Bodyside molding?????
08-19-2004, 10:19 AM
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Bodyside molding?????
Just ordered an 04 TL and I'm debating about getting the bodyside molding. It seems like it would help prevent dings, but I'm not sure how it would look aesthetically. What do you all think?
08-19-2004, 10:36 AM
#2
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Search could get more for you...
08-19-2004, 10:37 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
Congrads!
The BSM have been a very contraversial topic. I have them on my car and think it looks just fine. I also have the bodykit which helps to offset the lines, in my opinion. They are about standard height and offer protection from people who open their front doors only. Rears doors will contact your car near the door handles. Look at it this way. The BMW 3 series also has the character body line that runs from the front fender to the rear but is more subtle. They too have the mouldings and are usually black vs. color matched with the car. No one ever mentions that their BSMs make the car look bad. You have to ask yourself whether you can live with dings for the sake of aesthetics. I live in Boston too and park my car in some tight places at times and got the BSMs without hesitation. Another thing is to take the color of your TL into consideration. Lighter colors tend to show dings a little less than dark ones. But BSMs on a dark car are less noticiable as well. Choices. Choices. Good luck and make sure you park in No Man's Land like all of us here.
dsc888
The BSM have been a very contraversial topic. I have them on my car and think it looks just fine. I also have the bodykit which helps to offset the lines, in my opinion. They are about standard height and offer protection from people who open their front doors only. Rears doors will contact your car near the door handles. Look at it this way. The BMW 3 series also has the character body line that runs from the front fender to the rear but is more subtle. They too have the mouldings and are usually black vs. color matched with the car. No one ever mentions that their BSMs make the car look bad. You have to ask yourself whether you can live with dings for the sake of aesthetics. I live in Boston too and park my car in some tight places at times and got the BSMs without hesitation. Another thing is to take the color of your TL into consideration. Lighter colors tend to show dings a little less than dark ones. But BSMs on a dark car are less noticiable as well. Choices. Choices. Good luck and make sure you park in No Man's Land like all of us here.
dsc888
08-19-2004, 10:44 AM
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I also have the BSM and I think it looks very nice, here are some pics:
http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89329
http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89329
08-19-2004, 12:29 PM
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Thanks DSC888
Hey DSC888, thanks for the feedback. Gotta be honest, I'm a bit stressed about driving a TL around Boston, especially given the psycho drivers...but...you know what they say...you only live once.
I think I'm going to spring for the BSM, you raise a good point about tight parking spaces. We're in brookline and our parking spot is fairly tight.
Take care and thanks again.
I think I'm going to spring for the BSM, you raise a good point about tight parking spaces. We're in brookline and our parking spot is fairly tight.
Take care and thanks again.
08-19-2004, 03:48 PM
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Originally Posted by golfingguru
Just ordered an 04 TL and I'm debating about getting the bodyside molding. It seems like it would help prevent dings, but I'm not sure how it would look aesthetically. What do you all think?
08-19-2004, 04:34 PM
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The Puffy Lumpers are the single ugliest accessory ever created in the history of the Honda Motorcar Corporation.
The TL is a boxy, squared vehicle. There's nothing puffy and rounded about it. One of the most distinctive features of the car is the large 'groove' that runs from nose to tail down the length of the TL through the doorhandles. It's an indented square. The Puffy Lumpers are a debossed sphere. Any first year design student will tell you that the Puffers are ridiculous and completely contradict the overall feeling of the vehicle.
As if it couldn't get much worse (trust me, it can't) they aren't functional! Look closely at the car. Unless you park next to Boxters and Mini Coopers, they're going to give you zero protection as every SUV and minivan known to man have doors that will clip your TL higher up where the doors slope naturally outwards.
Don't make your car look awful 365 days a year for all to see when the alternative is to deal with a ding or two that will only be visible for 5 days until your local body shop can pull them back out.
The Puffy Lumpers are an affront to the design standard set by the 2004 TL. They were designed for the 1985 Ford Tempo. Don't do it to your car. If you really want to make your car look hideous, then by all means get the Puffers and add the sunroof wind deflector and the gold badge kit too. If you're going to go down, go down hard.
BJ
The TL is a boxy, squared vehicle. There's nothing puffy and rounded about it. One of the most distinctive features of the car is the large 'groove' that runs from nose to tail down the length of the TL through the doorhandles. It's an indented square. The Puffy Lumpers are a debossed sphere. Any first year design student will tell you that the Puffers are ridiculous and completely contradict the overall feeling of the vehicle.
