Welcome to my world!  Here you will find a complete documentation of my Corolla as it has evolved over time.  But it is not finished!  If you are into modding cars, you know that it never ends!  I have gone to painstaking efforts to relay as much information to you as possible with pictures and descriptions.

At the top of each section you will see a blue bar with a Toyota logo in the middle with 2 blue buttons on either side.  The leftmost button takes you back to the top of the page.  The "TOC" button opens my off-site table of contents in a new tab/window.  This table of contents is very detailed; it lists when each of the sections on each page was last updated and it has a search so that you can easily find information on my pages.  The third button is an up arrow which takes you to the previous blue bar/Toyota logo.  The rightmost button takes you to the next section.  Just hover the mouse pointer over any of my buttons to get a "tooltip" describing the button.  

You will also see text buttons surrounded in blue and separated by white bars at the top of each page.  These jump you to a section on that page.

If you decide to do something to your car because you saw it here, please give me credit where it is due (link to my page w/ my name or something).  Thanks.

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Click here to see the latest updates on my Corolla (page 2)

June 25, 2009 (Updated June 26)

OK, well it has been a really long time since I did anything to my car.  So, I'd thought I'd bring you up-to-date. 

I haven't washed or cleaned my car since the pictures I took for this page (April).  It has gone down hill from there.  I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing, but here goes.

Only 1 month I finished the custom LED tail lights (finished in April), I backed into a metal railing that was painted the same color as the building behind it.  It cracked the lens a few ways as you can see here.  I put a piece of clear packing tape over it to keep the water out.  So much for my perfect tail lights.  The crack doesn't affect the light output/pattern, and it isn't THAT noticeable.  But, you notice these sort of things on your own car.  So, now I need to buy the entire set of 3 tail lights ($130) and make my lights all over again.

 

I can't fix that rust for my life.  It has eaten holes over BOTH rear wheels.  The only way to fix this is to buy a replacement part, cut the old one out, and weld the new one in.  I have to get a body shop to do that for me.  That will cost $1000s I'm sure.

 

And, the car will not pass the emissions test.  It has failed twice.  After it failed the first time, I used fuel system cleaners, Seafoam, and changed the spark plugs and wires (a basic tune up) since that is what they said would fix the problem.  It failed the second test by a whole lot more.

So I go back to the mechanic, and they can't figure out what is wrong because the coolant temperature sensor is not working.  They changed the sensor, and it still didn't work.  So, I need to replace the ECU ($150 for the part).  It took a lot of work to get to it, but there it is in the back.

So, that is my interior at the moment.  The shop can't find a computer with a matching number, so I'm pretty screwed at the moment.  Once this is fixed, then we can figure out what is wrong with the emissions.  LOLz.  And my next test needs to happen before July 8th.  Of course, since the sensor is not working, the engine thinks that it is -infinity degrees.  Basically, it runs all the time like it would run at cold startup during the dead of winter.

It's running very rich, so I'm burning lots of extra fuel, or rather, it isn't burning, so the bumper turns black, and I guess that is why the emissions are so high.  Hopefully this can get fixed before it ruins my new exhaust/cat converter and sensors.  Also, you can see here how the exhaust is hitting the bumper.  I have been trying for a year to hang it right, but I can't.  So, I get terrible rattling noises that sounds awful in and out of the car.

 

UPDATE

I fixed the tail pipe so that it is perfectly in the opening... it was really easy, I don't know why I didn't see how to do it before...

 

</update>

Also with the interior, it is sooooo dirty.  I'm working on a large landscaping project in my yard, so I've had to transport lots of plants, dirt, materials, etc.  It is sooo dirty lol.  And, lots of the LED lights have stopped working because of my bad wiring job falling apart.  I have zero lights in the trunk because I had to disable them when the door switch stopped switching the lights off and my battery died.

Oh, and my fog lights have stopped working.  There's a loose wire in the relay.  Grrrreat.

UPDATE

OK, so the wiring/relay wasn't the problem... the fuse was!!!!  I have no idea how this happened... must've been a bad fuse from the start... but I upgraded the new fuse from 15A to 20A.  Now the fog lights work.

