Shift Gate Panel Changed!!

Ok. Had the shift gate panel for quite some time now, but didn't really get a chance to fix it up. Actually. I have 2 sets, one with D-M setting (for Z model) and one with the D-S setting like the stock version on our car. The D-M Model is reserve for the event that I change to the JDM 180 Z speedometer.



As you can see from here, we can't just buy the chrome part and stick it in our gear shift gate. It won't fit and it's souldered on. So have to get the whole panel.



So with our new DIY king, Raymond's help, he got it fixed up in a jiffy last night. Justin also helped. You can see his silky smooth hands here. Thanks Raymond and Justin!



And finally, the completed project! I have not put in the snow button as I've decided to leave it blank at the moment. So the button cap is handy.





Now the black interior look is almost complete. Should I change the aircon knob? Hmm...

Cheers,

Taipei romp

Went around to CKS' place today and was looking at them doing the Cruise control modification for Toyota Wish. Total change of the wire harness. No mean feat here. No bad no expertise to do the same thing in Singapore. Otherwise, I'm sure people like Justin and Raymond sure go for it as they travel up to Kuala Lumpur every now and then.



Anyway, here is the 240 Aerosports style meter, but in the JDM high grade format. Nice! But not for me.



Oh. Seems like Hummer are getting popular here. I've already seen so many of them.



Cheers,

Razo Heel Plate

Was with Justin at Audio Concept on a lazy saturday. Chanced upon this Razo heel plate that John mentioned earlier and decided to fix it up.

Originally price at JPY6000, which is almost S$90, we got it installed for only S$48!



I think it's quite matching with my aluminum pedals. The only thing I hate about it is the Carbon Fibre sticker. I might remove that.

However, I do like the heel restraint which keeps your heel locked in at the selected position. Also, this heel plate comes with screw spacers so that you can accomodate carpet of various thickness and a flat screw set with T shape bolt at the bottom. Will not scratch your fabric mat on the floor plan. Well thought out design. Worth the money.

Cheers,

Rear Air Vent?

Was wonder if there is any way to push the air con back to the rear section of the car without another compressor.

I know that we do have two vent at the bottom of the two front seats. Perhaps it's possible to add trunking and a blower/fan to pull the air through two of these ceiling vents.



This is what it looks like when open. 360 degrees directional control.



When closed, it's flushed with our ceiling panel



And this is what it might look like when properly modified. Obviously we only need 2. Also, the color is the same as our current fabric.

Original Toyota Part too. Now who got the balls to do it? Ah Lim has a spare roof fabric!

Cheers,

PFL Z model Wish

Hmm.. Not a rational thought, but I was remotely considering the original wide body kit. Since my wheels are now wider than before due to the spacers that were added, perhaps it's something I can consider.

Here's a JDM Pre Face Lift Z model with with Original wide fender. Notice now the 17" wheels and rims are slightly recessed?



The back is even more obvious. I suppose with spacers and spring retainers, you can flush the entire look and it will be quite good looking.



By the way, original window visors too. It's translucent grey.



Whilst we are at it, here's the interior. Look at the shift gate panel. Nice huh? Also, the original steering wheel controls for Head Unit and the tweeter holder beside the inner door handle.

Cheers,

Z model Shift Gate

This is the Z model shift gate. I love the chrome trims on the unit and it cannot be bought separately.

Also, the gear position are not printed on a sheet of plastic. They are solid acrylic buttons. Much better quality.



However, this version shows the D-M instead of our usual D-S position. I will need to get the other version if I want to retain the D-S for a complete look. If I were to opt for a JDM Z model 180 km/h speedometer, then it will all match up as the meter will show M instead of S when engaged in the shiftmatic mode.

Also, the snow button is missing as I've other plans for it. Perhaps a special button to aid the cooling of the car, or light sets. Yet to be determined. Watch this space!

Cheers,

Taiwan NFL G model speedometer

This is the speedometer on the Taiwan Toyota Wish G model. On the J, E and Z models, it's the 3 ring speedometer



As I've incorrectly pointed to Raymond, I thought it was red, like the JDM and Thai NFL meters. However, it's indeed orange.

Here are some actual pictures of the meter by CKS from Taipei.



A close up on the orange 240 dial.



Tempting, but I think I'll pass. No power to hit 240 km/h.

Cheers,

New Floor Mats!

I've always envied the nice thick plush Original Toyota Wish carpet that THE BOSS has on his ride. Finally, I decided to get a set for myself and make my ride just a bit closer to his.



Here's a few close up pictures.



