For a while, the 'hood' you grab to lift back hatch dangerously bowed out threatening to snap off. I'd have to pop it open a crack, then lift by grabbing underside of hatch near bumper. Took it apart, decided I'd bypass aftermarket option and repair with JB Weld & tie wraps. (this plastic piece on top of bolt head -that anchors bolt- snapped off both sides) I'm happy.(pic) However, I'm curious about the little U-shaped plastic cover on the underside of this 'hood' next to license plate light opening. Is it for wiring trailer lights? No idea....
Looks nice, I might consider scuffing the plastic inside those "void" areas where you did the repairs and filling it solid with hot glue to reinforce things. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
That would be ideal. Reinforcing the plastic voids under the two central bolts (most crucial) would really be ideal. Don't know what Toyota was thinking... all the force of lifting was centered on the thin plastic piece holding the two bolts in from the underside. Horrible design. Was curious and asked when I bought the new white clips for $1.50 each ......they want $300 for a new latch 'hood'..... $75 for aftermarket. ....... $7.00 for JB Weld and 4 tie wraps. Epoxy has come a long way since I was a kid...JB Weld is amazing stuff.
Toyota did lots of design work on the Prius to trim weight wherever they could. Like the alloy wheels with their plastic trim rings. The rings themselves are very thin and break easily. I did a similar repair on my 2006 when the tailgate "handle" broke. A few bucks and some time was better for me than hundreds for a new oe part. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Toyota did not design the garnish to be used as a lift point. You are supposed to lift the hatch while pressing up on the unlock switch. If this cannot be done easily, it usually because the gas struts have leaked and either need regassing or replacing. In this case, the best point to help lift the hatch is as you pointed out on the bottom of the hatch once it had 'popped' open.
How /where does one re-gas gas struts? Mine are certainly weak. They start lifting only after hatch is half way open. See no sign of leaks....they are just old. (2004) Replace or re-gas?
There are third party replacements and the dealer certainly can supply new ones. I can't help with who/where you might find a regassing service.
