JoshuaM's '97 Celica ZR, The Final Chapter - Goodbye Options

[JoshuaM]

Hello 6GC'ers,

So here it is, my project thread, or more like a details thread because I don't think it will be evolving very quickly

Getting my Celica:

I decided about 2 years ago that I wanted to get a Celica for my first car (I am 17 now). I was originally looking at '93 model 5th Gen Celica manual Liftback (All lift back 5th and 6th gen Celicas in Aus have the 5S-FE), but once I started saving up a but more I decided to go for a 6GC. I liked the exterior styling of a nice clean 5th gen (has to be the update model though), but I was drawn to the 6th gens for the increased safety features, tighter turning circle, and their much nicer interior. It was also much easier to find them in good condition with low mileage. And I am now completely hooked on 6GC's

So I was on the hunt for a '96-99 model ZR Celica (This is the top-spec model in Australia, equiv. to the GT/GT-S) manual with less than 180,000kms. My preference was red, and i wanted a sunroof, but I wasn't ruling anything out.

After searching regularly for a number of months, I came to the conclusion that it was going to be very difficult to find what I wanted in my budget near me. The ONLY car that I found in my state that suited my requirements was from a dealer and felt very untidy when I test drove it, lots of rattles etc. it felt like it had been thrashed... A theory supported when I found a fire extinguisher in the passenger footwell and receipts for heavy duty shocks and coils. Very disappointingly, this was not the car for me.

I kept searching and eventually found 'the one'. A Completely stock standard Silver 1997 model Toyota Celica ZR Manual, in excellent condition, with only 140,000kms (about 87,000 miles). Optional features included being the Factory Sunroof, Air con, Tinting and an Aftermarket Alarm upgrade (update: which I have now found out doesn't work ).

It was initially too expensive for me. I kept looking at it every day, wishing that I could afford it... And 'if only' it was $1000 cheaper.... But then one day they dropped the price by $800, and I was on the phone immediately.

The problem was, it was in a dealership in Melbourne, AUS, just under 2000kms away from me. Because of the demand for cars out of Melbourne, it was too expensive to ship, so I had to organize to fly down and drive it back myself (an entire 2 weeks after I got my license).

After a very long process of organisation and the minor inconvenience of them selling the car to somebody else when I was organizing a mechanic inspection, it was mine XD

Here it is:
















The Future:

I have always been very much a fan of the stock look on Celicas (with all of the factory goodies installed of course!), so I do not have any extravagant plans..... And since purchasing my car I am now a broke uni student

But I am planning a few small things:

Aftermarket head unit for iPod integration.
JDM Clear Side Indicators
Spree LED dash kit + possibly everything else as well

I also have a few different ideas about less common mods to do, but they will require a lot of thought and probably some forum threads

But you never know, if I keep reading all of you guys project builds I might eventually get a proper mod bug

I will keep updating this thread when I do anything, but I don't imagine I will be moving terribly quickly.

This post has been edited by JoshuaM: Sep 6, 2015 - 11:20 AM

[SwissFerdi]

The mod bug will bite. Beware.

Congratulations, and welcome to the Alpine Silver club. You'll like it here, it's shiny and sleek.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Apr 23, 2012 - 6:52 PM

[RabidTRD]

Good! Stick with the OEM look!

Nice to have you here. LMK if you need me to find you cornering lights. Apparently they're hard to find in AUS hah.

[Box]

Welcome, nice car!

[CelicaZR]

Welcome mate
shes a beauty

[JoshuaM]

Thank you everybody for your kind words

LMK if you need me to find you cornering lights. Apparently they're hard to find in AUS hah.

I am actually looking for some at the moment, I have a post (Here) in the Buying / Selling section now I am thinking of buying the second eBay link there, but if you could find some genuine crystal ones I would be forever in your debt


Car Update:

I bought and installed my new Pioneer head unit last weekend. I liked the stock one, but I could not live with no form of Auxillary or iPod in

It is a Pioneer DEH-3450UB (but I think the US may use different naming?). It has all the standard features, with colour changing, so i can make it match whatever dash colour scheme I finally decide on







I used the how-to guides posted on 6GC, which I am very thankful for, but I took extra photos because I am planning to make my own, with lots of photos. Since this is many peoples first modification, I thought that some more detailed photos in one place would help I will link when I have the time to write it!


This Weekend:

As posted about in the forums 'here', I have had a little trouble with Sunroof drainage. This weekend I am planning to take the headliner out and clean the rear drain lines. I may try to do a write up on that too, because I haven't seen any firm details about sunroof drains on 6GC's specifically.

AND... I should be going on my first Celica Club Cruise!

Cya,
Josh

[SwissFerdi]

Nice. A new receiver always feels good.

[JoshuaM]

Nice. A new receiver always feels good.

Haha, yes it does. It has been keeping me entertained..... It does just make me want a Spree LED kit even more though.

I am thinking about going all white for the LED's in the car, and then I can just buy some coloured accent bulbs as I decide what I want later on.

Are the SPREE much brighter than the stock bulbs in the dash?

[RabidTRD]

Yes they are. They're more defined too... the stock bulbs are softly lit, LED's are more sharp and easier to read when they illuminate letters and numbers.

[JohanFer]

Hey, what did you do with the old OEM stereo?

[Euphoria]

LOL this thread makes me laugh, I had a celica and my name is Josh M too lmao. That car you looked at did it have high km and was it aqua, the descriptions sounds alot like my old celica that I tracked HAHA. Otherwise I have a few other ideas whos it could be .

Nice car too! have fun with it, these things just don't die!

[JoshuaM]

Hey, What did you do with the old OEM stereo?

Hey, It is currently just sitting in the box that my new stereo came in. I havent made up my mind yet if I am going to sell it on eBay, or keep it, so that I can revert my car exactly back to stock whenever I want

If you were looking at buying one though, I would strongly recommend you look inside the states to find one, as the forum proves that 6GC's are certainly not rare over there, and this stereo weighs a tone!!! Seriously though, I would guess probably 3-4kg. So with shipping costs and the current exchange rates, I think it would be much cheaper for you to shop locally

LOL this thread makes me laugh, I had a celica and my name is Josh M too lmao. That car you looked at did it have high km and was it aqua, the descriptions sounds alot like my old celica that I tracked HAHA. Otherwise I have a few other ideas whos it could be .

Nice car too! have fun with it, these things just don't die!

Haha, Hey Josh!!!

Nah, I did drive one aqua one, but it wasn't yours. The thrashed one I was referring to was a red ZR with 188,000 kms, in Lota (near Brisbane). I checked the logs though, and it had lived in Melbourne previously, but I think that was before the new shocks and springs.

And that's why I chose a 6GC!!! In my wait to get money and my license I had lots of time to research cars. In all that time though, I couldn't find anything that could match its ability to feel fun, be practical (big boot), safe (airbags +ABS) and very importantly reliable. My uncle sold his 5sfe celica a couple of years ago with 330,000kms and it hadn't given him any trouble!

