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OperationButters' GenIII Silver Prius 4 Mod Thread

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by OperationButter, Apr 21, 2012.

  1. OperationButter

    OperationButter New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Just bought my GenIII Prius 4 this past week (April 19!). So many great features, absolutely loving it. MPG is around 47 but in time Im sure I will be taking full advantage and learn how to drive it efficiently. It has the solar roof package that includes the 7in screen with navigation, HUD, backup camera etc etc.


    Im putting together this post mainly for myself ( I know a bit selfish right..) just to keep track of my modding progress and to ask stupid questions for anyone bored enough to want to answer. I plan on updating the second entry with pictures and will update this post frequently. Feel free to chime in with thoughts/tips/tricks etc. and bookmark if you so desire.


    Some background on me… Live in Huntington Beach and just recently traded in my 09 Cayenne, which was tough, but was the best option for my wallet. Traded over to a Prius, not to save the Earth, but for the mpg and cost savings due to the higher amounts of mileage I drive. Currently commute to/from work isn’t very long (~30 miles) but will soon change to a 55 mile commute each way, making the Cayenne trade a must.


    I plan on modding out the Prius to make it look great but still get high MPG. I don’t mind losing a few MPG to enhance the car appearance (rims etc) but would like to minimize the loss as much as possible, so keep that in mind you follow along. Below is my list I will try to keep up to date as much as possible. There are questions in there, feel free to answer if you can help! Also, if you think of fun things to mod that I should add, please comment.


    Mods Complete:

    1. Tint – GSN30 on front, GSN20 on the back. Looks great, thanks Danny at AutoTintSpecialistDOTcom for the hookup!

    Mods In Progress:

    1. Rims- Have deposit down on Momo Next 17x7 matte black; Tires- Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max; Should arrive and be installed by Saturday (May 5)
    2. Taillights- Ordered from TWP. Thanks 32kcolors for the info! (4/22)
    3. Illuminated door sills- part of the package from the dealer; work to be completed this week, I hope.
    4. Shark Fin Antenna- Hard to install? Just ordered from the store (4/21)

    Mod Wish List:

    1. Lowering – Recommendations on good springs, looking to make the stance a bit more aggressive if it doesn’t sacrifice ride quality.. maybe an inch?? Anyone in SoCal get them installed at a professional place that did a great job? Im located in Huntington Beach but willing to drive for the right place
    2. Navigation/dvd video crack- Is this out for the 2012 GenIII yet?
    3. Disable Reverse Beep- So annoying and dealer wont take it off, any suggestions?
    4. LED package to brighten up the lighting inside- are the ijdmtoy.com packages any good?
    5. Xenon headlights, any way to get rid of the orange front turn signals and get them to be clear/white?
    6. Matte clear wrap
    7. All weather mats, not sure what type, not a fan of the carpet ones
    8. Horn- also not a fan of the horrid noise the horn makes
    9. Would love a body kit but thinking that mpg will suffer too much for this to become a reality… Google images will have to suffice lol
    Finally able to upload a pic!
    [​IMG]
     
  2. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    5,683
    953
    124
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
  3. OperationButter

    OperationButter New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Thanks for the link, was looking at this same light but it was a bit more expensive on Ebay. I will just order through their website. Im not great at the DIY but it doesnt look all that hard. Thanks again for the help!
     
  4. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    5,683
    953
    124
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    eBay wants their commission ;)

    Removing the OEM units is actually more difficult than the actual installation, but if you follow my tip to collapse the bottom white fastener first you'll have an easy time.
     
    1 person likes this.
  5. OperationButter

    OperationButter New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    That is a really good explanation on how to remove those fasteners, hope I can do it :)

    Thanks
     
  6. OperationButter

    OperationButter New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Anyone have experience with the proclips phone mounts? I cant link yet on the forums or I would post a link. I have an iphone 4s and thinking it would be nice only if it wasnt made cheaply.
     
  7. Cvk14

    Cvk14 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2012
    37
    4
    1
    Location:
    New York, NY
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    the pro clip mounts are very well made. they tend to loosen a bit over time, but a dab of nail polish will keep it tight. if you are using a pass-thru adapter, the adapter itself held up over 2 years (i uninstalled due to getting a new phone).

    if you are like me, and have your iPhone in a case, out of a case, in a different case, its difficult to get the right mounting block from pro clip to fit all the cases, and not being in a case...
     
  8. OperationButter

    OperationButter New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Good to know, thanks. I normally keep my phone in one case until that case breaks or I just get sick of it. Normally dont switch cases very often (once a year est.).
     
  9. k.s.c

    k.s.c Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2012
    73
    10
    0
    Location:
    SW Florida
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    don't get the jam leds. http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...te-led-package-ijdmtoy-com-2.html#post1532595

    go on ebay. for 70 bucks you can get enough LEDs for your car and 8 other cars. jdm is using the same chinese leds you fine on ebay. I know this because I bought their package and I also bought some cheap chinese leds on ebay and they were identical. exact same shape, size, color output and brightness. the only difference is their front dome lights are different but they don't fit so its a moot point.
     
    1 person likes this.