Protecting the front "chin" from curbs.
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Durango, Colorado
Protecting the front "chin" from curbs.
Does anybody have a magic formula or piece of equipment to protect the front "chin" from curb damage? I know, the REAL answer is "Keep from parking so close in to the curb, you idiot!" But we all know that, despite best intentions, these things happen.
I have had a Coastal Metals protector on it for a number of years, but the rubber that surrounds the metal frame got "ratty" and the frame became bent. I guess this device did its job in protecting the chin, but I don't really care for the looks of it.
Does anybody know of something like a stick-on hard rubber trim that could be put at the bottom of the chin, and replaced from time to time?
Thanks,
Richard
I have had a Coastal Metals protector on it for a number of years, but the rubber that surrounds the metal frame got "ratty" and the frame became bent. I guess this device did its job in protecting the chin, but I don't really care for the looks of it.
Does anybody know of something like a stick-on hard rubber trim that could be put at the bottom of the chin, and replaced from time to time?
Thanks,
Richard
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Davis, CA
Get a rubber mallet and bang the coastal metals piece straight. Then use the tool grip dip that goes on your pliers to give it a rubberized coating to redo the finish on your straightened protector. Remove the plate off-car of course. 
Joined: Mar 2001
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Richard, it's really hard to beat the "real" answer:
This has plagued low slung sports cars for pretty much "forever". Whatever you put on the lip as a sort of "guard" will either look ugly or seem out of place. Also, consider that when you hit the "guard", you also push on the lip and bumper itself. The front of the car can only take so many of these. Then you'll need to deal with loose clips and fasteners, not to mention cracks where those clips may be.
We have a fairly short car compared to your average automobile. Parking it even several feet from the parking block should not be such a big deal as the back end of the car will still not stick out too far.
the REAL answer is "Keep from parking so close in to the curb, you idiot!
This has plagued low slung sports cars for pretty much "forever". Whatever you put on the lip as a sort of "guard" will either look ugly or seem out of place. Also, consider that when you hit the "guard", you also push on the lip and bumper itself. The front of the car can only take so many of these. Then you'll need to deal with loose clips and fasteners, not to mention cracks where those clips may be.
We have a fairly short car compared to your average automobile. Parking it even several feet from the parking block should not be such a big deal as the back end of the car will still not stick out too far.
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,279
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From: Frederick, MD
Originally Posted by xviper,Aug 30 2005, 12:22 AM
Richard, it's really hard to beat the "real" answer:
This has plagued low slung sports cars for pretty much "forever". Whatever you put on the lip as a sort of "guard" will either look ugly or seem out of place. Also, consider that when you hit the "guard", you also push on the lip and bumper itself. The front of the car can only take so many of these. Then you'll need to deal with loose clips and fasteners, not to mention cracks where those clips may be.
We have a fairly short car compared to your average automobile. Parking it even several feet from the parking block should not be such a big deal as the back end of the car will still not stick out too far.
This has plagued low slung sports cars for pretty much "forever". Whatever you put on the lip as a sort of "guard" will either look ugly or seem out of place. Also, consider that when you hit the "guard", you also push on the lip and bumper itself. The front of the car can only take so many of these. Then you'll need to deal with loose clips and fasteners, not to mention cracks where those clips may be.
We have a fairly short car compared to your average automobile. Parking it even several feet from the parking block should not be such a big deal as the back end of the car will still not stick out too far.
That is probably the best answer in my opinion. I too have tendency to drive in too far when parking.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,063
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From: Durango, Colorado
thetz99:
I have "overhauled" my Coastal Metals protector about as many times as she is going to take. The rubber is just shot! I straightened the metal part and attempted to get the black powder coating off, did so, and put her back "shiny". And (IMO) it looked out of place. Indeed, I always felt it looked a little out of place.
What I'd really like is a simple strip of hard, black rounded off rubber or plastic that would just stick on, could be shined with 303 or something, and would be fairly inexpensive so as to be "disposable".
Thanks,
Richard
I have "overhauled" my Coastal Metals protector about as many times as she is going to take. The rubber is just shot! I straightened the metal part and attempted to get the black powder coating off, did so, and put her back "shiny". And (IMO) it looked out of place. Indeed, I always felt it looked a little out of place.
What I'd really like is a simple strip of hard, black rounded off rubber or plastic that would just stick on, could be shined with 303 or something, and would be fairly inexpensive so as to be "disposable".
Thanks,
Richard
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