XwannaB

Hi,

I'm hoping that this can be the definitive thread on "xB mods for TALLS".

Before anyone follows me down this road, you should probably read this excellent page on why you shouldn't join my little adventure.

That said, let's get started. :-)

Here are the issues I have in my xB from easiest to hardest.
1) Rearview mirror obstructs vision ahead
2) Right leg bumps into automatic shifter
3) Right knee/shin bumps on center portion of dash

1) Rear view mirror obstructs vision
When looping around a right curved onramp that slopes down, the mirror is a significant obstruction. At intersections, it can impair vision of pedestrians crossing the street and cars approaching from the right.

I see two options here;
1.A) Replace mirror with one that is designed to glue onto the glass
Any recommendations for replacement mirrors? I know the mirrors in a Ford Focus glue to the windshield. That was my plan.
How to remove the existing rearview mirror?

1.B) Somehow, cut arm on existing mirror to move it up.
This doesn't seem too likely. If someone has an idea, that's great.

2) Right leg bumps into automatic shifter
I can't find the thread here where a guy spun the shifter 180 degrees to put the button on the other side. It seemed like a great solution.

3) Right knee/shin bumps on center portion of dash
I only see two viable options here and both have their pros and cons

3.A - Move seat back X"
I just got back from a shop that specializes in interior work on cars and got a quote of $550/$860 for moving driver/both seats back on my xB. I trust that the owner has the experience and skill to do this safely. His plan is to;
- move the rear doorside "tower" where the seat mounts back as necessary
- - this can be done since the "tower" is not stamped, but welded in place
- cut carpet around "tower" and cut a the same size hole from new location and use that piece to patch the original location
- make new holes/bracing for the other rear corner
- cut the "legs" from the front of the rail and weld extenstions. Add bracing around front bolt points to handle extra torque applied.
I think this will safely and effectively move the seat back. The owner also said that the change can be reversed for about the same cost.

Advantages
- can get up to 6" extra legroom
- can be undone
Disadvantages
- steering wheel may now be too far away
- extensive/expensive modification to the car
- left arm may no longer fit in door armrest
- airbag seat position sensor will indicate the seat is closer than actual
- - may affect design/functionality of airbag

3.B - Remove center portion of dash below "Passenger" seatbelt warning light.
I can live without the "cubby", three "blanks", lighter and ashtray. However, is it likely that this can be done cleanly? I have no idea how feasible this is.

Advantages
- don't need to move seats or make structural mods to car
- cheap? easy?
Disadvantages
- destructive modification that can not easily be undone
- likely will decrease resale value of car
- may result dash that is less rigid and has more squeeks/noise
- removes storage, lighter, and ashtray

3.C - Get longer seat rails and have them overhang the existing mounting points.
Apparently this is not feasible/safe. The rail would be put under extreme loads during an accident and would likely fail.

I know the xB has a great amount of room (that's why I bought one) so please don't add "I'm X'Y" and I fit fine" comments. I hope this thread will provide options for those who don't fit fine.

Thanks for any help on my project.
Dale

itsMrChris

Im 6 foot 9 and would be curious to read about any mods along these lines myself!

violent_b

I'm 6'5" with no complaints. 5 spd tranny no problem.

crayonBOX

if you move the physical seat brackets, arent you still going to move the seat forward so your foot is in the same comfortable position...? sorry for the noob question.. im 5'5" ...

another thought, i saw someone un do the front two bolts and place a set of washers (i dont know how many) but they were able to lift the thigh area up a little and that solved many problems (probably cheaper than option 3A)

TheScionicMan

I've done the washers and new bolts in the front to raise the seat. It is a tremendous help for my legs, but you probably can't get more than an inch of height that way without being unsafe...

whosgeo

You may want to share some of your ideas with these folk: https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=60308 Personally I fit fine in it, but i understand the frustration. good luck with the mods.

PS exactly how tall are you?

gslippy

Sorry to begin this way, but I'm 6'7" and fit fine, which is one of the reasons I bought the car to begin with.

I found the automatic shift lever to have the problem you describe - knee hitting the button, and that was one factor that made me get the manual shift instead.

I agree with you on the rear view mirror. However, I just wish the mirror was bigger, because at my distance from it, the mirror doesn't cover the entire rear window area, so I do feel like I'm missing some detail back there once in a while.

My only recommendation on mods is to do them with an eye towards reversibility, otherwise the car will be harder to sell someday.

xBino

a really cheap fix is a larger clip on mirror (280mm feels just right) from OBX/Broadway. It'll set you back $13, but I'm afraid it won't solve the problem of being in the way tho...

SciFly

I found a fine quality, first-surface clip-on long convex at the local auto parts store (Advance Auto Parts)

It's only seven bucks. It is easy to apply to the Scion mirror by its spring-clamping clips.