 

</update>

And, my A/C doesn't work since I broke the pipe installing the exhaust.  The shop can't seem to get the correct pipe, so I STILL don't have A/C!  And it is getting pretty hot.  Another $100+ down the drain.

Then, the other day, I go out to my car after a long, boring day of work to find this:

My poor doors!  Well, they used to be perfectly smooth.  Now, they are completely screwed.  At least I park in a secure area, so the security guard caught the person before they could drive away.  So, I should be able to have this fixed.  But, it means that my car looks even more like junk.  I still don't know how they did that to the door.  I'll expect to see lots of rust there soon.

UPDATE

So, the nice lady left a note on my window, and it is all finished.  She parks next to me, so the damage was pretty evident on her car.

As it turns out, she was backing out of the spot.  She didn't see my car because a blue Subaru (the same color as my car) drove by, so she thought I had left.  So, she scraped side against side.  It completely bent up her metal just like my door.  Lucky for her, it was only my paint that came off.  I had already wiped all of the blue before this pic.

 

Two more pics to see where it happened:

My car actually looks cool in that light haha.  So, that brown car wasn't there, but the gray Benz was.  So, she just backed into my spot but there I was. lol.  But, it is all fine, since she wrote me a check for over $650.  I'm pretty happy at the moment.

Oh yeah, but I had to get another estimate for the cost of repair.  So, I drove to Maaco, and they said it would cost $800 (the first estimate was the $650).  BUT, on the way back, I ruined one of my fog lights.  The streets in Baltimore are terrible (people don't believe me when I say I don't want to lower my car), and one of the fog lights actually popped out.  I heard it dragging along the ground, but I thought it was a mudflap or something under the car.  Since I was almost at work (and this was taking a lot longer than I had wanted), I kept going.  Until I stopped one block later because I was getting some really weird looks from pedestrians.  I thought my front lip had come off or something.  But no, there was the fog light face down on the pavement. The damage (click on the pics):

All scraped up.  But, that is OK since the lights don't turn on anymore anyway.  LOLz.  It isn't very easy to tell, but it means I need to spend another $50 for a new pair of fog lights.  Sigh.  At least I will finally get another fog light switch to match my current one so that I can use it for the rear fog lights.

</update>

UPDATE

OK, so I got the lights working, and you can see the scrapes on the lens with the light hitting it.  But, they still aren't noticeable unless you look this close and at this angle, so I'll keep these fog lights for a while.

 

When I got my bumpers painted in Janurary, I got Maaco to mix me up a far of touch-up paint.  So, I used it for the first time on the scrapes/metal and rust.  hmmmm it was supposed to match... maybe it will after it cures.

 

</update>

So, you can see that nearly every aspect of my car has gone to shambles.  Hence the lack of updates on my part.  I'm really busy now that I actually have my first real job, and I'm got to finish that landscaping and stuff before I can move onto another project (restoring this car).  At least money won't be a problem anymore.  And how are you?

 

June 13,2009

Cool!  Check out this Ebay seller who is using pictures of my car to sell head lights!  Even though they didn't get my permission or anythingat first, I'm pretty honored.  And, in my opinion, they couldn't have choosen a better car!  LOL!  But, I did contact them and I got $30 for the use of my pictures.  Sweet deal!

 

Click here to see the latest updates on my Corolla (page 2)

These brand-new pictures show my car as it currently sits (stock height).  I even remembered to remove the front license plate this time (except for the first two pics, whoops).  The car has never been so clean!  The exterior is pretty much finished at this point.  I know that it isn't the best car in the world, but I like it.  I am NOT planning on lowering it because I drive it 50 miles a day, and it is not like I race it or need extra handling ability.  

