sfprankster's (mis)adventures modding a 2014 Prius Model Three

For shipping, I just use the ePacket option.

Sometimes the package arrives in a few days(5-7)...

..others have taken over a month...

As for payment, I have a CC that I use only for overseas purchases and nothing else.

 

I haven't had to remove it for anything yet.

I just tried some pressure(pressing outwards) on the insides of the guides and there's not enough room to get them to release.

Looks like you might have to remove the dash pieces with the air registers nearest the window and the center console section with the cup holder, to access any tabs holding the upper cover's guides to release it.

But, just a guess...

 

A "Cool Kids Club" (mis)adventure...


Beat-Sonic FDA31-070 Shark fin antenna:

This package arrived a week or two ago, along with a couple others I have already installed(TRD gas cap cover and JDM headlight eyebrow garnish) from a friend on vacation touring Japan and southeast Asia. The Beat-Sonic FDA31-070 shark fin antenna is a simple, straightforward mod to install. The antenna comes with three screws(I used the middle sized screw) to connect the coiled antenna to the original antenna mount, an alcohol wipe to clean the mounting area and the color matched shark fin cover. I gave the cover a quick polish and wax before mounting it to the Faux Five Prius.

The hardest part of this mod is aligning the shark fin.

I aligned the shark fin with the rear window nozzle, the wires of the rear window defrost and also by measuring between the black trim running parallel to the antenna cover. Once I was satisfied with the alignment, I used a couple of layers of masking tape to mark the sides and rear of the mounting location. I then cleaned the mounting area to remove any wax or contaminants with the alcohol wipe. I peeled a couple of small portions of the backing on the double sided tape, leaving several tabs sticking out and aligned the shark fin with my masking tape jig. The folds of the backing will hold the cover slightly above the roof and allow you to move the cover against the masking tape. Do not apply pressure to the shark fin cover until you have the alignment set. Once aligned, pull the backing tabs to expose the double sided tape and apply pressure evenly around the cover to give the tape the best chance to adhere to the roof of the car. I would recommend attempting this mod in warmer temperatures(70-80F). If attempted in cooler weather, a hair dryer could be used to warn the roof surface before applying.





Another (mis)adventure at the spa...

Washed and a Brazilian wax:

 

Truthfully, I try not to think about it...

I completed most of the mods/labor myself and some of the paid labor I bartered/traded work(50-60%). Both of these cuts the cost down drastically. For me, it's the labor that adds up the quickest. If I had to pay for all of the labor, most of the mods on my Prius would never happen.


When my work is slow, I get bored and work on my Prius, search for new mods/parts or work on our house. My next "major" project is replacing the deck, which runs on three sides of our home. Beginning next week, my work begins to ramp up throughout the summer and early fall, and I won't have much time to add new mods or start new projects.


This year, I get the chance to go back to The Quail:Motorsport Gathering for my work. Having a car that stands out in the parking lot(golf course) of that event is special.

Trust me, mine will not be anything special in that crowd...

...but I'll try anyways.








...as long as my gf gets the same budget for shopping/massages/etc, she's fine with it...

...besides, she thinks our Prius looks "cool"...

 

Did you remove the access panels in the rear hatch?

Once the access panels(3" x 4") were out of the way, I just reached in and twisted them out CCW(counter clockwise).

I don't remember them being very tight.

Have you tried removing the lower rear hatch interior panel to get better access to them? Give you more room to work in. The rear hatch interior panel comes off easily with a little effort with a panel tool.

 

I ordered it through Buyee.jp.

When I get home on Tuesday, I'll PM you a link.

I hate the autocorrect on my phone...

 

I take no responsibility for any peer pressure that comes from reading any thread in the Accessories & Modifications topics...


Besides, everyone here knows it's @Accordlayingkit's fault this week...