Styling To Strip, or a not to strip? That is the question.

[DrivingMissDaisy]

Greetings fellow FIAT Enthusiasts and Owners,

Two weeks ago I collected my brand new FIAT 500 Pop Star - granted it is a personal contract hire car but aside from that, it feels like my car, and I am totally besotted with it.

Without beating about the bush my question is about 'Side Mouldings' . Yes they are classed as an optional accessory these days, and I am old enough to have had cars where side mouldings were a standard part.

So, side mouldings, are they worth it? They are expensive, they need painting, and fitting.

On the flip side, they protect the sides of the car from non car lover's 'flinging' their car doors open and catching the car. Also, my childish side is in love with them, I think they look really cool!

My 'confidants' keep reminding me that I don't actually own the car, so I'd be just wasting money that I won't get back. On the flip side the FIAT dealer is fine with me fitting side mouldings.

So my fellow FIAT People, over to you, are they worth it, or not?

My decision rests on your opinions - no pressure!

My car is not just a machine to get me from A to B it's my obsession.

 

[Piccolo Nero e Bella]

Greetings fellow FIAT Enthusiasts and Owners,

Two weeks ago I collected my brand new FIAT 500 Pop Star - granted it is a personal contract hire car but aside from that, it feels like my car, and I am totally besotted with it.

Without beating about the bush my question is about 'Side Mouldings' . Yes they are classed as an optional accessory these days, and I am old enough to have had cars where side mouldings were a standard part.

So, side mouldings, are they worth it? They are expensive, they need painting, and fitting.

On the flip side, they protect the sides of the car from non car lover's 'flinging' their car doors open and catching the car. Also, my childish side is in love with them, I think they look really cool!

My 'confidants' keep reminding me that I don't actually own the car, so I'd be just wasting money that I won't get back. On the flip side the FIAT dealer is fine with me fitting side mouldings.

So my fellow FIAT People, over to you, are they worth it, or not?

My decision rests on your opinions - no pressure!

My car is not just a machine to get me from A to B it's my obsession.

As far as I can see they serve no practical purpose at all, being mounted far too low to offer any protection, and are purely aesthetic.

It's a subjective thing; I don't like them myself, but if you like them, and are happy to pay for them - go for it.

 

[jrkitching]

On the flip side, they protect the sides of the car from non car lover's 'flinging' their car doors open and catching the car.

Unfortunately they don't. The shape of the 500 means they are positioned in such a way as to serve no meaningfully useful function, and they're one more thing to get in the way when you wash the car.

But if you like them, and are happy to lose the cost of them over the time you'll have the car, then why not just do it?

 

[DrivingMissDaisy]

Thank you for your advice. You've definitely given me something to think about. ��

 

[ArthurM]

Hi DMD. Me thinks you answered your own question