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My 2012 Prius 4 so far...

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Tom Ham, Sep 22, 2012.

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  1. Tom Ham

    Tom Ham Junior Member

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    Hey folks,

    Thought I would share the latest and greatest with my car.

    The first stage was the sub, amp and new speakers throughout the car. You can see pics on a previous post.

    The second stage involved adding the Prius Plus ground effects kit, lowering springs, new 18"s, Five Axis Five:AD S6:F Wheels Finished In ET45 Gunmetal, lower molding (came in chrome had them painted black), middle of the door molding, illuminated sills for the front (sorry no pics - kinda worthless in the daytime), shark fin antennae, smoking out the taillight covers (can't really tell in the pictures), blacking out of the emblems, painting brake calipers black and lastly window tint (which is way too light in my opinion).

    The third (and hopefully final stage) is going to involve getting darker window tint (going for medium), the LHD OGS IP Switch, the motorized side view mirrors w/lights and replacing the back emblem with a custom one (photo attached).

    With respect to the custom emblem, I have to think of a way to black it out without covering up the design. I was thinking of layering crimson red paint on the design and painting the rest of it a glossy black. If it ends up looking stupid, I'll just stick with the blacked out Toyota one. If you guys have any suggestions regarding the custom emblem, please let me know. :)

    After that, I'm calling it a day. Living in LA, there are a shitload of Prius drivers. I wanted to give mine a little bit of an edge - something to set it apart from everyone else - without going too far.

    Hope you guys like it. And if you're looking for a place in LA to get work done, I can refer to you buddy who worked on mine in West LA.

    Happy Weekend!

    Tom
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 Tom Ham, Sep 22, 2012
  2. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    I like the blacked out look. I would get dark tint, to match.
     
    #2 2k1Toaster, Sep 22, 2012
  3. Tom Ham

    Tom Ham Junior Member

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    Yep, going for medium or darker next week!
     
    #3 Tom Ham, Sep 22, 2012
  4. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Also depending on how far you want to take it, blacked out headlights usually look good on blacked out cars.

    If you are doing your logo in black/red, I have even seen blacked out headlights with a small strip of red around the projector which really stands out.
     
    #4 2k1Toaster, Sep 22, 2012
  5. Tom Ham

    Tom Ham Junior Member

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    Yeah, I smoked the tail lights (you really can't tell in the pics) and they really look good. I asked my guy if he could smoke the headlights as well but he told me that that is an automatic ticket and cops really look out for that. He said he could probably smoke out a portion of the lights but I decided to keep it the way it is.

    Believe me, I thought about it! Would be really cool.
     
    #5 Tom Ham, Sep 22, 2012
  6. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Adding a film is 100% illegal. However, you can bake the headlights open as if you were doing a retrofit. This separates the clear plastic front from the "guts" behind it. You can then use high quality and high temp engine spray in many light coats to make the insides black. Then re-assemble and now you have parts where the light does not shine black, and the clear protector is still clear.

    Like this (factory OE):

    [​IMG]

    Or like this (retrofit, like you would have to do):

    [​IMG]
     
    #6 2k1Toaster, Sep 22, 2012
  7. stearicom

    stearicom Junior Member

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    Looking good. Are you going to lower it to get rid of the wheel gap?
     
    #7 stearicom, Sep 22, 2012
  8. Tom Ham

    Tom Ham Junior Member

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    I would love to. I have no idea how to go about doing it. Any suggestions? :)
     
    #8 Tom Ham, Sep 23, 2012
  9. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Lower the car!
     
    #9 2k1Toaster, Sep 23, 2012
  10. Larsenvega

    Larsenvega Junior Member

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    Find a hefty girl and give her a ride. That should provide a 1-2" drop right off the bat, and your new tint will help you hide the source of your cheap mod.
     
    #10 Larsenvega, Sep 23, 2012
    sfv41901 likes this.
  11. Illuminati23

    Illuminati23 New Member

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    Dude... You totally need to do a red LED backlight to make your Gears of War emblem pop!
     
    #11 Illuminati23, Sep 23, 2012
  12. Xaran

    Xaran Junior Member

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    Ebach or TRD springs , about $ 200.00 install is about 2-3hr with normal hand tools, spring compressor and a floor jack or pay a shop usual cost around L.A. is $ 300.00 to install

    nice choice on the wheels, IMO needs to be lowered to make the wheels fit correctly in to the wheel wells
     
    #12 Xaran, Sep 24, 2012
  13. Tom Ham

    Tom Ham Junior Member

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    Yeah, I got Tanabe springs. I didn't know better. :(

    I agree, needs to be lowered a bit more. I will look for Ebach or TRDs, thanks for the tip!
     
    #13 Tom Ham, Sep 24, 2012
  14. Xaran

    Xaran Junior Member

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    Which wheels are those? Are they a grey or gunmetal?
     
    #14 Xaran, Sep 24, 2012
  15. Tom Ham

    Tom Ham Junior Member

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    Yep, Gunmetal. Nice contrast on a black car. I've been getting a lot of compliments.

    All Prius Wheels, Prius Rims, Prius Aftermarket Wheels, Prius Alloy Wheels, Custom Prius wheels, Prius wheels, Prius Custom Accessories; Juicedhybrid.com

    Was reading other posts about lowering. I really like the fact that going to 18's my steering hasn't changed at all (i.e. I haven't lost any of my turning radius.) If lowering means I'm going to lose some of that (and possibly experience rubbing) I may not do it after all.
     
    #15 Tom Ham, Sep 24, 2012
  16. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Looks good! Are you excited to get the springs on? I don't think the TRDs are the right choice for this setup. Maybe the Teins or H&Rs instead?
     
    #16 F8L, Sep 24, 2012
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  17. ockevin

    ockevin Active Member

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    I agree F8l ...The TRD only lower it an inch and still leave some gap between the tire and fender...
     
    #17 ockevin, Sep 25, 2012
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  18. ockevin

    ockevin Active Member

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    How about some pics of your stereo upgrade as well.
     
    #18 ockevin, Sep 25, 2012
  19. kgs

    kgs New Member

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    who's your buddy in west la? what specifically did he do on your car? i'm looking for someone to install springs and a rear sway bar. also looking at rims similar to yours
     
    #19 kgs, Sep 26, 2012
  20. Tom Ham

    Tom Ham Junior Member

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    My buddy is Anthony. His email is [email protected]

    Shoot him an email, he does amazing work. He put on my rims, painted the calipers, put in the illuminated sills, moldings and lowering springs. He can do it all.

    Tell him I sent you.
     
    #20 Tom Ham, Sep 26, 2012
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