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Body Side Moldings: Toyota Response

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by newprius2004, Jan 13, 2004.

  1. newprius2004

    newprius2004 New Member

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    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
     
    #1 newprius2004, Jan 13, 2004
  2. Jerry P

    Jerry P Member

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    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.
     
    #2 Jerry P, Jan 13, 2004
  3. Cathy K

    Cathy K New Member

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    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.
     
    #3 Cathy K, Jan 27, 2004
  4. Mike N

    Mike N New Member

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    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 ([email protected]) if you know where to get it. Thanks!
     
    #4 Mike N, Feb 26, 2004
  5. rockluvr

    rockluvr New Member

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    Please post it for us all! That sounds like a good option. Are the doors aluminum or steel?
     
    #5 rockluvr, Feb 26, 2004
  6. dalfruin

    dalfruin New Member

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    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.
     
    #6 dalfruin, Feb 27, 2004
  7. boa8

    boa8 New Member

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    Original Toyota 2004 Prius body mouldings are available in Switzerland.

    [Broken External Image]:http://fr.toyota.ch/media/chde/images/showroom/prius/accessories/zube_prius_seitenschutz.jpg
    CHF 140 = USD 106.90


    [Broken External Image]:http://fr.toyota.ch/media/chde/imag...ries/zube_prius_stossstangen-schutzleiste.jpg
    CHF99 = USD 75.60

    Current Fx rate CHF 1.31 = USD 1
     
    #7 boa8, Apr 23, 2004
  8. norman

    norman New Member

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    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.
     
    #8 norman, Apr 23, 2004
  9. smtrader

    smtrader Member

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    Is it possible to order factory side moldings from UK or Switzerland??
     
    #9 smtrader, Sep 3, 2004
  10. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    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.
     
    #10 DaveinOlyWA, Sep 3, 2004
  11. bruceha_2000

    bruceha_2000 Senior Member

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    I don't think you can drive with them on. I saw no such claim on their webste. I think you get 2 strips, one for each side of the car. The strip will span the side of the car such that you couldn't open the front doors. I'm not sure what would happen to the strip if you opened a rear door.
     
    #11 bruceha_2000, Sep 3, 2004
  12. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    no you dont drive with them on. they are just magnetic strips that would be blown off if left on.
     
    #12 DaveinOlyWA, Sep 3, 2004
  13. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

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    Not so much fun if it's pouring rain, or if it's 30 degrees below zero. There are not many things that Toyota got wrong on the Prius, but the absense of door-ding guards is one of them. What were they thinking???
     
    #13 daniel, Sep 8, 2004
  14. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    about 3 months ago on PC there was a post on using side moldings and the poster gave a url to a company that did colour matched side mouldings try a search on that.
     
    #14 Frank Hudon, Sep 8, 2004
  15. bookrats

    bookrats New Member

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    Yup -- two threads along these lines -- here.
     
    #15 bookrats, Sep 8, 2004
  16. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    thanks Bookrats, I didn't have the time to do a seach earlier.
     
    #16 Frank Hudon, Sep 8, 2004
  17. Bob Allen

    Bob Allen Captainbaba

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    Side doors are steel, I believe. The hatch and the hood are aluminum.
     
    #17 Bob Allen, Sep 12, 2004
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