I could probably install the stiffening plate myself with some effort since I don't have jackstands and I would havfe to rent a torque wrench. Has anyone in the Los Angeles area had this installed by some pros who could recommend them? Thanks
I did it myself and didn't need any of that. I crawled under the car and did it. I put down a piece of plastic so I could slide. I used a wrench I had from a tool I bought to fix my bicycle....multiple sizes. Just found the one that fit and hand tightened. Just made sure I didn't tighten too much. Guy at Pep boys gave me some advice when I saw what he wanted to sell me I already had at home. BTW I'm a 51 year old Reubenesque female and I didn't have any trouble doing this. It took more courage than brawns or brains.
It really is an easy install. If I lived in the area I would be glad to do it for you. Maybe some other PC member living in close proximity to you could help out.
I did mine at the local friendly garage. I already had the 12mm socket, but no hex key large enough. They loaned me a socketed, metric, allen key on a torque wrench. I worked right in their lot and didn't need to jack up the car, just reached under and went to work. It's really easy, 4 bolts all within arm's reach. Had the plates swapped in 15 minutes.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Begreen @ Mar 31 2006, 06:21 PM) [snapback]233216[/snapback]</div> Man, I LOVE to hear that places like this still exist!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Apr 1 2006, 03:49 PM) [snapback]233523[/snapback]</div> Me too. I gave the young mechanic $5 and thanked him. He said no, but I insisted. A good deed needs to get rewarded sometimes. Made my day. Island living at it's best.
Did both my '04's in the driveway. I did buy a set of hex sockets at AutoZone. Whole process took about 15 minutes per car. I did use a torque wrench that I have owned for years and used about 5 times - so it did come in handy again. I did not use jack stands - just worked the bolts from each side of the car.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(charlieh @ Apr 3 2006, 04:31 AM) [snapback]234079[/snapback]</div> Got my Chassis plate today. Yippeeee!!!! Now all I need is someone to install it for me. Can someone recommend someone in Orange County, CA Tustin/Orange/Santa Ana area? Sure would appreciate it Thanks Roger
Congrats on receiving your new stiffening plate!! Please post your impressions when you have a chance to get in installed. Thanks!! Brian BT Tech 305-652-3115 <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Roger3125 @ Apr 4 2006, 12:32 AM) [snapback]234543[/snapback]</div>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Begreen @ Mar 31 2006, 07:21 PM) [snapback]233216[/snapback]</div> At one time the local high school had an ROP class in driveway-level mechanics. It cost only $25 a semester and lasted 2 hours every Wednesday. The first hour was classroom, while the last hour was shop. You had access to a two-post lift, hydraulic tools and even a 4-gas analyzer. Although it wasn't hooked up with the State, you could check to see if your car would pass smog before you went (it turned out my father's 1964 Studebaker polluted about as bad as a 1986 car). Those were the days. It would've been a snap to put the Prius up and do the install.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(charlieh @ Apr 3 2006, 04:31 AM) [snapback]234079[/snapback]</div> Got my Chassis plate today. Yippeeee!!!! Now all I need is someone to install it for me. Can someone recommend someone in Orange County, CA Tustin/Orange/Santa Ana area? Sure would appreciate it Thanks Roger
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Roger3125 @ Apr 4 2006, 01:08 AM) [snapback]234595[/snapback]</div> Roger, Please, do yourself a favor - do it yourself. You'll get the satisfaction of doing the work, and save money. Even if you have to buy the hex socket from an autoparts store/Sears/Lowes/Home Depot, you'll be ahead. Check with your local parts stores - Kragens and others loan out tools for free with a deposit, they're bound to have a torque wrench. As others have noted, no jack/jackstands needed. Just reach in from each side, 4 bolts and you're done.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(talonts @ Apr 12 2006, 05:40 PM) [snapback]238734[/snapback]</div> Ditto.. A small cardboard box, 4-5 inches high the rest the new plate on while you tighten the bolts, would be a great help if you are doing it youself (suggested by another on an earlier thread).
