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Door instep protection (pictures)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by ZC1, Jun 15, 2008.

  1. ZC1

    ZC1 Junior Prius Owner

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    A few of you know that I've bought an inexpensive $40 clear bra full kit off ebay (seller: xtremecity) and a 20ft roll for $45.
    I installed the full clear bra kit with little to no hiccups and it turned out beautifully even though it was my first time ever.
    Okay...enough of that..

    Today, I'm going to share some photos of a completed Door instep protection, using a cut of material from the 20ft roll. The cut is 20inches long and 3inches wide.

    Please note, this film has a very light tack and uses water/soap combination to get it placed, then you use a rubber squeegy to remove all air and most water, then a heat gun to mold the edges, curves or finish the job.

    As soon as I finish this post, I will head to the garage and cut the driver's side, and probably both rear doors.
    I've been going crazy with this stuff and covering all under hood labels and any thing else that doesn't move (just kidding about the ..anything else part).

    Great thing about the product is, once it's stuck, it's stuck. Believe it or not, it's painless to remove and doesn't affect anything underneath, so it won't mess up your paint, or stickers, or whatever.

    Stupidly, I tried to apply it the inside B pillar so the seatbelts when taken off don't scratch the plastic. Ah...it didn't work, duh....!

    (Sorry I don't have in-process pictures. If there's enough request, I might provide a semi step-by-step photo shoot.)

    ZC1
     

    Attached Files:

  2. penbed

    penbed New Member

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    I have 5 thumbs when trying to do this stuff.
    I have some left over from my SLK.
    Stop by when you are down in the sunny south.
    If you really have fun putting this stuff on we will both be happy!!
     
  3. ZC1

    ZC1 Junior Prius Owner

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    Update:
    I just finished the driver's door instep. Here's a couple of pics.
    This time, the dust didn't get under and then require removal, although it tried to fight back on application slightly.

    I accidently found that I could slide the plastic under the black factory protector. So I left about an 1/8inch under it for grins.
    As with all my film projects, I roll over the bottom edge (or any edges).

    This project would not be possible without:
    My friends patience and belief
    My musical friend, Eros Ramazotti

    ZC1
     

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  4. jjksutton

    jjksutton New Member

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    That looks great. I'm trying to convince my wife to get the clear bra (on her Prius) but she's not into the cost. I'd love to be able to do this, but I can see hours of frustration and mess...but if it comes right off all I'd be out is the few bucks I spent on ebay. Hmmm...now I'm gonna have to think about it.

    I think you did a great job here.
     
  5. chrisspaulding

    chrisspaulding sexy, high tech, fun

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    Very nice ZC1. Looks good and clean.

    Now that you have the film your seeing everything you can apply it to? LOL. I'd be the same way.

    So, you covered the exterior of your car no prob? A lot of people claim it's tough and frustrating. Gives me encouragement to DIY it!
     
  6. GatorJZ

    GatorJZ Member

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    Very resourceful.
     
  7. ZC1

    ZC1 Junior Prius Owner

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    Chris,

    You might have remembered an earlier thread about Bras, where I gave pictures of the clear bra front bumper and hood installation and then well, covered it up with Toyota Bra. (I know Chris hates that. :nono:)

    A couple weeks ago, my very first try without ever touching anything similar except sticky scotch tape I attempted the clear bra hood install, after two hours of frustration I put it back onto it's backing.
    My wife said "You'll get it tomorrow, you always do".
    I guess I didn't know about needing a heat gun.

    When tomorrow rolled around I figured out I needed to use a heat gun, so instead of the hood I attempted the front bumper.
    I thought it would be easier, and I guess it was, it went on first try, lots of heating and stretching and SPRAYING.
    It took probably 3 to 4 hours.
    During this time I really got a great feel for the heat gun, where to put heat, where not and how much.