On another note, first Celica Club Cruise today XD

[Tigawoods]

the new headunit looks good!
i agree with the tough decision of getting rid of the stock. it looks natural and less gaudy. BUT. no Aux input

[Euphoria]

Yeah they are good cars, my main problems in 3 years were wheel bearing related and a couple other little things, took it to near redline daily at 280k and had NO engine problems.

[JoshuaM]

Wow... This is now almost like a year in review!

Well, after fixing the sunroof problems, I moved onto more pressing issues... Spree LED's!!! I couldn't decide on colours, so I bought a blue and a red set. After a month or two with the main cluster as red, I decided I'd go with the blue and did the full dash + ash tray light. I decided against the full package, because I liked the warm colours of the stock courtesy lamps.





Had to replace the battery at this point too, old one wasn't very connect with life it worked, but went flat listening to the radio in acc VERY quickly, and was showing many general signs of death.

During that time I also met an ex- 6th gen Celica owner through a university project, who gave me a new intake! Just an AirHog pod filter, but it gives that bit of sound under heave acceleration that will get me through until whenever I do an exhaust system.

Oh, and I can't forget the JDM Tails!!! (They look a bit tinted in this pic, but they're not... just the light).



For a long time I have been looking for a suitable subwoofer setup for the Celica that didn't impact on the practicality of the hatch back design (I often fold the rear seats down and throw my 26 inch mountain bike in the back, or load it right up with stuff when we go camping, so I couldn't use any normal box design.

For a long time I was set on an under seat powered subwoofer - the problem being that even most of the smallest ones don't fit! (I checked it out at my local store, and even Kicker Hideaway etc. wouldn't fit - you should've seen the look on the salesmans face ) The Pioneer TS-WX110A looked to be the best option, however it is quite a stretch to call it a 'sub'woofer, and since my aim was for balanced sound, not doof doof at 40hz, I wasn't convinced... Especially considering its $350 cost.

A few weeks ago, prompted by renewed interest when doing some sub research for a friend, I found the Pioneer TS-SWX251... A 10 inch down firing super-compact slimline subwoofer. The appeal; it fits PERFECTLY behind the spare wheel hump, meaning that wasted space gets used up... And since it is down firing there is nothing to get damaged on top, so stuff can still be thrown in the boot... On top of that, it fits well enough to not be bolted in, and has spring loaded clips, so that it can be easily pulled out and dumped in the front seat when I want to use the full space!

The downside.... They don't sell it in Australia... Which meant paying about $80 just in shipping from the states! Still cheaper than buying anything here though -.-

I then found an amp second hand for $40 that matched up very well with the power rating of the sub... The benefits of this one being it is tiny!!! With a little bit of work, I managed to mount it under the dash!!! (Between ecu and hvac)

I haven't tuned it up properly yet, so it still sounds a tiny bit muddy... But it definitely has the capability. I'll try and take a pic soon

Ummm... I think that's about it

So, plans:-
- Roof getting resprayed as soon as storm season is over (sun damage)
- looking for some 16" 5 spoke 7th gen rims, or some 17" ST246 Caldina rims (I.e. matrix m theory).
- clear side indicators still on the cards.
- And... I REALLY want some projector headlights, but can't justify spending anything over about $300 on them... Which is a problem

AND I still am planning to write my how to on taking the sunroof out and cleaning the drains, but still haven't got around to it (well, need to find the pics first )

Oh, and most currently (as in right this very second, as I am typing this) I am waiting for a tow truck to take my 1990 Celica AllTrack (GT4) home!!! Well, not really home, it has a dead clutch, so it is going to a mate who is in the 5th gen scene who is going to help do an engine swap, clean it up a bit then I'll drive it for a couple of months, before selling it Update: still waiting - stupid towie is now over 2.5 hours late on a confirmed job that was quoted and lodged over 2 business days ago. -.-

I saw a 205 on the weekend for the first time (remember, only 77 in the whole of Australia).... Soooooo nice. If only not so expensive, and not banned on provisional license Update: whilst sitting here waiting for the tow truck, another one went past!!!!! I think I like this side of town!

Note: I am writing this on my wifi only ipad in the middle of nowhere, so 'now' is when I'm typing this, not whenever it gets online

[JoshuaM]

Oh, and I forgot to mention the personalised number plates (Black with white writing)

And I am always on the lookout for cool JDM goodies, like SSIII front grill, power folding wing mirrors etc. too

[RabidTRD]

$33 on eBay.



$80

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-Authentic-ST20...6c4&vxp=mtr

$170

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-Toyota-Celica-...5dd&vxp=mtr

$50
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-TOYOTA-CELICA-...87d&vxp=mtr

lolol

This post has been edited by RabidTRD: Feb 20, 2013 - 7:19 PM

[JoshuaM]

I know I CAN get them... I just find it hard to justify $110 after shipping on a piece of plastic, or $200 + painting + effort to have mirrors that fold... I hadn't thought about changing the front indicators too (since they are already the clear facelift ones) but mine are a bit foggy. I'll probably go for some crystal side ones too... Eventually

[JoshuaM]

HALP!

I am having trouble deciding what I should do with rims... I can quite easily get some 7th gen 16" 5 spokes for around $250-300 (very little tread, bit of gutter rash)... But I also found a set of 17" Caldina alloys, the same as njccmd2002 was selling from the Matrix M theory, but they would probably cost $600 with reasonable tread. However, they are 45.5 offset I think, and the rolling diameter is 3.31% larger... Is this going to be a problem? (I know it will make the speedo inaccurate) I would get the right size when I next bought tires... But I couldn't afford to spend $600 on wheels AND buy tires.

Ideas? Suggestions?

[Tigawoods]

it sounds like youll be better off with the 7th gens. Since you will have to get tires for them, youll end up spending less than 600 total for the wheels and new tires.

(im biased, i dont like those caldina rims haha)

[JoshuaM]

it sounds like youll be better off with the 7th gens. Since you will have to get tires for them, youll end up spending less than 600 total for the wheels and new tires.

(im biased, i dont like those caldina rims haha)

You don't like those rims!

I just read njccmd2002's progression thread, and now I am in completely in love with them! (and for the first time ever wish I had a black car so the would look that amazing!) Bit concerned about that offset though - dont want it to look sucked in, but don't want spacers either... Still stock suspension.

Everybody has their own opinion on wheels, personally I absolutely HATE black wheels, contrary to most people on this site.

Unfortunately whilst waiting to be emailed the Caldina rim pictures he sold them - just my luck, he has been parting out for a month and the day after I start enquiring he sells them -.-

I think I might either wait for the Caldina Rims, or at least wait to fin the 7th gen ones locally, rather than paying for shipping now.

[Tigawoods]

just use the 7th gen rims to hold you over for now

[Malek]

Man, that Celi is clean! I wouldn't throw out black rims on silver just yet..matte black on silver is teh sex!

But yeah, 7th gen until ya find the perfect set you like!

