My Prius update - a few exterior dress up

Sorry for the hijack.

I used 3M carbon wrap, it is very easy to apply and flexible. I followed the directions that the material came with and used a squeegee like tinting windows.

1) remove the spoiler by popping off the panels carefully inside the hatch. (remove the (5) 10mm nuts and the spoiler pops off)
2) remove third brake light using phillips driver.
3) clean well with detergent and water, then dry.
4) in a warm place away from dust and wind, lay out the wrap and trim with a few extra inches to spare on all sides.
5) spray a solution of water and dish detergent(2-3 drops into a spray bottle will do) generously on the spoiler surface and on the sticky side of wrap. Place wrap on spoiler and make sure the wrap overlaps the edges and is centered. Use squeegee to work out the bubbles. (use heatgun or hairdryer on the curves/bends to soften the wrap for easier and better fitment)
6) trim off excess wrap material and reinstall spoiler.

It does take some patients and basic window tinting skills. If you're handy, it should be a 45-60 min job. If you're not, I highly recommend bringing it to your local tint/clear mask protectant shop.

 

Bought my prius right after the earthquake disaster in Jp. The price only went up, let along the availability. Therefore, my ideal color, pearl white, wasnt available. Got a black one.

What do yall think about doing it reverse: black bumper w whited-out at the bottom?

 

Nice Job. Can you give me details on how you went about doing the logo blackout? I would like to try this on my car but I don't want it coming out badly.

 

Did your friend just refabricate the existing Prius headlight assembley using different lights? Or was it a whole new headlight assembly unit you installed. Those are SICK.....cannot find them anywhere on the web. I currently purchased HID's to put in but want the whole deal to look tricked out.

Kody

 

I'm assuming he took off the two screws that hold the emblem in. You can then pop off the "bluish" looking backing and use a polymer paint to get them looking black. Then place everything back together. I have seen some other posts on here where they replace that bluish sticker/ backing with carbon fiber type material. Looks awesome!!

 

That might be a SKUNK version of the Prius. haha just messing man! I do not know you could maybe do a rendering of it to get the appearance before making it permanent.

 

Nice job on wrapping the front bumper! I was also planning to do this. Could you give me some tips? Did you use any 3m primer? what size of wrap did you use? Did you have to remove the bumper? Thanks in advance!

 

Hi Drunkin master,

First of all, that's a awsome looking Prius you got there, and I have noticed you also got some 17 inches "Five-Axis" light weight wheels on your Prius, and here comes my question:

Since you put on these wheels which is bigger/wider compare to the 15 inches wheels that came from the factory setting, did you ever have to install aftermarket lowering springs(Tanabe, Eibach, etc) to get rid of the "gap" that was created after you put on these wheels?

And if the answer is yes, then could you please tell me how many INCHES did you lower the car to? And did you experience any of your tires was wearing out unevenly after the lowering was done?

I have a 2010 Prius and I just recently put some 17 inches wheels on my Prius and was thinking about lowering the car to offset the gap(also enhance the handling). And I really would like to find out if that will wear out the tire faster then usual. I've already experience loss of MPG(Now I can run about 380-400 miles on a full tank of gas, used to be around 480-500 miles/tank), but that's still very decent compare to any other cars I have ever driven. But the lowering suspension/tire issue is really what I concern about the most before I make the move. Please ADVISE if you know the answer to that, THANK YOU!!!

 

The lowering kits used by most only lower the car approx 1.2-1.5inches in the front and 1-1.2inches in the rear. Some use coilovers and can adjusted it as low as they like. So to answer your question, yes you must lower the car to get rid of the gap after installing 17"-18" wheels.

Uneven tire wear will only occur if you car is not aligned after installing the lowering springs. Get the car properly aligned and you should have no problems since 1.5" is not really much of a change. My tires wear just fine after lowering with an Eibach Prokit and having the alignment done.

 

Hi there,

Just out of curiosity, how many INCHES did you lower your Prius to?
And what's the best front/rear lowering setting that you would recommend? And also, after your lowered your Prius, did you replace the factory strut as well?

 

The Eibach Pro-Kit will lower your car 1.2" in the front and .80" in the rear. There are other kits that go lower but this is usually enough to look good and seriously enhance handling.

Eibach Springs : NEWS : TOYOTA PRIUS 2010-11

When I installed my springs I was in need of new struts so I installed new struts too. The car handlessoooo much better now.

This is my review of the Eibach kit. The Geniii is slightly different but the effect is the same.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/94006-eibach-springs-kyb-struts-review.html