Monotone Lower Body Molding

[JustinVGT]

Yesterday I thoroughly washed and detailed my Vibe after it getting soo dirty from my ski trip. One thing I noticed is that the same lower molding on mine that was replaced on two tone Vibes seems to be really sand blasted looking. Are most monotone owners having the same problem? I now have over 24k miles on my Vibe, so it's accumulated it over time. Anyone know why GM is not replacement on the monotone Vibes?

[NSimkins]

I have the same issue on my Vibe, however not to the extent as some two-tone owners. If you notice, you will see they applied a clear tape over the cladding in that area to help in preventing the sandblasting from marking the painted surface. Unfortunately, in my case, and I assume others, the tape just doesn't cut it and is wearing in some areas not covered by the tape in that area.I am going to check into this asap and see what can be said as far as research in replacement of the affected areas or any other type of fix.Overall though, I would say the mudflaps helped in reducing this sandblasting - I have yet to compare a long-term Vibe with monotone and with/without mudflaps to see if this holds true.

[JustinVGT]

Yeah, mine looked like it ran almost the entire length of the molding, well past those small amounts of clear tape. I may try to take a pic and post it later.

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by JustinVGT »I may try to take a pic and post it later.Please do - as well as any other monotone owners with the same problem please post comments and pics.

[JustinVGT]

Well, it rained a day or two after I washed my Vibe and now the lower section is really dirty. I'll have to wait on taking a picture until next time I wash it.

[JustinVGT]

Okay, well I finally washed my Vibe today. I took some pics of the lower molding that has that sand blasted look.

Attached files

[JustinVGT]

Here is a picture under the front door. It is blasted pretty much the entire length of the molding. Wish Pontiac would give us monotone owners that new shaped molding painted. Maybe once I lower my GT it won't cause much more damage, but then again, it's kinda too late.Any other monotoners out there having the same problem? I'm sure many of you are. GM probably reads this, so the more of you posting the better.Later,

Attached files

[Caretaker]

Nick: even though my lower cladding is on order to be replaced (I have the two toned), are you recommending that I still get front mud flaps? I was under the impression that the '04 cladding that they will install on my '03 would solve the problem. Thanks for your advice.

[tots]

I highly recommend mud flaps. I got mine installed by the dealer before I drove it off the lot. I understand the 2-tone modling has been modified to address the abrasion problem and Vibe specific flaps may not be available, but you should be able to find a 3rd party set that fits and looks decent.The winter has been pretty crappy in MD (lots of salt and sand on the roads), but the flaps seem to catch the worst of it. Over the long haul you'll be glad you installed a set, they should greatly prolong the life of molding.

[JustinVGT]

Has anyone lowered their Vibe with mud flaps installed? How close are they to the ground and do you have to be extra careful when going over steep speed bumps? Just wondering how close they are to the ground when lowered.Later,

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by maxx4me »Nick: even though my lower cladding is on order to be replaced (I have the two toned), are you recommending that I still get front mud flaps? I'm with tots and would also say get them. Even though the real custom Vibe front flaps for the '04+ rocker isn't available quite yet, you should still be able to find plenty of flaps that will function properly and protect the lower body and still look good. The new '04+ design for the two-tone Vibes does help reduce the abrasion but with the addition of the flaps, it will only help in that effort.

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by JustinVGT »Has anyone lowered their Vibe with mud flaps installed? How close are they to the ground and do you have to be extra careful when going over steep speed bumps?I have the factory Vibe custom flaps - only time I had any issues was with steep speed bumps. I don't have the exact measurement regarding the distance from the bottom of the flap to the grond, but I can get that for you tomorrow (w/ Eibach Pro-Kit Springs).

[Stang2Vibe]

My front driver side GM, Vibe-specific mudflap scrapes the ground everytime I back into my driveway. That's the only one that touches. I've had both of the front ones rub when beginning to climb a very steep incline on the street. I think all four rubbed one time when I made a U-turn on a local highway that required me to drive over a concrete median (accident up ahead and traffic was at a standstill). I thought that the whole bottom of the car scraped the median as I crossed it by the sound it made, but when I got to where I was going and checked on it, I noticed that it was just the mudflaps that scraped. My Vibe is still stock height.

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by JustinVGT »How close are they to the groundEibach Pro-Kit Springs.Currently on 16" factory aluminum wheels/tires.Front flap - clearance, just under 3"Rear flap - clearance, just under 5"I've never scraped my rear flaps yet - just the front.