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What has to be installed at the factory and what can be inst

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Old 08-30-2006 | 11:46 PM
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Default What has to be installed at the factory and what can be inst

Ok, I'm no mechanic and I never took shop class so I don't know much about cars except how to drive like a normal person. I'm still debating on whether to get an xA or something else. If I do get an xA, these are the options I want:

- silver streak mica

- automatic transmission

- Fog Lights

- Mud Guards

- Rear Bumper Applique

- Cargo Liner

- Center Armrest

- Security Remote Covers

- Floor & Cargo Mats

- Door Sill Enhancements

- SRS Side & Curtain Airbags

- Scion Security

- Blue LED Illumination

- Basic Pioneer AM/FM/CD

- 18" TRD Alloy Wheels and Tire Package

- TRD Struts/Shocks Kit

- TRD Sport Muffler

- TRD Lowering Springs Kit

- TRD Front Strut Tie Bar

- TRD Rear Sway Bar


I'd like all of the above, BUT can't afford all of it atm. So which of the above can be added later on by the dealer and which have to be added at the factory?
Old 08-31-2006 | 12:17 AM
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The only things installed at the factory are auto transmission and silver streak mica.
Old 08-31-2006 | 12:52 AM
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^Exactley, get the other stuff you want at www.scionpartspeople.com . Stay away from the optional wheels, Scion security, and LEDs. You can get a MUCH better deal on a better set of wheels on sites such as www.discounttiredirect.com . The Scion Security is a ripoff, go to www.scionspecialties.net to get a security system wired to fit into your Scion, easy DIY for much less and has more features. The LED's are a <$10 30min DIY, just look around SL for more info on all of your Scion questions and welcome .
Old 08-31-2006 | 01:02 AM
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Thanks guys. ;)
Old 08-31-2006 | 01:07 AM
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I have a question for the security alarm on scion specialist.

http://www.scionspecialties.net/sec_...ntrysystem.htm

What does the remote look like?
Old 08-31-2006 | 01:11 AM
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I don't think you can get the side airbags installed aftermarket. I wouldn't, even if you can.

So yeah, the auto, the paint, and the side air bags. No need to pay interest on the rest.
Old 08-31-2006 | 01:15 AM
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Hmmm... Doesn't look like any of the aftermarket security things come with the nice remotes with changeable covers.

Also, I know nothing about installing car parts, nonetheless LEDs. How would that work if I ordered all the stuff (TRD Struts/Shocks Kit, TRD Sport Muffler, TRD Lowering Springs Kit, TRD Front Strut Tie Bar, TRD Rear Sway Bar) online from these places? Would I have to ship my xA to these stores or do I bring the parts and my xA to my dealer to have them install the stuff?
Old 08-31-2006 | 01:56 AM
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Well you can try DIY by reading a lot and figuring out stuff from this forum.

Yeah..I agree with you, the remote control for the aftermarket security looks like a huge chug of plastic. I don't know how I'm gonna fit that in my pocket. I really don't care for the changeable covers, but I want a slim remote controller or even better, slap it together with my key.
Old 08-31-2006 | 02:03 AM
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If someone has done these installations, post which ones are easy and which ones are not. That would probably help the guy out. He could probably do all of it, but some of it might be intimidating for someone who has never worked on cars at all.

From what I know (and alot of people know way more than me):
- Floormats are obviously very easy. Definitely should buy those online.
- Center armrest looks very, very easy. I think anyone who can follow simple directions could do this.
- Security system looked tedious to me. None of the steps looked all that hard, but there were alot of steps and wires to hook up.
- Foglights looked fairly easy. Nothing looked too tough. I would think anyone who is even somewhat mechanically inclined could do this one. The toughest part looked like figuring out exactly how to run the wiring harnesses, but if you didn't do it exactly the same as the factory it probably wouldn't matter as long as everything was plugged in and you weren't hitting any moving parts.
- The springs don't look that hard. That might be a little tough for someone who has never worked on cars before, but there are step-by-step instructions on this site, so even if it took awhile, I think you could get it right.
- The strut tie down and rear sway bar should be easy. It doesn't look like there is much to them, but I'm not sure on this.

I agree with someone else who said to not pay for the Scion wheels. There are way more aftermarket choices and you should be able to get better wheels (with more choices) at a lower price.

