My Upgrade Schedule/Log

[PetersRedYaris]

Bailout has some good ideas; his post in this thread is just a little off-topic and unwarranted... What can you say, he's a "hypermiler" who tries to get the best possible MPG's. It's cool, just not everyone purchased their Yaris for that reason.

[Sinaz]

Originally Posted by PetersRedYaris

Bailout has some good ideas; his post in this thread is just a little off-topic and unwarranted... What can you say, he's a "hypermiler" who tries to get the best possible MPG's. It's cool, just not everyone purchased their Yaris for that reason.

Well, I could push my Yaris to work... then I'd get redonkulous mileage!!!

But that wouldn't be any fun!

@Black Yaris, thanks for the tips... I'll keep in mind the ram air and full exhaust system. Luckily those are a ways away.

[Sinaz]

I just had my windows tinted by Shade the Rays in Thousand Oaks, CA.

They did a great job, 18% around the back windows, 35% front windows, and 18% sun-visor on windsheild. Looks like limo tinting, and with the silver body, makes the window lines really pop. Also hides most of the interior shapes keeping the focus on the body.

Original quote: $195 / $175 cash.

Adjusted quote after requesting the sun-visor: $195 cash.

Paid: $200 (keep the change, job well done!)

All tints are warranted for life and guaranteed legal - using quality filtered mylar - 99% UV block, no dyes. The guys who did it said they just had a customer with one of their 8-year old tint jobs come by to have the guys inspect it for fading... said the tinting still looked new.

I'll get some pics up soon as I can get my car, digital camera, and sun to show up in the same place.

Also, I put in an appointment for a Python security system + power locks + keyless entry + hatch pop... will have that installed tomorrow. I had gone into the dealer to cut the check for the car, and decided I wanted to wave the factory kit in favor of an aftermarket. Did some shopping and found a place that had a good price and a good mission for security installs.

-AND- a SPAL power window kit is en-route. Depending on how I feel, I may defer the install to my mechanic.

I've decided this will be my little modification progress thread. If there is a better place for this thread, I'll ask the mods to move it... just let me know.

[Sinaz]

I had my new power locks + security system installed on Friday.

Original quote was $629.

After install, labor and parts, total was $669.

I now have a Python security system. Both door locks and hatch lock are powered including remote hatch pop as well as a release button in the cabin and a master lock rocker-switch; both in the center console. Two-stage impact sensor, as well as an LED indicator with zone code alarm reports.

The guys I went with were the only shop who talked extensively about properly hiding the alarm kit. They disassembled my bumper, removed my headlight, and most of my air filter to get to a good point on my chassis to hide the siren. All cables are bundled with the factory cables, and the override switch is in a peculiar place.

I have to say, I would have liked a switch-kit designed for power locks or trunk pop, and may have to purposefully get some later on... because the switch and button they used are pretty plain and give no indication of their function. They were, at least, cleanly installed into knock-outs.

Another thing that I'm debating with the hatch pop is installing a spring-loaded plunger. As it is, the hatch-pop is more of a simple release, and the hatch won't open enough to clear the latch... so you've got to be at the ready when you pop the hatch, otherwise there is little point. On the upside, it will prevent an accidental hatch-pop from flinging the hatch open on the freeway.

I do like that the locks engage on engine start-up, and disengage on shut-down.

All in all, a good clean install and very professional crew.

Install was performed by Auto Essentials in Thousand Oaks, CA.