Plastic vs metal over-riders

[don58van]

I am thinking of ordering some new over-riders.

I would be interested in hearing any reports on the quality/serviceability of the respective types currently available.

Regards
Don

[ManyMinors]

Don't bother with the plastic ones. As much use as a chocolate teapot

[don58van]

As much use as a chocolate teapot

I can see your point. But if you consider modern cars, just about everything at each end of the car is plastic and usually takes moderate bumps without significant damage. It is possible that this might apply to the plastic over-riders -- or maybe not . Living in Australia, I can't just drop in to the local supplier to look at them to judge how sturdy/resilient they might be.

Hey. What about chocolate over-riders?

Don

[martin418]

i see one of the suppliers states ''wax inside before fitting '', that does not bode well for the quality or life span

[ManyMinors]

I can see your point. But if you consider modern cars, just about everything at each end of the car is plastic and usually takes moderate bumps without significant damage. It is possible that this might apply to the plastic over-riders Don

Believe me Don. They won't. And the one thing modern cars don't have is over-riders because, if you're going to have them, they need to be made out of metal

If all you want to do with your plastic over-riders is admire them on a mantlepiece, they'll be fine. If you want them to serve a functional purpose on a car, they won't.

[palacebear]

I can't say with certainty but I suspect that the 'chrome finish' on plastic over-riders won't last too well if your summers produce dry, dusty and hot conditions. The plastic chrome window trims on my 18-month-old Ford are already developing fine surface cracks in a typical UK climate!

[don58van]

Thank you for your replies ManyMinors and palacebear.

Regards
Don

[irmscher]

The chrome peels off after a few months

[don58van]

The chrome peels off after a few months

Hi irmsher

Just to be sure, I assume you are referring to the plastic ones...?

Don

[IaininTenbury]

My first encounter with plastic overiders was when doing an oil change on a car. I'd got a bad back at the time and got hold of an overider to help pull myself up. Of course it was a plastic one and immediately snapped off, which was rather embarrassing as the owner was standing next to me at the time
Tried to avoid them ever since - the slightest tap or nudge either breaks the mounting piece out of the back where they are glued on or puts a crease in the body and wrinkles the chrome.
Fine for show use only, but I'd much prefer to have metal ones replated...

[don58van]

Thanks Iain

It is looking pretty clear that the plastic ones are not a good option for a car that is frequently driven and parked on crowded urban roads.

Thanks to all for you respective inputs.

Don