Parking Armor

[v6sicksspeed]

hey mods - feel free to move if this belongs in "Detailing" or another section

I know there are a bunch of guys around here that (like myself) are forced into on-street parking.  That can be a total nightmare on your bumpers, which mine are currently full of dings and dents.  Does anyone here use any sort of bumper protection for those asshats that tap your bumpers getting into a spot?

I've thought about the Bumper Bully mats before - but just came across Parking Armor.
http://www.amazon.com/PARKING-ARMOR-Pro ... sim_auto_4

I was driving home yesterday and some jerk tried to squeeze by me in traffic and clipped my rear fender.  Damage is minimal but needs to be repainted and i was thinking of having the shop just repair my whole rear bumper to get rid of the scratches.  If i do so, then a $50 investment in something like this is definitely a good idea.

Does anyone here use a mat or protection of sorts for on-street parallel parking?

[Mike]

I know alot of the NY guys have used tow hooks. If well mounted they can damage the other persons car before they hit yours. I've seen a few of these mats on cars in the North End of Boston but, I think every bumper there is damaged.

[wtcii]

Wow, that's ridiculous. I guess I take my four car garage for granted if people have to resort to that. I assume you just stick it on when you park?

[timot_one]

I've seen those things in NY and in certain areas of Boston.  I'd try to get your hands on one first to see if it's worth the cost.

[Accord1234]

I just hate those things. Like an oversized car mat hanging on the back of your car. The best is the people who just drive every day and all day with them on and never take it it off.

[InFuMoUs]

I just hate those things. Like an oversized car mat hanging on the back of your car. The best is the people who just drive every day and all day with them on and never take it it off.

Those people who do that are pretty much lazy to me.

I got the bumper strip, although it protects it to some extent, they still manage to scratch below what's not covered. I think your best bet is to find one that hooks from the left rear wheel fender and covers the whole bumper then hooks to the right wheel fender. That way no one can side swipe what that parking armor doesn't cover.

[clapton924]

Like dry ground, garages and parking lots are a rarity in New Orleans.  If I have to park on the street I will pick a spot that off by itself. If I park in a lot I will purposely park in the back, away from 90% of the other cars/shopping carts. In 3 years I've only been bumped twice.

[Mike]

Like dry ground, garages and parking lots are a rarity in New Orleans.  If I have to park on the street I will pick a spot that off by itself. If I park in a lot I will purposely park in the back, away from 90% of the other cars/shopping carts. In 3 years I've only been bumped twice.

This statement is really irrelevant in Justin’s environment. A lot of the homes in the north east were built in a time when cars were not prevalent. At the time the cites were built most people walked to work in a local mill. Now 100 or so years later everyone has a car and subsequently has to park it on the street where there really isn’t room for all of them. Where I live if you looking to rent an apartment with off street parking your looking at 600-1200 a year more added to your rent.

[v6sicksspeed]

yea, its not an ideal situation for the car but its the price you pay for living in the city.

I know alot of the NY guys have used tow hooks. If well mounted they can damage the other persons car before they hit yours. I've seen a few of these mats on cars in the North End of Boston but, I think every bumper there is damaged.

i've thought about this one but really in order for that to be effective you need to have been hit square in the bumper by someone with a front fender as low as the tow hook.  i think its an awesome kick in the ass for those people, but would still result in an f'd up bumper

Those people who do that are pretty much lazy to me.

I got the bumper strip, although it protects it to some extent, they still manage to scratch below what's not covered. I think your best bet is to find one that hooks from the left rear wheel fender and covers the whole bumper then hooks to the right wheel fender. That way no one can side swipe what that parking armor doesn't cover.

ive seen that on your car too and i've thought about that route.  something that goes on/off when parking is kind of what id prefer.  i agree too about covering the rear corners but it looks like there arent any that cover the entire bumper.  they tend to be generic and not car specific.

[timot_one]

It looks like there's a need for a new product.  Let's make our millions!!

[clapton924]

This statement is really irrelevant in Justin’s environment.

I disagree. Have you been to New Orleans? Have you been in the French Quarter?

[v6sicksspeed]

^ haven't yet but I'll be down there in 2 weeks - wooha!

Tim - I'm right there with ya!  I smell a business opp.

[Mike]

Like dry ground, garages and parking lots are a rarity in New Orleans.  If I have to park on the street I will pick a spot that off by itself. If I park in a lot I will purposely park in the back, away from 90% of the other cars/shopping carts. In 3 years I've only been bumped twice.

I was referring specifically to the line in red. This is not possible in most neighborhoods in Boston. There is no spot by itself.

[Lemonjelly]

Tim - I'm right there with ya!  I smell a business opp.

haha if you need a website let me know

[Mike]

Ummm Steve I think you meant to post that second part in the NECM thread....