As if it couldn't get much worse (trust me, it can't) they aren't functional! Look closely at the car. Unless you park next to Boxters and Mini Coopers, they're going to give you zero protection as every SUV and minivan known to man have doors that will clip your TL higher up where the doors slope naturally outwards.
Don't make your car look awful 365 days a year for all to see when the alternative is to deal with a ding or two that will only be visible for 5 days until your local body shop can pull them back out.
The Puffy Lumpers are an affront to the design standard set by the 2004 TL. They were designed for the 1985 Ford Tempo. Don't do it to your car. If you really want to make your car look hideous, then by all means get the Puffers and add the sunroof wind deflector and the gold badge kit too. If you're going to go down, go down hard.
BJ
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08-19-2004, 06:34 PM
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I put the "Puffy Lumpers" on my 6spd SSM and I am very pleased with their look. True, the car looks good without them, not sure if it would be called "better". I think it looks sportier without and a little more luxury with. BTW, I do not have any of the A-Spec kit stuff or lowering crap going on. And Yes, I have the sunroof visor with mud flaps on mine. No regrets here 
08-19-2004, 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by golfingguru
Just ordered an 04 TL and I'm debating about getting the bodyside molding. It seems like it would help prevent dings, but I'm not sure how it would look aesthetically. What do you all think?
08-19-2004, 06:41 PM
#11
Team Owner
Originally Posted by boltjames
The Puffy Lumpers are the single ugliest accessory ever created in the history of the Honda Motorcar Corporation.
Originally Posted by boltjames
One of the most distinctive features of the car is the large 'groove' that runs from nose to tail down the length of the TL through the doorhandles. It's an indented square.
Originally Posted by boltjames
Any first year design student will tell you that the Puffers are ridiculous and completely contradict the overall feeling of the vehicle.
Originally Posted by boltjames
As if it couldn't get much worse (trust me, it can't) they aren't functional! Look closely at the car. Unless you park next to Boxters and Mini Coopers, they're going to give you zero protection as every SUV and minivan known to man have doors that will clip your TL higher up where the doors slope naturally outwards.
They work, and on the TL they are at the apex of the door, providing the protection that they are supposed to provide. Whether they look OK is up to you.
Mike
08-19-2004, 07:02 PM
#12
WDP Director of R & D
Originally Posted by boltjames
The Puffy Lumpers are the single ugliest accessory ever created in the history of the Honda Motorcar Corporation.
The TL is a boxy, squared vehicle. There's nothing puffy and rounded about it. One of the most distinctive features of the car is the large 'groove' that runs from nose to tail down the length of the TL through the doorhandles. It's an indented square. The Puffy Lumpers are a debossed sphere. Any first year design student will tell you that the Puffers are ridiculous and completely contradict the overall feeling of the vehicle.
As if it couldn't get much worse (trust me, it can't) they aren't functional! Look closely at the car. Unless you park next to Boxters and Mini Coopers, they're going to give you zero protection as every SUV and minivan known to man have doors that will clip your TL higher up where the doors slope naturally outwards.
Don't make your car look awful 365 days a year for all to see when the alternative is to deal with a ding or two that will only be visible for 5 days until your local body shop can pull them back out.
The Puffy Lumpers are an affront to the design standard set by the 2004 TL. They were designed for the 1985 Ford Tempo. Don't do it to your car. If you really want to make your car look hideous, then by all means get the Puffers and add the sunroof wind deflector and the gold badge kit too. If you're going to go down, go down hard.
BJ
The TL is a boxy, squared vehicle. There's nothing puffy and rounded about it. One of the most distinctive features of the car is the large 'groove' that runs from nose to tail down the length of the TL through the doorhandles. It's an indented square. The Puffy Lumpers are a debossed sphere. Any first year design student will tell you that the Puffers are ridiculous and completely contradict the overall feeling of the vehicle.
As if it couldn't get much worse (trust me, it can't) they aren't functional! Look closely at the car. Unless you park next to Boxters and Mini Coopers, they're going to give you zero protection as every SUV and minivan known to man have doors that will clip your TL higher up where the doors slope naturally outwards.
Don't make your car look awful 365 days a year for all to see when the alternative is to deal with a ding or two that will only be visible for 5 days until your local body shop can pull them back out.
The Puffy Lumpers are an affront to the design standard set by the 2004 TL. They were designed for the 1985 Ford Tempo. Don't do it to your car. If you really want to make your car look hideous, then by all means get the Puffers and add the sunroof wind deflector and the gold badge kit too. If you're going to go down, go down hard.
