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Prius c fragile exterior?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by Bhobski, Aug 22, 2015.

  1. Bhobski

    Bhobski New Member

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    I just got a Prius C a couple of months ago and I can't help but notice how thin feeling the exterior body panels are... I notice it when I washed the car and the roof kinda dented in and popped out very easy (I wasn't washing very hard). I'm sure this is to save weight but is this something to really watch out for?
     
    #1 Bhobski, Aug 22, 2015
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Yup, you don't want to put any localized weight on the roof: it will dimple. "Bumpers" too, they're really just fairings, very vulnerable. Watch too when rolling into parking stalls: wheel stops can snag underbody or lower edge of "bumper". And parallel parking: be cautious, real easy to chew up the wheel covers and/or alloy rims.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Aug 22, 2015
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! i put a cup of coffee up there to free my hand and open the door when i first got mine, and now there's a permanent indentation.:(
    on the plus side, it's been more stable when i put my coffee there since then. be careful!(y)
     
    #3 bisco, Aug 22, 2015
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    We had a surfboard belted down on our reg 3rd gen, no issues. But maybe the trick is to have a large area. And Prius c could have reduced metal gauge even more?
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Aug 22, 2015
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe they went to aluminium, or carbon?
     
    #5 bisco, Aug 22, 2015
  6. Bhobski

    Bhobski New Member

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    eek! Ok thanks
     
    #6 Bhobski, Aug 22, 2015
  7. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    I don't believe the roof is aluminum. Every manufacturer is looking for thinner, lighter cheaper.
     
    #7 JimN, Aug 22, 2015
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    they should dismantle a toyota.;)
     
    #8 bisco, Aug 22, 2015
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Check with a magnet. I kinda doubt it. Hood and hatch are aluminum tho, at least on reg prius.
     
    #9 Mendel Leisk, Aug 22, 2015
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i don't suppose carbon fibre 'dents'?
     
    #10 bisco, Aug 22, 2015
  11. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Nope, but it will crack when it fails.
     
    #11 xliderider, Aug 22, 2015
  12. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    You must of slammed the roof with your coffee cup??
     
    #12 orenji, Aug 22, 2015
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  13. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    I have noticed if you go into a carwash with blowers to dry the car, the roof will pop in and out from the blowers. No more blowers for me. :(
     
    #13 orenji, Aug 22, 2015
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i have a major stainless steel travel mug.;)
     
    #14 bisco, Aug 22, 2015
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  15. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    64 oz??? ;)
     
    #15 orenji, Aug 22, 2015
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you betcha!:p
     
    #16 bisco, Aug 22, 2015
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  17. kingnba6

    kingnba6 Active Member

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    Ive put 2 Gallons on paint on the top of the C and nothing happened to it yet. The rear bumper however is very flexible.
     
    #17 kingnba6, Aug 23, 2015
  18. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    What color is your roof now? :p
     
    #18 orenji, Aug 24, 2015
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  19. Oldwolf

    Oldwolf Prius Enthusiast

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    [​IMG]
     
    #19 Oldwolf, Aug 25, 2015
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  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i've heard of wrapping the roof, but paint?
     
    #20 bisco, Aug 25, 2015
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