[SwissFerdi]

^ Formerly had that combination, nice indeed but the appeal to me was short-lived. I always liked the color combination, but unless the wheels are perfectly clean, it looks like dirty "normal" black.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Feb 24, 2013 - 12:54 PM

[JoshuaM]

just use the 7th gen rims to hold you over for now

I will probably end up doing that, but there aren't too many around and I don't want to rush into paying too much for them when I know they aren't going to be long term And confession, I am a great fan of the OEM look, so I don't mind sticking with what I have for a bit longer... They just are a little small (And my grandparents Camry has the same wheels!!! )

Man, that Celi is clean! I wouldn't throw out black rims on silver just yet..matte black on silver is teh sex!

But yeah, 7th gen until ya find the perfect set you like!

Thank you unfortunately the paint has a fair few minor blemishes up close, but take a few steps back and it looks mint

BUT... I'm not sure if I could ever live with myself getting black wheels... It's that bad

So I'll keep looking for both, with the end aim being the Caldina wheels Thank you everybody for your inputs

[JoshuaM]

They arrived



Now just need to wait for the rain to stop!

P.s. And should be getting a new phone (Nokia Lumia 820) this week so my mobile uploads won't be so terrible!

[JoshuaM]

All installed that has to be quite simply THE easiest mod you can do Just push, pull, twist and clip

Will get pics when it's daylight (and not raining) but everybody knows what they look like anyway

[JoshuaM]

Real news... NEW WHEELS!!!

Set of 4 16" 5 spoke alloys off a 2003 ZR Celica - including centre caps with very minimal gutter rash..... For $180 AUD



CAMBEEERRRRRRR!!!!!

2 of the tyres are completely shot, and two I will get a couple of thousand out of (if I want to). Planning to get some second hand tyres for the two shot ones on the front until I am sure I am happy with the look (and don't find any Caldina rims), before I'll get some proper dunlops or pirellie's or something.


I'm looking for some euro front splitters from the UK at the moment, and want to pick up some TRD rear splitters for the back. I find they follow the lines of the car much better than the ssiii ones, and look less stuck on.

I'm also negotiating with a couple of people in AUS about possibly getting some projectors and a front grill

P.s. they're currently hiding in my grandparents shed until I break the news to my dad (and get new tyres) - he still thinks I'm the perfect child with a completely stock car

[richee3]

Your dad has it pretty good if the worst thing he had to worry about is you changing the rims on your car.

[Timmyface]

LOL, the first thing i seen was the photo at a glance and went, wow, super stance. hahaha.
Nice pick up though dude, $180 was a steal

And have fun finding euro splitters, took me ages to find mine, than i sold them
And in the end, if you bought the car, you can do what you want. My dad is a highway patrol cop, and he/i know my car is defectable

[JoshuaM]

Your dad has it pretty good if the worst thing he had to worry about is you changing the rims on your car.

Haha, well I haven't told anybody about the gt-4 yet either.... But I do take your point

LOL, the first thing i seen was the photo at a glance and went, wow, super stance. hahaha.
Nice pick up though dude, $180 was a steal

And have fun finding euro splitters, took me ages to find mine, than i sold them
And in the end, if you bought the car, you can do what you want. My dad is a highway patrol cop, and he/i know my car is defectable

Yeah, I'm still on stock suspension, but that doesn't stop me from playing trick photography!

$180 was a good deal I think; there are a couple of sets on Gumtree in Melbourne and Sydney for $250 that have a bit better tyres, but rims not as good and I would have to pay shipping too. These ones were listed at $250 last night on Gumtree too but only about 35 min from home, but I still managed to bargain him down (I do that a lot - you have all been forewarned ).

I have joined Celica Club UK for that sole purpose they do come up there every now and again for about 30 pounds, but I have no idea how much after shipping and painting. I am certainly not expecting to find them overnight though (unfortunately ).

And I find that hilarious about your dad I can just imagine him cringing every time you leaving the house with your 3mm *exageration* of ground clearance

And we are yet to cross paths officially on here, but I have stalked your build thread many times - I have loved many aspects of your design and at many points it has been by far my favorite pre-face. (However as noted above I have an irrational hatred of black rims, and although you pulled it off very well I still loved it more before you went black, and you had the euro splitters on - there is one photo I have in mind at that stage that is simply stunning). You should expect a lengthy reply on your thread at some point when I have the spare time, both about the build and the awesome photography!

[JoshuaM]

Another very minor update; new shift boot. eBay job for about $11 including shipping from UK. Fitment is reasonable, but not perfect. In any case, looks much neater than the worn out original.



I'd like to give bigger updates but I need to find people to buy it off first! (Without paying fortunes on international shipping on inflated eBay prices ).

[JoshuaM]

Well I was going to wait to wash and get good pics with my SLR, but mid-semester exams + cold means that might be a little while so here it is;



They look nice However I still jump every-time I walk outside because i'm not expecting to see them, and it looks weird after being so used to the stock wheels I'll still keep half an eye out for the Caldina wheels, but these are nice and the ride on the 16's is quite reasonable.

I mayyy have bought a second set of these same wheels (no centre caps though) during the week I got them for $75!!! The guy didn't know what he had, they were a gift for an old Camry that he had that he never put on, I lowballed him $75 expecting a huge counter-offer and he jumped on it! So that worked out cheaper than a set of 2 second-hand tyres

It is quite sad really that these tyres have much better grip than my old ones; which were brand new when I bought the car ~12,000kms ago, however they were fitted by the dealer and are pretty much the cheapest chinese **** you can get (Insert whatever derogatory 4 letter word you like ). The tyres i'm running on the fronts on the 16's (Hero Milanza brand) have plenty of tread but are showing a small amount of crazing and small cracks in the tread and have gone a bit hard, and the ones on the back are in better shape but only just above the tread indicator (Kumho), yet these have many times better dry and wet weather traction then my old set!!! I will keep these on for a few weeks to make sure I am happy to keep these rims before i go out and spend big money on proper tyres

Bit of a scary experience last night, we had a huge storm come over and since we don't have a carport I jumped in my car and headed off to the local undercover shopping centre (They can't lock it - win ), however the storm hit hard about half way there and I ended up driving the rest of the way by memory - visability was 0 with the wind and rain, the street lights were cutting in and out and the traffic lights were all down. It was so bad that I couldn't see white traffic islands in the middle of the road, even when I was right next to them. Luckily got there safely and waited out the storm. When i returned home there was a tree across the driveway about where my car was parked before, so a good move even if I left my run a little late.

I'm now just really hanging out for a set of euro front splitters and TRD rear splitters

[JoshuaM]

I came accross a couple of old images that I didn't ever have a chance to upload too;

This is one when I went out on a drive to fetch a new camera lens and I wanted to try it out on the way home:



And this one is on a Brisbane Celica Club cruise from last year:



And I remembered that I didn't upload any photos of my new subwoofer. I am very happy with it, and it is a great option if you want that full range from your audio setup without sacrificing the practicality of the lift back celicas.

(Excuse the mess )





It is very durable too, I had no concerns about chucking a full set of wheels on it and driving a considerable distance

Due to eBay canceling my bid on me for unforeseen technical reasons I missed out on the TRD rear splitters I really wanted... But I have a shopper trawling through Japanese listings for me, and in discussions with a couple of private sellers, so there should be a few JDM goodies coming my way shortly ;D

P.S. for splitters and *spoiler alert* mirrors I am looking at some are being advertised in Europe / UK as Lucerne Silver, is there different silver mixes for our generation Celica in different regions?

