2006 Solara Convertible SLE

[Bonesy2]

Hello Everyone,
I traded my 1999 Solara SLE (SWEET, two-tone Pearl/Tan with Moon Roof. That car didn't owe me anything) for a 2006 Convertible SLE (SWEET White with Tan top). I've only had it for a couple of weeks.
I'm not much of a gear-head so I can't seem myself doing a lot of mods unless I understand why. But, I'm open to suggestions. I'll post some pics as soon as I get a chance. I travel for work so it will probably be a couple of weeks.
Bonesy

[jetbtkng]

>>I'm a douche<< howdy.............

[D-money]

Welcome for someone who has now owned both how does the new one compare to the old one

[Down2TheC]

Nice upgrade. You'll love the ragtop.

Rules are:
- Top down over 60 degrees
- Top down = windows down. No sportin' fins. That's for SeaBring drivers.
- You won't have to worry about the crappy visibility in the rear if you're going faster than everyone else.
- don't forget the SPF

I'm sure there's adjustments to that for women, but theres no room for debate on #2.

[GzNutz]

Welcome to SG!
Your first mod should be the TRD RSB. Pretty much everyone on here will vouch for it.

[Akfahad]

welcome

[stereopaul511]

Welcome, welcome!

[yaddadaimsayin]

another gen 2. nice!

[Bonesy2]

Thanks everyone...
D-money - Let me get back to you on the comparison. I loved that '99. But, so far the top-down is super-cool, I love the telescoping steering wheel (I'm 6'1"), the new cup holders suck compared to the Gen 1 (anyone have an idea about that?)

Down2theC - No leeway on the top-down windows-down thing for girls? What about my hair? I just ordered a mesh screen so maybe that will make it work out. What do you mean by sportin' fins? I don't want to do anything lame.

GzNutz - What is the TRD RSB?

So far, I am just doing some cosmetic things that some of the die-hards might hate...
I know you guys don't like the badges, but I just had mine gold-plated because I think the gold looks cool on the white car. My '99 had them in gold.
I'm going to put in the USA SPEC iPod adaptor so I can hook my iPod to the factory stereo. I think I can do it through the SAT hookup and not lose my CD changer.
I ordered the Mesh wind screen for the back-seat.

[Down2TheC]

Down2theC - No leeway on the top-down windows-down thing for girls? What about my hair? I just ordered a mesh screen so maybe that will make it work out. What do you mean by sportin' fins? I don't want to do anything lame.

No leeway unless you're on the phone. Get a hat or something!
Don't worry about the fins. Gen2's can't even do that unless you really try. Ever see the odd Seabring rolling by with top down and just the back windows up? Dorks! Our windows all come down with the top and up with the all up button... so not an issue. (Unless you "all up" the windows, then take the fronts down with the side controls. But you'd never do that, right?)

I think PXLPainter (Jeff) has a tutorial on the screen install in the Gen2 Tutorial section.

[Bonesy2]

Ok, I will not do the rear window up thing. I can see how that is totally lame. Not useful AND stupid-looking.

Thanks!

[jimmm]

I know you guys don't like the badges, but I just had mine gold-plated because I think the gold looks cool on the white car. My '99 had them in gold.

WELCOME BONESY2. I like the badges. I like stock. I'm just a regular driver, and sometimes 25 mph is my favorite speed. I brake for squirrels, chipmunks, and birds, and I like to catch a reflection of my car in the mirrored windows that I pass by.

Tell me about the gold plating. Was it expensive? Did you have to remove the badges? Mine are already plated but they could use some touching up. Have a great day, man. Jimmm

[Black Bob]

The one minus about going from a '99 to an '06 is that your choice in mods go way down!! But always remember that life has a way of balancing itself out, so expect your insurance premium to rise.

[GzNutz]

GzNutz - What is the TRD RSB?

Its the TRD rear sway bar. It tightens up the back end, getting rid of the big 'ol boat feeling.

[Bonesy2]

Hey Guys,
This site is awesome. I lurked when I had the '99 and this time I've already received a lot of information.

Jimmm - I totally concur about driving by the big reflective buildings...I love to watch myself go by! There is a local woman who gold-plates the badging. She came right to my house and did it right on the car, without removing anything. The '99 came with it and I never had any peeling or defects. It is kind of expensive...about $300 for all the badges.

Black bob - My insurance only went up about 8 bucks a month because I kept comprehensive on the '99 even after it was paid off (not bad)

GzNutz - That rear sway bar sounds like a really good thing. I'm not confident I can do it myself but I have a really, really good mechanic I have known for years. Of course, he hasn't had to do too much work for me because I've had super-reliable Toyota's. But, maybe he'll help me out with it. Thanks for the advice!

I said earlier, the biggest step backwards from '99 to '06 so far has been cupholders. They are much (MUCH) smaller in the '06 convertible. Does anyone have any cool ideas for mitigating this problem? I take a lot of long road trips and I need to get two Venti Ice Coffees or two Big Gulps in there!

Thanks so much, it is a joy communicating with you all.
Bonesy2 (Lisa)