You guys inspired me to google. Here is a link to a great article in the NY Times about the "mini factories" at one US port where they install all manner of finishing touches-- from when locks, to floor mats to electronics.. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/25/automobiles/far-from-the-factory-adding-final-touches.html?_r=0 i simply had no idea!
Curious: Is there a simple and easy way to take off the black applique without hurting or damaging? I'd take it off if there's an easy way...
It will "pull off" with enough lifting pressure. Only held on by double-stick tape. The tape residue can be cleaned off with goop-off, but don't get any of that on your seats.
Update: Went ahead and followed advice / directions and popped off that applique $hit. Best feeling ever, lol. There, I'm happy now. * Took about 15 minutes, and I took my time while being gentle and firm all around the edges with equal pressure and working my way around. Definitely didn't want to break anything. The applique is a flexible and durable material - so that made things easier. The double-sided goo-tape seemed pretty fresh from the port... Maybe if I would have waited, it would've been more stubborn to come off. * I personally think and feel it looks much better now because it goes natural with the way the car came. Yeah, it looks very different and unique, but that's what makes the Prius special in the first place, IMO. I don't need makeup or coverup on my car... I'd rather take it the way it is. Now, will Toyota refund me back my $199? LoL.
MichelleStone : Goo Gone does wonders I removed a spoiler one time and the glue that was used looked like it was never going to come off. Goo Gone and 30 mins later.. looks like it was never there.
The glue came off easily with me rubbing it off with my fingers. There may be some minor residue, and I will use some goo-gone in the morning and when there is some daylight out. I will spray it on a light and gentle cloth. The double-sided sticky residue seemed very fresh from the port install, so it made things very easy, it seems. The tape that they used comes off easier than I thought or expected, so I wouldn't worry as much as you are. Just be gentle and take your time... It was well worth it for me, and I was pretty scared initially - until the thing was coming off fairly easily as I worked my way around the edges with gentle and gradual pressure.
Yes, I believe there were 3 pieces in total... All 3 are off... The 3rd one is the one right below the middle console / hand rest.
Having trouble uploading, but it's fairly simple with the 3 separate applique pieces. Here's an example pic link of what it looks like: http://autoguide.com.vsassets.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/toyota-prius-coty/2016-Toyota-Prius-interior.jpg Good luck.
+ 1. I guess they decided to give folks options to go either way, or do the homemade reversal as I did, haha.
I explicitly asked for the black appliqué but I don't think it looks cheap at all like the previous poster mentioned, I think it looks very classy and matches perfectly with the rest of the dash. Unlike some others I didn't *hate* the white exactly, but it looks a little to much like porcelain and I just had a harder time coming to terms with that look.
It all comes down to preference, and I'm all for whatever floats the boat for each individual. I understand your perspective.
