Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Angel eyes for NFL Wish

Seems like the angel eyes for the new face lift will be here soon.

Hopefully, it will look like this version. The bigger ring will be with the parking/pole light and the reflect will help set the light back out. As it is recessed in, the look will be quite neat.

For the projection headlight, the ring will sit in the groove between the protection lens and the chrome headlight cover. There will be no reflector to help throw the light forward. As such, it will not be as bright/impressive as the pre facelift version.



Tempting... so tempting...

Cheers,

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Otto Zimmermann

Looking at options for Brake rotors and this name Otto Zimmermann pops up.



Otto Zimmermann GmbH had been developing and producing brake components for the car manufacturers and spare parts market and produce OEM parts for many Europrean and Japanese cars.




Besides regular rotors, Zimmermann also have ventilated sport brake rotor/disc made out of high quality heat resistant material. Their sport brake rotors/discs were suppose to have been put through extensive trials on the Hockenheim Ring. As the sole German manufacturer (so it's made in Germany!!) they are guaranteed under extreme conditions with more than 250 references from the ABE of RW TÜV.

More importantly, there are beveled holes on the rotor prevents sharp edges from tearing up the brake pads. You get the rotor cooling with extended lifespan for the brake pads!

Certainly looks and sound impressive. But prices seem steep. Now let's see if Zimmermann has an upsize racing rotor for the Toyota Wish rear disc brake...

Cheers,

Monday, February 26, 2007

240 meter optitron conversion

The wolf head was telling me the other day...."Why I got some many One aNd Only items on my car? Very lonely leh..." I think he really needs to be kicked! So you guys better help him offload all his ONO stuff when you see him next.

Anyway, another ONO option for this big black wolf on the way....

Presenting the Optitron stick on for the 3 ring 240 km/h meter!! Very Aerosports feel!




Since our good friend now prefers to be "One of the Many" instead, perhaps Thomas can hijack the 3 ring 240 meter and put this sticker on instead.

However, take note the meter will look brighter on the picture than in real live. Cameras can't tell and usually overexposure the pictures.

Cheers,

Sunday, February 25, 2007

PCD Conversion kit/Spacer

As you all know, the Toyota Wish PCD is 5 X 100. As a result, rim options are limited. However, there is a spacer conversion kit available. This 15 mm spacer will covert the PCD to 5 X 114 and suddenly, there choices for rims are overwhelming!!




However, there are considerations as the tyres may rub against the wheel arch or fenders if it's on an 18 inch set. I think it's best for up to 16 inch set up only.

Cheers,

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Gear Shift Boots

I was talking to Lim about the interior panels and he indicated that he likes the GT style shift boots. But unfortunately, the aftermarket ones are usually made of PU Leather (Synthetic).

Here's one example from Japan.





For me, it obstructs the view of the gear position, but I suppose it shows on the speedometer as well. But if you've swapped out to the Taiwan G/Z model meters, then the gear position in shiftmatic mode will not show.

Anyway, it's available in black with red stiches and cost about JPY5800. About S$90.

Cheers,

Friday, February 23, 2007

AMS Oval Emblem

Here's the AMS oval emblem to replace the rear Toyota logo.



Nice but unfortunately not available in Singapore. Will cost about S$85 to get it here. Still much cheaper than the LX Mode one which Recardo was charging S$180.

Cheers,

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Too fast too furious?

Following on John's comments that we are distasteful because some of us always talk about others being rich or not, especially with reference on the 'enhancements' done to their cars, I gave the subject a bit of thought.


As a group of new car owners, I can understand the desire to personalise the cars as well as adding enhancements that will milk more juice out of the 1ZZ-FE engine. However, availability of options, limited resources, family commitments and spousal objections amongst other variable factors have retarded the pace at which we would have like to proceed with our cars. As such, the group often 'encourage' each other when we are pondering over plausible options and hence, the peer pressure can sometimes be quite 'poisonous'. Also, the admiration and peer endorsement usually translate into compliments such as "good MOD", "Unique", "Fierce" and sometimes, "Rich sia!!". This phenomenon is actually not exclusive to our group. A look at all the car forums will clearly show the same trend.

So is "Rich sia!!" distasteful? I think it depends on the context. To the uninitiated, it might even seem sacarstic. But the bunch of guys just meant it to be a complimentary justification on an unnecessary (well the stock car drives right?) expenditure for your personal enjoyment. I wouldn't think too much about it.