[SwissFerdi]

Lucerne is alpine, I suppose, but the only factory color I know of is Alpine Silver. It is also, coincidentally, my city of birth.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Mar 31, 2013 - 4:14 PM

[JoshuaM]

Lucerne is alpine, I suppose, but the only factory color I know of is Alpine Silver. It is also, coincidentally, my city of birth.

Haha, so that's why you like it so much

But that is good, I don't want to pay a lot extra for getting silver ones that don't need painting only to find they are a completely different shade

[JoshuaM]

Guess what time it is…. PHOTO TIME!!!

I was down on the sunny Gold Coast today, so I cleaned the car and took some photos to show off my new wheels!

Since nobody is going to read what I write here with the photos below I guess I’ll just link now and talk later…















I want to finally enter a Celica of the month competition… Please help me choose!  OR, tell me to go home and take better pictures / get more JDM parts first

The mod bug will bite. Beware.

Ohhh… OUCH! MAKE IT STAHHHPPPP! Yeah, I go to buy one or two tiny little things and here I am buying almost everything I have ever dreamt of…. Love prices ordering direct from Japan

The sad thing is that with my new wheels and a couple of good, regular cleans I have fallen back in love with it just the way it is anyway BUT… who can say no to JDM goodies.

[CelicaZR]

I hope you got some jdm projectors on order

[JoshuaM]

I hope you got some jdm projectors on order

Mayyyyyybe

[Rusty]

looks tidy/clean well done

[sr666]

Heya mate car's looking sweet

If I were thinking of entering a pic for COTM I'd be using the 3rd from bottom pic, there's a fair bit less clutter in the pic although the one with the palm tree thing (I don't study trees LOL) I think would be better suited if you were parked a tad further forward

Out of interest is it yourself who was over on CCUK regarding the splitters I can't remember?

[cheela]

That's a very clean looking celi. Keep up the good work. love the 7th gen GTS rims, I got a set myself.

[JoshuaM]

Heya mate car's looking sweet

If I were thinking of entering a pic for COTM I'd be using the 3rd from bottom pic, there's a fair bit less clutter in the pic although the one with the palm tree thing (I don't study trees LOL) I think would be better suited if you were parked a tad further forward

Out of interest is it yourself who was over on CCUK regarding the splitters I can't remember?

Thanks for your thoughts When I get a chance I might have a go at a bit of light editing with that pic and see how I go

And yes, I have been stalking CCUK in the hopes of picking up some euro front splitters and TRD rear spats, both of which don't exist in Australia I bought some silver TRD spats last night (one small crack and missing mounting brackets for $89 - a bit steep but it was an eBay sale), but I am still on the lookout for the euro fronts.

That's a very clean looking celi. Keep up the good work. love the 7th gen GTS rims, I got a set myself.

Thanks I'm slowly falling in love with them I was initially indifferent, after a day I liked them, and now I just stare I still really want some 17" Caldina rims, but I have definitely now put that on the back burner after getting these! (Now I just need to buy some decent tyres for them).

[sr666]

Ok mate I'll keep an eye open for you

There's nothing wrong with your pics by the way I was just going from if it was me as opposed to you mate

[JoshuaM]

Ok mate I'll keep an eye open for you

There's nothing wrong with your pics by the way I was just going from if it was me as opposed to you mate

Haha, thank you. I know they're not that uncommon, and theoretically they're not really worth any more than 30-35 pounds, but when you actually ask for one then breakers yards suddenly think they're worth 80

And I didn't take it the wrong way, it is appreciated that somebody actually let me know what they thought! I was simply referring to the fact that if you liked that one then I would use it as a base to hopefully make something even more attention grabbing

[Payne]

Love your celica man it's so clean! I've been looking on gumtree for ages and haven't come across any 7th gen rims in Melbourne, let me know if you find any!

[The_enD]

Nice Celica

[JoshuaM]

Love your celica man it's so clean! I've been looking on gumtree for ages and haven't come across any 7th gen rims in Melbourne, let me know if you find any!

You mean like the set I'm just about to put on Gumtree

It probably won't be worth shipping though, and I'm missing the centre caps in my spare set. I saw some in Melbourne about a month ago, but I think they're gone now. I'll let you know if I notice any down in your neck of the woods

[Payne]

You mean like the set I'm just about to put on Gumtree

It probably won't be worth shipping though, and I'm missing the centre caps in my spare set. I saw some in Melbourne about a month ago, but I think they're gone now. I'll let you know if I notice any down in your neck of the woods

Yeah shipping would be a killer, appreciate it!

[JoshuaM]

Sooo, little update...
My TRD splitters arrived about 2 weeks ago, but I have been too busy with uni to find time to fit them (...Well, that’s my excuse anyway... I was just chicken of drilling a couple of holes in my bumper ). Thanks Richee3 for the advice for fitment

They went on this morning before uni, and I just washed the car in complete darkness and popped off to the local shops to get you guys some pics... don’t ever say I don’t look out for you guys













I generally like the look... but it is now tempting me to try out how spoiler-less would look (Note TRY, I don't intend for this to be permanent )

Also, I am very pleased to announce that over the past two weeks I have picked up a set of 205/50/16 Yokohama C.Drive part-worns (Practically new... maybe 5,000kms on them?) which were a phenomenal improvement... which got me sucked in and I rotated them to replace the very worn out Kumhos on the back and got some new Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres for the front. I must say, this is THE BEST performance modification you can do to any car... up to this point I have only ever experienced rather terrible budget tyres... but I am NEVER going back. These tyres don’t spin at all when taking off at the lights, don’t chirp if you dump it into second and give a much greater general confidence and stability on the road.

Still waiting for some bits on a ship from Japan, and still waiting on replies from sellers in the UK for various bits and bobs, but everything in good time

[rentaspace]

I got those exact same side markers from eBay a while back, They were great for around 5months and then they started fogging up The seal between (on the lens side) had started failing :L I used some gasket sealer to permanently attach the lens to the seal and ha no problems since Just a word of advice if that happens to you


P.S. Sexy as car

This post has been edited by rentaspace: May 1, 2013 - 7:10 AM

[JoshuaM]

I got those exact same side markers from eBay a while back, They were great for around 5months and then they started fogging up The seal between (on the lens side) had started failing :L I used some gasket sealer to permanently attach the lens to the seal and ha no problems since Just a word of advice if that happens to you


P.S. Sexy as car

Hehe, thank you

It took yours 5 months!!! Mine went in less than 1 Okay, I'll check that out next time I get a chance, thank you

[rentaspace]

I got those exact same side markers from eBay a while back, They were great for around 5months and then they started fogging up The seal between (on the lens side) had started failing :L I used some gasket sealer to permanently attach the lens to the seal and ha no problems since Just a word of advice if that happens to you


P.S. Sexy as car

Hehe, thank you

It took yours 5 months!!! Mine went in less than 1 Okay, I'll check that out next time I get a chance, thank you

Really less than a month? o.O I would of contacted the eBay member... every time something had screwed up for me they've refunded me lol

And man I am jelly of your TRD splits >.<


Also if you take your spoiler off, put on a pre-facelift spoiler and see how it looks

This post has been edited by rentaspace: May 1, 2013 - 7:21 AM

[SwissFerdi]

I must say, this is THE BEST performance modification you can do to any car...

