Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Just a car guy : Whoa! This is a stunner! Hidden under the Waldorf Astoria is the railcar that FDR used, a secret railcar elevator from Grand Central... wow

Just a car guy : Whoa! This is a stunner! Hidden under the Waldorf Astoria is the railcar that FDR used, a secret railcar elevator from Grand Central... wow

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Toyota Putting the Brakes on Scion?

 

 Toyota Regroups


I can't recall exactly where I read this but I recall seeing somewhere that Toyota was backing off of Scion new development and feels that the brand has begun to occupy the same market space as Toyota vehicles. This is the reason, so the logic goes, that Scion is not seeing any new vehicles being developed in the next few years and Toyota dealers are supposedly not being penalized if they choose to drop Scion.




What is the Truth?


Is there any truth to this? Is Toyota about to make the same kind of monumental mistake that Honda did when it try to re-brand Acura and killed the Legend, Vigor and Integra? I certainly hope not but all signs point to yes as Toyota struggles to re-invigorate itself at the expense of one of the coolest marque to come out of Japan in decades.
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Sunday, September 22, 2013

A Scion Truck - Is It Possible?

Click the image to open in full size.

A Scion Truck - Is It Possible?

There has been a lot of talk recently about whether Scion will ever be producing a new truck. According to one poster on Scion Life forums who works at a dealership, he was told by his boss that Scion would be releasing a pickup called the XP for 2014. Still, a quick search under the word brought up only xB conversion kits.

A Pickup Truck by Scion

According to one site I found, however, there is such a vehicle in development. The sit reads as follows:

The original project was started by Toyota four years ago when it first revealed the A-BAT Conceptor Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck, a unibody compact pickup that was powered by a Prius-like hybrid powertrain. ... A unibody “truck” that is designed more as a lifestyle vehicle...and could [italics mine] also be rebadged as a Toyota model and sold overseas. With Toyota currently offering both a 4-cylinder and a V6 in the RAV4, this might also make way for Scion’s first-ever six-cylinder model. Like other Scion vehicles, an A-BAT pickup would be powered by a conventional gasoline engine, but Toyota could also receive a version with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain to sell under its Prius line of vehicles.
So, it appears to be the real deal and is not simply a rebadged Toyo but an actual Scion model. I suppose only time will tell but it is an exciting turn of events for the brand.





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Saturday, September 21, 2013

Scion - An Incredibly Brief History

Born from Toyota, Made for the Youth


Scion, as everyone knows, was a marque devised by the wildly successful Japanese automaker Toyota in order to capture the hearts, minds and checkbooks of today's youth. And, by every indication, they have succeeded. So it was that in 2002 Scion was born and has been producing heavy hitting, tuner-minded vehicles ever since.



New Models and Pure Prices


The first models fielded by Scion were the xB and tC (both originally conceived under much less attractive names such as the bbX and the ccX) and were soon follwed by the xA and the xD. Perhhaps one of Scions biggest marketing advantages is the "Pure Price" program which gives buyers the total price (includng title, tax and insurance) upfront so they can make a quick buying decision. In additon, the trim levels are incredibly customizable making each Scion a completely personalized car.


Onward and Upward


As Scion passed its first decade things were looking up for the company and they continue to put out amazingly well-designed and dependable vehicles. In fact, in some cities such as Chicago most of the taxi cab fleets are made up of dependable xBs with incredible carrying capacity and great MPG.
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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Woodgrain Dash Kits in a Scion?

BMW Wood Dash KitsWoodgrain Dash Kits in a Scion?


