*UPDATE w/new teaser pics * 07 Yaris vs. 05 4Runner

[Astroman]

Sorry all I haven't been visiting the forum, been SUPER busy with my on-site computer business just haven't had the time to check in.

Although today that all changed.

We got our first real snow storm last night, and it's been pretty much snowing here ever since. Put the stock siped tires on last night. I had just left home for lunch and was headed out for my next job and was headed down a narrow street next to the clinic going about 20 and a white 4 runner pulls out of a parking lot halfway into my lane. The city hasn't plowed this road yet, and there was no way I could stop in time.... I tried to brake and swerve but with so much compacted mushed up snow on the road I braced for impact and BAM! When I saw my hood I knew it was bad. He was cited by the police for failure to yield to right of way.

This happened just over 3 years after the first accident the car was in so I was pretty bummed. It was a older gentalman who had hit me, and just finished his morning and afternoon at the doctor and was headed to the hospital for x-rays. I hit right before his tire on the front side of his front bumper. Most of the damage to my car was from the bumper support beam. It ruined the front bumper, hood, passenger fender and possibly drivers, right headlight for sure and I'm not sure about the left side, it severed wires and crushed my washer fluid tank (which I had JUST filled minutes before :cry:), and my drivers door has difficulty opening.

On a plus side I guess is that now all those rock chips on the hood and bumper from last winter will be gone, but yet again my baby is in the shop, going to the local dealer here in town for repairs.

Garm, I'm gonna contact you about a hood, front bumper, & headlights! Might as well take this opportunity to get what I want and have insurance cover part of it. I'm getting a rental tomorrow, until then I'm driving the girlfriends yaris. This whole thing just bums me out, this is the third major accident this car has been in. Well, one incident was vandalism with fireworks. Seems like this car has a target on it or something. :frown:

[TEHxFALLEN V1.2]

Ouch!

I wish they made the Yaris safer and stronger.. Strong enough to be used at destruction derbys lol.

Glad you're OK dude!

[Black Yaris]

that is why I now have a RAV4

[Astroman]

What really sucks is it's my work vehicle and I get a lot of calls (for jobs, not my driving :laugh:) because I have my business name, slogan & phone number on the side. Anyone know if I might be able to get them for loss of revenue due to not having this advertising for a while?

& +1 on having a bigger 4wd in the snow. Although in this situation I don't think I would have been able to stop any faster. I'm looking into getting a AWD vehicle for my business due to the weather here, and the fact I drive to my customers who are in some remote areas.

[TEHxFALLEN V1.2]

^

Subaru WRX STi
or..
Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

[TEHxFALLEN V1.2]

Oh, I forgot you said BIGGER 4x4..

How about one of these mofos..
http://www.thehummerexperience.com/Testimonial/HT.jpg

My dream car :drool:

[IllusionX]

Oh, I forgot you said BIGGER 4x4..

How about one of these mofos..
http://www.thehummerexperience.com/Testimonial/HT.jpg

My dream car :drool:

WRX STi kthx :)

[thebarber]

time for winter tires!

sucks about the damage though...

[BluYrs]

Sorry 'bout the accident. As we have snowy conditions in winter here also, the inevitability of an accident like this one and not being able to do anything about it really gets to me. Just like watching it happen in slow motion and just hoping for the best.

Fact is, 4x4 cars don't stop quicker. You could get a bigger car if you get a kick out of doing more damage when someone cuts you off...

[Thirty-Nine]

Oh crap, man. I saw that you texted me yesterday, but the photos/video didn't come through. I thought maybe it was glitch or something. I'm sorry to see this!!!!

FYI, if you are considering an AWD vehicle, check out the Suzuki SX4. We love ours!

Hopefully you'll get it fixed better than ever!

[Kioshi]

sorry to hear this Brandon :(

On a brighter note, if you're insurance is paying for some or all of it, you can get a carbon fiber hood, a new bumper (Vitz RS hehe), and stuff~

Glad to see you back on here and that your business is going smooth.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Dang Brandon. Glad everyone is okay tho. Hope you get her back on her feet soon.

[Astroman]

I'm talking with garm about getting a RS front end and a VIS hood. Depending on what insurance will cover and what I can cover I'm gonna try and do it that route. If it can't be done then at least all my scratches and rock chips will be toast. :smile:

[thebarber]

I'm talking with garm about getting a RS front end and a VIS hood. Depending on what insurance will cover and what I can cover I'm gonna try and do it that route. If it can't be done then at least all my scratches and rock chips will be toast. :smile:

im sure as long as its as-cheap or cheaper than OEM, insurance will buy it for you....ask Crandall, lol

[Astroman]

Just talked with the insurance company. As long as I cover the extra cost they're ok with me picking out my own hood & bumper! :biggrin:

[Thirty-Nine]

Just talked with the insurance company. As long as I cover the extra cost they're ok with me picking out my own hood & bumper! :biggrin:

Woo hoo!

[chongopants]

lucky!

[dg4rez]

Oh, I forgot you said BIGGER 4x4..

