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I've noticed that most new cars (actually, all new cars that I've looked at) do not include those "bump strips" that run horizontally along the side of the car to help prevent dings, dents, scratches, etc.
These strips were dealer installed options ($$) back in the 1970s. Then seemed to become standard from the factory. Now they're gone. Any ideas why?
Well, they're ugly, that's the first reason. The second is that now that there are far more dynamic shapes of cars, they provide little utility. We are no longer dealing with flat sides and flat door openings. Vehicle bodies are more sculpted and even door openings are more rounded and sculpted. Basically, it is impossible to place them in a generic location to provide the protection.
Well, they're ugly, that's the first reason. The second is that now that there are far more dynamic shapes of cars, they provide little utility. We are no longer dealing with flat sides and flat door openings. Vehicle bodies are more sculpted and even door openings are more rounded and sculpted. Basically, it is impossible to place them in a generic location to provide the protection.
agreed. i took them off a car that I had and it looked so much better.
Debatable about the aesthetics. Certainly the "slab sided" look was left in the 1970's. I can't believe the removal is due to aerodyamics. Some of the trims were pretty hefty (think those big GM SUVs) so maybe omitting them reduces the weight a bit. Their utility was limited due to the extreme range of door configurations. Still, it bothers me a bit to think about getting a new car and it is entirely left open to violation by doors, shopping carts, etc. But I always park out in BF Egypt anyway.
Debatable about the aesthetics. Certainly the "slab sided" look was left in the 1970's. I can't believe the removal is due to aerodyamics. Some of the trims were pretty hefty (think those big GM SUVs) so maybe omitting them reduces the weight a bit. Their utility was limited due to the extreme range of door configurations. Still, it bothers me a bit to think about getting a new car and it is entirely left open to violation by doors, shopping carts, etc. But I always park out in BF Egypt anyway.
Back in 2005 I had just bought a new 05 black Lariet pick up and parked it way out in parking lot at a walmart. The wind was blowing good and as I was walking to store I noticed a wayward cart being blown by wind across parking lot.
It was not going in a straight line but managed to turn just enough to slam into the side of my new truck. It dented it and I don't remember if it had guards on it but probably would not of helped anyway.
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