However, something else came up during the discussion with Thomas, Justin, John and myself. Are we "too fast, too furious" with our modifications? Are we too "poisonous"? I do know of people who find it difficult to join our gatherings because all we ever talk about is car modifications, accessories etc. Some are simply not able to keep up in terms of the pace at which some of the guys are at it as they rush to do everything while the ten year clock on the COE ticks away. Whilst others simply find us boring after a while, especially when all they wanted to do to their car has been done and they prefer to Keep It Simple and Sweet (KISS). But with our group, it's a never ending option of opportunities which some says it's "too poisonous".

Then there is the point of the plethora of options. Especially those that I 'dig' out from all over the place. Whilst they might be cheaper than what's available locally, or even exclusive items, they still cost money (and sometimes, quite a bit of money). Given the fact that these items may not be available elsewhere, it's a tempting offer sometimes, despite the fact that the monthly financial car mod quota may have already been spent already. As such, my offer to help our friends to procure these options can sometimes be a financial strain, despite the good intentions to share.

Actually, that's one of the reasons why this blog is private. So that the options that I keep for my own reference is well... for my own reference. Access has been granted to the few who asked for it, but word does get around too. Perhaps I should consider to "retire" and put an end to the fiddling with the car, like what Justin was thinking of doing. It's a never ending story anyway.

Just some thoughts in my head that I thought I'll put here. I think at the end of the day, it's personal. We should enjoy this good car at our own pace, within our means, according to our taste. There is absolutely nothing that you must add to the Toyota Wish for it to function well. If it was a crap car, we wouldn't have bought it in the first place.

Lastly, we will all no longer tease John about being RICH. However, we are allowed to call him UNPOOR. Please take note and react accordingly.

Cheers,

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Original auto folding mirror

Here is the original part number for Toyota's auto folding mirror module. Not cheap, and plenty of after market alternatives around.



Original part number: 08645-68010

Cheers,

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Elusive clear reflector

For those with clear tail light and looking to remove all signs of redness at the rear of the car, there is hope.

Here is the clear reflector together with the red one. In Japan, they are modifiying it to include LED light too.



Cost JPY 9800 per set excluding postage. But it sure looks nice. Bet everyone will be asking where you got it if you have one installed on your ride. Hee Hee.

Cheers,

Monday, February 19, 2007

Premium Horn again

I was previously exploring the Premium Horn.

Seems like the premium horn available recently is actually the two tone horn used for Lexus as well. This is what the complete set look like.



After calculating, it's almost S$100 just for the horn. Very tempting... Each horn produces a different frequency, one at 400 Hz and the other at 500 Hz.



This is the horn used on the Lexus LS 460. It's basically the same horn, but there's an additional protector. I wonder if it's to prevent water from splashing in.



In any case, the Lexus one is even more expensive and will work out to be about S$120. Surprisingly, the Toyota Premium horn is better finished than the Lexus one.

Decisions..decisions...decisions....

Cheers,

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Wish PFL Key chain

The new face lift Wish has been out for more than a year now, yet, it's almost impossible to find a model or toy in it's likeness. Shame.

Here is another keyring, but obviously only Pre Face Lift. It's similar to the clip on Wish featured earlier, but with a key ring instead.




Cute, but I would prefer a NFL version. By the way, this is the XS version.

Cheers,

Friday, February 16, 2007

PPS for rear door

Just got out of camp and rush to have the rear door paint protection done up. Andy said that the shop is already closed for Lunar New Year, but since it's only the rear door and bumper, it will take about an hour or so.

After an hour and S$50 poorer, I was told not to wash the car for 2 days. But the weather forecast says rain for the next two days.. Sian..

Ok. Final rectification is sound proof. That's schedule on 24 Feb. Hopefully Autosavers have the slot reserved for me.

Cheers,

Thursday, February 15, 2007

3M Solar Film up again

Got my 3M solar film for my rear wind screen done again at Ezytint as the accident left replacement windscreen with it.

Bloody idiots there wanted S$300 for it originally. Imagine a 9 piece job is about S$1000 and a 1 piece job is about S$300. They says "ala carte" is more expensive for obviously no apparent reason. Anyway, called the boss Kelvin and he lowered the price to S$180. Bloody rip off.

Rear door sound proof yet to be rectified. Will probably do it with the roof sound proofing.

Cheers,

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Rims for Toyota Wish

Here are some of the rims that I saw at the photoshoot. There's probably plenty more that are nice, but so many cars, so little time...



I know for sure this one goes up to 19 inches and is also available in polished chrome. Nice.......



Deep dish type. Fabulous replica in black. Also available in 18 inches.



I've always been partial to rims with red trim. Perhaps John can appreciate this. But the spokes are slightly less than ideal for me. Sure to get scratched.



Edge to edge and curved inwards. Simple, but might just be a bit too plain.



Big and Bling. Nuff said. Polish till hand pain for sure.

