The New Beginning (first mods for our 2012)

[Shroomster]

So we bit the bullet and got a 2012 to replace the totaled 2007.

We purchased a 2012 5-door LE in Lagoon Blue Mica

First mod: shaving three rear emblems/decals

second mod: replacing frail stock privacy ledge retainer strings with Mitsubishi Eclipse metal clamped/reinforced strings (just about the same length)

Third mod: was supposed to be the first mod while we were at dealership, but I wasn't allowed to take the bumper halfway off in the new vehicle delivery room lol. Unfortunately this mod failed. It was supposed to be a Netz badge swap (pulled it off the 2007). The Netz badge is slightly larger than the stock front bumper badge for the 2012, also the 2012 badge is deeper and actually has a slight incline of the material from front to rear.

Anyways more to come.....Rear Stabilizer bar (TRD) will be installed tomorrow.
I was able to pick it up for $166 from the dealer. Yes it is the 2007-2011 bar but it is the same chassis and it fits....so that will be on tomorrow....

[matti]

What is a privacy ledge?

[Shroomster]

the 'flap' you see hanging in the last pic. When the hatch door is closed, the ledge covers the 'trunk area' from prying eyes.

[Klink10]

Nice start. Get rid of the dealer license plate bracket. Don't give it back to them but don't advertise them for free. I removed mine and placed to small cushions behind where the plate bolts thru to keep the plate from scratching paint underneath. It also allows water to drain, air to circulate and less dirt to accumulate. Gotta love them "ates".

[1.5]

I want to see this thing in person!!!

[Shroomster]

Originally Posted by Klink10

Nice start. Get rid of the dealer license plate bracket. Don't give it back to them but don't advertise them for free. I removed mine and placed to small cushions behind where the plate bolts thru to keep the plate from scratching paint underneath. It also allows water to drain, air to circulate and less dirt to accumulate. Gotta love them "ates".

We're keeping it until we get the perm tag....might pick up a yaris plate cover from dealer...

[CPALK719]

congrats on the purchase !! nice to see another florida member on here. post some more pics, i have yet to see the luguna blue in person.

[Shroomster]

We're getting the hitch on Friday (hopefully) and then a bike rack....that's the next mod.....

Also going to try the doublesided tape on the vitz emblem and see how that works maybe tonight.....

[Kioshi]

thanks for clarifying that the 2012 Netz badge is different from the 2006-2011 version. Good info!
And congrats once more for the 2012 purchase :)

[mtiberio]

Originally Posted by Shroomster

We're keeping it until we get the perm tag....might pick up a yaris plate cover from dealer...

remove all the other printing and add it back with a tag frame???

[mirapatec]

I removed the dealer advertising on the first day. I also ditched the dealer plate rim at the same time. I agree that rubber washers on the tag bolt are necessary.

[Shroomster]

Headsup, rims and tires are coming this week!
205/50r16 Goodyear Eagle GT tires
16x7 Koenig Helium in bronze

Pics will be up this week Wednesday or Thursday hopefully!

[mtiberio]

Originally Posted by Shroomster

We're getting the hitch on Friday (hopefully) and then a bike rack....that's the next mod.....

Also going to try the doublesided tape on the vitz emblem and see how that works maybe tonight.....

what brand hitch? U-Haul?

Also what do you intend to tow? I have a motorcycle trailer and I'm wondering...

[BEEF]

I have heard that overseas, the towing capacity of the yaris is 700lbs. They don't recommend towing for the yaris in the US. Same car so I would say that you are safe staying under the 700 mark.

I have played around with this idea as well. Still thinking on it myself.

[Shroomster]

I will upload the info in a few minutes....

ok, the hitch is:

hitch kit #11050

NO DRILLING REQUIRED. I'm fairly certain that you shouldn't tighten the bolts to the specs in the install sheet, as I made it to about 120ftlbs. or so and the metal flanges for the hitch mount on the car began deforming (flattening out).

Here are pics, I left them at full resolution.

In this first pic, that little flange directly behind the receiver opening needs to be bent the way it is in the pic so that the hitch can sit flush up underneath. (If you look, the flange was bent at the same angle as the one in the top left, you just need to use a pair of pliers.) The whole assembly bolts on with 4 bolts total (two per side).



These pics are what the hitch gets used for.

[Shroomster]

Before, after and up-close
Konig Helium in bronze 16x7 +40 offset I believe
p205/50r16 GoodYear Eagle GT
rub at full locks but we'll manage....

[Shroomster]

Garm's Strut Tower bar installed.

[mr_miles]

Oooh, the green goes good with your paint! I like :)