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Was this decal supposed to be removed during dealer prep?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by AUTiger, Jul 11, 2009.

  1. AUTiger

    AUTiger New Member

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    There is a small white decal/applique on the rear bottom corner of each back door. There is also one on the edge of the body where it meets the door. This is on each side. Was the dealer supposed to remove these during dealer prep? I haven't tried peeling them off yet, just in case they are supposed to be there. I can't tell if they are clear or white. I think that they are clear.

    [​IMG]

    Thank you
    David
     
    #1 AUTiger, Jul 11, 2009
  2. dmvp

    dmvp Member

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    I have the same stickers, and they seem to be the same color as the body panels. I'm assuming they are to keep those areas from getting dings, but that's just a guess. I've left mine on.
     
    #2 dmvp, Jul 11, 2009
  3. Zaxcom

    Zaxcom Member

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    those are chip guards. dont remove them
     
    #3 Zaxcom, Jul 11, 2009
    2 people like this.
  4. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Ditto, they belong there to protect that area of the car, do not remove them...
     
    #4 Paradox, Jul 11, 2009
  5. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    They are clear protective film. You'd be surprised how many cars have them in and around that area.
     
    #5 stream, Jul 11, 2009
  6. wave_slider

    wave_slider New Member

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    I believe every Toyota has a few sticker's placed strategically in areas that are prone to paint chips. Usually if you look on the bottow 2-4 inches of the vehicle you will see that it looks like orange peel. Anti-chip primer.
     
    #6 wave_slider, Jul 12, 2009
  7. LaMesaGuy

    LaMesaGuy Member

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    I also have them on my 2010 Prius. I left them there.
     
    #7 LaMesaGuy, Jul 12, 2009
  8. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    I wouldn't mind if the whole car was covered in that stuff.
     
    #8 hyo silver, Jul 12, 2009
  9. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Having seen the 3M coating on other people's Prii, I'm really considering having my next Prius covered the day after I get it.
     
    #9 TonyPSchaefer, Jul 12, 2009
  10. drspielman

    drspielman Grand Master Chief

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    I got a quote for the 3M covering... for the front bumper, 2 mirrors, 18 inches of hood, and mud flaps... it was 800.00, that is a lot of money.... worth it?
     
    #10 drspielman, Jul 12, 2009
  11. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    To me it honestly depends on how much cash one has laying around and how long they plan on keeping the car. If your the type of person who trades every 3 maybe 4 years why spend that kind of money unless you have it to spend freely... I trade often but don't have it laying around to spend like that so I just maintain my vehicles to the best I can and when I trade, I trade...
     
    #11 Paradox, Jul 12, 2009
  12. El Rey San Jose

    El Rey San Jose Junior Member

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    Those are called Stone Guards. Do not remove.....
     
    #12 El Rey San Jose, Jul 13, 2009
  13. Welshdog

    Welshdog Member

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    I had our 2000 Outback treated with the 3M film from Xpel. It worked great, but after many years you should remove it before it breaks down from sun exposure. I didn't and the sun eventually degraded it and made it brittle - sort of. One winter an ice storm coated the car and the film failed with hundreds of little splits/blisters all over. I then tried to remove the film but it only tore off in tiny pieces. I left it hat way for a couple of years since I didn't know how to get it off - looked horrible. Eventually I used plastic razor blades and 3M adhesive remover (Xylene mostly - wear gloves) and after several weekends in the blazing Texas sun I got it off the hood. The sun made it soft. I'm going to leave it on the bumpers - too much trouble to get it off. Now I have to compound polish the hood to get the formerly protected area to match the rest of the hood - or vice versa I guess.

    Sound like it's worth it?
     
    #13 Welshdog, Jul 13, 2009
  14. cairo94507

    cairo94507 Active Member

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    I have had a clear-bra film on my Gen II Prius since January '05. Cost me $400 to do the front bumper, 1/2 hood, headlights, mirrors, and door edges. My car has over $115K miles now and the car still looks almost new.

    I say shop around for a shop that wants your business. I would imagine $500 would be a good price today. When I get a new Prius, the first stop for the car will be window tint and clear-bra. For me, with the miles I drive, it is well worth the money.
     
    #14 cairo94507, Jul 13, 2009
  15. warrior

    warrior New Member

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    Quality control sticker I bet!!!:)
     
    #15 warrior, Jul 13, 2009
  16. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Nope - definitely a guard of sorts. Imagine opening your door and hitting a curb - these guys should protect the paint - at least the first few times.
     
    #16 HTMLSpinnr, Jul 13, 2009
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