How about one of these mofos..
http://www.thehummerexperience.com/Testimonial/HT.jpg

My dream car :drool:

you want a dummer?

I've driven quite a few of these, my rating would be half a star out of 10. They drive poorly.. They are way to wide for the road. And when you hit a bump, the thing rocks front to back for like the next 4 seconds... you feel like your riding a wave. not to mention gas mileage, and the tax / reg you will have to pay :eyebulge:

[eTiMaGo]

bummer man, but glad you're OK... and way to look at the silver lining, get some modding done :D

[Astroman]

Alright, looks like I'm getting the VIS carbon fiber hood and Replica front bumper! :biggrin:

The bumper was close to OEM cost, but the hood was a considerable difference. But the body shop will be installing and throwing on a clear coat so I should be good. My xmas present to me.

http://i35.tinypic.com/b47up2.jpg

[eTiMaGo]

eheheh can't wait to see it!

[CtrlAltDefeat]

A 4x4 does not stop any faster then a FWD car. In fact,(given equal tires) the heavier 4x4 will take longer to stop due to inertia. People who drive 4x4s often get a false sense of security since they can accelerate better with the better traction but stopping is mostly the same...

[Astroman]

True that. On I-90 over snoqualmie pass going to seattle ALL the vehicles you see upside down or on their sides are the 4x4s that passed you by earlier. I love that. My car sustained more damage for the simple reason my crash bars were lower than his. Other than having to deal with a rental (cobalt lt) I'm pretty pumped about the new parts getting installed.

[CtrlAltDefeat]

True that. On I-90 over snoqualmie pass going to seattle ALL the vehicles you see upside down or on their sides are the 4x4s that passed you by earlier. I love that. My car sustained more damage for the simple reason my crash bars were lower than his. Other than having to deal with a rental (cobalt lt) I'm pretty pumped about the new parts getting installed.

ugh I had a cobolt for my rental when I wrecked my yaris... hated it...

[silver_echo]

well, i am glad someone in WA ended up with a good note this cold season... btw, you are gonna be pretty much required to come to the spokane steptoe meet in 2010... just letting you know...

[Astroman]

UPDATE: The car is STILL being frickin' worked on!!! :mad: I did snap some pics a couple weeks ago, they didn't start working on it till the parts came in. Next pics will be of her finished. With the hood and new bumper it's going to look killer. I think my next mod will be tint, which will really help with the hellish summers we get here.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs125.snc3/17271_1281675676096_1056187890_829839_6634379_n.jp g
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs145.snc3/17271_1281676436115_1056187890_829841_1960174_n.jp g
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs145.snc3/17271_1281677156133_1056187890_829842_3544937_n.jp g

[510Ryder]

nice way to get super forced air induction lol, preatty soon you will see advocate's car looking those ^^^^ pictures if he keeps up with is weight reductions lol

[Astroman]

Lol true! Oooh, I got a call today the car will be ready tomorrow! They just need to reset the airbag light (which was on before the wreck) and finish part of a stripe. I can't wait to drive my car again!

[Kioshi]

are you getting that RS front bumper installed to the car Brandon?

[Astroman]

Yup, getting it installed. In fact, it's already installed :biggrin:

Here are a couple teaser pics. They still need to finish 1 stripe and reset the airbag light and I get my car in a few hours :headbang:

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs125.snc3/17271_1290124927322_1056187890_848233_4240699_n.jp g

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs245.ash1/17271_1290125687341_1056187890_848234_4285093_n.jp g

The grill is painted to match the car, and looks really good. The grill material is actually the same stuff you get at lowe's for putting around trees or in rain gutters, worked well, and was only $12 for a 3'x15' roll.

[Astroman]

Ugh I was supposed to pick the car up Saturday after they finished the stripes and reset the airbag light. The guy came and finished the stripes but the body shop kinda forgot to tell the service department they were supposed to do the reset. So I get to wait till Monday, but the car should look really good with the new parts and a fresh wash. I had to pay almost $1,200 out of pocket to cover the extra cost for parts plus shipping, labor and tax. But it's well worth it. I figure by next month the weather won't be snowy anymore so I can get the 17's back on.

The anticipation is killing me! I've been driving the girlfriend's stock '09 around the past few days and it's amazing how much more responsive the yaris is to the cobalt. Getting back into my car is way over due, but the parts from garm will make this whole horrible experience sooo worth it. :thumbsup:

[yarisugi]

Me likey the front bumper! How/where did you acquire it?
Car is looking real gooood :)

[Astroman]

I got the front bumper and hood from Garm aka Cali-yaris over at microimage. The front bumper is the Thailand RS replica and the hood is the VIS vented reverse cowl in carbon fiber. I can't wait to get the car all cleaned up and put the 17's back on and do a photo shoot.

Thanks for the compliment! :smile:

[tk-421]

Looking great, Astro!
Did the eyelids survive the impact? Might be a good idea to get some CF wrap from Garm and get them back on there... .02 :thumbsup:

[Astroman]

Yup that's the plan. The eyelids looked odd not matching the hood so cf wrap it will be.