Grip is a very underrated (and misunderstood) commodity. I've heard a good bit of surprise directed at the speed I take turns, etc. Anyway, congratulations on the splitters, now get that bad boy lowered.

[JoshuaM]

Really less than a month? o.O I would of contacted the eBay member... every time something had screwed up for me they've refunded me lol

And man I am jelly of your TRD splits >.<

Also if you take your spoiler off, put on a pre-facelift spoiler and see how it looks

Yeah, should've but I had already left feedback when I found out which usually means they no longer care

Hehe, I like them... but you'll end up with some, everything comes with time

And I am one of the minority, but I actually don't like the 2 post spoiler... I think it looks too flat against the excentuated curves at the back of the celica. I had thought about a GT4/SSIII or TRD spoiler, but the mounting points are different and I hate making structural modifications to my car (I like to be able to easily put everything back the way it came)... that and it will attract a lot more attention from the cops

Grip is a very underrated (and misunderstood) commodity. I've heard a good bit of surprise directed at the speed I take turns, etc. Anyway, congratulations on the splitters, now get that bad boy lowered.

I still used to take the corners at those speeds, it just squealed, spun and squirmed like anything (Okay, slight exaggeration ), now I can plant it and it just hooks and goes XD

But there are no plans to lower - I bought my car for practicality too and do a fair bit of parking on kerbs etc. and don't want to ruin my ride comfort. I also have another addition coming to the rear of the car that must not be mentioned on car forums that will require some adequate suspension travel. If the right thing came up and I had the money I may get something adjustable... but I would only want to lower it minimally anyway. I think the 16's look silly when you get too low.

This post has been edited by JoshuaM: Sep 25, 2015 - 10:03 AM

[rentaspace]

I got those exact same side markers from eBay a while back, They were great for around 5months and then they started fogging up The seal between (on the lens side) had started failing :L I used some gasket sealer to permanently attach the lens to the seal and ha no problems since Just a word of advice if that happens to you


P.S. Sexy as car

Hehe, thank you

It took yours 5 months!!! Mine went in less than 1 Okay, I'll check that out next time I get a chance, thank you

Really less than a month? o.O I would of contacted the eBay member... every time something had screwed up for me they've refunded me lol

And man I am jelly of your TRD splits >.<


Also if you take your spoiler off, put on a pre-facelift spoiler and see how it looks

Yeah, should've but I had already left feedback when I found out which usually means they no longer care

Hehe, I like them... but you'll end up with some, everything comes with time

And I am one of the minority, but I actually don't like the 2 post spoiler... I think it looks too flat against the excentuated curves at the back of the celica. I had thought about a GT4/SSIII or TRD spoiler, but the mounting points are different and I hate making structural modifications to my car (I like to be able to easily put everything back the way it came)... that and it will attract a lot more attention from the cops

I must say, this is THE BEST performance modification you can do to any car...

Grip is a very underrated (and misunderstood) commodity. I've heard a good bit of surprise directed at the speed I take turns, etc. Anyway, congratulations on the splitters, now get that bad boy lowered.

I still used to take the corners at those speeds, it just squealed, spun and squirmed like anything (Okay, slight exaggeration ), now I can plant it and it just hooks and goes XD

But there are no plans to lower - I bought my car for practicality too and do a fair bit of parking on kerbs etc. and don't want to ruin my ride comfort. I also have another addition coming to the rear of the car that must not be mentioned on car forums that will require some adequate suspension travel. If the right thing came up and I had the money I may get something adjustable... but I would only want to lower it minimally anyway. I think the 16's look silly when you get too low.

All comes down to personal opinion I guess
Personally I like no spoiler and the two post
You gonna lower her?

[JoshuaM]

But there are no plans to lower - I bought my car for practicality too and do a fair bit of parking on kerbs etc. and don't want to ruin my ride comfort. I also have another addition coming to the rear of the car that must not be mentioned on car forums that will require some adequate suspension travel. If the right thing came up and I had the money I may get something adjustable... but I would only want to lower it minimally anyway. I think the 16's look silly when you get too low.

All comes down to personal opinion I guess
Personally I like no spoiler and the two post
You gonna lower her?

^^^ Nah mate, although it would look better a tiny bit lower, I can't justify the cost and decrease in ride comfort and functionality just for that look.

And maybe I'd like the 2 post if I had a proper look at them, but I only ever looked at post-face celicas up here, so I'm just basing my opinion off photos. But as usual, everybody has different tastes

[rentaspace]

^^^ Nah mate, although it would look better a tiny bit lower, I can't justify the cost and decrease in ride comfort and functionality just for that look.

And maybe I'd like the 2 post if I had a proper look at them, but I only ever looked at post-face celicas up here, so I'm just basing my opinion off photos. But as usual, everybody has different tastes

Hahah yeah, I want to lower but it's so damn expensive I guess I'll just save up for the 17" rims and see how she looks then

[sr666]

looks much better now mate just need them fronts on / sorted

You know you want to lower the car too, Would look so so sweet

Looking pretty fresh as it is mate I'm jealous your car's all the same colour unlike mine LOL

[cheela]

looking real good now.
what are you planning for the front?

[JoshuaM]

Hahah yeah, I want to lower but it's so damn expensive I guess I'll just save up for the 17" rims and see how she looks then

Cool, what rims / style are you going for? If you couldn't tell already, I really wanted the Caldina ones but they aren't cheap or easy to get a hold of and I just spent over $600 on the 7th gen wheels and new tyres, so those plans are now on hold

looks much better now mate just need them fronts on / sorted

You know you want to lower the car too, Would look so so sweet

Looking pretty fresh as it is mate I'm jealous your car's all the same colour unlike mine LOL

I've been trying!!! There have been multiple people on CCUK (respected contributors I might add) that have been promising the world and then just stop replying to my messages when I want to quote postage and pay them. I actually have a feeling my PM must have to be broken, but who know

And don't talk too fast... Mine is many different shades of silver... Just look at the bumper join in the first pic Also, my paint has been sun damaged and it has escalated from a small patch on the roof last year to now covering the roof, with small patches around the glass on the boot and at the top of the bonnet. This is to go with the many small marks and scratches already on the car when I bought it too i was ready to have the roof resprayed, but i dont think i can justify the cost of a full respray (especially not to get silver again ) At lest it looks good in the pictures

looking real good now.
what are you planning for the front?

