Chrome Pillars and Chrome Door Handles

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by usbseawolf2000, Aug 29, 2008.

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  1. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Time to add more chrome! I think I went overboard! I am considering removing my chrome door edge guards. I am looking for opinions..... Should I remove those chrome door edges?

    Tomorrow, I am going to wash my Prius and swich to the 17" Kyowas. More chrome!! I will post pics with the Kyowas.

    [​IMG]

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    I got the pillar chromes from GrilleTech for $55 shipped. It came with a total of 6 pieces. I didn't put on the triangle pieces for the rear doors. I took a gamble with that place and I am not happy with their support. They don't email you order number nor tracking. They don't answer their phone nor email. Just pray for your order to come thru. Took me a week to get them (From FL to NY). I was about to file a complaint with paypal.

    For the chrome door handles, I got them from ebay for $37 shipped. These are plastic covers. They are shipped from HK and I got them in a week.
     

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    #1 usbseawolf2000, Aug 29, 2008
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Hmmmm, I'm going to have to file this under the "If you like it then I'm really happy for you" category. I think the pillars are a bit too much, but if you're going to really go the black and chrome route all over I guess it could work.

    Maybe I'm just not flashy enough for chrome?
     
    #2 efusco, Aug 29, 2008
  3. Boo

    Boo Boola Boola Member

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    I'd lose the pillars (and the door edge guards too).

    Though I wonder if they would look better if you also installed the rear door triangles.

    I like the door handles.

    EDIT: Generally, I don't like stuff that emphasizes the vertical lines of the Prius (I haven't liked black door edge guards either, unless they were on a black Prius). I think that visually, they clash with the flowing, horizontal, aerodynamic lines of the car.
     
    #3 Boo, Aug 29, 2008
  4. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I'll take some pics tomorrow with those rear door triangles. I am curious too..
     
    #4 usbseawolf2000, Aug 29, 2008
  5. KAR IDEA

    KAR IDEA Member

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    Put the Kyowa's on, and let's see what it looks like with those and the chrome. With the stockers on, I would say no chrome. That's my own two cents...
    : )

    BTW: Not to take the attention off of you here, but I had the wheel covers off on my Touring and it looked really cool! Then Kelly wanted them back on because it looked too "dark". :rant:


    Once I tint, I'm gonna take em' back off!!! :evil: Hee Hee Hee...
     
    #5 KAR IDEA, Aug 29, 2008
  6. bac

    bac Active Member

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    You asked for opinions .... please don't take mine the wrong way.

    I think the chrome looks terrible, and to top it off, the are VERY cheap pieces that are going to REALLY look rough after a few months (days?) of use.

    Sorry, I wish I could give you the "2 thumbs up", but I just cannot do it with a clear conscience. :( However, if YOU like it .... that's really all that matters. Enjoy! :)

    ... Brad
     
    #6 bac, Aug 30, 2008
  7. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Bac,

    Only the door handles are plastic, supposely ABS so should last... I only worry the chrome won't come off of it.

    The pillars are stainless steels shined to mirror like surface. They are not that heavy either. All 6 of them are about 2-3 lbs.

    I appreciate yours and Boo's opinions. I personally like the chrome pillar because it add some muscularity to the car. Chrome pillars grab the attention and they are at the center when viewed from the side. The idea is the same as how stretched limos have their pillars shined and lightened up with LEDs.

    I think there is a mismatch with the stock 15" and trim rings and the chromes. I'll take some pics with the trim rings off and see how that goes....

    It is suppose to rain today so I am going to just change to Kyowas and skip washing the car.
     
    #7 usbseawolf2000, Aug 30, 2008
  8. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    I dont like the way it looks now but if you get enough chrome in the right places you can make it really shine. ;)

    To me it looks unfinished and out of place. But I still like the black / chrome combination.
     
    #8 TheForce, Aug 30, 2008
  9. Flying White Dutchman

    Flying White Dutchman Senior Member

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    where did you got those shiny door handles?
     
    #9 Flying White Dutchman, Aug 30, 2008
  10. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    I think it would be cool to chrome the whole car. :)
     
    #10 hyo silver, Aug 30, 2008
  11. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Ebay. I got the version for Smart Key entry. It cost like $9 more for having two extra holes. I don't get it.
     
    #11 usbseawolf2000, Aug 30, 2008
  12. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I made some progress... I am going to post as I progressed so others can see how Prius looks with various combinations.

    Below is a picture without chrome door edge guard and trim ring from the OEM rims.
    [​IMG]

    Now with Kyowa KR206s.
    [​IMG]

    Interior shot showing chrome pillar, wood dash and Kyowa.
    [​IMG]

    Exterior shot with chrome rear door triangle. My neighbor walked by and he agreed it looked better with the rear triangle. So I installed it permanently (provided 3M adhesive).
    [​IMG]
     

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    #12 usbseawolf2000, Aug 30, 2008
  13. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    It looks much better now. It still looks a little odd to me. I just cant put my finger on it. But it still looks good.
     
    #13 TheForce, Aug 30, 2008
  14. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I know... I need to wash / wax my car and then shine the tires. :)
     
    #14 usbseawolf2000, Aug 30, 2008
  15. Flying White Dutchman

    Flying White Dutchman Senior Member

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    you still neeed to darken your back windows
    then its compleet
     
    #15 Flying White Dutchman, Aug 31, 2008
  16. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    I'd like it more if the frames around the windows were chromed rather than the pillars but that is just my opinion. I think someone said it earlier, I'd rather add horizontal lines to my Prius because it is short bumper to bumper but quite tall, horizontal lines add length with out adding height but the chrome pillars add height visually.
    The door handles on the other hand I quite like as they are horizontal.
     
    #16 patsparks, Aug 31, 2008
  17. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I've seen this pic from a ebay seller and I think it is "over-chromed". The triangle window in the back can not be chromed because it is all glass. If you really wanted to, I guess you could over the glass but it won't level with the others.

    [​IMG]
     

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    #17 usbseawolf2000, Aug 31, 2008
  18. 1SweetPri

    1SweetPri New Member

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    The last progression is my favorite. I think a chrome shark fin would look good on it too.
     
    #18 1SweetPri, Aug 31, 2008
  19. KAR IDEA

    KAR IDEA Member

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    I'm a little late on the uptake here...been away upstate in Watkins Glen.
    IMO: Ditch the pillars and triangles.

    Tint the windows to balance out the black...the chrome trim on the Kyowas with the door handles is perfect. Just the hint of accent for the wheel trim is all in the door handles. Eeesa Niice.

    Dave :D
     
    #19 KAR IDEA, Sep 3, 2008
  20. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I do regret not getting the tint darker for better looks but I don't regret because I have not gotten a ticket... so far :D
     
    #20 usbseawolf2000, Sep 3, 2008
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