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Quickfix for improved front/rear visibility

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by hole_shot58, Jun 10, 2007.

  1. hole_shot58

    hole_shot58 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2007
    9
    4
    0
    Location:
    Plano, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I'm 6'0" and, as others have described, have trouble seeing some stoplights without leaning over the wheel to look up. Until I decide how to lower my driver seat, I've got a quick fix you might like to know about. Additionally, my base model lacks the one option my wife really liked, the backup camera. I've got that (sort of) figured out too!

    I purchased a 3M wide angle viewer, sized for a passenger van (6"x8") at an RV supply shop. I cut it into two pieces, lengthwise, right through the "optical center". This is about 2" below the Top, where you see the circular pattern converge to a point.

    Following the install instructions, the smaller Top section goes just below the top edge of the windshield, nearly centered over the steering wheel. Now I can see stoplights quite easily.

    The bottom section is just the right size for the nearly vertical piece of glass in the hatch, giving me a clear view of the area behind my car, at least enough for parking purposes. Not as good as a camera, but a big improvement over nothing at all.

    Pictures attached (I think - first post). Hope this is useful.

    Cheers!
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 hole_shot58, Jun 10, 2007
    lopezjm2001 likes this.
  2. Bruce vanNorman

    Bruce vanNorman Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2013
    26
    6
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    We also own a trim 2 and have both an after-market backup camera (with guide lines like they have in Japan) {~$500} and a Fresnel lens (like yours) installed in the same place. PS I am 6'2". Both are used. Much better than the trim 3 package.

    We (wife 5'3" & I) still don't like the "blind spot" visibility situation (common to all mid sized cars of the last few years) and the driver's seat adjustment range (require 7.5") and only get 4" out of the factory seat adjustment - 32 pumps on the height adjustment lever several times each day.
     
    #2 Bruce vanNorman, Mar 31, 2014
  3. MarcSmith

    MarcSmith Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2014
    471
    150
    0
    Location:
    Northern VA
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    hole shot. I had to do the same thing with my chevy HHR since it had a chopped roofline. I haven't had to do this with the prius though since the seats go low enough.
     
    #3 MarcSmith, Mar 31, 2014
  4. Dino3721

    Dino3721 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2014
    16
    4
    10
    Location:
    Omaha NE
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    You my friend are BRILLANT! Thank you!
     
    #4 Dino3721, May 6, 2014
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