Side Moldings

  • Thread starter Thread starter Vince08
  • Start date Start date
  • Replies Replies 12
  • Views Views 2K
V

Vince08

Member
Has anyone installed additional side moldings mid height of the door to protect the body from dings and dents? Would be nice to hear your views about it.

I found two merchants selling them, one on eBay and another on Amazon.

Both my previous two cars had them (DIY aftermarket) and they did a good job protecting the car door against dents.
 
I also thought it strange that they didn't have them already installed. Certainly a prone area to getting those dings.
 
Sure does look nice.

I found a live listing by searching eBay on 4PC PAINTED BODY SIDE MOLDINGS KONA.

The eBay listing says they are custom painted to the vehicle color. I wonder about chipping. Probably more resistant than the door, in any event.
 
Vince08 said:
I finally got it installed (DIY) on mine. Here are some images. Peace of mind whenever someone parks his car too close to mine.:)
View attachment 7954 View attachment 7955 View attachment 7956 View attachment 7957 View attachment 7958
Click to expand...

How easy was the DIY and can you share the process you used? e.g., LEVEL ? or just eyeball it? Are these Adhesive backed and as you apply, can you "re-adjust" as you apply them? Like if you screw up and don't get them straight. Do you have to CUT them to length? etc... Thanks
 
masking tape.webp
The molding came with a single page instruction sheet. The instruction says to use masking tape to first mark an exact height across the sides of the two doors (see photo). Then prep the area with alcohol and apply a liquid bond promoter provided. The molding has a 3M heavy duty adhesive. I have not tried removing it after applying but I think it won't be easy to remove it without detaching/destroying the 3M adhesive tape.

No cutting required.

Personally, I don't find it too difficult. Had done the same on my two previous cars I had owned.
 
Last edited:
Vince08 said:
View attachment 7970
The molding came with a single page instruction sheet. The instruction says to use masking tape to first mark an exact height across the sides of the two doors (see photo). Then prep the area with alcohol and apply a liquid bond promoter provided. The molding has a 3M heavy duty adhesive. I have not tried removing it after applying but I think it won't be easy to remove it without detaching/destroying the 3M adhesive tape.

No cutting required.

Personally, I don't find it too difficult. Had done the same on my two previous cars I had owned.
Click to expand...

Looks similar to this process:
 
Paul DeLeon said:
Anybody just put trim on the door edge? That seems to be the vulnerable spot.
Click to expand...
I always install door edge guards - but still need to install them on this new Kona. But that protects other people's cars, including your spouse's in the shared garage, but not yours.

It does make opening your door in a parking lot less finicky. But when I mentioned that on the group for my old Volt, I got flamed for both putting something ugly on my car and being willing to admit that my door might touch someone else's car.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top