Cheers,

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Hot Stuff Photoshoot

A photoshoot was organised on Feb 11 to feature the Wish Club. About 120 cars gathered for this event to showcase the car and the club for Hot Stuff magazine.

An impressive event and obviously the organisers got more than they can handle. As can be seen from this photo, the cars were lined all the way to the back of Carpark A at Marina South.



And there's more Wishes at the side still waiting to be lined up. Obviously the color coded arrangement didn't work too well.



The location could not accomodate that many cars and some didn't even borther to wait to finish the shoot before they left. Towards the end, it became a bit of a mess. That's my car in the front!! But I don't think that part will be seen in the final photo. The photographer came with a obsolete Sony 707. That camera does not have a wide enough lens to cover the event. Shame.



The front part is still quite neat and looks quite impressive. Thank goodness the rain didn't last too long and in the end, the weather held out.



And finally the folks who make it all happen by being there. Great work!



I think all in all, everyone had fun with a few members feeling left out and clueless. It cannot be helped. However, I would say that the learnings from the event would be...

01. The location needs to be recced with the photographer before hand to determine the layout and formation.

02. The lighting condition needs to be check. Fill flash cannot reach such a large area and an extremely high contrast picture will suffer from lack of details.

03. A loud hailer will be useful to move things in the right direction.

04. Someone can sell drinks there and raise funds for the club as well as to take care of members.

Can't wait to see the pictures in the magazine!!

Cheers,

Monday, February 12, 2007

Lost - Wish reference book

This is the pre face lift Wish reference book that I lost. Needed it to check on some brake stuff and then I realise that it's not with me.





Loaned it out as I always do with all my stuff, but obviously now I don't know who is holding it and can't seem to get it back. The last time I remember seeing it at West Coast meet up with one of the guys from our group. Someone else probably took it and that's the last I saw of it.

Sign... It's not the money but the hassle of ordering another book if Kinokuniya doesn't stock it anymore.

No more loan out from now on as I can't keep track. All my fault.

If anyone find it, please let me know. Thanks!

Cheers,

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Front brakes upgrade!!

The picture says it all....



Wilwood 4 pot brake set. Slotted 328 mm rotor. Forged caliper in black (also available in red if I'm not wrong). Prepare to burnt slightly more than S$2000 for this.

More details later!

I want to upsize too!!!

Cheers,

Friday, February 09, 2007

Steering Wheel Harness

This is the original Toyota Steering Wheel harness on our car. Take note that it has only 2 pins as there is no steering wheel remote.



Original Part Number: 84306-52041

For those interested to use the steering wheel remote, there is a 12 pin version too. But make sure you get the right hand drive version. Otherwise, you have to take it apart to convert it.

Cheers,

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Chrome Brake Covers

Ok some of the guys have such nice sporty rims and it's looking even better with the recent brake upgrades and disc brake conversions.

So this accessory is to cover the hub (dull black portion of the brake set) and give it a chrome finish.




It sits between the rim and the brakes and will give a nice chrome feel when people admire your brakes through the thin sporty spokes. Available for Toyota Wish ZNE10G as a set of four for JPY 10000 (about S$150).




Cheers,

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Illuminated Toyota Logo!!

It's already been done in Taiwan before, but here's the Japanese version! Illuminated Toyota logo! For both the front and the back.



When not lit, it looks like any ordinary Toyota logo. The emblem sits on a die cut clear acrylic and the LED and wiring is sandwiched between the logo and the acrylic. Obviously, you can have a choice of white, red or blue.



Available in Japan for about JPY 10000.

This kind of modification looks best on a white Wish. I suppose if you use a red light and tap it to the brake light, it's not illegal as there is no restriction on extra brake lights. Perhaps Sam can consider for another One aNd Only project.

Cheers,

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Emblems again

Ok. More emblems for consideration.



The is the Original Toyota Premium emblem. Not too large, best to compliment model emblems.

The following 3 are edition emblems. Luxury, Sport and Limited. Commonly found on larger vehicles like the Hilux. Also Original Toyota.





Ok. This is not Original Toyota, but some Japanese do put their chasis model on their car. Here's ZNE10G for Toyota Wish 1.8 L.



Cheers,

Monday, February 05, 2007

TRD Sports seats

So... now that the brakes are upgraded, what's next?

How about......sports seats!! TRD has options that looks really nice and sporty!!

The design is made in such a way to enhance driving experience, especially during cornering, to prevent body roll. Not the car body, but your body.



It's fabric, but I'm sure we can have it leather wrapped and include the TRD Sports embriodery as well. But as Andrew pointed out, it has no arm rest. Also, Justin mentioned that there's no option for LCD screen at the headrest. What a shame.

So who's game?

Cheers,