Dog's nails scratch upper door trim - how to protect?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Serval, Jun 29, 2015.

  1. Serval

    Serval Junior Member

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    Just got a 2012 Three with a gray interior and my dog loves it. She looks out the back seat windows by holding her front paws (and nails/claws) up on the upper door panel trim (just below the window). She slips and moves around while we drive so it's already caused some minor scratching.

    I've seen some protectors/covers that clip into the space between the panel and the window, but the reviews suggest they work poorly on our Gen III Prii (can't move the window up without it falling out).

    It seems like vinyl or flexible plastic with adhesive on one side (clear or simlar color to the trim) could stick to and protect the upper trim/panel. Then I could replace it every few years or just remove it later. Pretty easy to remove the adhesive with some alcohol but hopefully that's not an issue.

    Alternatively, if that piece of trim affordable to replace? I could just wait until I'm ready to sell the car in several years and then install a replacement. But I suspect I'd need to replace the whole door panel which is quite expensive.

    Thanks in advance for your suggestions/experience!
     
    #1 Serval, Jun 29, 2015
  2. law

    law Member

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    doggie shoes!
     
    #2 law, Jun 29, 2015
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  3. szgabor

    szgabor Active Member

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    leave dog at home :)
     
    #3 szgabor, Jun 29, 2015
  4. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I think you're just going to have to experiment.
    It should be something you can protect.

    I'd try to protect is ASAP to avoid the damage and depreciation it could possible cause.
    If it's not too late.

    Your idea doesn't sound too bad.

    Of course you could also just live with the damage, and the possible depreciation hit when/if you trade it in or sell it.
    If you are planning to keep it 10 years or more, it probably wouldn't make that big a difference in value.
     
    #4 The Electric Me, Jun 29, 2015
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I think it'll be beneficial to buy a used door piece, it should be available on the used market for a reasonable price. Replace that when you sell the car.
     
    #5 JC91006, Jun 29, 2015
  6. Serval

    Serval Junior Member

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    See a few on eBay for $140 shipped. Probably can find better prices over time or locally, but still likely close to $100 each I'd guess, yeah? I'm getting a quote from one of the "car wrap" places for putting wrap on the trim pieces too.

    Thanks for the great suggestions, please keep them coming.

    5' x 1' of matte black vinyl on ebay for under $19, or I could re-use the privacy cover material that I used for a bathroom window (clear so it would show lighter grey than the black trim because of the matte/texture) which has the advantage of being free.
     
    #6 Serval, Jun 29, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 29, 2015
  7. OBJ

    OBJ Member

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    I have a dog as well so I would like to know your solution.
     
    #7 OBJ, Jun 29, 2015
  8. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    Doggie harness that clips into the seat belt latch. Doggie may not not be able to stick its head out the window, but doggie doesn't become a missile in the event of a hard braking event (or worse!) Doggies (and humans) were not made to be bouncing around car cabins.
     
    #8 RRxing, Jun 29, 2015
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I have a designated car for my dog that I will never sell or will anyone ever wanna buy. So he can trash it all he wants.
     
    #9 JC91006, Jun 29, 2015
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  10. HelloHybrid

    HelloHybrid Senior Member

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    I put dog shoes on my dog's front paws. He's ruined the window tint in my wife's Prius over the years.
     
    #10 HelloHybrid, Jun 29, 2015
  11. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    Declaw!! ;)
     
    #11 lenjack, Jun 30, 2015
  12. szgabor

    szgabor Active Member

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    good idea :) but then it will lick the interior all over
     
    #12 szgabor, Jun 30, 2015
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