Where to start?

Advanced search

[ToddMS]

So I think I have finally been bitten by the mod bug.  After having my box for about 4 months I have decided to add a few things before changing anything.
Add:
Cruise
Fog Lights (?)
Window Rain Visors

Had a couple questions.  Are the fog lights in the halo grill better/worse than the standard ones next to the middle grill area?  Do they really make a difference for Iowa driving?
Are the in-channel rain visors better/worse/easier to install than the non in-channel ones?

Change:
Grills
Taillights
Misc. chrome or carbon fiber changes

Are the grills I see on ebay cheaper quality as well as price?  What are some original (not seen on everybody's ride) grill shops?
Do the carbon fiber looking adhesives look cheap when applied?

I don't need show quality as I will still be driving this everyday to work, grocery store, etc., but I would like to make it my own. 

Thanks in advance for all your help.

T

[IAxB]

Ok I'll answer two of your questions, the Fog lights...We at one point intime had two first gen xBs, mine which we still have had the fog lights, my wifes didn't, I run with my fogs on at night all the time, and we really noticed the difference in light output between the two cars, my car has the OEM foglights. My wife will never order a car without them again..her new 2nd gen has fog lights.  I can't speak for the halo grill with the fogs, never seen actual light output from them..

As far as the vent visors, I have the Wade inchannel visors and love them.  put them on a month after I got the car, I do know people who have the others and really like them too... Its a personal preference, I like the clean install look of the in channels a lot better than the other ones.

[THansenite]

I am not sure what gen box you have, but if it is a first gen, I may be able to get you OEM fogs for really cheap.  Several warehouses around the US are liquidating their OEM parts supplies by giving them away to local clubs and enthusiasts.  Let me know if you have a first gen and I can see if I can get you some fogs for dirt cheap.

As far as the carbon fiber overlays, yes, they look cheap.  They don't reflect light the same as true carbon and while the quality may be good, it won't compare to true carbon.  I have been getting into doing work with composites and may be looking at doing some small parts in the future if you are interested.  A sheet of carbon is somewhat expensive, but the quality, asthetic, and weight benefits from true carbon is worth it in my opinion.

[Doanrs]

I have a set of new in the box putco billet grills collecting dust if you are intersted. I'll make you a hell of a deal. I've never even looked at them but I think Roy has a set. Beware of ebay grills.

[IAxB]

The Putco Billets are awesome, they fit right and are pretty easy to install. I'm not running mine right now because its not the look I want at the moment, but I really like the quality and fit of them.

[grizzly_choppers]

I agree with Tony about the carbon fiber.  All of my appliques are real stuff and there is a depth to it that you can't get with a sticker.  My old shift knob had the sticker on the sides and it was noticable.

I'll ditto what Roy said on the fogs and the Wade vent visors.

The Putco grilles really are the best quality ones anywhere.  Plus they're made up in Story City which is cool.  Take that set off of Andy.

To get an original grille you need to talk to one of the customizers out of Cali.  They don't come cheap, but they are very subtle and cool.  If you're interested let myself or Roy know and we'll give you a name or two.

[ToddMS]

Thanks for all the quick replies.  THansenite, I do have a first gen box and I am interested in the dirt cheapness of the lights, but would an extreme novice be able to install, or would there be someone who would install without me purchasing the lights directly from them?
As far as the grill goes, that would be at least 6 mos. down the road.  I will let you know when I can move on to the changing mods.  I will prolly only be able to do this as a birthday, holiday kind of thing as money is tight now. 
I heard that you have to take off the bumper to do the mid and lower grill swap, is that true?  Also heard about clearing out the headlights, what's that about?  Thanks again for helping a noob.

T

[IAxB]

to do the lower and mid grill swaps, most replacement grills are actually just overlays you just fasten them over the existing honeycomb... clearing the headlights is an easy and cheap mod, you take the orange reflector out... the best way to do this is to bake your headlights to soften the adhesive so you can pull them apart...then after their apart you just pull the reflector out, I could help you with that I've done mine not too long ago...

[THansenite]

If the foglight install is anything like on the tC, it is extremely simple.  You just have to remove your front bumper, put in the lights, the harness should already be there to plug into behind the bumper, then just plug in the switch to the harness in the interior.  I would be willing to install them.  I love doing installs.

[ToddMS]

Lots of great people with lots of great insight, THansenite, PM me and let me know a price you would want.  I'll have to discuss it with my wife and let you know.

[THansenite]

PM'ed