Thanks Cheela

Have been trying to organize some euro GT front splitters and front grill for some time now from CCUK members... I have all the money and they have all the parts available; I'm just waiting for them to reply to me

I am going to color code them to the car when I eventually get them, which should add another subtle touch of class without the risk of smashing up any big splitters

[sr666]

Ccuk and respected in the same sentence? That'll be the day haha

I see what you mean now about the bumper join, At least with your car you can see that it's mostly the same shade of silver, take a look at the side of mine you'll notice a huge difference hence my comment lol

I can't help but thinking if you go for the euro front splitters it's going to look a bit unbalanced as in my opinion they aren't anywhere near as deep as the TRD's for example so it may look like there's something missing perhaps?

As for CCUK as you know there's a fair bit of bad blood there between me and them (I'm too bluntly honest haha) and don't get me wrong there's a lot of good members on there but sadly from my respective there's a lot of arse clowns too which ruin it.

Anyways will be watching this closely :-)

[whatthe]

Looking really good man

[rentaspace]

Hahah yeah, I want to lower but it's so damn expensive I guess I'll just save up for the 17" rims and see how she looks then

Cool, what rims / style are you going for? If you couldn't tell already, I really wanted the Caldina ones but they aren't cheap or easy to get a hold of and I just spent over $600 on the 7th gen wheels and new tyres, so those plans are now on hold

I want to get these: Rims


This post has been edited by rentaspace: May 4, 2013 - 1:14 AM

[JoshuaM]

Ccuk and respected in the same sentence? That'll be the day haha

I see what you mean now about the bumper join, At least with your car you can see that it's mostly the same shade of silver, take a look at the side of mine you'll notice a huge difference hence my comment lol

I can't help but thinking if you go for the euro front splitters it's going to look a bit unbalanced as in my opinion they aren't anywhere near as deep as the TRD's for example so it may look like there's something missing perhaps?

As for CCUK as you know there's a fair bit of bad blood there between me and them (I'm too bluntly honest haha) and don't get me wrong there's a lot of good members on there but sadly from my respective there's a lot of arse clowns too which ruin it.

Anyways will be watching this closely :-)

Yes, I have noticed your door colour in particular is not quite the same... at all

I know what you mean, but I haven't seen any pics of the TRD spats on a facelift front that I like... and it will make it even more obvious that I have OEM skirts... which I am not changing Perhaps a better option would be the SSIII front splitters... but I was never really convinced with those on my car (Unless lowered + spoiler... then I like them ). In any case, the euro GT front splitters will make it look less unbalanced than it is at the moment... so it is a good start

Looking really good man

Thanks, means a lot from you!

I want to get these: Linky link

Ahh okay, not my style but I can see why others would like them... and we have already established that we have different tastes (On that note I was reading Whatthe's thread again and like the 2 post again now ). I do have the feeling that it will look a little truckin' with that sort of spoke design on stock suspension though... Should do a photoshop


On that note... Look what appeared on my OzCelica page from another member...



... it's not happening though I don't want a slammed car, and I think it looks a bit silly

[RabidTRD]

That's not slammed lol. That's the kind of tuck I have going right now. With the right wheels, that sits perfect.

[rentaspace]

Ahh okay, not my style but I can see why others would like them... and we have already established that we have different tastes (On that note I was reading Whatthe's thread again and like the 2 post again now ). I do have the feeling that it will look a little truckin' with that sort of spoke design on stock suspension though... Should do a photoshop


On that note... Look what appeared on my OzCelica page from another member...



... it's not happening though I don't want a slammed car, and I think it looks a bit silly

Looks nice, but for my area would be extremely impractical... My front is too low as it is for some places around my area

I'm still not sure about rims and stuff atm... Ill have to go down to the shop and ask for them next to the car... Maybe Ill go onto the photoshop thread and request it to be shopped and lowered.. (I used to be able to do all that on photoshop, but year12 last year forced me to forget to fit stupid physics equations in )

I'm still waiting to be accepted on OZCelica

This post has been edited by rentaspace: May 4, 2013 - 11:17 PM

[JoshuaM]

That's not slammed lol. That's the kind of tuck I have going right now. With the right wheels, that sits perfect.

Haha, but it's just not what I'm looking for

In other news, I had my head under the rear bumper the other night measuring up the threads under the bumper, and there was some spider webs that had been built down to the ground from the rear bumper... whatever, just a spider, so i stuck my head under anyway.... then I looked up and saw this...



I was outta there (For those of you that don't know, that is a redback spider; one of the most dangerous spiders in Australia - and is related to the Black-Widow spider Redback Spider Wiki)

[rentaspace]

That's not slammed lol. That's the kind of tuck I have going right now. With the right wheels, that sits perfect.

Haha, but it's just not what I'm looking for

In other news, I had my head under the rear bumper the other night measuring up the threads under the bumper, and there was some spider webs that had been built down to the ground from the rear bumper... whatever, just a spider, so i stuck my head under anyway.... then I looked up and saw this...



I was outta there (For those of you that don't know, that is a redback spider; one of the most dangerous spiders in Australia - and is related to the Black-Widow spider Redback Spider Wiki)

Red Backs have trouble piercing the skin, chances are it wouldn't hurt you. But, with that being said, if it bit you on the face area then you may have some troubles
We get plenty of red backs around here, and also the Sydney Female Funnel Web (For those that don't know this is the DEADLIEST spider in the world) but again, when they bite there is only like a 40% chance that they actually inject any venom... Neither spider has killed anyone since the antivenoms have been released

Also, speaking of random crap we find in the car... My dad looked under the engine protection plastic this morning (to determine where this rattling was coming from) and we found a completely rusted and starting to melt lighter... Which was also full of gas We don't even know how it got there

[cheela]

hahahah OMG! that's horrible. I had something similar although not as scary happen to me too. Was driving in my girlfriends car going in a roundabout and all the sudden something crawls across my windshield on the inside. was a huge spider! hahahaha made the turn while smushing the spider.

[Euphoria]

Love the stock oem look! Considering its so clean it doesn't look bad on stock monster truck suspension

[JoshuaM]

Love the stock oem look! Considering its so clean it doesn't look bad on stock monster truck suspension

Haha, thanks man.... I think

Nah, I have spent most of my total thread time here and on OzCelica saying no to lowering, but I think I am finally starting to come around

I would only want the drop of some basic springs, but I may end up looking out some coil overs that can be raised up near stock height again when towing the boat. That's not cheap though, so it won't be happening before I get back from overseas next year.

I have been doing a bit on the car part front... All of the JDM's I have been far to busy with assignments and exams, but I will be fitting said items shortly and pics will follow!

[ILoveMySilly97]

On that note... Look what appeared on my OzCelica page from another member...



... it's not happening though I don't want a slammed car, and I think it looks a bit silly

That's not slammed. Its about right. My car is probably about the same heigh. Lol. Rides just perfect. Can clear them drive ways and speed bumps perfectly.

[JoshuaM]

So it has been a little while since I have updated this... I have been really busy with university assignments and exams - but they finished for the Semester a few days ago

A reasonable amount has happened with my Celica in this time... Not all good though

Coolant System

As some of you would have seen on the 'Today I...' thread, one day on the way home I had parked on the side of the road with the engine running for about 10 minutes when I made some phone calls. When I merged back on I looked down and saw my temperature gauge soaring into the red :'(



I pulled over and let it cool off and hobbled home. I initially thought it was an electrical problem with the fans, until after some help from some other on here we discovered that's just how the fans roll I had lost about 1.2 litres of coolant.