Check www.trdsparks.com for some of the installation instructions on items you asked about. That will give you an idea of whether you would want to do the install yourself or not.
Old 08-31-2006 | 06:16 AM
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As far as the wheels go. Get them aftermarket. Racing Hart makes the same exact wheels. They even have them in 17" so you can have the look with a better ride and save some coin. Most of the other stuff is pretty easy to install if you have some common sense and basic hand tools.
Old 08-31-2006 | 08:36 AM
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Well you've got most answers from everyone. As for installing the parts here's the best suggestion: go find a local Scion club and make some friends, chances are there's someone who's installed what you want to. Where's your location, I could even find your nearest club(s) I hope.

Muffler is an easy install and so is the rear sway bar. Just need you basic bolt and ratchet set in metric and you're good to go.

As for the springs/shocks, these are a more moderate install and if you dont feel comfortable I'd suggest having someone help you. (Dont forget that your alignment will be off after doing this install and you will need a shop to re-align your car.)

When you buy parts online they are shipped to you and you must decide where you want to take them to have them installed, or just hop out to the driveway and do em yourself. Happy modding!
Old 08-31-2006 | 12:32 PM
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What everyone has said is right... most of your wish list is very simple install....

The LEDs and armrest should be done at the same time so you don't have to take out the cosole but one time.

But the Scion club is the best modification you can add.
Old 09-01-2006 | 12:59 AM
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Does the center armrest even require removing the center console?
Old 09-01-2006 | 01:26 PM
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Not sure, but if you put an LED in the rear cupholder, it will foul the armrest.
Old 09-01-2006 | 02:45 PM
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The armrests I have been looking install over the rear cupholder, I think you'd be OK with an LED in the rear cupholder.
Old 09-01-2006 | 03:20 PM
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I'm glad all MY options will be installed at the factory and/or port
Old 09-01-2006 | 08:34 PM
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Default Re: options

Originally Posted by whisperingshadow
I'm glad all MY options will be installed at the factory and/or port
Wow, I wish I had money to burn like that. Heck, with just what you were to save on the markup and labor you could buy another set of wheels and tires on line.
Old 09-01-2006 | 10:31 PM
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Yep...getting it under invoice, all accesssories at invoice, and no charge for installation of accessories even performance 3 month wait for build in japan but thats ok
Old 09-01-2006 | 11:49 PM
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Default Re: What has to be installed at the factory and what can be

ok... lets go down the list... even tho drive an xB...most parts are interchangeable..

- silver streak mica & automatic transmission
factory...
- Fog Lights
DIY, i havent done them but supposedly its 95% plug and play cars are alegedly wired for'm

- Mud Guards
DIY,
- Rear Bumper Applique
DIY, have you ever built a model? just wash you car well(dont wax) mix up a small bottle of water/rubbing alcohol and a drop of dish soap, spray bumper peel off sticker and line up the way you want... use a plastic card to work out the water and air.. let dry

- Cargo Liner
like a floor mat.. drop in place

- Center Armrest
pending type.. but i think its 1 screw to install

- Security Remote Covers
if they charge you install fee for that...

- Floor & Cargo Mats
DIY, drop in place

- Door Sill Enhancements
think these are just like big metalic stickers... peal 'n stick

- SRS Side & Curtain Airbags
Factory

- Scion Security
if your set on this particular type factory, otherwise look into other after market ones, you could get a better one installed from your local car audio shop with same features for less

- Blue LED Illumination
DIY/after market.. you can order cathodes online or at computer stores, for a fraction of the price, bigger color selection, get an "add a fuse" thing from a auto parts store with some wire and zip-ties, and your good to go

- Basic Pioneer AM/FM/CD
Factory

- 18" TRD Alloy Wheels and Tire Package
if its a must have now, dont wanna deal with stealies... go for it, otherwise you can find a bigger selection after market for cheep..

- TRD Struts/Shocks Kit
may as well go dealer installed, unless you have a jack, stands and a few tools... plus in theroy you'll get a free alignment after they install'm and warranty

- TRD Sport Muffler
factory

- TRD Lowering Springs Kit
Springs are easy, jack, stands and large socket wrench... but if your getting the strut/shocks too.. may as well toss them in same time

- TRD Front Strut Tie Bar
DIY, 6 bolts total to install.. wrench and a jack.. no problem

- TRD Rear Sway Bar
DIY, jack, stands, tools... from what i've read its like 4-6 bolts??


like most have said... all parts can be had for way cheaper... just depends on how many tools you have access to or willing to borrow or buy, to install your self. or round up a few local owners have a BBQ & install day
Old 09-03-2006 | 02:52 PM
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The Pioneer isn't factory even though it's standard at no extra cost. The XA comes from the factory with no radio in place, just a hole with a cardboard filler.


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