The Prius is quite deluxe as produced, but one notices that Toyota did not see fit to provide any strips along the sides to protect the finish from damage by other car doors in parking lots. Has this been a problem for anyone? Are there suitable after market or dealer installed protective strips?

I receved a NASTY door ding THREE DAYS after I took delivery on the left rear door. Paint is OK, but metal is deformed.

I found an answer for obtaining side mouldings (sorry about the "strips" thing) in the "Groups" messages. Check the following:<br><br><a href=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius/message/18258 target=new>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius/message/18258</a>

when you put these on can you take a pic to show us how it looks?

It will be some time as I have a '02 on order which likely won't be in my garage until Nov. or later.

Check out<br>Product: Deluxe Vinyl Body Side Moldings<br>Sku #: 12ZX5148Y<br>Quantity: 1<br>Unit Price: $16.99<br>Total Price: $16.99<br>Subtotal: US $16.99<br>Shipping: US $8.75<br>Shipping Method: Standard<br>Tax: US $0.00<br>Total: US $25.74<br><br>Sincerely,<br>The JC Whitney Customer Service Team<br>customerservice@j...<br><a href=http://www.jcwhitney.com target=new>http://www.jcwhitney.com</a>

YEAH, "joelsgro", for forwarding this info.<br>If you don't want to search the JC Whitney site<br>try <a href=http://www.jcwhitney.com/item.jhtml?ITEMID=5608. target=new>http://www.jcwhitney.com/item.jhtml?ITEMID=5608.</a><br><br>I'm waiting on ordering this until some other people<br>write that it falls off, or that it sticks like heck and doesn't<br>allow for a second chance.<br><br>Regards from Terry (Mr)<br>terrylau@...<br>Lafayette, CA<br>20 mi E of San Francisco<br>

An example gallery of the JC Whitney side molding can be found at the Groups site. Look under Files--&gt;Aftermarket Parts. Several great pictures, and brief instructions on installation.<br><br>SP