DIY 2

Last Friday, my special someone asked me to look at her mother's Toyota Camry. Her Camry's rear lamp has broken and it appeared to be an aesthetic damage. The first thing I thought of was my friend who works in a car accessory shop, where I bought the Vios Fog Lamp for my special someone's Toyota Vios. The next day I went over to the shop he works in and collected the brand new lamp. I planned to once again install it myself. Mainly to impress her and especially her mother to get a good impression of me. l had a look at how I am supposed to remove the lamp but was not so sure because I had not done anything similar before. I went to YouTube and search for a similar video and indeed I found the steps and even the tools needed to get the deed done. Luckily I have the exact same tool lying in my office. Needless to say, I went to her place as soon as I finished work. After some time and some extra steps that was not on the video, I finally installed it nicely. I was proud of myself that I could do it and even more happy that I made someone else happy.

Before

After

Good Job

Few years ago, I helped her bought aluminum pedals for her Vios but only managed to install the brake pedal, which is just a cover. I could not fix the acceleration pedal because I did not had the tools needed and only had it today. So, I took the liberty to get it done but I faced difficulties with removing the pedal (without the right tool) and it was difficult to remove and insert the pin holding the pedal. It took a lot longer than expected but the effect is worth it and I get to finished what I started few years ago. I really had a sense of satisfaction, knowing I am capable of doing small and easy installation like this. Plus, I get to help save up the installation cost that would incur if I brought the car out for a small installation like this. It is great to do something car related rather than just look online and write here on the blog. I wonder what could be waiting for me to do next time.

Before - Dull and Ugly

After - Sporty

Thank you, trusty wrench

DIY

Someone really special to me had a minor mishap with her 2nd generation Toyota Vios and as a result, the passenger side fog lamp was smashed. I remembered when she said, "Oh, my poor baby" or something similar and I thought, that is one point that we are similar and I like about her. One day, while I was surfing a site that sells car parts and came upon a fog lamp and I thought about her and her Vios. I started surveying for the price of one of these fog lamps but there were too many choices. So, I started contacting my high school mate who works in an car accessory shop for the price. I bought one unit, sneaked out from work to collect it and prepared to surprise her at her house. I asked my friend and he ensured me it will be an easy job with 3 screws and a plug. After I have done everything, I grabbed only a screwdriver but thought of the fender cover and under cover of the car. So, I grabbed some extra tools. When I reached her place, I gave her the screwdriver and told her that is her surprise. The look on her face was priceless. She was so lost and kept looking at the screwdriver, thinking what kind of surprise was this. She told me later that she thought she left some tools at my place and I wanted to return those.

The first thing I look for when I reached her place is whether the fender cover would be a problem or not. For sure, it is not giving me the access I needed to remove the broken fog lamp. I got out my tools and started examining which nut I had to remove to loosen the fender cover. As a beginner car mechanic, I only manage to create an opening that barely fits one hand only. I examine how the fog lamp is attached and started removing the 3 screws and plug. The next problem I faced, is bringing out the broken fog lamp, which is big through the small opening and with a bit of elbow grease, I managed to get it out. Next is to screw the new for lamp in place and ensure it fits properly and does not drop. Last step was to close back the fender cover and cross my fingers as I proceed to turn on the fog lamp. It came on and I was delighted that I did not screw it up. Most importantly, I managed to impressed her with my thoughtfulness and manliness while having some fun with some D.I.Y.  work on a car. She was there watching me all the time and even helped wipe my sweats (how thoughtful and lucky of me). Now there is a difference in shine between the old and new fog lamp but when it is turned on, the difference won't be there.

Troublesome Fender Cover

New fog lamp installed

The original lamp

It's Done

This is the final product of the makeover for the Toyota Vios. 3 weeks in the workshop and now it is in our hand. Looks very much refreshed compare to the state before the project started. From a distance the car looks great,like new but when you stand in front of the car, you could see the headlamp has fog up and the rims still look hideous because no attention was given to that department. We changed the key too. In conclusion,  I would say the Vios is now 8/10 in terms of aesthetics. Let's see how long the Vios can stay in this condition before something happen to it. *Fingers Crossed*

A Different Upgrade

Some of the frequent visitors of my blog would have realized but for those less frequent readers, there is not a single post on this blog except for one that I remember mentioning about audio related upgrades. The one entry would be about the touch screen installed on the Celica. The main reason for my lack of writing in this department is because not only am I not a fan of it, I actually dislike it. Mainly because of the lack of advantage that I can see from such upgrades. Nevertheless, this is the first time and hopefully the last (keeping fingers crossed). 

So, if you remember from a recent blog entry regarding the trusty, old Toyota Vios in my house has been deemed necessary for much needed make over. The paint job and fix up were just part one to the plan. My sister, the current driver, apparently is a fan of bass songs that requires good speakers to have that surround sounds and also all the modern input sources such as USB and Bluetooth connectivity. I do have to admit that an entertainment system on a B-Segment car would be very basic especially back in 2003 when it was first launched. After 7 years, the speakers are bound to sound worst than when it was new and certainly CD was the only option needed. 

