Calling all Aussies and Kiwis !!

[kenmac]

norman,

Did you order your mudflaps "online"?
If so, what shipment method did you specify?
They seem to have a choice of urgent or Canadian Post.


kenmac

[norman]

Kenmac,

the site is very new and they are still finding their feet re shipping options and costs. They have now added a flat $30 shipping fee for Australia. A bit dearer than what I paid for mine (which was a bit of trial and error). So it looks like the mudflaps would be $75cn delivered. You might also consider the side visors and bundle them in to reduce the average shipping cost. The guards are very simple pieces of formed plastic, but they are molded to fit and are "Genuine".

[kenmac]

Thanks norman.

I've ordered the mudflaps.

kenmac

[norman]

Hey kenmac,

I wonder if you can do me a favour.

I contacted altrex regarding headlamp protection and they said to provide them with the measurements of the headlamp.

I suspect they'll just provide a sheet of the material and I will need to cutout a piece to fit. Looking at the enclosed image, and assuming that the red dotted lines represent a sheet of protection film, what would be the width and height of a sheet of film that I would need in order to make an applique which fully covers a headlamp?

Of course, I would then multiply by two to have enough material for both lamps.

Remember to cater for the curvature.

Thanks in advance.

[kenmac]

Hi norman,
The headlights are a complex shape with three planes -top, front, side - so it is difficult to specify dimensions accurately.
I would think that Altrex need to shape the item to suit - that's what they do - surely they wouldn't expect you to do that work?
Can't they can access a demo/test car near their location? (Sydney?)
Are you sure that you need these protectors - the lights are set at a low angle, as for most of the latest cars and I would think that any projectiles would tend to deflect rather than create damage ??
It would be interesting to query the AA or RAC re the incidence of this type of damage with modern vehicles.
Another thought - how much will these panels affect the airflow? - they would be at a critical location in regard to airflow development.
Similarly the window shields could create more of a drag effect, decreasing mpg.
I suppose you can try them on and off and see how much actual difference they make (mpg).

Personally, I am tending to go with the car as designed, except for the mudflaps, which Toyota fit to Canadian Prius's anyway.

My last 340kms = 4.6L/100km displayed average.

Regards,
kenmac

[norman]

Kenmac,

the altrex protector is a thin film which is applied directly to the glass. I wouldn't expect it to have an impact on aerodynamics. I am not sure, but I think they produce many pre-cut sheets for the standard vehicles, and provide "cut it yourself" sheets for the less common cars. Your point about what the risk of damage is, is an interesting one. I agree with the point about it being a very low angle and less likely to sustain damage, but if it does, it is sure to be an expensive replacement as the glass makes up quite a large junk of the front of the car.

It's interesting to read the discussions about mudflaps and their effect on MPG. I guess you'll be in a position to know before me. I'll hold off on the side visors, I tend to drive with the windows up to minimise road noise in anycase.

Looks like the actual vs "claimed" mileage figures aren't too far appart. 4.6L/100 is excellent by any measure (I dunno, 62 mpg still makes more impression on me than km per 100ltr)

[kenmac]

Hi norman,
OK, I was assuming it was one of those plastic sheet types (perspex).
I will attempt to measure a headlight with my trusty tape and get back to you.
How flexible is that material - would you just cover the front and top and forget anbout the small side bit?

Regards,
kenmac

[norman]

Fopr neatness, I would want to cover it all. I would need a rectangle large enough to allow for the curvature as well.


BTW, check your Private Message area.

[diz]

Right, though not technically an Aussie, will let this slide under the guise of catching up with Prius owners in the same hemisphere!

Just ordered a new Prius two weeks ago, with delivery in August to Wellington. Decided to do a special order in for black (as it's not available on the NZ market) from the dealer, who was more than happy to help out!

So!, any takers from this far south? Toyota NZ are keeping rather quiet about the Prius, which is unusual seeing that some local papers have been looking closely at the Honda competition.

Just keen to find any other NZ owners or soon-to-be's like myself, or whether it's just all Aussie punks

-d

[vandalay]

Hella Aussies-

To those of you who own the new (2004) Prius, does the driver's seat have height adjustment? I've seen this feature listed on the Toyota Australia site but am not able to verify as I'm in the US.

If you do have this adjustement, can you post pictures?

Thanks