Modifying my future Plug-In

Tint, for sure the first week (probably a mix of Huper Optik and Madico).. possibly sound deadening the doors (as time permits).. all-weather mats and cargo mat (as soon as I can confirm 2012 mats are no different than what is currently available).. shark fin.. then probably suspension (strut tower bar, rear sway bar, etc) and wheels/tires.. yes, I've been spending a lot of time in the Accessories and Modifications subforum..

 

I want the Homelink autodimming mirror, as soon as the dealer can obtain one and install it. IMHO this is one feature that should have been included in the base PiP.

 

I agree. I am hoping to get one installed on my new car as well. I wonder how hard it would be to install it myself. I certainly won't want to delay the arrival of my car!

 

Fascinating. I see your are in the DF/W metroplex, as am I. But I know the PiP isn't going to be available here for a while. I guess you are going to drive it back to Texas from California?

 

I live in the DFW area and will drive my PiP home from Tucson, ~1,000 miles.
I just checked. maps.google.com says it's 977 miles from Desert Toyota to my house.

 

You will need a 12Volts source to activate the mirror's features..

 

There are a few threads here that discuss the Homelink mirror installation. I actually helped a friend do this on his 2010 a while back. The hardest part I would say is removing the interior trim pieces. Aside from that you just need to tap the appropriate wires. The rest is pretty straight forward.

Here's the installation document for it:

http://toyotapart.com/PT374-47100.pdf

 

The specs say the pip has "In-glass AM/FM antenna".

Need for the shark fin antenna?

 

In all of Toyota's images of the Plug-in Prius, there is an antenna on the roof. From my limited reading here, it appears that the current Prius has the in-glass antenna and the roof mounted antenna. Both are utilized for AM/FM radio reception (the roof mounted one is also utilized for XM radio reception and appears to be amplified).

Although I can't speak for the OP, I personally think a shark fin antenna is much more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, The roof mounted antenna reminds me of the Mini Cooper and how it looks like a toy radio-controlled car (full disclosure: I installed roof mounted antenna on my MR2.. I thought it was cool.. I was also much younger then).

 

I've got to think of something. My first choice is leather seat covers, but I don't know if I'll do that as soon as I pick up the car.

Others?
* Better Speakers
* Rear bumper protection
* Sound deadening
* Zaino or something like that
* Front license plate hack

I was thinking that if the front bumper has no marks for a license plate frame, I'll modify the license plate itself to fit in the air intake area below. I have only thought about this a little, but maybe if I trim a little off the top and bottom of the plate, drill ventilation holes in it, and surround it in plastic, I might be able to mount it in the grill area for a more attractive look. I haven't measured it to make sure yet, and I didn't check the DMV rules. But it would look sort of like the attached image, only recessed:

 

I do love a road trip! Hope you have good weather as you cross the country. Maybe you will be able to post as you travel and let us know mpg, etc?

 

Weird that it would have both. Wonder where I can get a shark fin antenna in sea glass pearl. Will PC offer them in the store?

 

Paradox, In your second picture, is that a radio receptor antennae or the heater for the rear window? I'm more inclined for my second option.