[thebarber]

nice of them to leave your cai soaking in all the percipitation like that

sweet deal on the bumper though...i should have done that when i had my accident last summer! oh wellz

time for some foglights

[Thirty-Nine]

Looks good, Brandon! Can't wait to see it with the 17s and all finished!

[Kioshi]

Awesome, looks good with the replica RS front bumper! Need some fogs now :P

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Me too, can't wait for the finished product. Looks good!

[Astroman]

Argh!!!! F@#n service department seems to think the hundreds of recalls are more important than resetting my airbag light (even though my car has been at their shop for almost 2 months now). I'm royally pissed now as they have been promising the car to me now EVERY day since Friday, and yet it is still not done. This is the last thing I'm waiting for. Outside of the car has already been detailed, just waiting on the lazy ass service department. Saturday they tried to blame the body shop, and they've been ignoring the body shops pleas to get the car done. Not happy at all. :mad:

[auxmike]

Nice, but I'm not a big fan of the grille material.
Also, have you considered adding foglights?
Good luck with it!:thumbup:

[Astroman]

Yeah I've considered adding foglights and will do so in the spring most likely. The grill I'm unsure of too, not sure why they painted it but it looked better in person. If I can find something more to my liking I'll put it in there. Usually I just get the screen door guard at lowe's as it has the right shape and is aluminum. Didn't go that route mostly due to size, and it wasn't in black.

This is the stuff I used from lowe's:
http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/010515/010515751397lg.jpg
http://www.lowes.com/pd_157763-13113-62071079_0_?productId=3159297&Ntt=gutter%20mesh&Ntk=i_products_cascade&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?newSearch=true$Ntt=gutter%20mesh$y=0$x=0

3ft x 15ft Black Plastic Hardware Net


Extremely versatile
Used anywhere conventional metal hardware cloth is used
Great as a tree guard, gutter covers, vegetable cages or temporary fence repair
Easier to install than metal hardware cloth
Will not rust, rot or corrode
Holds its shape better than traditional metal
Is safer to use around children & pets because there are no sharp edges

I had to laugh at the description because I no longer have to worry about it being safe around kids or pets. Or kids with pets.

[cali yaris]

hey that looks really good. Sorry for so much out of pocket on your side, but the car looks great.

[cali yaris]

BTW...

I found this THICK plastic mesh from Thailand, perfect for grillwork or audio or...?

About 35" wide and 1/4" thick, $40 a sheet.

http://www.microimageonline.com/images/products/cosmetic/mesh-1.jpg

http://www.microimageonline.com/images/products/cosmetic/mesh-2.jpg

http://www.microimageonline.com/images/products/cosmetic/mesh-3.jpg

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Yeah I've considered adding foglights and will do so in the spring most likely. The grill I'm unsure of too, not sure why they painted it but it looked better in person. If I can find something more to my liking I'll put it in there. Usually I just get the screen door guard at lowe's as it has the right shape and is aluminum. Didn't go that route mostly due to size, and it wasn't in black.

This is the stuff I used from lowe's:
http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/010515/010515751397lg.jpg
http://www.lowes.com/pd_157763-13113-62071079_0_?productId=3159297&Ntt=gutter%20mesh&Ntk=i_products_cascade&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?newSearch=true$Ntt=gutter%20mesh$y=0$x=0

3ft x 15ft Black Plastic Hardware Net


Extremely versatile
Used anywhere conventional metal hardware cloth is used
Great as a tree guard, gutter covers, vegetable cages or temporary fence repair
Easier to install than metal hardware cloth
Will not rust, rot or corrode
Holds its shape better than traditional metal
Is safer to use around children & pets because there are no sharp edges

I had to laugh at the description because I no longer have to worry about it being safe around kids or pets. Or kids with pets.

I used some heavy duty plastic mesh for my lower grill. It's holding up very well. No tears or anything, and my a/c condenser is nice and intact. hahaha. The reason why that was my first mod (lost my freon in my GTI when a rock hit the condenser).

[Astroman]

hey that looks really good. Sorry for so much out of pocket on your side, but the car looks great.

No biggie, the final result is so worth it! :biggrin: Thanks for the compliment garm, coming from you it means a lot. :thumbsup:

[Astroman]

Here's one from today, finally got to pick my car up after 55 days in the shop.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs268.ash1/19531_1293071840993_1056187890_854547_4531285_n.jp g

When I get more $$$$ I'll finish it off with the rear bumper (mine needs to be replaced anyhow) and the side skirts. Oh, and the fogs too of course!

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Sexy car! hahahaha.

[Ryu]

The whole new front end looks awesome !!!

[Astroman]

I'm also thinking of putting the eyelids back on as-is (or with a sand down and paint refresh) rather than do a carbon fibre overlay. When I had to head back to the shop to get the eyelids they forgot, just for fun we placed them on the car and stepped back.. WOW it works great! Really looks good. I'll post a pic here soon of it.

[alex23317]

RIp yaris