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Buzzard ate my "smiley" chrome!!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by terrylowe, Apr 10, 2011.

  1. terrylowe

    terrylowe Junior Member

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    Stealth mode is great! Running up behind people who "stroll" down the middle of the road at Walmart is just a laugh. I have gotta start filming it!!

    It also works for wildlife. Unfortunately, I startled a buzzard while it was enjoying a roadside snack. It jumped right out in front of me...and WHAM. Prius 1, Buzzard 0. I wonder if buzzards get angels wings? After I arrived at my destination, I found out my smiley grill was broken with a piece of chrome missing! That dang buzzard musta' ate it!!!?

    I took it to my dealer who groaned and said it would cost a fortune to fix. Oh great.

    Well, here are my questions:
    #1. What IS the smiley grill called?
    #2. Can't just the chrome part be replaced? (And therefore costing just a little less than a fortune?)
    #3. If it can be replaced, then where is the best place to get it?

    I really appreciate your help.
     
    #1 terrylowe, Apr 10, 2011
  2. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Toyota calls it the front bumper moulding - it is a subcomponent of the front bumper cover.

    I'm not sure if you can get it from Toyota, but there is an aftermarket chrome part that is designed to cover the original one. If the damage isn't too bad, you might be able to replace the original one.

    Sigma Auto Parts carries aftermarket JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) parts for the Prius. They have a chrome version and a Modellista black version on the page below:

    Toyota Prius 2004 ~ 2009 NHW20 Exterior Accessories :: Sigma Automotive
     
    #2 dogfriend, Apr 11, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  3. terrylowe

    terrylowe Junior Member

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    Wow! Thanks for the informative reply!
    I ordered a new one this morning and will see how it works out. Thanks!!!
     
    #3 terrylowe, Apr 11, 2011
  4. Doc Willie

    Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander

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    Post pictures. Get a before picture while you are waiting delivery on the replacement.
     
    #4 Doc Willie, Apr 11, 2011
  5. terrylowe

    terrylowe Junior Member

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    I will.
    I have to get up my post count before I am allowed to post a pic...getting close!!:)
     
    #5 terrylowe, Apr 11, 2011
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    don't forget the buzzard!:D
     
    #6 bisco, Apr 11, 2011
  7. Michgal007

    Michgal007 Senior Member

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    Didn't know what a Buzzard was, so had to google it. Ouch!
     
    #7 Michgal007, Apr 11, 2011
  8. terrylowe

    terrylowe Junior Member

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    Well...technically it was a vulture and not a buzzard. Not sure why we call them that. They look exactly like the image below. And look! What is that in his mouth?
     

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    #8 terrylowe, Apr 12, 2011
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