Want to customize, but don't know where to start....Any relatively cheap ideas? - Toyota Yaris Forums

JerseyJeff84 · 12-05-2010, 02:32 AM

I used to love doing little things to my last car(had a Pontiac from the 80's that ran amazing), such as putting in new filters, batteries, brakes, etc, however, now that I'm driving a '10 Yaris Sedan(base model), I feel like my hands are tied since everything is brand new. Only three things I do on a consistent basis are oil changes, vacuuming, and checking fluids.

I bought the car back in June of this year, and am currently sitting at 8,500+ miles. Any ideas of little things I can do to the car to make it feel "mine," but that aren't too expensive? For example, any good recommendations for air filters, wiper blades, hubcaps/rims, etc? One thing I've been kind of wanting to do is a spoiler, but by the time I purchase one on ebay that is painted($120-150) and have it installed(not sure how much labor would be, but I'm thinking $100-200), I don't think it's worth it. I'm more interested in ideas of how to gain more power and pep to the car as well.

Thanks so much. I guess you can say I'm just an over-zealous Yaris owner who wants to start making the car go from Stock to feeling like my own.

Tylermayer · 12-05-2010, 02:41 AM

debadge the back it makes it have a cleaner look

go here
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9675

yaris2010RS · 12-05-2010, 03:07 AM

personally i went for the same thing. only thing i recommend is to stick to a low budget and wait for deals. do little interior things (interior lights and stero system) outside i lowered it and debadged it. planning on painting calipers soon and painting tires. under the hood i got light weight pullies and torque dampner plus intake. i love it, so much fun to drive and like u said, i made it my own and for relitivatly cheap.

for the spoiler, my friend on his altima got a M3 spoiler and its black and sticks right on the top of the reat window (or u can put it on the edge of the trunk or top or the roof) and its a suttle lip that really adds something, look them up on ebay

Cosmonaut · 12-07-2010, 01:54 AM

These are ideas and really cheap too.
Badges: I stripped the "toyota" and painted the yaris badge.

if youre going to take off the wheel cover give it some love and paint it.
This little detail goes along way.

I also have Garm's skull badge painted black.

As well as a custom exhaust tip made from scrap and i have access to a welder so it cost nothing for me.

These are just little things ive done for little or no $$$. Actually the skullbadge was the only thing i had to drop cash for.

SpaceShot · 12-07-2010, 10:07 AM

Changing the stock radio antenna for a stubby ($12) or a shark fin style ($75) really changes the look, but you do get a noticeable loss in reception strength. Some of which you can get back with a signal amplifier.
If you don't use the radio much or stay closer to metro areas that may be fine for you.

Debadging the rear (free) and putting on racing disc hubcabs ($100/set) make for a nice clean look. Not sure that the racing discs would look as good on the sedan.

ilikerice · 12-07-2010, 11:29 AM

id check out microimageonline.com first and see all the different things available for you. go to the shoponline tab and it will shoot you to the link for online store.. its pretty damn impressive for new yaris owners

Shinare · 12-07-2010, 12:20 PM

First thing I did was window tint but that's because I have a family member that does it professionally so he did mine for the cost of the film, which was almost nothing and a little extra for him.

I did the stealth garage door opener because I was tired of opening the little compartment next to the driver's left knee to open my garage and the visor is WAY to thick for an opener.

Then I removed all badges and painted them red (I have a black yaris) with Krylon Fusion and then a satin clear coat, then re-applied them. I think it looks really REALLY good. I've even gotten complements about it from people that work in the same building as me.

I then removed the center dash stuff that is silver (around the radio and climate controls) and using the same cans of paint painted that red and it too looks really good.

Next on my list to do is reupholster both doors with red neoprene or other thick fabric to match the dash. That's only going to cost the material and the headliner glue which both are cheap.

I've also purchased a set of 4 center caps for about $20 for my steel wheels off of ebay. I plan to paint the wheels a glossy black and paint the caps red as well but its been too cold and I don't feel like doing it inside. Looks like that may wait till next spring.

