Simple mods that make a big difference

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nyprius @ Jul 1 2006, 12:47 PM) [snapback]279763[/snapback]</div>

Howdy ... I started a thread on this very subject a while back, and offered up some of mine and asked others for their input. The thread died on the vine pretty quickly, I'm afraid. And today I can't even find it. But... one place you can look is in my sig for the Prius Mods. I have much of what I've done listed there - some are easy and some aren't. But you can at least sort through them very quickly. Have a look!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Jul 1 2006, 04:02 PM) [snapback]279770[/snapback]</div>

this one?
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=17747&hl=

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nyprius @ Jul 1 2006, 02:47 PM) [snapback]279763[/snapback]</div>

Just curious what was/is annoying about the center speaker?

b

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nyprius @ Jul 1 2006, 04:17 PM) [snapback]279852[/snapback]</div>

the amplifier has an equalization curve permanently set (like if someone welded your "mid" eq knob in place after turning it up) and this can cause distortion in some pieces of music (try any rock music with a brass section). the center channel, it so happens, is the most egregious contributor to this boosted range of frequencies, so by unplugging it, you get closer to "true" sound out of the system.

 

Very simple things I would do again (on my next Prius.)

The BT stiffening plate. *I* noticed a difference. Best $150 and 30 min. I ever spent.

The mudguards. Really keep the car much cleaner.

The bumper guard (black plastic) on the rear bumper.

The back-up buzzer in the rear tail-light (and turning off the regular beeper.) Okay, this was my mother's idea, I'm neutral on it. I don't see people really noticing I'm backing up whether I have the beeper or not. But it was simple and at least I can tell the cop as we both stand over the body that I installed a back up beeper...the moron just chose to ignore it.

Cargo net (I installed it myself), spider net (the rings are already in the car) and the cargo tote. Hardly a mod but I would do all of these again in a second.

GT covers.

Wheelskins.

Robinredbreast's (Priushoods) glove box covers and driver's side cover and the screen hood. Absolutely. As for the center console cover and armrests...I like them so much I've decided to get leather installed on them permanently and will have the car done this summer. But those aren't mods I can do myself so I don't count them. I haven't counted anything I couldn't do myself, like the 3M clear bra. I don't have tint (yet) either so that's not included.

 

Lots of good mods here! A not-quite-do-it-yourself mod is to change to quieter, better handling tires. You don't have to go with a wider tire and worry about nav/odo discrepancies. The Goodyear ComforTred tire comes in the same size as the OEM ones.

One little mod I made was to cover the underside of the hard part of the cargo cover with self-adhesive shelf-liner. My grubby fingers got the white fabric backing looking ugly with just a few pulls. The "brushed steel" vinyl I attached looks great and cleans easily.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nyprius @ Jul 6 2006, 02:32 PM) [snapback]282162[/snapback]</div>

I’m a toss up between the BT plate and the shock tower brace from Toms. Both made a noticeable improvement and I think they are just what the car needed.

The mud flaps not only help to keep the car clean but they did quiet it down a bit.

I originally had the clear "prius" rear bumper protector and changed to the more robust black bumper protector after nicking mine up.

The prius hood made such an improvement I would expect Toyota to adopt it.
Wheel skins and arm covers also made a nice change, the black stock wheel gets toasty and the stock cloth gets nasty looking after a year or so.

I've added a bunch of tweeky parts that add some interesting capabilities of styles but these gave me the most for the least.

The sport suspension package is a very nice add on, but at $1300 or so it's a big step for most.
My mechanic (Flamingo in Austin TX) was very interested in a "sport" Prius. He does a lot of mods and got a kick out of doing an econo car.

Now for a stereo overhaul.

David

 

Modifications I have done to my Prius:
1. Turned off the back-up beeper and connected a pulsating buzzer in the back that can be heard outside (and inside) warning pedestrians to run for the life.
2. Front and rear mud-guards with reflectors.
3. Rear bumper guard.
4. Added a nice little square bucket for trash between the CD and center console.
5. Added a SYLVANIA DOT light to the center console for illumination.
6. Added a Sylvania Dot light to the lower dash glove box for better illumination.
7. Cut a piece of black felt to cover bottom of center console and also the secret storage tray. (To be able to hide vehicle registration and key to pistol.)
8. Chrome frame and clear plastic cover on both front and rear license plates.
9. Removed rear center head rest for better visibility (stored in trunk).
10. Installed a Fumoto valve for easier oil changes (11May 06).
11. Placed flowers in cup holder for added attraction and color.
12. Added door edge trim guards (black) to all 4 doors.
13. For SAFETY have placed in each of the back seat pockets a flashlight, a red glow stick, a spike to break windows and retractable razor to cut seat belts if trapped.
14. In center console have emergency hammer/razor for emergency escape.
15. Glove box also has a flash light, glow stick, accident forms and disposable camera and spike and retractable razor.