Yes, it may sound strange at first but a wood grain dash kit CAN work in a Scion--you just have to be a creative thinker. Yes, I know the new FR-S is all about satin silver and matte blacks but just think of it in a Honey Burlwood or Japanese Cherry wood grain.
Scion Logo

How to Make It Work


The most important thing is to consider when attempting use use a wood grain dash kit from Rvinyl in any tuner car but especially in something like the Scion FR-S (aka Toyota GT86) is that you want to go as far as possible from the color scheme in the vehicle at hand. In other words, no Ebony and no Blackwood. You will want to go with the loudest, most obviously wood grained dash kit you can find.
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Sunday, August 25, 2013

2013 Scion tC Wood Grain Dash Kits

Scion tC Dash Kits are an interior auto trim decal that customize your tC's dash with a custom look. Rdash Dash Kits are the thinnest and cheapest dash kits on the market. Upgrade your tC's interior with a solid color, carbon fiber, wood grain or brushed aluminum finish. Don't bother with thick unsightly expensive domed dash kits, your tC interior deserved the most game changing dash kit available at a fraction of the cost. Rdash products are a perfect alternative to painting your dash or replacing the interior with over-priced 3-D plastic kits that poorly fit your Scion tC.



Scion tC 2011-2013, Basic Interior Dash Kit by Remin®. Using the latest technology, this product is made right here in the USA. Remin dash kits are available in various trim finishes including real wood and wood grain, aluminum, and carbon fiber, real and synthetic. No other dash kit brand gives you the wide range of choices provided by Remin. Capture your vehicle's inner beauty with a custom interior dash kit.


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Friday, August 23, 2013

Dash Kits for the 2005-2010 Scion tC



Customize your ride with Scion tC 2005 - 2010 Dash Kits kits. These Rdash auto trim kits come ready to apply with a 3-year base or upgradable lifetime dash kit warranty.  Available in solid colors, diamond plate, chrome, carbon fiber and even luxurious wood grain finishes we have what it takes to compliment your vehicle's personality. Scion tC Dash Kits are an economical automotive accessory that lets you have a little flair without the hassles of painting your dash or installing expensive unsightly polyurethane dash kits. From avid DIY installers to the Professional dash kit installers, make the switch to Rdash product lines.

Scion tC 2005-2010 dash kits are an interior auto trim kit precut from vinyl film specifically for your Scion tC. Available in popular dash kit finishes such as wood grain, chrome, aluminum and carbon fiber to customize your vehicle's dash panels. These dash trim kits come precut and ready to apply just like a decal but, with a five year warranty. Originally designed as an alternative to painting your dash panels, vinyl dash kits are non-permanent.

What are Rdash ® Dash Kits Kits?
Dash Kits are precut decal auto trim kit, they are model specific and ready to apply to various parts of the interior portions of your car. Please see the diagram pop-up below to see what pieces are included and to insure sub-model fitment. Rdash Dash Kits are the thinnest dash kits on the market designed to blend seamlessly with your dash. These interior dash kits are an alternative to painted interior trim or unsightly thick domed kits.
  > 3 - 7 mil thickness
  > 3 year limited warranty
  > Can be removed without damaging your interior trim
  > Thinnest dash trim on the market
  > Cheapest dash kits available online

How do I install Dash Kits?
The easiest way to answer this questions is for you to watch our installation video, use the pop-up at the top of this page. Installation difficulty depends on the ability of the installer, the particular dash kits being installed and the complexities of the pieces, areas such as digital radio surrounds can be more difficult to apply than a door control surround.
  > Dash Kit Installation difficulty depends on the ability of the installer.
  > Depends on whether the vehicle has complex and large "cut-out" areas of auto trim.
  > Depends on if the proper installation tools and fluids are used.
  > Depends on whether the installer is familiar with heat applying film.

Will your Rdash ® Dash Kits Kits fit my sub-model?
Always check the diagram pop-up to insure proper sub-model fitment.  Not all pieces may fit all vehicle sub-models.  We try to include the most complete kits available for this after-market auto accessory, but vehicle manufacturer may have so many customizable interior options that we may not be able to manufacture a kit for them all. If you need a trim piece that is not listed, you may either use a wrap kit for DIY piece or order a custom dash kit and have us design one for you.