    Then I did the hood.
    Then I went crazy...covering labels (2 days ago), door insteps (tonight),
    I tried covering my wife, but she didn't go for it. (Too kinky for ya, honey?)

    I won't include the pics for tonights work, both passenger door insteps. The dimension I cut for those was 3.5inches by 13 inches.

    Anyways here the pics since ya forgot.

    ZC1
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Ailu

    Ailu Prius Groupie

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    Very nice, ZC1!

    Myself, I am looking for something to protect the raised plastic portion of the instep into the vehicle.. I know people are supposed to step onto the lower matted part - but inevitably marks and scrapes are appearing on the raised plastic piece that lays across the threshold on the inside of the cabin. Wonder how we could protect those?
     
  9. ZC1

    ZC1 Junior Prius Owner

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    Ailu,

    I will be working on that issue.
    I mentioned the same problem and it's solution in another thread, but got no response (I think).
    The answer is:
    Your Prius, my Prius, 2008 Prius at least, comes from the factory with that raised plastic piece covered in what looks like the same clear vinyl.

    When I first saw the vinyl, I thought, GOOD, I'm going to leave it there.
    But after the dealer prep, it was GONE. Darn it.
    I haven't asked but the dealer may not have/sell that stuff. I know the Japan factory has it or whoever molded that piece.

    My task is to find some more of that stuff. I tried clear packing tape, which is sticky stuff. Either it doesn't work or it doesn't work on my car (I'm pretty sure I greased it right up during my detailing binges.)

    If anyone knows what kind of sticky vinyl covering it is, please speak up.
    Sticking to non-smooth plastic isn't easy.

    ZC1
     
  10. PROFINISH

    PROFINISH New Member

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    It's 40mil headlight film
     
  11. chrisspaulding

    chrisspaulding sexy, high tech, fun

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    Made me LOL on that one. :)

    Cool. I may just try buying the film and going DIY on the weekend.



    Did you cover your headlights too?
     
  12. ZC1

    ZC1 Junior Prius Owner

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    Honestly, Chris, I'd like to, but I don't know how to make the pattern of the curving headlight. Any ideas, bud?

    ZC1
     
  13. chrisspaulding

    chrisspaulding sexy, high tech, fun

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    My first thought is to find those patterns already drawn out, like from here

    [​IMG]

    Then enlarge them, print, use as a template?????


    Or, use an over sized piece of film, apply where it's supposed to fit, then razor blade the trim off???


    Not sure. Guess I'll be finding out soon. :)
     
  14. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    That looks great, ZC1!

    Don't forget the top edge of the back bumper. If you are loading/unloading something long from the hatch, there's a chance of it taking some paint off the top edge. Trust me.
     
  15. Green Hokie

    Green Hokie Member

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    ZC1,
    For the curved headlights, just do what my installer did. Take a rectangular piece of the clear vinyl and completely cover the headlight. Once the clear vinyl is secured to your liking (squeegeed & all air bubbles removed), then go back with a razor blade and very gently score the outline of the headlight. Peel off the excess and you're done.

    The professionals call this a "custom install job", where a precut pattern is not used. The result is often much better coverage (and looks) compared to using precut patterns. Most of the clear vinyl that is on my Prius was installed in this manner. AS A HUGE CAUTION, not many professional installers (& certainly even fewer DIY'ers) have the skill and/or experience to peform this type of install. As you can imagine, if too much pressure is applied, the razor blade can cut completely through the clear film and scratch the surface underneath. This may not be a big deal on tough plastic surfaces like the headlights. However, you probably won't want to take a risk and try this technique on a painted surface.

    Good luck & let us know how it goes!
     
  16. brad_rules_man

    brad_rules_man Hybrid electric revolutionizer

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    That looks beautiful, but chips and scratches as well as bug stains have already infested the front of my car. I don't think any polish or any treatment will fully fix it, so I won't move forward with this. However when the time comes that I get a new automobile, I am going to park it until I can protect it like this.