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Modifying my future Plug-In

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by PRPrius, Jan 30, 2012.

  1. PRPrius

    PRPrius Active Member

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    I have three modifications that will be taking place within a week of taking delivery of my PiP.

    1) Within 24 hours of delivery, I am taking it to Luscious Garage in San Francisco for the installation of the LED turn signal mirrors. I am taking it from Carson Toyota straight to San Francisco.
    eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
    2) Within 20 minutes of delivery, I will install the Shark Fin antenna.

    3) After I leave San Francisco, I will head back to Texas, stop by the Artech shop and have them install the Hupper Optik ceramic window tint.

    How many of you will be modifying your PiPs as soon as you get them? What type of modifications will you perform?
     
  2. Tracksyde

    Tracksyde Member

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    Tint, for sure the first week (probably a mix of Huper Optik and Madico).. possibly sound deadening the doors (as time permits).. all-weather mats and cargo mat (as soon as I can confirm 2012 mats are no different than what is currently available).. shark fin.. then probably suspension (strut tower bar, rear sway bar, etc) and wheels/tires.. yes, I've been spending a lot of time in the Accessories and Modifications subforum..
     
  3. rogerv

    rogerv Senior Member

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    I want the Homelink autodimming mirror, as soon as the dealer can obtain one and install it. IMHO this is one feature that should have been included in the base PiP.
     
  4. iRun26.2

    iRun26.2 New Member

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    I agree. I am hoping to get one installed on my new car as well. I wonder how hard it would be to install it myself. I certainly won't want to delay the arrival of my car!
     
  5. adric22

    adric22 Ev and Hybrid Enthusiast

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    Fascinating. I see your are in the DF/W metroplex, as am I. But I know the PiP isn't going to be available here for a while. I guess you are going to drive it back to Texas from California?
     
  6. jbrad4

    jbrad4 Active Member

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    I live in the DFW area and will drive my PiP home from Tucson, ~1,000 miles.
    I just checked. maps.google.com says it's 977 miles from Desert Toyota to my house.
     
  7. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    You will need a 12Volts source to activate the mirror's features..
     
  8. Tracksyde

    Tracksyde Member

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    There are a few threads here that discuss the Homelink mirror installation. I actually helped a friend do this on his 2010 a while back. The hardest part I would say is removing the interior trim pieces. Aside from that you just need to tap the appropriate wires. The rest is pretty straight forward.

    Here's the installation document for it:

    http://toyotapart.com/PT374-47100.pdf
     
  9. greinstein

    greinstein Junior Member

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    The specs say the pip has "In-glass AM/FM antenna".

    Need for the shark fin antenna?:confused:
     
  10. Tracksyde

    Tracksyde Member

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    In all of Toyota's images of the Plug-in Prius, there is an antenna on the roof. From my limited reading here, it appears that the current Prius has the in-glass antenna and the roof mounted antenna. Both are utilized for AM/FM radio reception (the roof mounted one is also utilized for XM radio reception and appears to be amplified).

    Although I can't speak for the OP, I personally think a shark fin antenna is much more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, The roof mounted antenna reminds me of the Mini Cooper and how it looks like a toy radio-controlled car (full disclosure: I installed roof mounted antenna on my MR2.. I thought it was cool.. I was also much younger then).
     
  11. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    I've got to think of something. My first choice is leather seat covers, but I don't know if I'll do that as soon as I pick up the car.

    Others?
    * Better Speakers
    * Rear bumper protection
    * Sound deadening
    * Zaino or something like that
    * Front license plate hack

    I was thinking that if the front bumper has no marks for a license plate frame, I'll modify the license plate itself to fit in the air intake area below. I have only thought about this a little, but maybe if I trim a little off the top and bottom of the plate, drill ventilation holes in it, and surround it in plastic, I might be able to mount it in the grill area for a more attractive look. I haven't measured it to make sure yet, and I didn't check the DMV rules. But it would look sort of like the attached image, only recessed:
     

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  12. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I'm pretty sure it has an in glass antenna as well as a roof antenna. The in glass antenna is only to help further improve reception.

    Actually no, I'm sure it has a roof antenna and an in glass antenna. Here's a pic of the PiP that was at the unveiling I attended:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  13. PRPrius

    PRPrius Active Member

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    Yes, I will be driving it from California to Texas. I also will be taking the car on a road trip to Connecticut to visit my family and New York for the International Auto Show. I will be putting at least 5,000+ miles within the first 30 days of ownership.
     
  14. PRPrius

    PRPrius Active Member

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    I already e-mailed Dianne to make sure they don't install the license plate bracket. Our second car has no front license plates and so far we haven't had any issues with law enforcement. If I have to, I will find an alternate way of installing the plate should an officer encourage me to do so.
     
  15. rogerv

    rogerv Senior Member

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    I do love a road trip! Hope you have good weather as you cross the country. Maybe you will be able to post as you travel and let us know mpg, etc?
     
  16. greinstein

    greinstein Junior Member

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    Weird that it would have both. Wonder where I can get a shark fin antenna in sea glass pearl. Will PC offer them in the store?
     
  17. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Sorry but I can't answer as for the PC Store... Danny handles all the store stuff. I'd imagine yes they will get them in but not sure how fast. Shoot Danny a PM, if he has already looked into it he'll let you know for certain.
     
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  18. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    Paradox, In your second picture, is that a radio receptor antennae or the heater for the rear window? I'm more inclined for my second option.
     
  19. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Second radio antenna in addition to the roof antenna. It's to improve upon the poor reception issue some witnessed on the 2010/11.
     
  20. PRPrius

    PRPrius Active Member

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    I will definetly take pictures and post them here; I will try and post as often as possible. I definetly need to try and find rest stops that are EV friendly along the way. It would be nice to recharge the battery while taking a quick nap, eating or posting here.

    Here in the metroplex we have a lot of fast food places that are adding charging stations in their parking lots. Could you imagine if every McDonalds in the nation had an EV charging station!!