3 Weeks old and I just found 2 paint chips on hood

I've had mine for over 4 years and have had no reason to remove it.

I've had it on several previous cars and never removed it without replacing the part that was covered due to an accident.

 

For what it is worth, I have noticed that the Prius seems to get paints chips easier than the cars we had before. Maybe because of the paint, maybe because of the low level of the car. Anyhow, it does not bother us. We love the Prius!

 

the hood deflector can come off but it's a pain to do so. It's on until it isnt. It stands about an inch above the hood so washing it isnt hard. a sponge can get in there easily. waxing would be harder but I use zaino and so am good for 6 months. I may take it off in 6 months to re clean and polish. It isnt hard to take off it is just more fun with two doing it not just one like I did it. it's cheap too.

 

Where did you get the hood deflector?

 

You're only 3 weeks old?

... Brad

 

Toyota Parts and Accessories Store

 

I also cancelled my Colgan bra purchase for the same fit reason. I also envisioned the Colgan weave pattern which I finally decided I didn't want either. Cancelled then, okay now what?

Went back to Sunshade Tinting in Troy MI that applied Clearshield to my mirrors and rear bumper. I'd already spent almost $400 on tinting there and a couple pieces of Clear but they screwed up one mirror and decided they would charge me if I wanted it redone. Inquiring about a FULL Clearshield application they said about $550 more. Looking around the shop at dirty floors and unkempt working conditions I knew I'd get a less than perfect installation, again. I noticed something under the rear Clearshield but I simply avoid looking at it and the mirror.

I went back to find closeup pictures of the LeBra, the Toyota brand and the Colgan. The Colgan needs to be removed for washing I hear, the Lebra has bad stitching and doesn't fit too well I see, but the Toyota has a nice edge, has a radiator protecting screen and looks good, although tight. (I happen to know that tight is best).

Now off to ebay, I find someone selling a thin .3mill clearshield in both a $25 FULL kit or $45 for a uncut 20ft roll. I watch the application videos and I order both, then I order the Toyota bra from a dealer in Florida, who tells me the only reason for the tightness is the under front bumper mini air dam. Easy enough, I'll simply unscrew the air dam, install the bra and rescrew the air dam back in. The dealer says you might not have to do all that, just stretch it. I'll get the job done.

So, here's my plan.

I'm gonna install either the full thin .3mil clearshield or pieces of the 20ft roll, depending on what I think I will need and want based on other people's experience on Priuschat.com

Then after 24-72 hours of dry time, I will install the bra over the thin clearshield. That solves any problem of bra wear and any other wear item and the black bra color fits with my tinted windows and black accents on a Super White Prius.
I get a decent look (IMO) and I get full paint, radiator protection with a cheap price. I supply the labor.
Toyota bra $129
Thin Clearshield $25
Result ------>> Cheap but effective protection.

Normally clearshield is .8mils. If I had the money to sink into it, I would not buy the bra. But ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
I'll be more than happy with the results.


ZC1

 

The spray bottle most likely contained a mixture of alcohol, water, & soap. Water trapped under the plastic evaporates and there aren't any bubbles. The VentureShield film (and probably 3M) is UV neutral so the paint will fade equally.

 

I checked them out and the hood deflector they have is advertised with the 2004 Prius model. Does it fit the 2008?

 

It does and it will fit. Search a bit here and someone has installed on their 08 with this one. Our hood shape hasn't changed in this generation of Prius.

 

Thanks. Just put in an order for it.:yo:

 

I ordered apr 18th--still waiting

 

I bought a LeBra, fits great....

 

Have you brought this to your dealership's attention?

Mine chipped terribly on the front and back, along with the windshield wipers - long story, no resolve from Toyota - working on outside help. See edmunds.com for complete story.

 

They had to reduce weight somehow