Even after the fabric and glue I've spent less than $100 on my car so far and I think it will look a lot better when everything is done.

HariKaYari76 · 12-22-2010, 02:41 AM

You can rock Clazzio custom leather interiors, it's a couple hundred bucks but my buddy got some black leather with red middle's for his red scion and they are killer. He got them from clazziocars.com

yaris2010RS · 12-22-2010, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HariKaYari76

You can rock Clazzio custom leather interiors, it's a couple hundred bucks but my buddy got some black leather with red middle's for his red scion and they are killer. He got them from clazziocars.com

Or MicroImageonline.com

zuberio · 12-24-2010, 03:13 PM

Paint stuff - easiest and cheapest. I suggest you DIY paint the back and leave the front alone - I painted my front emblem and now it's all chipped from driving.

TRDblueyaris · 07-08-2011, 10:26 PM

try de-badging the liftgate, then changing the interior lights to l.e.d., that's what i did, it looks pretty cool.

thepartsmancometh · 07-09-2011, 09:57 AM

custom shift knob : find something random that would be a cool shift knob. tap it for the correct thread and use a nut to lock it in place.
interior lights : I use www.oznium.com for LEDs and they are pretty inexpensive. If you are ok with wiring, they aren't hard to put in yourself. I did both front footwells, the dome light, and the rear cargo area (in our LB - I actually added a light to both sides as the stock setup sucks)

limey163 · 07-09-2011, 10:14 AM

I like the painted wheels, i want to do something like that, was it difficult to paint?

cali yaris · 07-09-2011, 12:26 PM

Center console

rear sway bar

....or stock steelies, cleaned up and with added polished trim rings and center cap, look great on the Yaris (or an xB in this pic, first thing I found)

CrankyOldMan · 07-09-2011, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cali yaris

....or stock steelies, cleaned up and with added polished trim rings and center cap, look great on the Yaris (or an xB in this pic, first thing I found)

Do you have any suggestions on brands or styles that fit the stock steelies? I poked around with google and found stuff for aftermarket rims or antiques (beetles/cameros) but nothing that claimed to fit the yaris/scions.

bzinn 1 · 07-10-2011, 12:49 AM

I got my set of trim rings for the stock steelies on Ebay.....just look for the ones that are the same size as your rims,mine were 14"....perfect fit....

ciscobear · 07-10-2011, 10:49 AM

I started with interior, some nice leds, change of HU and some tint.

sqcomp · 07-10-2011, 11:15 AM

^ x2

I changed my shift boot and knob out. Then did an LED lighting change on the dome light...oh yeah, and the "little" sound system.

Garm,

Those steelies, you had those painted? I was hoping to keep the steelies on my car (which is a darck charcoal color). Do you have the polished trim rings at your disposal (to sell?) I think that I'd like to do something like you did with that Xb.

12-05-2010, 02:32 AM	#1
JerseyJeff84 Drives: 2010 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: West Deptford, NJ Posts: 28	Want to customize, but don't know where to start....Any relatively cheap ideas? I used to love doing little things to my last car(had a Pontiac from the 80's that ran amazing), such as putting in new filters, batteries, brakes, etc, however, now that I'm driving a '10 Yaris Sedan(base model), I feel like my hands are tied since everything is brand new. Only three things I do on a consistent basis are oil changes, vacuuming, and checking fluids. I bought the car back in June of this year, and am currently sitting at 8,500+ miles. Any ideas of little things I can do to the car to make it feel "mine," but that aren't too expensive? For example, any good recommendations for air filters, wiper blades, hubcaps/rims, etc? One thing I've been kind of wanting to do is a spoiler, but by the time I purchase one on ebay that is painted($120-150) and have it installed(not sure how much labor would be, but I'm thinking $100-200), I don't think it's worth it. I'm more interested in ideas of how to gain more power and pep to the car as well. Thanks so much. I guess you can say I'm just an over-zealous Yaris owner who wants to start making the car go from Stock to feeling like my own.