BJ
Boltjames, Boltjames, Boltjames.......
You know your doctor told you to never read another "BSM" thread again. It's back to the "couch" for you........
08-19-2004, 07:41 PM
#14
The best argument I've heard AGAINST the BSM is that with all the suv's on the road, the heights of doors are all different and a little strip isn't going to protect from all of them.
Given that reasoning, I thought the BSM were mostly useless for protecting your TL from door dings. I fear most parking next to big trucks and suv's. I try to park next to real nice cars, as people with nice cars should be more aware of where they swing there doors. I just get the impression that a lot (not all - before I get flamed) of people buy suv's because they aren't very good drivers. Those huge cars will more than make up for poor driving skills in small accidents.
So for those of you who skipped all my babblings...
BSM in my opinion is a purely aesthetic accessory...some like it some don't.
Given that reasoning, I thought the BSM were mostly useless for protecting your TL from door dings. I fear most parking next to big trucks and suv's. I try to park next to real nice cars, as people with nice cars should be more aware of where they swing there doors. I just get the impression that a lot (not all - before I get flamed) of people buy suv's because they aren't very good drivers. Those huge cars will more than make up for poor driving skills in small accidents.
So for those of you who skipped all my babblings...
BSM in my opinion is a purely aesthetic accessory...some like it some don't.
08-19-2004, 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by golfingguru
Just ordered an 04 TL and I'm debating about getting the bodyside molding. It seems like it would help prevent dings, but I'm not sure how it would look aesthetically. What do you all think?
08-19-2004, 11:10 PM
#16
They may be "dent resistant", but they will get dents in them if some inconsiderate jerk slams his car door against yours. My guess is that all the new cars use the term "dent resistant" now.
Reminds me of the term "water resistant". If a "water resistant" 2 way unit (walkie talkie) gets a lttle wet from rain and one drys it quickly with a towel one might get lucky and save it. If you dunk it in the pond and fish it out, it'll be dead.
greg
Reminds me of the term "water resistant". If a "water resistant" 2 way unit (walkie talkie) gets a lttle wet from rain and one drys it quickly with a towel one might get lucky and save it. If you dunk it in the pond and fish it out, it'll be dead.
greg
08-19-2004, 11:13 PM
#17
BTW, I think the BSM looks fine. I don't have it on mine, but did consider getting it. Like someone commented, many cars come with it from the factory, BMW 3 series, some Volvos and Audis to name a few.
08-20-2004, 11:04 AM
#18
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by golfingguru
Hey DSC888, thanks for the feedback. Gotta be honest, I'm a bit stressed about driving a TL around Boston, especially given the psycho drivers...but...you know what they say...you only live once.
I think I'm going to spring for the BSM, you raise a good point about tight parking spaces. We're in brookline and our parking spot is fairly tight.
Take care and thanks again.
I think I'm going to spring for the BSM, you raise a good point about tight parking spaces. We're in brookline and our parking spot is fairly tight.
Take care and thanks again.
dsc888
08-25-2004, 09:52 PM
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I keep flipping my opinion on BSM.
Living in NY, I wanted to get it to reduce the inevitable dings expected in a big city with tight parking spots.
Then, someone mentioned that the natural line on the side of the car is a groove. To complicate that with the bulge that BSM creates is a styling no-no. I stared a some pics and decided it didn't look right.
Then, I see the current BMW 3-series has the same design STANDARD - a groove along the upper door and a protective bulge lower down along the length of the car. That doesn't look so bad.
Ultimately, I may still buy BSM because I always see overweight, old, or otherwise inconsiderate people park too close and then fling open their doors all the way with full-force before getting out of their car. I flinch picturing my new TL parked next to them after only a few precious days of dent-free existence.
Living in NY, I wanted to get it to reduce the inevitable dings expected in a big city with tight parking spots.
Then, someone mentioned that the natural line on the side of the car is a groove. To complicate that with the bulge that BSM creates is a styling no-no. I stared a some pics and decided it didn't look right.
Then, I see the current BMW 3-series has the same design STANDARD - a groove along the upper door and a protective bulge lower down along the length of the car. That doesn't look so bad.
Ultimately, I may still buy BSM because I always see overweight, old, or otherwise inconsiderate people park too close and then fling open their doors all the way with full-force before getting out of their car. I flinch picturing my new TL parked next to them after only a few precious days of dent-free existence.
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