What Dash Kit application tools do you recommend?
Most of them. Installation can be difficult and the tools we sell help guarantee results.
  > The squeegee will reduce air bubbles and aide in heat conforming the decal.  
  > Low friction sleeves prevent "squeegee scratches." 
  > Rapid Prep removes any dirt or debris from your dash surface.
  > Rapid Clear acts as a polishing agent after installation.
  > Seal-It Pens are used to seal the edges of all our protection films.

Do you offer a warranty on your Rdash ® Dash Kits Kits?
We offer a limited warranty of 3 years. We guarantee that the film not fade, peel, crack, bubble or turn a different shade. If you have a problem with Rdash Dash Kits, simply contact us.

Do Dash Kits have a glossy finish?
Some do and some do not.  Carbon fiber, matte and wood grain kits generally have a flat to semi-gloss finish.  The other finishes and shade have a gloss to a high gloss finish.

Is the surface durable?
When applied correctly to the appropriate hard surface the  dash trim is very durable, UV stable and scratch resistant.

Will it fade in the sun?
No, it is coated with a UV protective layer which will last up to three years.

Can it be cleaned?
Yes, once applied and bonded to your surface you may clean it and polish it with such things Armor All or any type of cleaning agent that is Acetate free. We recommend the use of Rapid Clear for maintaining your dash kits.

Providing you with the highest quality dash kits on the market is our goal. We understand that when you purchase a dash kit for your car or truck you're not making just any purchase--you're making a statement about who you are and how you want the world to see you.  Customizing cars has been a passion of our since we started back in 2003 and we are proud to be able to share it with customers like you every single day. Whether you're looking to upgrade an older car or tune a new one we want to be the people you come to first for the best-priced and most innovative products on the market.   
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The Scion FR-S Custom Dash Kit


Rvinyl to Release the 2013 Scion FR-S Custom Dash Kit

Scion Dash Kits are designed for DIY Dash Kit installation, if you can apply a decal you can install a Rdash auto trim kit.  Scion Dash Kits apply just like a "skin" or decal to the interior dash panels of your  Scion's trim. Designed to accent the interior of your Scion's OEM dash parts, our kits are the least expensive dash kits available in popular finishes such as red, blue yellow, carbon fiber, aluminum and even exotic wood grains. Customize your Scion with this DIY auto accessory.

When the Scion FR-S was first announced, gearheads globally had to sit down and hide their excitement beneath a cushion. Toyota would certainly go back to the RWD performance car scene by having an affordable, enjoyment vehicle -- similar to the MR2 had been previous to it started performing a frog impression.

Toyo would hook up with Subaru for making the final mix off Japanese fun. Subaru would donate the Boxer engine and Toyota the RWD know-how. Together they'd rule the whole world. The combination will give both firms a product to be proud of -- Subaru, with the BRZ, would enter the RWD market; Toyota would be back on point. Today we'll be concentrating on the Toyota.
Toyota gets back in the game with the FR-S

It's a looker, no doubt. It looks like a real sports car should: vaguely phallic, with a hint of approachability. You do not look at it and immediately assume a tosser supports the keys. Inside it's all performance car: lots of racy fonts, tactile plastics, sculpted seats up front, and chairs only really suitable for weeble-wobbles and shopping in the back. It's aesthetically pleasant and doesn't appear to be it'll date too badly. The rimless rearview mirror is quite cool, too.


To drive, it was certainly worth all the excitement. Its 2.0-litre Boxer engine pumps out a relatively meagre 197 bhp, but that's enough to get you going at a fair lick. You can also easily have fun with the back end if you're that way inclined.


Bends are no problem for the GT 86 -- its chassis is perfectly suited to being flung into a bend and keeping you there. You'll be flattered by its handling, charmed at times. It feels light, nimble, quick...and many other words that can be translated to "awesome."
What's all the fuss about? Toyota's brought the sports car back, that's what. And it's better than ever.
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