Vanessa's First "Mod"

[PlasteredDragon]

[img=left]http://www.tirerack.com/images/wheels/kazera/swap/ka_kz_s_chrome_ci3_l.jpg[/img=left]Don't even know if this counts as a "mod" but today I bought a new set of rims for my girl. I shopped and compared for many days in a row before finally settling on the Kazera KZ-S 17x7 chrome-plated rim from TireRack. My plan is to put my existing tires on the new rims, and then come winter in New England, put new tires on the old rims and swap wheels until spring. That way my chrome wheels will avoid the worst of the salt and other crud on the roads here in wintertime.

Word to the wise, beware the Nakayama Zoro 10 "chrome" rim. Well, there may be nothing wrong with the rim, but a lot of sites are advertising it as a Chrome rim when in fact it is *painted* to look like chrome.

Another thing I'd like to add to Vanessa are chrome bumper wraps, anybody have any experience with those? Do they look cheesy? Can they be easily removed? The reason I ask is I was thinking it might be wise to remove them in winter as well.

I've seen sites advertising chrome inserts for the door handle recesses, chrome appliques for the window panels (guess they are called "pillars"?), and chrome wraps for the mirrors. Has anyone installed anything like this on their cruiser? Do they look nice or chintzy? I'm concerned at installing the chrome handle inserts for example, and having them look like they are "stuck on" as opposed to part of the car. Does that even make sense? [:I]

I'm setting myself a limited annual budget so I can only do a small amount each year. Next year the plan is for the bumper wraps and a chrome billet grille.

After that? Speculative stuff... maybe lowering the body? Not sure if I want to do that. I'd like to replace the whatever-it's-called that runs along the side near the base of the doors (runner bar? ding-guard?) with a chrome version like they have on the limited PTs.

I've half heartedly looked at undercarriage lighting, but that seems a little silly to me. Has anybody else tried that on a Cruiser? Does it make sense to do if you don't lower the body? Is there a general down-the-nose look at lighting-effects?

[PTRON]

The new rims DEFINITELY count as a mod!
The chrome bumper inserts DO NOT look cheesey. They're held on with 3M redliner tape. You COULD remove and reinstall but I think you MIGHT damage them sooner or later.
The chrome handle inserts are an EXCELLENT mod (imho). They look like they came from the factory that way.
The "base of the doors" are chrome door spears. You can get overlays (I did) or you can get the real thing (you have to remove the factory spears first). Also available are FLAT chrome door spears for those that don't want 3D.
Lowering springs depend on your driving conditions and habits. I WANT them really bad, just hesitant about the ride being too "harsh".
LOTS of PTs have lighting - neon, led, inside and out! NO, the car DOES NOT need to be lowered for nice lighting.
Go to www.cardomain.com and do a member search for PTRON2003 to view some of the mods you mentioned.

[PlasteredDragon]

Yay! Vanessa's new rims are on and boy does she look sexy! Check it out:

http://unbecominglevity.blogharbor.c...essasNewWheels

[Cruizin2k]

Pictures on that site aint showing? [:I]

I sure would like to see some pics, but on the site im seeing all red x's

[CHROMEDCRUISER]

I've got the handle inserts, side spear overlays, beltline kit, and a chrome grille. The handle inserts are a little tricky to put on, but once you get the first one in, the rest are pretty easy. The side spears really make the car stand out, and the beltline kit, well, I'm considering taking it off after a year. It looks good at first, but after a while it starts to get little chips in it. Those rims look very nice, how much per wheel?

[smfrycruzr]

I've got alot of the chrome exterior mods on my 03 PT TE Electric Blue and the PTWoody III wood kit also. I dont know how to post pics here yet, but I do have some up on another site ( PTenthusiasts forum) My user name is smfrycruzr. Good looking wheels by the way, good luck on your mods.[?]

[Almond Lush]

Take a look at my Rebel and then deside if you feel Chrome is Cheesey.

[PlasteredDragon]

quote:Originally posted by Cruizin2k

Pictures on that site aint showing? [:I]

I sure would like to see some pics, but on the site im seeing all red x's

Just doublechecked the link above and it appears to be working? Sorry you're having trouble. Could have been a glitch in the server.

Try this instead?

http://unbecominglevity.blogharbor.com/_photos/vnw0.jpg

[PlasteredDragon]

quote:Originally posted by CHROMEDCRUISER

Those rims look very nice, how much per wheel?

$220 each... not exactly the most expensive rims you can buy by a longshot, but it was a lot of money for me.

[PlasteredDragon]

quote:Originally posted by Almond Lush

Take a look at my Rebel and then deside if you feel Chrome is Cheesey.

Your rebel is gorgeous. My concern was not that chrome in and of itself looked cheesy. My concern had to do with the chrome sitck-on mods as opposed to chrome replacement parts. Having never applied any I was afraid they might look fake. Looks like a lot of people stand by them though... so I'll probably take the plunge and buy a few.