12-05-2010, 02:41 AM	#2
Tylermayer View User's Garage Drives: 2007 Toyota Yaris Join Date: May 2010 Location: Snohomish, WA Posts: 291	debadge the back it makes it have a cleaner look go here http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9675 __________________

12-05-2010, 03:07 AM	#3
yaris2010RS View User's Garage Drives: no-longer-boosted '10 Yaris Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Angus, Ontario Posts: 1,891	personally i went for the same thing. only thing i recommend is to stick to a low budget and wait for deals. do little interior things (interior lights and stero system) outside i lowered it and debadged it. planning on painting calipers soon and painting tires. under the hood i got light weight pullies and torque dampner plus intake. i love it, so much fun to drive and like u said, i made it my own and for relitivatly cheap. for the spoiler, my friend on his altima got a M3 spoiler and its black and sticks right on the top of the reat window (or u can put it on the edge of the trunk or top or the roof) and its a suttle lip that really adds something, look them up on ebay __________________ If it has boobs or wheels sooner or later your gonna have problems with it

12-07-2010, 01:54 AM	#4
Cosmonaut The Last Baron View User's Garage Drives: 09 Polar White HB Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sanentoneyow, Tecksis Posts: 280	These are ideas and really cheap too. Badges: I stripped the "toyota" and painted the yaris badge. if youre going to take off the wheel cover give it some love and paint it. This little detail goes along way. I also have Garm's skull badge painted black. As well as a custom exhaust tip made from scrap and i have access to a welder so it cost nothing for me. These are just little things ive done for little or no $$$. Actually the skullbadge was the only thing i had to drop cash for. __________________ Sanction this outbreak, a Virus conspires. Single sparks are Spectral Fires! \| UR 19mm sway \|

12-07-2010, 11:29 AM	#6
ilikerice Drives: 2010 black yaris Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: savannah, ga Posts: 2,868	id check out microimageonline.com first and see all the different things available for you. go to the shoponline tab and it will shoot you to the link for online store.. its pretty damn impressive for new yaris owners Last edited by tk-421; 12-24-2010 at 03:30 PM. Reason: FTFY

12-07-2010, 10:07 AM	#5
SpaceShot Drives: 2008 Yaris 5 speed HB Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NH Posts: 171	Changing the stock radio antenna for a stubby ($12) or a shark fin style ($75) really changes the look, but you do get a noticeable loss in reception strength. Some of which you can get back with a signal amplifier. If you don't use the radio much or stay closer to metro areas that may be fine for you. Debadging the rear (free) and putting on racing disc hubcabs ($100/set) make for a nice clean look. Not sure that the racing discs would look as good on the sedan.

12-07-2010, 12:20 PM	#7
Shinare Bronze bombshell yaris Drives: 09 Yaris HB 3door Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 641	First thing I did was window tint but that's because I have a family member that does it professionally so he did mine for the cost of the film, which was almost nothing and a little extra for him. I did the stealth garage door opener because I was tired of opening the little compartment next to the driver's left knee to open my garage and the visor is WAY to thick for an opener. Then I removed all badges and painted them red (I have a black yaris) with Krylon Fusion and then a satin clear coat, then re-applied them. I think it looks really REALLY good. I've even gotten complements about it from people that work in the same building as me. I then removed the center dash stuff that is silver (around the radio and climate controls) and using the same cans of paint painted that red and it too looks really good. Next on my list to do is reupholster both doors with red neoprene or other thick fabric to match the dash. That's only going to cost the material and the headliner glue which both are cheap. I've also purchased a set of 4 center caps for about $20 for my steel wheels off of ebay. I plan to paint the wheels a glossy black and paint the caps red as well but its been too cold and I don't feel like doing it inside. Looks like that may wait till next spring. Even after the fabric and glue I've spent less than $100 on my car so far and I think it will look a lot better when everything is done. __________________ Now I drive a CARMINE RED METALLIC 09 Yaris 3-door!! I'm Back!!! WooHoo!! Mods done so far: Tinted windows, Viper 211HV Remote Keyless Entry, Atoto Android headunit, backup camera, steering wheel controls Before it was totaled I drove a 2007 Black Sand Pearl 3 Door Lift-Back M/T with 49k miles. Stock Everything except for black tint, all red badges, red dash, and stealth garage door opener. Ultra-Gauge mounted on steering wheel. A1 Electric MES Central Locks and Avital 3100 Alarm system.