Hence, the need to bring this car's entertainment into the year 2014. In between the trips to and fro the workshop, the Vios was bought to this accessory shop. First a touch screen with CD/DVD, Bluetooth, USB, AUX and radio function. Next up, the front 4 speakers were replaced with some German made speakers while the 2 on the rear with Japanese made speakers and that is about it since it did not have much to begin with. Last but not least, a new rear view camera for reverse is installed. It is possible only now thanks to the nice touch screen. Now it can go really loud sounding just like a cinema with surround sound and definitely can hear every bass note now. 

Bad Decision ?

After 2 weeks, I finally got the call that the Toyota Vios is done. It includes paint, exchange of broken parts and some chassis related tweaking. As usual, I hope to just go collect the car and pay and be done with it but it never is that simple. The first time I took it back, there were complains regarding several gaps. Mainly gaps between the front hood, the front bumper and front lights. At the rear, when the boot is closed, the gap it has with rear bumper not even. So, I had to send the Vios back to the workshop for another round of tweaking and I got another call in 3 days. I was worried when I went over to collect the Vios so I examined it and realized very minimal work was done. I came to think that it is the best they could do with a damaged front and the fact that they replaced the rear bumper with an O.E.M. or what they call a replica. I am glad my parents accept my conclusion but come tomorrow I was told that they are sending the Vios back for paint touch up. I do not know how many times must the Vios go in and out of the workshop until they are satisfied.

I would say this is an outcome from a bad decision from my father. Before this makeover was given the green light, prices were asked and it was up to my father to decided. He was busy and did not want to give any concern and so he let one of my colleague to decide. It was decided to be done by an insurance claim workshop and that is worst kind of workshop ever. I do not know about other countries but if your car is in an insurance claim workshop, there are certain things you can assure you will receive. For part replacements, you will get replicas/fakes or used parts. For mechanical repair, you won't be able to find anything wrong until you are a distance away from the workshop and have signed the release documents. For paint jobs, you will get cheap paint or bad painters. In a way, I have to say I expected the outcome because it was sent to this workshop. If it were a real paint shop, the paint will turn out beautifully but the damaged parts and chassis tweaking would be impossible. Should have sent to 2 places.

p.s. I could not get any photos because of the frequent trips to the workshop and I was heavily ill.

Make over

Readers that have frequented this blog would have known about a Toyota Vios that is in my family from the few post I wrote about it here. The Toyota Vios was made in 2006, bought in 2007 and it stayed on with family for 7 years. It is now driven by my sister, the 3rd owner/driver. After it was handed down to my brother, he messed it up and when you think things could not get worst, my sister messed it up even more. Ever since when my brother was still the driver, I have been suggesting to restore the Vios especially in the paint department but it was ignored maybe because it was just a paint problem. However, my sister made it above that state and it could not be ignored anymore. Even the car key is in such a horrible state. So, it was decided and time to send it for a make over. Here are some photos of the overall damage on the car before sending it away. I am sure you can understand the need for such move after seeing these photos. 

Looks better

Finally, I had some free time to send the Vios for a service and install the parts I previously bought. The car have been sluggish and requires some attention due to the lack of people driving it. The wipers actually worked tremendously for a cheap product and I am impressed. It wipes well and is quiet. After the service it drives better even at high rpm around 5k rpm. The photos below are before and after of the Vios with parts. The side mirror cover is not painted but it blends well with the car color.

Side Mirror

Rear Light

         

At the same time, I also sent my Celica for a routine service and some small adjustment. It was hard to drive in a right hand drive country without your right side mirror. I had to keep looking at the right side and stayed on the middle lane. I got a replacement side mirror that is white and dirty as seen on the photo below. It is definitely an eyesore with the different color and having the scratches but surprisingly the white actually goes well with my gray. 

When I sent my car to the paint workshop for the repair and pain job, I saw this white Nissan Fairlady 370z with grey and orange stripe. It looks great and I love how it is slimmer and better in the interior than its predecessor the 350z. Hopes my Celica looks better like this when it is done next year.

Next in Line

The side mirror cover and rear lights were just the beginning of the restoration work. Today it is the wiper's turn to be restored. I remember the last time I changed the wiper was when I was 18 or 19 years old and that was 4 to 5 years ago. That is a long time but wiper only gets changed when it stops wiping properly and has a scratching sound. I thought that the wiper was still working fine because my brother did not mention anything about the wiper. However, recently I realized it made a sound when wiping and what is worst is it appears rusty from the inside. So, the years have been bad for the wiper and I went and got some new silicone wiper blade. The size used by Vios is a 20" (500 mm) and a 16" (400 mm). Replacing the wipers is essential especially in this country where rainfall can be very severe and often. This is something that can be replaced easily and I just replaced it without waiting. It definitely looks better than the rusted ones but I have yet test it out. I hope that just because it is cheap it does not mean its low in quality. 