Eventually with Dad's help we found the leak (not forgetting that all of this happened on the first day of exam period!) - the heater hose on the control module on the firewall. After hobbling around for another week with no aircon and being super gentle with it we investigated the offending hose further. We were expecting a cracked plastic heater control, but it was in fact just a swollen pipe. Temporary fix was just some pipe sealant and a new adjustable hose clamp until I order the new pipes. Haven't had any troubles since





At the same time I did a full flush of the coolant system; which I had been planning to do soon anyway. Unfortunately I had to redo this the next morning as when I was filling the system I noticed that it was full after only adding about 3L of coolant (out of approx. 6.5L system) - coming to the conclusion that half if the fluids were staying in the engine rather than draining since both radiator hoses were positioned near the top of the engine block. I had done two full flushes with water after the cleaning agent, but that wasn't enough if only 50% was being drained each time - so 2 coolant changes in <24 hours

*End Saga* It has been behaving very nicely ever since

JDM Side Visors

Now to the other saga At the start of June I bought a set of JDM side visors from Japan on eBay from seller jdm_used_parts - mainly so that on frosty mornings I could use the wiper bottles without the water wicking into the cabin for the next 5 minutes However, when they arrived via EMS express there were a few problems (again, occurring in the middle of exams taking up very valuable time and energy -.-). First of all, I noticed that there were no ends of the box - just tape with a tiny bit of the visors bulging through each end. After unwrapping it I discovered a chip missing out of the end of the visor where it had been poking through. Frustrating, but I probably would have just dealt with it. However, upon further inspection there were a few other scuff marks and scratches and a couple of tiny chips that were not mentioned when I specifically asked about these before the sale. Also, the location of the largest scuff mark was over the Toyota badge which showed the item I received was not the one pictured (as the seller claimed).

The real kicker was when I took them outside though.... THEY AREN'T EVEN 6GC!!! My guess is that they are the cheaper 7th Gen ones, as the curves are much sharper, and the mounting points are different. My doors wouldn't even open with these on.

I contacted the seller immediately, who promptly replied that none of the damage was there before (BS - impossible), the images were the same as the pictures (yet he has listed another set with the same pictures which also claims you will receive the items in the pictures... A bit difficult if you were to believe his claim that they were the ones in my living room), they were definitely 100% for a st202 and that any and all damage from mint condition (not his words, but it was inferred) was damage caused in transit (again, complete BS). His closing sentiment was that he was not doing anything until I lodged a damage in transit report with the local postal service, which I have since done, but I disagree with since it was obviously damaged caused before postage, and during postage due to unsuitable packaging - neither of which are covered under the policy. So in my mind I have been forced to attempt insurance fraud

So now 3 weeks after shelling out my cash and paying for express shipping I have no visors and not even an ETA. I'm not worried because I am so obviously in the right for a PayPal refund, it is just how much drama the seller is going to cause in the interim.







Japan Order

My projectors arrived!!! XD However in the long (6 week!) journey here two of the tabs on one of the low beams cracked off. So currently I am waiting for a free day to take off the bumper, line up the tabs in the right spots, fix and install. Before that I am waiting for either the plugs to make my wiring harness to arrive, or waiting to find some locally to save waiting




Crystal Indicators

As posted in Today I, I put on my crystal style front indicators the other day. These were purchased to go with the projectors, but I figured I'd stick them on first...and I was very pleased with the result!!!

Before



Comparison



After



And... Teaser for when I get chrome bulbs / LEDs





Was very good.... Until I stripped the head of the other screw -.- Update - I asked the local Toyota dealer for a replacement but they can't source them any more, so I guess I will just try and find an equivalent at the hardware store.

Euro Stuff

... Still waiting They haven't even been sent out yet since I believe some of my stuff has been lost in the post between Ireland and the mainland UK.

Other Plans

- Paint calipers and rear hubs (red and black respectively) will be done next week hopefully. Was going to do it this week but I am working nights this week and would like to leave the paint to cure overnight.

- Install a hidden cigarette lighter socket under the dash to wire up my dash cam's parking mode. I bought the plug yesterday, so I'll install this week Need to remove some trim to run the wire for it through the roof and pillar too.

- I have spark plugs ready to install, and want to get a couple of other little maintenance things done.

- Find SSIII front splitters

- Swap over to JDM rear wiring harness for tail lights, modified to include a *cough*TrailerHitch*cough*

- Thinking about switching the colour of all my interior LED's again... We'll see

- Looking for a TRD quickshifter - I have found one at the moment but they want $250 plus international shipping for it used

- Install some other random bits and pieces I have been collecting.

- Wash it more / ignore it less

- New wheel alignment to correct for the economy car setup the shop did last time.

- Enjoy it! I went on a big mountain drive yesterday and pushed it on some great roads... Has been almost 10 months since I have been up there and I had forgotten how amazing it was to drive like that! So that will definitely be happening more often

AND a new pic with the clear front indicators;

[Box]

File a claim through eBay, and do it now. You should be able to get a full refund and you'll return them. Nice score on the projectors. Though is it just me, but why is it that NOBODY knows how to pack freaking headlights so that the tabs don't break off.... My god people, bubble wrap and old newspaper...

[JoshuaM]

Yeah, 3 of the lights were packed really well, but the 4th was sitting on top on a new layer and not so much. There were heaps of newspaper shreddings but they were quite light on with the bubble wrap - only a very thin wrap around each one.

And I am yet to open a dispute because we are still waiting on the outcome of the postal dispute so they won't do anything until that is finalised anyway (I don't have them any more)- and I don't want to piss them off too much until I have what I want I am definitely keeping my eye on the clock for my 45 days though.

[rentaspace]

File a claim through eBay, and do it now. You should be able to get a full refund and you'll return them. Nice score on the projectors. Though is it just me, but why is it that NOBODY knows how to pack freaking headlights so that the tabs don't break off.... My god people, bubble wrap and old newspaper...

Mine had bubble wrap, packing beans and freaky japanese manga news paper... Still had a tab break and another crack...

[Box]

People just don't know how to pack. When I pack instruments I do it in such a manner they'd survive the truck rolling over them. Most people just don't know how to, or care to, pack it properly. I can't remember who said it, but someone once told me to "Pack them as if they'll be handled by gorillas." About the damned truth.

[rentaspace]

People just don't know how to pack. When I pack instruments I do it in such a manner they'd survive the truck rolling over them. Most people just don't know how to, or care to, pack it properly. I can't remember who said it, but someone once told me to "Pack them as if they'll be handled by gorillas." About the damned truth.

Protip: If you put fragile stickers on it, people throw it harder

[Box]

That's why you instead mark them with "CAUTION" labels instead.

[rentaspace]

That's why you instead mark them with "CAUTION" labels instead.

More like *EXPLOSIVE*

[Box]

That's why you instead mark them with "CAUTION" labels instead.

More like *EXPLOSIVE*

Oddly enough I've seen women marked with both labels.

