Ok, this post is partly in the interest of self-flagellation, and partly to find out the consequences of what I've done. Last night, I was pulling into a parking space that had one of those big concrete block things, and heard a crunching sound. I backed up a bit, and as I did so, I heard the sound of plastic ripping. Upon getting out, I discovered the large piece of plastic that goes across under the front of the car (see photo) lying partly on the ground. I detached the rest of it, stashed it, and went on my way. Now my question is, what exactly is this piece for? I presume it makes the car more aerodynamic. But how much more? Does it perform any other important functions? Considering its somewhat mangled state, I'll have to buy a new piece and have it installed...any idea what this will run me? Worth a claim to my insurance? And I know, bad Prius driver, bad bad bad! [attachmentid=5934]
I have no idea what the part would cost but suspect it costs more than it's worth. Leave it off and see if you notice any difference. If not, you just performed your first mod. Besides, the first ding is always the most traumatic.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GreenMeanie @ Dec 17 2006, 05:05 PM) [snapback]363485[/snapback]</div> I think it is the "under cover". About $78. See: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ind...amp;catalogid=2 - Tom
Could you somehow glue it back together with Crazy Glue or something similar? It doesn't look the worst. And once all the clips are back in it should be OK. You probably lost a bunch of the clips when it was pulled out, so you'll probably have to buy more of them. Your other alternative is to try to find one from a wrecked Prius, but I would try the glue first.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sub3marathonman @ Dec 17 2006, 05:54 PM) [snapback]363565[/snapback]</div> I agree. It might also help keep the bottom of the engine room clean. There is no point in keeping it pretty. It will get hit again. As has been said, however, this is not a big deal.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Allannde @ Dec 17 2006, 06:58 PM) [snapback]363579[/snapback]</div> Thank you all, and thanks much for the link...I'm surprised it's only $78...that's welcome news.
Is this the piece behind the front bumper cover or rather the front chin spoiler and in front of the radiator? If so, I believe this would help trap the air captured by the grille at high speed, forcing it to pass through the radiator by stopping it from escaping under the car in front of the radiator. There may be some aerodynamic drag benefits in addition to these cooling benefits. At least in San Diego you might get cooling benefits year round. Personally I'm blocking the grill to limit the cooling in the cold here.
Ive scraped that thing on those blocks too. Mine hasnt been damaged yet though. I did however, tear the one off my gass guzzlin v8 BMW the same way a few years back and have had no problems.
