took over 1hr to get everything done.

Looks good. Since the adhesive on the Body Side Moulding is VERY STICKY [once it touches the surface, it's there to stay!!], I chose to pay my Toyota dealer's body shop to install it - $40. They had installed the mouldings on my 2004 over two years back. Took them about 30-40 minutes.

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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pirateprius @ Jan 26 2007, 11:05 PM) [snapback]381508[/snapback]</div>

If the price is right, I'll do it. Especially if you're close to Hatteras!

I'm not a fan of door guards. They have never helped me with preventing door dings on any vehicle I have ever owned. I seem to get hit by cars taller and shorter than where the moldings are placed.

Consider removing your wheel covers.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lenjack @ Jan 27 2007, 10:50 PM) [snapback]381832[/snapback]</div>

No kidding! Here in San Diego I can easily see 5-6 Priuses even when I just go out for groceries. All of them still have the icky plastic rim covers.

We were thinking about them since we got our Prius in March....of course this weekend some yahoo got the door, not a dent, but a few scrathes and some of his red door paint! Got to get some, they look great and I am sure I would not have the scratches.

Thanks for the link.... do you know if these are a "peel and stick" process?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jesart @ Jan 26 2007, 06:18 PM) [snapback]381399[/snapback]</div>

What type cleaner or solvent did you use to prepare the surface of your doors?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill_Lovett @ Jun 19 2007, 05:08 PM) [snapback]464940[/snapback]</div>

The molds come with little wipes. You could also use alcohol. Yes the have double sided tape. Very good glue. I took a marker and put a small mark (in a little ways from each end of door) where the molds will cover my marks once installed. I then used Blue painters I put tape right under the marks the full length of the two doors. REmember the front is 3/4" lower as instrutions say. That is so they are same distance from the ground. I used one included wipee to clean above the blue tape. You can hold the molding up to the door to see how far from the end you want it. I then measured and put a line on the blue tape equal distance on both side of car so they would be uniform. I peeled one door mold backing tape off. I tilted the molding so the adhesive did not stick yet. I kind of layed the lower edge against the blue tape to make sure it was straight and and lined up with my begining mark (I had put on the blue tape). Then I lean the upper part of the mold in place against the door. I press it along the full length to make sure it makes good contact and stuck and in place.

I did mine in January, so I had a hair dryer ready to warm the area (the mold and glue) so the glue would do a better job. I repressed all along the mold. Do not get the mold too hot as it could damage your paint. You just want the glue to soften. Be sure you have it where you want it before you let the glue make contact, as they are not going to pull loose and restick. Once stuck they are stuck. And when you peel the blue tape off. Vala you are a side mold installer.

It is very easy just pre-measure so you do it right the first time. Of course a helper might help you make sure they are straight before you stick them on.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mrg @ Jun 19 2007, 10:30 PM) [snapback]465015[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for the details, I should be able to do this.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ari @ Jan 28 2007, 08:39 AM) [snapback]381922[/snapback]</div>

that's the first thing we did to the car!!!!!!! drove it home with the donuts.... (im the dark.... so it was OK!) the next morning they were OFF the car!

i like the side mouldings... unfortunately hubby doesn't! i get/got everything else i want on car..... so i give in on these and have mouldingless autos......

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(desertbriez @ Jun 20 2007, 10:00 AM) [snapback]465239[/snapback]</div>

My previous Prius was a 2004 Black Prius. I did not know about Prius Chat and did not know there were side molding available. I receive several parking lot dings and scratches on that car.

The side moldings were ordered as soon as I bought the 2007 Prius. You cannot control what other people do in parking lots. I like the looks but the protection was the main reason I put them on my car.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rest @ Jan 27 2007, 08:57 PM) [snapback]381799[/snapback]</div>

I slapped them on all three of the Prii I've owned (very easy to put on, no reason not to do it yourself), and two of them have suffered dings above the guards. I like the way they look, though.