About Time

It has been 3 months since the Tucson joined my family and the Vios is now full with battle scars only driven by me occasionally near my house area and by my dad when he and mum goes out for groceries. There are a few post regarding the scars made by my brother when he was driving it and the time to rejuvenate the Vios has finally come because my sister is now at legal age to drive. A crap car is not what a teenage girl would look forward to fetch some friends to go shopping and it is up to me the car nut to help improve its condition.

What I did was ordered some parts of my friends to replace the faulty ones. I got a side mirror cover for when my brother got hit by a lorry causing the cover to be missing. It was left bare like that for quite some time and it is really not pretty. Luckily I usually drive the Vios at night so no one can see properly. Surprisingly the cover was very cheap but it needs a coat of paint before I can install the cover and I think the whole car needs a new paint job too as the color has faded after 5 years under the hot sun.

The second part I ordered was a rear light for the Vios. Now, this problem has been there even longer before until I do not remember how long ago it was. There must have been a leak with the sealant and water went in the lights. It is now constantly fogged in one part and it is like an aquarium with water inside. I hope nothing alive is in there. The new lights cost a bit but it is a must for the sake of my sister and the car. It is my brother's fault for not taking care of the car. I hope his Tucson would not turn out like his previous car. the Vios.

This is of course just a small beginning because the Vios really needs a lot of work done before it looks decent again but then again, my sister might just wreck the car like my brother or worst. Such a dilemma. However, it is a must to restore it. I will do my best.

Sibling Surprise

Taking a break from my Celica story, I move your attention to my brother's car which is my previous Toyota Vios. As mentioned on this blog a couple of time, my brother is not the best driver and tend to get into a few mishaps ever since I handed the car to him. While I was in UK, the latest shenanigan has reached me. He got into one of his mishaps and the left side skirt became his latest victim. Paint was scrapped and the car looked more horrible than it already was.

When I came back and saw what he have done to the car, I told him that he managed to bring harm to the front bumper, side skirts and rims. The only part that was safe from him was the rear bumper until just 4 days ago when he told me he was in another accident. According to him, an aunty bumped into him in a traffic jam and ran away. He showed me a photo of a little crack and I thought it was a small case. However, when I inspect it, the middle part was cracked and on the driver side the bumper came off.

Now the car has became a freak show that I would be embarrassed to drive. Why ? My father was never keen on me using fiberglass bodykit because of the rigidity and fragility of it but it look good. So, similar to the time when he smashed the front bumper, my dad replaced my fiberglass bumper with the original bumper. Hence the freakish height of body parts. What puzzled me was why didn't he remove the side skirts since it was damaged too.

Uneven car ride

I can't look at the car that I used to drive that I put my effort into making it unique and awesome. All the best to him and I hope the Vios won't be a heap of junk when it is handed to my sister next year. I also hope he don't trash whatever his next car would be. God bless him.

Tires

After a year and 2 months of driving hard my tires started losing its grip and gone bald. So like what a normal person would do, I started looking for tires and my dad looked for his supplier as usual. My members introduced the Dunlop SP Sport FM901 and I asked my dad to look for it and it costs RM700+ for one tire which is ridiculously expensive for my standards.

I bought Falken ZIEX ZE912 for my Vios and it was pretty good and cheap. So, I decided to get it for my Celica. My Celica uses 225/40 tires and it costs RM550 per tire. So far it is just alright but I felt that it is not that grippy compared to my previous tires. I just have to wait for the tires to season and see how it goes.

Here's comes the problem. My Celica has a setup of negative camber when I bought it. I loved it for its stability but it will kill or already kill my wallet as only 3/4 of the tires would be used. So I wanna make it straight but the guy said it's not possible and long story short I have to set it up again. I'm gonna show some people to get the right setting. Also one of my wheel cap is off and needs to fix it. Wish me luck.

Hand me Downs

People have always practiced the Hand Me Downs systems, especially in families with many children. Parents would buy clothing and necessary things from baby stuffs to books for their first born. After some time when the 2nd one arrives, the previously used things were handed down from the 1st born to the next sibling and so on till the last sibling unless from a different gender. For this blog's sake, the focus on my story is the handing of my Vios to my brother.

The handing down was easy for me as what was waiting for me was even better. Don't get me wrong. The vios contributed to many things in my life and I'm appreciative about it. I've invested money in modding and time on it and it is a shame to hand it down to my brother but the car is still in the family and I could drive whenever my brother is not using. However, my feelings start to change.

My brother was known to be a lousy driver that is clumsy and have poor judgment when it comes to spaces and seem to be oblivious to the sides of the car. So, I had some preparation of the heart that he would cause some damage to Vios. It began with the scratching of the right front rim and it just escalates from there onwards. There were many scratches from the front bumper to the latest side skirt and rear door shenanigans.

The biggest damage so far would have to be the his first major accident where he hit another Vios head on and destroyed the front bumper. I was not there so I did not know how damaged it was and my dad did some cover up for the accident. I got the call from my brother and went home to see the end product. From what I could see, the grill is shattered, the front hood is dented (if open could not be closed) and my ings front bumper is replaced by its stock front bumper.

I hope he drives safely. The Vios does not deserve to be treated this way. Well, I know new drivers would trash their first ride one way or another but he could at least be more careful with the ride.