plastic strips

[bikebird]

I called the dealer over the phone last month to see how much the plastic replacement strips are that protect the deck when the hard top is on. I think he quoted me like 150. I have been lazy and have not driven over to see it that is true. Can anyone tell me if that is about right or do you think he quoted me something else?

[Blue Heaven]

Re: plastic strips

Lynn,
It would not surprise me at all with the way parts for these cars are escalating in price. Those kits could be had for around $40 a few years ago...your quote falls in line with the $20 door panel trim from about five years ago that is over $220 today!

That's way too much money for the quality of the factory strips. My suggestion would be to find a 3M Xpel installer and have them make a set for you. I did just that, they made both sides and covered the entire sail panel (the piece that the 3rd brake light is molded into) for $150 and the material is far superior in quality and longevity.

[FEsTbird]

Re: plastic strips

About $150 is correct. I bought mine in Feb. 2007 for $150.06 plus tax. That is for a kit of 4 sets of strips, or about $40 per set. Each set lasts me for a season--I take the plastic strip off when I take to hard top off. However, some people leave them on. I put the top on in mid- to late-October (when the rains start to be consistent) and take it off mid- to late-April (when it begins to look like the rainy season is over). I think if I thought there was a good chance of putting the top on in a 2-4 weeks, I would probably try to see how the strips did before removal. They don't really look too good by themselves though. When the top is on, you don't see them that much.

[taflocks]

Re: plastic strips

what a rippoff they are crap.......get the s/s ones for about the same price.

[mwhit]

Re: plastic strips

Just an FYI, I have been using 3/4" black electrical tape for the protection for years. This is on a yellow car. I wax the surface well before applying the tape and all is well upon removal. No sticky residue no paint discoloration and no scuffing. I use a 3M brand tape. You can get many many rolls of tape for $200.

[snowbird]

Re: plastic strips

Just an FYI, I have been using 3/4" black electrical tape for the protection for years. This is on a yellow car. I wax the surface well before applying the tape and all is well upon removal. No sticky residue no paint discoloration and no scuffing. I use a 3M brand tape. You can get many many rolls of tape for $200.

I used the same electric tape on our '03 and it just peeled right off when I removed the top a few days ago. You can get this tape in colour now and the one I used was orange of course. Hardly noticeable.
MartinB.

[Blue Heaven]

Re: plastic strips

About $150 is correct. I bought mine in Feb. 2007 for $150.06 plus tax. That is for a kit of 4 sets of strips, or about $40 per set. Each set lasts me for a season--I take the plastic strip off when I take to hard top off. However, some people leave them on. I put the top on in mid- to late-October (when the rains start to be consistent) and take it off mid- to late-April (when it begins to look like the rainy season is over). I think if I thought there was a good chance of putting the top on in a 2-4 weeks, I would probably try to see how the strips did before removal. They don't really look too good by themselves though. When the top is on, you don't see them that much.

Frank,
The kit I'm talking about had four sets...$10 each! Amazing.

[5bird7]

Re: plastic strips

Dino, I think the kit you bought was the early kit? The Ford updated kit that came out in mid 2004 cost $150 right from the start. Makes any other alternative much more attractive.

[Ediron]

Re: plastic strips

I found the Ford kit in the spare tire well.My only problem ,I don't have a H/T but I'll hold on to them in case I buy one.

[FEsTbird]

Re: plastic strips

Well, I have two sets left of my 2007 purchase. So in the winter of 2011 I guess I will try some of these ideas. The major difference I can see between the original sets and the newer design is the thickness of the Mylar. There is a different application method as well (which allows for some positioning adjustments). The original design worked OK for me, too bad they are not available any more if they would be cheaper.

[bikebird]

Re: plastic strips

just came back from dealer, it's worse then 150. out the door with tax is 196.18 ouch.

[ArtandKaren]

Re: plastic strips

Wouldn't it be possible to find a suitable material and trace/cut out a new set from it?

[Lonestar]

Re: plastic strips

Wouldn't it be possible to find a suitable material and trace/cut out a new set from it?

The ones that were available from Invinca-shield were exactly that. A TBN member who does not post any longer, or I have not seen him - JerryP, made a template and Invinca-shield made them available for a reasonable price. Ho-hum, the company went out of business and the supply dried up.

I have many times thought of finding someone who does this stuff to use an original Ford strip as the template and cut some using X-pel or 3M material. I just have not put any time into this for I find it hard to find time recently.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: plastic strips

I find it hard to find time recently.

Over 2200 posts!

[Lonestar]

Re: plastic strips

The count has not been incrementing as much as in the past... Plus, I lost about 1000 post when the politically incorrect threads were canned.