Strange Clear Plastic Thingy on Bottom of Car

[BettyBug]

Help! I washed my car last weekend and noticed there was a clear plasticy thingy <--- (technical description) along the top of the piece that runs below the door (running board area)? It's on both sides of the car and appears to be a protective film of some sort. Ok - so the thing I need help with is, the film seems to be coming up in one corner so dirt and road grime are trapped underneath... I can't seem to pull the plastic up (I'm afraid to pull too hard) and the dirt under there is yucky! Anyone else have this problem???

[GINA]

Yeah, I pulled it off Just on one side though, it was completely tattered and looked disgusting.

[Breez]

I would as well use the description of a "plastic THINGY"... honestly, I have no clue what it is... and maybe someone who post later will be able to help, but because I know your beetle is soooo new, do not be afraid to take it back to the dealership. When I bought my new jetta back in 1998, I was spending good money and wanted everything "perfect" the dealership was always very helpful in my questions and little issues.

Hopefully someone will know what it is... lol but I felt I had to post because you sounded like me when I discuss my beetle... lol.

good luck and keep us updated.

(PS: do you have a pic of the "plastic thingy"?)

[Billsbug]

It's the protective coating on the bottom of the fenders, I yanked mine off right after I got it. Nice vert, I'm from MD originally...

[Maggadog]

No, it is not supposed to come off. Mine started coming up. I took the car back to the dealer who special ordered and replaced the rock chip guard. Since your NB is under warrentee, the next trip for service, show the service manager, and he should arrange to replace it.

[xXRockyHorrorsXx]

Dont pull on it, that film is there to protect the cars rocker panels. I would simply cut off the piece that is peeling, and try a small amount of spray adhesive to keep it from peeling anymore. This is what I would do, so of course you dont have to do the same...

[Breez]

Your beetle is brand new... take it back and let them deal with it. (if you had an older beetle, I would say DIY... but yours is SPANKING new)

[BettyBug]

Thanks everyone... I was going into the dealer Saturday for my tags - so I'll get them to take care of it!

[BettyBug]

Originally Posted by Billsbug

It's the protective coating on the bottom of the fenders, I yanked mine off right after I got it. Nice vert, I'm from MD originally...

Thank you! Your's is GORGEOUS! If your ever in the area again we'll have to meet up!

[dunno513]

I'm actually looking for something to protect just this. I haven't closely inspected the rocker, but something tells me there is nothing there on the 06's. I noticed that there are some scratches forming from tapping off my feet on entry.

I will have to check with VW parts to see if these protector strips are able to be purchased and for how much.

[kds]

Could someone post a picture of this. Not sure exactly what we're talking about. Maybe this is something I should have on my nb too.

[Billsbug]

Originally Posted by dunno513

I'm actually looking for something to protect just this. I haven't closely inspected the rocker, but something tells me there is nothing there on the 06's. I noticed that there are some scratches forming from tapping off my feet on entry.

I will have to check with VW parts to see if these protector strips are able to be purchased and for how much.

The plastic stuff is on the fenders, not on the running boards, but I know exactly wut u mean. I have these rubber covers on my vert, matches the rubber part on the dash.

[kds]

Okay, is it just on the small lower part of the fender?

Also, did you have that rubber installed on the running boards(great idea)and what did they use?

[Billsbug]

If u look REALLY closely at the pic above u can see the film aft of the running board.

The rubber running board covers are from www.bugsgogo.com and they stick via rubber cement.

[kds]

I went and looked carefully at mine, I see them now. I can't get into the bugsgogo site. Says I need to download Japanese onto my computer. Is this in Japan?

[Billsbug]

Yes, the store's in Japan, but the site is also in English. Wait for the English navigation buttons to load on the left, could take up to 2-3 minutes, depending on your service. Divide prices by 114 to get $US, copy and paste the item(s) into an e-mail to shop@bugsgogo.com and Koji will return to you in a few days with cost and shipping details in English.

[kds]

Thanks! I'll give that a try.