legendguy

I saw on Acura.com that Body Side Molding is available for the TL. This was standard on my Legend and it looked good and sure has kept the number of dents down. But, I don't think the Molding will look too good along with the thick crease that Acura added at the door handle height. Anyone feel different? I would love to have the protection but vanity may prevail in this situation.

I would probably accessorize with wheel locks, winter floor mats, trunk liner (maybe), and splash guards.

PS The Acura.com TL site lets you try on different colors and accessories on your virtual car.

princed

I originally thought the body side molding looked horrible when I saw the R&D photos posted here -- plus, it looks like it's not going to protect the doors all that much (it's too low).

I recently, however, saw an abyss blue TL w/ kit, BSM, and lip spoiler, and WOW -- that was one beautiful car. The side molding is far more attractive in person (or perhaps it just looks better on the darker cars).

I'd try to see if you can see one in person...

elbodude

I am gonna pass on the molding. Makes the side look too "busy". Plus, it will not protect your door from dings unless IT gets hit. This assumes their door, at the widest part, lines up with your side molding, not likely. It's really there to protect you from opening YOUR door into the other guy.

LED Master

Don't forget that the TL uses 50% stronger steel on the doors to resist dings (not all though).

The BMW 7 series does the same and skips the side molding.

I will keep it off, as I always park far away from others and enjoy the walk!

stlgasman

I was wondering if you could have it applied higher.

SmokeTL

Was this AT wayne Acura? I saw that one too.

CTyler

I prefer the "clean" look of the car.

planman

Good point. The stronger steel is supposed to help.

A local dealer has a SSM TL with the side molding on it. I thought it looked cheap and really jumbled the lines of the car. There's just too much going on with the character line AND the molding. Of course, this car was pimped out with every possible ground effect, spoiler, sunroof visor, etc. Not my gig, so maybe I'm biased.

neuronbob

What about the paint? I don't want my paint dinged either.

I don't like the look of the molding because there would be too many lines on the side of the car; I wish it were clear.

stlgasman

The mouldings need to be higher to be effective.

princed

Yep -- I saw the car on the showroom at Wayne Acura. Caused me to have a mini-crisis in deciding between the anthracite and abyss blue...