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How to protect rear door lower body panel from scratches

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by cellogail, Jun 4, 2010.

  1. cellogail

    cellogail Junior Member

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    Sorry for the odd title, but I wasn't sure how to name this post. I just purchased a 2010 Barcelona Red Prius II to replace my 2008 vehicle of the same color (which is going to our daughter). We have a terrific dog who, in my 2008 car, would often step onto the metal part of the car when getting onto or off from the backseat. This has left scratches in the paint, as it lies behind the area protected by the grey plastic in both cars (i.e., where it begins to slope upward). Is there anything that can be done to protect this? Any suggestions would be well received, as I LOVE my new Prius and want to protect it.
     
    #1 cellogail, Jun 4, 2010
  2. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    You could cut the rear bumper protector or applique and line the area.
     
    #2 32kcolors, Jun 4, 2010
  3. jsharpe

    jsharpe Member

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    Any place that does the 3m protective film (typically used for hood and bumper) should be able to do the affected areas for pretty cheap.

    In addition to all the normal places I had it applied to all 4 door handle cups (to prevent fingernail scratches) and the all four door sills (on the corner just outboard of the sill plates where people sometimes drag their feet). The door cups were $25 for all 4 and the door sills were $50. Although all the installed locations are very unobtrusive there is something about the door handle cups that makes the film totally invisible. When I went to pick up the car I thought they had forgotten to do them until I realized they were actually there by feeling for the edge.
     
    #3 jsharpe, Jun 4, 2010
    3 people like this.
  4. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Very good idea especially on Blizzard Pearl.
     
    #4 32kcolors, Jun 4, 2010
  5. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Thats a really good idea with the door cups. Thanks!
     
    #5 edthefox5, Jun 4, 2010
  6. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    +1. I'm also thinking of doing this but you paid a really really good price.
     
    #6 silentak1, Jun 4, 2010
  7. andino

    andino Senior Member

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    The door cup idea is brilliant. I'll be doing that soon.
     
    #7 andino, Jun 4, 2010
  8. Hokeysmoke

    Hokeysmoke Junior Member

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    It's odd because my car came with door cup appliques and I thought they were normal. I guess my dealer put them on. They also put on door edge guards. I didn't ask or pay for either of them. Maybe a "stealth" improvement for the late model 2010s?

    Update: I found out where I got mine. The dealer who had the car before the dealer I bought it from was nice enough to install 3M door cup and edge guards. Mystery solved.
     
    #8 Hokeysmoke, Mar 20, 2011
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