Overall, the color scheme goes well with my car, all black and grey. Some might say it's a boring color, I suppose it also a safe option.



Oh, the Wish emblem is actually a die cast aluminum logo that's embeded on the front two piece. Nice!



Actually, Toyota also have another checkered design which is just as attractive. This one has embroidered logo and red sitching. Perhaps more suitable for the Z and X Aerosports model?



Cheers,

Thai 240 km NFL Speedometer

Sudden interest in this meter. Justin and I saw it back at He Xing so many months ago for S$780 per piece.

Anyway, arranged for a brand new set to test on THE BOSS' car and here is what it looks like.



Tempting.... but 240 km/h? Nah... my car will never go that fast. Or rather, I don't have the balls to go that fast.

Cheers,

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,

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,

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,

Taipei Bling!

Some new stuff I saw in Taipei recently. Following the VIP style in Japan, especially Garson, these crystal adornments are now availble for your beloved Toyota Wish.

Here's the Pre Face Lift Logo and bonnet garnish. All hand applied with crystals.



Options for the New Face lift.



And if you like, you can have a Bling Bling meter too!! Who says only women likes jewellery!? By the way, this is the 3 ring 240 km/H meter. Not a common sight in Singapore and the wolf has one! Another ONO project!



And for the wolf who does not need any more bling, perhaps a cloak of fur for the extral regal touch.



Muaahahhhahh!

Cheers,

Luxury Gear Knob

Thomas and I have seen the original WALD gear knob going for about S$450.

This one is an original Toyota option. Much cheaper at around S$90 and it's ash grey wood with leather.





Something for me to keep in mind.

Cheers,

I. C. E. again

John is on the hunt for a better I.C.E. system and looks like Alvin might be tempted to upgrade too. Perhaps I'll upgrade to a 3 way and upsize the sub woofer. We'll see. Not a priority for me at the moment.

Justin installed a mid on his dashboard and I believe he is now running a 3 way set up. Here are some pictures.



For audio setups, the wires are concealed most of the time and more importantly, the position of the speakers need to be locked down so as to prevent the sonic sweet spot from be "knocked" out of position. With a flexible mount, the imaging/staging will be affected wheneven the speakers are adjusted. This will make it more difficult to tune the setup as you need to take care of the speaker position as well as the tune up setting. Then again, audio systems are a very personal thing. As long as the owner's requirements are met, then that's all that is to be said about it.

I've always like a 2 DIN head unit as it's a cleaner presentation. But the current set up is not ideal for me yet. However, most of the 2 DIN units cannot meet my requirements, we'll have to see what comes along. I saw something from LG that might work in the interim period. But it's only available in 2007. One interesting thing to take note about head units in Toyota Cars. It usually protrudes out as the slot is wider than most other cars and the with the adaptor in place, most installers don't recess the unit backwards.



For example, the Panasonic CQ-TX5500W actually has a plastic face plate that fits around the head unit so that it sits squarely into the extended Toyota slot. The head unit will then be flushed with the control panel, like the way it was originally meant to be. Lazy installers will just tell you that it's meant to be like that and clueless consumers wouldn't have realised the difference. Shame!

Anyway, John has posted up a series of interesting links which I added here for reference. Check out his links!

www.mobileaudio.com

FAQs on Battery & Cables:
www.motolite.com

Forums:
www.carsound.com
www.elitecaraudio.com
www.caraudio.com

Install Showcase:
www.mp3guy.net
www.damnloud.com
www.cardomain.com

Product Reviews:
www.carreview.com
www.caraudio.com Product Reviews

Cheers,

Does the wolf needs fur?

Imagine a luxurious, shiny black fur on your dashboard, just like a wolf should be.....

Or you can have other animal prints too. Leopard, zebra, tiger, donkey, hippo, elephant, etc, etc.




Solid neon colors are also available if you need to be even more outstanding. This one is blue!



And if you are really clueless about taste but want to be the talk of the town. This version is sure to make most people cringe and remember it for a long, long time.



Now available for Toyota Wish!! So who want to chip in and buy a black fur for the wolf this Christmas?

Cheers,

WALD EX Line again

So...to WALD or not to WALD...? The kit really warms up to me and for practical reasons too.

It does not protrude like most of the other kits and the side skirt is hump friendly. Only down side, it's made of Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP).

Anyway, here's an original WALD car sold in Hong Kong. It's a 2.0 G version.






And even the interior is fully WALD. Here's what the front and second row leather upholstery is like. Really class.




Sigh....so many mods, so little money..

Cheers,