Finally started my modification journey...

Today I started my recovering pf door panels and arm rest with synthetic leather. I also cleaned up some wires in the center console and put the Syn-Leather inside the console cause, why not.

I installed a dash cam too, pix later on that.
Tomorrow I'll do another door, maybe two.
The hardest part is getting those plastic rivets sheared off.

Thank you to the entire Priuschat community. I feel like I've found my second home!

 

I'll post the pictures later this morning. It's not as difficult as I thought it would be, yet it does require patience. 1st door to several hours. Last door took, 30 minutes. I did make the biggest error on the last door by drilling a hole through it. It's tiny, but...

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MY GOD! YOUR PRI IS DOPE!!! I learned so much looking at your build over time! I can't believe you haven't done this yet?!?!?

 

I'm not exactly sure how good these pictures describe the process but basically: The key to getting the cloth panel off is to sheer off the tops of the plastic rivets. You can use a wood chisel or a sharp metal scraper (must be heavy duty) I used a razor blade on the last 3 doors. Used the same blade and got better with it. Even after sheering a decent amount of pressure is required to pop it free. Its sturdy and not likely to break but the handle area seems more fragile.
there is an overlap issue where the interior door handle pins to the same rivet as the panel you're trying to remove. It just requires a little more force to lift it free and also putting it back. I did remove all the door fixtures but it wasn't exactly easier in the end.
The adhesive I used sets up fast! Keep the cloth attached as it adds a minimal amount of padding. If you're covering with something extra thick then you may need to remover the original cloth just to make the seal.

To your concern of the felt. I pinned it back some doors, others I removed it completely then lightly spray glued it back when I was done.

on a scale of 1:10 I'd rate this about a 5. It's very simple but not a rush job. I'm confident I could redo the entire car in about 2 hours or less. Mostly because the screws are much easier to work with. I used #8 1/4 inch & #8 1/2 inch metal screws. I recommend an equal variety of sizes and types (flat top and rounded tops appx 20/ door) they penetrate at different depths. Also WASHERS!!!! This is the key to not piercing the door. Mostly 1 will do. sometimes 2 and once I needed 3. Seems to depend of the cleanliness of the sheering.

 

I applied glue to the backside too. This allowed the cover to be pulled and stick to the panel. It sets fast! Get the large part flattened 1st then work the arm rest. Cut slits in the edges that curl around to get your "pull" just right and avoid wrinkles.

 

I've done so much so fast to my Prius that it almost seems like I did nothing at all?!?
So far:
-Replaced factory CD player with full Android head unit
-Also added back up camera(relay required)
-added dash cam
- re covered armrest and door fabric (deep jumanji gunmetal) matches dark gray perfectly
-tint strip on front window
-added BT OBD2 & Torque App
-suede dash mat cover
-karma wifi hub (removable)
-Lower center console cup holder
-4$ worth of knockouts at Lowe's for center caps. Best bang for buck EVER!
This is what I did this week...

I'll try to take pics of all these mods/add-on's tomorrow.

I'll be back on the road the next two weeks so if you're in Albany NY or Toledo Ohio come out to the funnybone! We'll #priuschat





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Here's some photos of Phase 1. With 213,000 Miles my ride has some severe road rash on the front end but still cleans up nice. I'd like to add the Clazzio seat covers but can't seem to pull the trigger. This is less than $400 in add on's with about $300 of them being stereo related.
If i go into a phase 2 it will be a front end replacement. Hood, Bumper cover, and 2 fenders. My mouth waters and head aches simultaneously over this quandary.
-TIP! You only need 1 - 1.5 yards of material to cover all your doors. 1 if you're meticulous 1.5 if you're not.

 

On a whim... Already wired all I need to do is hook it up... I'll let ya know!

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Its an all-in-one 8"sub with a 200w RMS amp built in. It's amazingly small yet not easily mounted to the back of the seat like I hoped.

 

Here is the"stealth" subwoofer mounted. It sounds great for the size. I'll be honest I want a little more thump but for just one 8"woofer I'm pretty impressed. I think I'll order another one next week. Mounting to the back of the seat improved the overall bass response.

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Maybe I'm going to deep into detail with these but I've always hated the exposed bolts on the seat mounts. So I did this...

I googled "seat bolt covers" & $11 later I had these 4 plastic caps that fit with double sided tape. #worthit

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