12-22-2010, 02:41 AM	#8
HariKaYari76 Drives: 2008 Yaris hatchback Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Tempe Posts: 2	You can rock Clazzio custom leather interiors, it's a couple hundred bucks but my buddy got some black leather with red middle's for his red scion and they are killer. He got them from clazziocars.com

12-24-2010, 03:13 PM	#10
zuberio Joined 3/08 ... really View User's Garage Drives: '07 Sedan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mississauga, ON Posts: 111	Paint stuff - easiest and cheapest. I suggest you DIY paint the back and leave the front alone - I painted my front emblem and now it's all chipped from driving. __________________

07-08-2011, 10:26 PM	#11
TRDblueyaris Drives: 08 liftback 5 speed Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: baltimore, maryland Posts: 10	try de-badging the liftgate, then changing the interior lights to l.e.d., that's what i did, it looks pretty cool.

07-09-2011, 09:57 AM	#12
thepartsmancometh Drives: '08 LB, '07 WRX Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: midwest Posts: 187	custom shift knob : find something random that would be a cool shift knob. tap it for the correct thread and use a nut to lock it in place. interior lights : I use www.oznium.com for LEDs and they are pretty inexpensive. If you are ok with wiring, they aren't hard to put in yourself. I did both front footwells, the dome light, and the rear cargo area (in our LB - I actually added a light to both sides as the stock setup sucks)

07-09-2011, 10:14 AM	#13
limey163 View User's Garage Drives: 2010 Black 2D Hatch Yaris Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: FL Posts: 45	I like the painted wheels, i want to do something like that, was it difficult to paint?

07-09-2011, 12:26 PM	#14
cali yaris ULTIMATE View User's Garage Drives: 07 Yaris Turbo Join Date: May 2007 Location: Canoga Park, CA Posts: 14,859	Center console rear sway bar ....or stock steelies, cleaned up and with added polished trim rings and center cap, look great on the Yaris (or an xB in this pic, first thing I found) __________________ Micro Image forums, online store and shop are now closed. It was a great eight year run, but it was time to focus on other things. I'm still selling parts on eBay under micro*image seller ID and customers can still make requests for anything specific.

07-10-2011, 12:49 AM	#16
bzinn 1 Drives: 2008 Yaris HB Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: University Place,WA Posts: 828	I got my set of trim rings for the stock steelies on Ebay.....just look for the ones that are the same size as your rims,mine were 14"....perfect fit....

07-10-2011, 10:49 AM	#17
ciscobear Drives: Toyota Belta Join Date: May 2011 Location: Barbados Posts: 196	I started with interior, some nice leds, change of HU and some tint.

07-10-2011, 11:15 AM	#18
sqcomp Roadrunner Jr. View User's Garage Drives: 2007 Yaris S Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Back at home Posts: 2,609	^ x2 I changed my shift boot and knob out. Then did an LED lighting change on the dome light...oh yeah, and the "little" sound system. Garm, Those steelies, you had those painted? I was hoping to keep the steelies on my car (which is a darck charcoal color). Do you have the polished trim rings at your disposal (to sell?) I think that I'd like to do something like you did with that Xb. __________________ “To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.” ― Thomas Paine Last edited by sqcomp; 07-10-2011 at 11:41 AM.