[rentaspace]

That's why you instead mark them with "CAUTION" labels instead.

More like *EXPLOSIVE*

Oddly enough I've seen women marked with both labels.

LOL

[SwissFerdi]

Oddly enough I've seen women marked with both labels.

Love, the kind you clean up with a mop and bucket...

[JoshuaM]

Now now guys

I told him that I would be opening a PayPal dispute if I didn't have a suitable replacement product or full refund by the end of next week (Which will be nearing my 45 day period to claim buyer protection which I should be able to win without even trying ). He replied getting very upset saying he will fix everything and I just need to wait, please wait, don't do that etc. etc.

I snapped this pic near midnight on my way home from work the other night since I had my SLR on me (This is just where I was parked at the bus station). Only minimal light coming across from the construction sight (not like the pic shows) and no tripod or anything to lean on I took a couple and they turned out great on the camera, but this was the only one salvageable when I blew them up on the big screen



I am having trouble finding inspiration to take any pics at the moment since I am just waiting to install the projectors Hopefully my wiring plugs will come this week

[Box]

Be careful, he may just be stalling to get past the time you can open a dispute.

[JoshuaM]

Be careful, he may just be stalling to get past the time you can open a dispute.

Don't worry, I wasn't bluffing, I will be opening a dispute even if he has already given me a new tracking number. This guy is getting none of my trust whatsoever

[JoshuaM]

Wheel Alignment

So last year when registering the car after the long drive home, the inspector found transport chocks in the front suspension -.- Needless to say, I had thought the ride was a little harsh on the way home, and the wheel alignment was right out. So I spent my $70 for a new alignment (which was a big deal at that stage of my life) but the tyre shop did an economy car setup on it without consulting me, and killed the turn in.

Soooo.... In preparation for a big (silly) drive I got it done properly this time



Toowoomba Cruise

The next day I set off on a 400km cruise inland to Toowoomba with a couple of mates. We took as many back roads as possible, which included large sections of unsealed roads.... Lots of roads (and driving behaviors) that I wouldn't be able to do if I had some low and decent paint It was a good day




^Note the gravel in the wheels.... may have entered the shot sideways





Probably my favourite shot;



And a side shot, because I never get those




Projectorrzzzz

Yup... It finally happened!!! After ordering them in Easter, and waiting a number of weeks to finalize the sale, and 6 weeks shipping from Japan, and then another 3 weeks waiting for adapters since none of the stores around here could find HB4 plug adapters, I finally got them installed!

I had tracked down a perfect set, however during shipping two of the tabs on one of the projectors snapped off :'( This delayed progress for a bit, but I got down to it the other day and did the repair; 5 minute araldite (2 part epoxy) to secure the tabs back in place, and then a fiberglass repair kit to strengthen it up







For the wiring harness I bought the HB4 harness adapter, and used the H1 pigtails that came with the projectors, and just a simple cut and solder.



And a quick little bumper change (lol, jks )



My mate thought that this was an adequate storage technique



Then;



I had a few troubles getting the under body plastics back together (I have leftover screws and leftover holes... and they don’t match ), but I got it done I got the bulb holders for the accent lights but no pigtails to wire up So I am on the lookout for some 3rd brake lights or side markers to use

JDM door visors

Some of you will have heard that I have had a few issues with my JDM door visors.... The good news is that I finally received my refund!!! Only after opening a PayPal dispute of course, but it was settled outside of the system. (I will link my conversations with the seller here soon – it’s a good read )

However, whilst settling the dispute I scored an epic eBay bargain from Japan; st202 door visors for $22 +p&p!!! XD

They arrived in perfect condition this time, though oddly enough they came attached to the window linings! So anther 2 hours of my life gone, with a hair dryer and a not so sharp knife and I managed to remove them without damage – yay!

I cheated to take some photos and haven’t installed it properly yet – I just need to clear off the last of the double sided tape – I’m thinking I will reattach with silastic.






Mt Cootha

I went for a super quick mini cruise after work today up to a popular lookout overseeing Brisbane... so close but I haven’t been up there since I was a young child, so why not

Unfortunately there were no good photo opportunities with the view, but here is a panorama I made;



And one on the side of the road – note that the camera was completely level in this shot...... the car was not




AND PICTURES!!!! (‘Cause we totally haven’t had any of those yet)























I bought calliper paint – red for the callipers and black for the rear hubs. Now I just need to find time where I can paint them and let them dry

And I was told that my stuff in the UK would be shipping out this week, but I think we missed that boat

[The_enD]

Looking good, time for some HIDs now.

[cheela]

damn that looks good!

[ILoveMySilly97]

Everytime I see your car. It makes me miss how mine usedto be. gts rims and just side skirts. Lol. Them jdm projectors are a really big upgrade! Looking good!

[Box]

Could you post any more pictures?

[richee3]

Nice update, Josh.

[JoshuaM]

Looking good, time for some HIDs now.

I have always been against them.... mostly because I think all of the ones I see are soo blue and just look horribly ricer, which I really hate. Since I've been watching Rentaspace's progression I'm now waiting to see how the 4.3k K HIDs turn out and I might go down that path.

damn that looks good!

^.^

Everytime I see your car. It makes me miss how mine usedto be. gts rims and just side skirts. Lol. Them jdm projectors are a really big upgrade! Looking good!

Yeah, its always a battle between cool bits and keeping it clean

I have euro front splitters on their way, but I have been trying to hunt down some silver SSIII front splitters to go with my SSIII grill that is on its way

Could you post any more pictures?

What.... is that a challenge I hear... muahahaha

Nice update, Josh.

Thank you Hopefully you will have your own shortly

[ILoveMySilly97]

Should just buy the splitter and paint it yourself. Lol. It's not that hard. It wouldn't come out perfect like the car but it'll be cheaper. I mean getting a shop to paint them will cost you just as much or more than what you spent on the splitters itself. Lol. At least in the states.

This post has been edited by ILoveMySilly97: Jul 19, 2013 - 4:19 AM

[JoshuaM]

Should just buy the splitter and paint it yourself. Lol. It's not that hard. It wouldn't come out perfect like the car but it'll be cheaper. I mean getting a shop to paint them will cost you just as much or more than what you spent on the splitters itself. Lol. At least in the states.

Yeah, and our paint shops are at least 50% more expensive than yours

The thing is though that just buying a primer and paint will cost $100, but getting splitters already silver costs no more than any other colour (they just aren't available ATM ).

[SwissFerdi]

$100?

I was thinking along the lines of a $5-8USD cans of primer, paint, and clear.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Jul 19, 2013 - 6:55 AM

[JoshuaM]

Serious? I'll have a look at what's available here then

[Box]

I think DupliColor may actually make your colour in their Perfect Match line of products. If so doing it yourself would be a no-brainer.

[JoshuaM]

I'm afraid your argument is irrelephant!!!

....

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...em=190872683721

XD

There is 2 big scratches on it, so it will need painting eventually, but for now it will photoshop out They were listed last night at $149 USD and the seller accepted my offer of $101 USD + shipping. But I keep forgetting that the Australian dollar isn't at parity anymore so it cost me like $170 here