The front 5000K HID fog lights are used during the day as DRLs:

The red LED rings in the tail lights are bright as a rear DRL or rear fog light as they have in Europe:

(Back Mods) Super-smooth trunk, custom red/clear LED tail lights, BMW lip spoiler with custom LED light, JDM Erebuni non-extended version rear bumper body kit, Tsudo exhaust:

Spoiler light and brake lights:

(Side Mods) Drag DR-9 17" gunmetal wheels with chrome lip, 205/40/17 Nitto NeoGen tires, stock suspension, z3-style fenders with functional air scoops, Erebuni side skirts, 35% window tint, custom LED k6 power mirrors, super-smooth doors, chrome window trim:

(Front Mods) LED projector/HID head lights (5000K), JDM 2004 Corolla HID fog lights (5000K), custom 2002 front bumper, trim and front lip, chrome-painted mesh, carbon-fiber hood:

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Here are some long-awaited night pictures

(Turn Signals) 921 incandescent bulbs in the front corner lights (yuck, temporary), white LEDs on the sides of the mirrors, yellow LED arrows in the mirrors facing the rear, yellow 1156 LED bulbs in tail lights:

(Backup Lights) White 1156 LED bulbs:

(Parking Lights) 3 white LEDs in head lights (the halos burned out), white LEDs in mirrors in dim mode, red LED circles in the tail lights in dim mode, white LED strip over rear license plate:

Now the red LED rings are in bright mode for the rear DRL/fog light:

(Brake Lights) Red LED circles and rings in tail lights in bright mode, spoiler LED light:

(Head Lights) 5000K HID low beam projectors:

(Fog Lights) now the 5000K HID fog lights are on as well (this is normal night mode):

(Head Lights) add a 6000K HID kit in the high beams for 6 HIDs total and I've got lots of light!

Low beams shining on the road:

Low beams and fog lights on the road:

Low beams, fog lights and high beams on the road:

Finally, some wall shots.  The fog lights and low beams are on the left and all 6 are on the right:

 

Current Exterior Modification List

• -- Subaru World Rally Pearl paint job
• -- 35% window tint
• -- Drag DR-9 17" gunmetal wheels
• -- 205/40/17 Nitto NeoGen tires
• -- Carbon Fiber OEM hood
• -- 2002 Corolla custom front bumper with lip and mesh and relocated license plate
• -- Erebuni side skirts and custom non-extended rear bumper with LED license plate strip light
• -- Z3 fenders
• -- Filled/shaved pinstripes, door moldings, gap between front fenders and roof
• -- Super smooth trunk
• -- M3 lip spoiler with custom LED third brake light
• -- Chrome 1-piece LED/halo head light with 5000k HID low beams and 6000k HID high beams
• -- JDM 2004 Corolla fog/driving lights with 5000k HID
• -- Custom LED mirrors
• -- Red/Clear custom LED tail lights and clear LED spoiler brake light
• -- Chrome window trim
• -- Painted window trims and wheel wells black
• -- Color-matched door handles

 

Previous Exterior Modification List

• -- Purple rear license plate lights
• -- Chrome spinner hubcaps
• -- Chrome euro-clear halogen head lights
• -- Custom LED bumper lights 1
• -- 3 piece red/clear tail lights
• -- 3 pairs of GP Thunder 7500k head light bulbs
• -- Lots of drop-in LED bulbs
• -- Custom LED Diablo-style mirrors
• -- Custom LED third brake light
• -- Custom LED tail lights 1
• -- High beam DRL mod
• -- 93-95 custom painted grille
• -- Color-matched door moldings
• -- Custom 96-97 grille (no emblem)
• -- Custom LED side markers
• -- Blue fog lights (non-projector)
• -- Chrome door handles
• -- Chrome LED mirror covers
• -- Chrome tail pipe cover
• -- Chrome hubcaps
• -- Custom LED projector head lights and corner lights
• -- Custom LED front turn signals
• -- Projector fog lights with CCFL halo ring and 8000k HID kit

 

Future Exterior Modification List

• -- Custom CCFL rings and LED turn signals in the head lights and orange reflector delete
• -- Custom carbon fiber eyelids on head lights
• -- Fill lower fender scoops (only have the upper ones)

These are the most- current pictures of my interior as it sits today.  You can see that it is in-transition as I haven't decided what I want it to look like yet.  But it is getting there.