I’ve done something else that I’m not sure is a modification. I now have supplies for emergencies and breakdowns. To reduce the size of items like blankets, towels and rags. I placed them in plastic bags and with the vacuum hose sucked all the air out and then tied the bags up. (It is amazing how much they shrink up.) Everything fits so well in the luggage storage box.

This is a list of the items:

Blanket, Plastic tarp, Towels, Cable Chains, 20†Steel lug wrench, knee pad and air compressor, flashing red triangle.

Box 1: Accident forms*, pen & pencils*, disposable camera*, radio, 4 flairs, pair of gloves. (*Indicates also stored in front glove box)

Box 2: Pliers, 4 in 1 screw-driver, knife, long nose pliers, multi-functional hammer, non-slip gloves, electrical tape, duct tape, scissors and red glow sticks.

Box 3: WD-40, extra fuses, disposable gloves, butane lighter, and flashlight with extra batteries, disposable wipes.

Box 4: A Stainless 6†S&W 38special, speed loader with extra ammunition (silver tip-hollow point). (Has a trigger lock.). Contents of this box are wrapped in a towel then in a plastic bag. Air sucked out and sealed. The box is also placed in a plastic bag and air sucked out and sealed. (This is the only box not marked with contents.)

*Indicates also stored in glove box in front.

 

Wow, Kathleen. You're ready for anything!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dr Ed @ Jul 21 2006, 09:43 PM) [snapback]290285[/snapback]</div>

Not everything and I hope I never have to use anything I do have. I just enjoyed doing it. Most of the stuff I got at the Dollar Store. I suppose I should have a sealed 12 volt battery, jumper cables and a couple of quarts of oil. The list could go on and on. I did add two liters of water and moved the trash receptacle to the back and placed the flowers in that (no trash in my PRIUS). I now have a small blue Teddy Bear in the middle between the consule and CD player.
Kathleen

 

Hi there, can anyone tell me how to disconnect the center dashboard speaker and disconnect the back-up beeper. I would love that. Thanks. Todd

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nyprius @ Jul 1 2006, 02:47 PM) [snapback]279763[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kathleen2 @ Jul 22 2006, 03:40 PM) [snapback]290614[/snapback]</div>

I do the Dollar Store too. Great deals. I thought of an inexpensive way to cover the center console to protect it from spills and wear from arms resting on it. Got a nice southwest print berber-type table placemat to drape over it, running the length of the console to the back of the console, leaving the cup holders exposed for use. Placed another one on the center back seat held in place by inserting under the headrest to add a southwest color flair to the interior. Its a south Texas thing. A flowers placemat would compliment your flowers.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(toddt @ Jul 22 2006, 04:45 PM) [snapback]290632[/snapback]</div>

Todd:
Sorry I have taken so long to respond.
This is how to disable the current reverse beep for the Prius:


1. Power on the car to READY.
2. Using the Trip/ODO button set the Trip/ODO display to ODO (not Trip A or Trip B).
3. Power off the car.
4. Now power the car to READY (brake on). This is required so that step 6 works correctly.
5. Within 6 seconds of powering on, press and hold the Trip/ODO button for 10 seconds or more.
6 WHILE STILL HOLDING ODO *after* the 10 seconds, shift the “gear†selector from P to R, then back to P. Now release the Trip/ODO button.
7 If the last step was successful, “b on†or “b off†should be displayed in the location where the Trip Odometer or Odometer is normally displayed. “b on†is beep on, and “b off†is beep off.
8. Press Trip/ODO to toggle the mode.
9. Now power the car off to exit the toggle mode.
10. Power the car on to READY and confirm the reverse beep status by shifting to R. The beep should not be audible if “b off†was selected, and should be audible if “b on†was selected.
Kathleen

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nyprius @ Jul 27 2006, 03:01 PM) [snapback]293406[/snapback]</div>

I would suggest a plastic spatula or cake icer instead of a slotted screwdriver to avoid scratching the surfaces (I learned that lesson the hard way).