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December 2008 Posts
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Join Bo and Ryan in this post day 1 conference wrap up as they give their impressions on the conference, the industry, and make several inappropriate comments alluding to sex and politics.
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Plastic Body Panels.
Perhaps other people have more experience with plastic body panels and the technology, but let me comment on my personal experience.
Honda Element: This vehicle has plastic panels (perhaps on top of metal) on the lower half of of the fenders and quarter panel (around the rear wheels). These are probably great for eliminating the problem of rock-chips in painted metal. What struck me about them is they are very matte and, on this used car that I was looking at, a little bit mottled in appearance. I was just surprised that this was acceptable to the public.
Saturn: The Saturn vehicles have plastic body panels (except for the hood due to heat issues). However, from my perspective, I cannot tell the difference from a metal car. It looks like high quality to me.
Modern bumpers: Modern bumpers are all plastic (well technically urethane), but they look great.
Plastic fence: OK OK, I know this is not about cars, but I cannot stand the look of most plastic fencing. It has a high gloss appearance that just screams plastic. I don't know why it cannot look more like vinyl siding which has a more matte appearance and difficult to distinguish from painted wood.
My feeling is that plastic cars can be acceptable if the finish is done correctly.
ThanksJohn C. Briggs
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I believe it is called Body Cladding. (The plastic panels that are added to the metal base).
Congratulations on a great show guys. About plastic...hum sorry, polymer body panels: Lots of european car have those. I used to have a Mercedes-Benz A class that had some plastic panels, smart cars have plastic panels too. As you know sheet metal does not provide any structural strength and get damaged easily (think of doors in parking lots). Plastic panels allow to prevent all those minor damages and help reducing the weight of the vehicle. I wish my current Jeeps had plastic panels too, that woudl greatly reduce trail damages. thanks
Regarding plastic body panels... I owned a Saturn SL2 for 11 years... plastic except for hood, trunk. I can tell you that they performed well, looked as good as the day I purchased the vehicle, and were a mental "relief" in tight parking situations where other's would be concerned about dents.
