I'm going to order a body side molding (BSM) kit for my TL.

Any suggestions for installation? Alignment? Surface Prep?

What height off the ground are most BSM's installed?

 

I believe it comes with installation instructions. That should tell how to properly prep and where to install them.

 

I've seen the kit online. Sorry can't remember exactly where. I beleive that it comes with instructions and a template that you can tape onto the doors for positioning of the BSM.

 

Here's one place, http://www.handa-accessories.com/

 

I think it ruins the styling, and my experience has been that Murphy's Law applies to door dings - you could have a suit of armor on your car, and some midget in a golf cart will find a way to smack your doors. It is a law of nature.

 

Firstly, go ahead and put them on - they look great (matter of personal preference though). Besides, if you decide you don't like them later, you can remove them with the assistance of a hair dryer (use the hot setting). I bought mine from the dealer and it comes with cardboard templates and instructions. Simply put, you align and tape on the templates to the car, clean off any wax with rubbing alcohol where the BSM will be applied, then apply the BSM per instructions. Funny thing, after having applied mine, I think the TL looks rather plain w/o them. Welcome to the Anthracite TL club!

 

the lines of the car are so clean and smooth that i think the moldings reall take away from it. it you park your car in public areas there is just about nothing you can do to prevent every door ding.

 

You asked about instructions for the BSMs, not whether or not people liked them, but like the old saying goes - Opinions are like a'holes, everyone's got one..........

Go with what YOU want, nobody's opinion here means a thing. Installation is a cake-walk if you follow the instructions and use the templates. One word of advice that isn't in the instructions though: When applying the BSMs on the front doors, start from the trailing edge of the door (the edge furthest away from the front of the car). When installing the BSMs on the rear doors, start at the leading edge of the car (the edge furthest away from the rear of the car). This way you don't risk having any of the BSM hanging over the door edge and it will ensure proper alignment and a tight fit of both the front and rear portions of the BSM.

Good luck!