First, hello all, i've been lurking for a few weeks (ever since i ordered my tC ) glad to meet you all, it looks like a very helpful community.

Im waiting for my '07 BSP tC to be delivered (I should have a solid delivery date today) I'm extremely excited cause it will be my first *NEW* car!

Ive ordered it totally stock (trying not to finance extras that will cost me 3x the price after im dont paying the car off) so *MOST* of my upgrades are going to be D.I.Y. and i ahve a few questions about that.

1) First, how difficult is it to install a rear sway bar? I have access to a garage and the nessessary tools, will a jack and jack stands be enough to change out the stock bar?
(as far as experience ive played under the hood of my older cars but never touched the suspension)

2) Short throw shifter - I've read up on the shifters and noticed that most are part steel and alum., but the CC one is all T6 Alum is there any risk of breakage over the others?(i want a little drop but not what the Stage 2 gives, thats a bit much)

3) How does the paint hold up for the BSP, i know with black you notice EVERY little scrath (i just got a call from my dealer while i was typing this out saying that the nautical blue '07 5spd just came in and color isnt that important i like the BSP, NB, and FM) is the BSP prone to scrathes and such?

4) One of my buds from the Orlando area is talking about sponsorship, does anyone have any links i can read up on about sponsorships and the work required to get/maintain them?

Thanks guys

 

1) Rear sway bar is extremely easy, other than swapping out my s2k antenna, the TRD rear sway bar was the first mod I did on my car. It's very simple and straightforward, you may need to wiggle it around to get it in there but it's not very technical. Probably one of the easiest mods you can do.

2) I have the CC short shifter and it's extremely strong from what I can tell, I don't think I've heard of anyone on here breaking it, but I'm sure it's possible with any shifter.

3) Dark colors do usually show scratches and imperfections in paint much more than any of the lighter colors. Honestly, the best color that hides dirt AND scratches is silver. Black cars are typically very hard to keep clean since they get dirty very quickly, but when they're clean, they look oh so good. Color choice is up to you though, my first choice was SW, then settled for IIP since it was my 2nd choice.

4) Personally I'm not too familar with sponsorships, others can answer this though.

The following is a link to the tech section. Use it for DIY guides that have been written by other SL members. Using it you'll be able to find a guide for the rear sway bar.
https://www.scionlife.com/tech/

 

I took an early lunch and went over to the dealer's, and I'll be driving my tC home monday at 1:30

Thanks brian, the sponsorship prolly isnt a good idea, i dont have a ton of extra time and money kicking around to get allot done to he car.

Also:

5) What are people paying to get thier tC's Tinted, i was quoted $280 today by a local shop and that seems pretty steep for a 2 door @_@

 

$190 for 35%, lifetime warranty

shop around, you will def find a better price

 

damm 280? thats alot a good price would be between 150-200

lower than that if you people

 

I paid $100 for 35% all around at Mr. Tint which is a local chain in Western MA.

 

The scion paint isn't too bad. It's a little on the soft side, but if you take care of it (wash with good mitts, automotive car wash soap, use soft towels, etc), it;s manageable.

I vote for nautical blue, but i'm a little biased

 

the paint IS pretty crappy. i do full details on the car and it doesn't help. this includes claying, sealant, polish and wax. and it's good stuff, not the stuff from autozone and pepboys.

 

First of all WELCOME TO SCIONLIFE! Let me try to answer all of your questions.

1) The rear sway bar is pretty easy to install. I have installed my TRD rear sway bar myself. I just used a jack with jack stands and a torque wrench for the bolts. I think it took me about 10-15 min to install.

2) Don't know the answer for this one since I don't have a short throw shifter.

3) Scion's paint sucks period. I have a BSP and have a few paint chipped and it's very noticeable. It really sucks because I used to have a 1987 Supra and never had a paint chipped til the day I sold it. So, just be extra careful when you wash your car to prevent scratches.

4) Can't answer this question either since I'm not familiar with sponsorships.

5) WTF! $280 for a tint job! That's ridiculous! I just got my tint last week and cost me $130 for all 5 windows not including the windshield. It comes with lifetime warranty...so if it bubbles, fade, or peel along the years...they will replace it for free. I got the TG-smoke kind and the brand of film they used was Madico. So, the bottomline is that you can find a cheaper tint shop than that place...just look for a place that has lifetime warranty then you're good.

 

i already have like 4 or 5 small chips. we are talking like a crumb size. it ____es me off everytime i wash that area. I have had mine since 4/20/06 and yes it is 4/20 lol!!!!!

What has people done with their BSP for chips?

I paid 200 bucks for tint -3m lifetime warranty

 

sharpie marker works for BSP.

 

not sure if i want to use a sharpie marker....hmmm.....

Has anyone done this?

 

In regards to the short-throw shifter question:

You shouldn't be worried just because it's aluminum. Aluminum can be heat treated to almost any tensile strength and hardness you could need. They use it for airframe pylons that jet engines are mounted to.

 

HappySquirrel:

Ok thanks, i had read somewhere that Alum shifters had a tendancey to break. It was prolly just someone trying to push thiers.

RCFelix:

Thanks yea im going to have to shop arund more, there is no way in hell that im paying 280 for 3 windows... (the 2 backs dont count )

 

You're welcome Jayjr...damn $280 for just 3 windows...that's even more ridiculous. Maybe your windows would be bulletproof with their tint hehehe.

 

Bulletproof window tint? I wonder if this is one of those shops that modifies cars for politicians and drug cartel leaders to protech from attack. If so, maybe ask if they can get you one of those radical flame thrower systems that shoots flames up the sides of the doors and roasts any would-be assassins approaching your car from the side. Might come in handy in NY!

 

7 bucks, 20% and warranty

 

Wouldn't it be 5 windows?

 

good point ^^^

 

Hey happysquirrel i agree that those flamethrowers would most definitely come in handy in NY!!!!!