(Interior Mods) fully painted black and blue, blue/black seat covers that need to be replaced, blue/black floor mats, blue LEDs everywhere, blue/chrome shifter knob, OEM power-mirror switch (panel needs to be painted), OEM fog-light switch, blue/chrome manual pedals (lol), rear window brake light removed, white LED reading lights, custom blue A/C control overlay:

(Gauge Mods) OEM tachometer gauge swap, AC Autotechnic S7 illuminated gauge faces, carbon-fiber bezel, chrome ring trims, blue LED turn signal indicators:

(Audio Mods) Sony 5.25" 4-way Xploids in front doors for mid/high, 6.5" 2-way Pioneers on rear deck for low/mid, VR3 MP3 head unit, Scosche wiring, VR3 sub amp, Bose home-theater sub (old pictures):

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And some brand-new night pictures:

Here are some more pictures.  These are older (no rims, tail lights, window tint, tach gauges) but I still love them lol.

Current Interior and Audio Modification List

• -- VR3 MP3 head unit
• -- 5.25" 4-way Sony Xploids in the front doors
• -- 6.5" 2-way Pioneers on the rear deck
• -- VR3 200 watt amp on sub
• -- Scosche amp wiring kit
• -- Bose home-theater subwoofer
• -- 93-97 stock tachometer gauge cluster
• -- S7 AC Autotechnic 3D glow gages
• -- Chrome ring trims around each gauge
• -- Carbon-fiber gauge bezel
• -- OEM mirror switch added
• -- OEM fog light switch added
• -- All lights switched to LEDs
• -- LED strips to flood the inside with light
• -- Painted everything blue or black
• -- Painted headliner blue
• -- Painted door jams black
• -- Painted the inside of the trunk black
• -- Blue/Black seat covers
• -- Black floor mats with a blue rim
• -- Manual blue/chrome pedals
• -- Chrome/blue shifter

 

Previous Interior and Audio Modification List

• -- Chrome dash sticker accent kit
• -- Blue/black steering wheel cover
• -- Chrome gauge cluster bezel (non-tachometer)
• -- Portable CD player with tape adapter

 

Future Interior and Audio Modification List

• -- All new interior pieces painted black (very little blue remaining)
• -- 1997 Corolla door panels front & back painted entirely black
• -- Carbon fiber automatic shifter insert
• -- Aluminum dash kit?  If not, the vent dash bezels will be blue
• -- New blue floor carpet (not spray painted)
• -- Sound deadening throughout
• -- New seat covers

I really haven't done ANYTHING to the engine... just trying to keep it running lol.  I haven't painted it blue under there because it would be way too hard to remove the engine... and for what?  I never attend car shows or open the hood for anyone... so it would be a waste.  You just get to see it in all of its stock glory.  Hopefully that will change one day.  I have added a couple of mods to help the engine perform better, and it does.  But, I drive this car 50 miles a day, so I am happy to get 40 MPG on this motor.  I could turbo or swap, but then I'd be getting half the MPG.

(Engine Mods) Short-ram intake, NGK platinum spark plugs and wires, OBX header and down pipe, OBX high-flow catalytic converter, Tsudo cat-back exhaust (3 pieces):

Current Engine Modification List

• -- Ebay short ram intake
• -- OBX 1.8 L chrome headers/flex pipe
• -- OBX high-flow cat converter
• -- Tsudo/N1 cat-back exhaust with silencer removed
• -- Blue NGK spark plug wires and platinum spark plugs

 

Previous Engine Modification List

• -- Blue/chrome DIY flexible cold air intake

 

Future Engine Modification List

• -- Cold air intake with real tubing and less bends
• -- Sway/Strut bars (front/rear)
• -- Blue ground wire kit with voltage stabilizer
• -- 4age engine swap and turbo

If you like what you see, please rate 5 stars and leave a comment!  If you wish you may nominate my Corolla for Showoff of the Week.  If you want to keep in touch, please leave a comment or add me to your friend's list.  If you wish to automatically get updates add my car to your favorite's list.  Remember that it is not finished yet, but I am not made of money so it takes a long time.  I'm still in college and I have never had a real job, so I am very fortunate to have a car at all much less all of the modifications.