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Rear bumper applique after-market?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by cyclone, Jan 14, 2004.

  1. cyclone

    cyclone New Member

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    Our Prius didn't come with the rear bumper applique we ordered. Can it be applied aftermarket equivalently to coming from the factory? I see it can be ordered at http://www.partznet.com/toyota/prius/04EXTERIOR.html.

    Bill
     
    #1 cyclone, Jan 14, 2004
  2. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    In short, yep. If you can apply tape you can apply the applique just as well as the factory - it's a port installed option, by the way, so it's actually not installed until it reaches the US.
     
    #2 Danny, Jan 14, 2004
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Sorry, gotta disagree with Danny a bit here. I ordered the applique for self application. Tried it, screwed up, and ended up with no applique and a $45 bunch of sticky plastic in the trash can.

    It is not nearly as easy as applying tape, much more like applying window tinting. You're supposed to use some special alcohol cleaner first, then spray on an unspecified amount of soapy water, then put the applique on (No clear guide for where it goes), then use a squeege to squeeze out all the soapy water while making sure the applique doesn't slip and avoiding bubbles.

    It CAN be done, you may do it just fine--being prepared ahead of time will probably help, I'd have an extra set of hands around as well. But it's a bit tricky and will look pretty bad if not done correctly.
    --evan
    p.s. I seem to be surviving just fine without it. :wink:
     
    #3 efusco, Jan 14, 2004
  4. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    Well, I stand corrected then. I don't have any experience putting it on the Prius (obviously) so I'm sorry if I gave inaccurate information.

    Evan's a much better source on this subject than I would be.
     
    #4 Danny, Jan 14, 2004
  5. cyclone

    cyclone New Member

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    So would I be able to take it to, say, a window tint place and have them put it in for $25 or so?
     
    #5 cyclone, Jan 16, 2004
  6. KathyY

    KathyY Member

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    I applied mine and it looks OK but there are a few small bubbles that I couldn't get rid off. I really should have waited until it was warmer out--I think I was at the bare minimum temperature. I took it slowly and it wasn't really too difficult. I wasn't exactly sure where it went but I saw one of the file pictures of it on one car which helped. Since I already had a very small scratch on the bumper I really wanted it on.
     
    #6 KathyY, Jan 16, 2004
  7. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    Do you have a digital camera you can take some pics for us with?
     
    #7 Danny, Jan 16, 2004
  8. ammiels

    ammiels New Member

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    I also ordered and did not get, and the purchasee is 70 mi away. I wonder if thet 2in wide somewhat elastic tape that comes on rolls would serve as well and be disposable when abused.
     
    #8 ammiels, Jan 16, 2004
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