Has anyone driven-compared gen 1 & 2 Convertibles?

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

NEF: The window on the BMW might be bigger, but the left and right blind spots are about the same size, and there are still head rests in the way. I'd imagine you can see a little better in it, but not a whole lot.

One of the trade offs of driving a convertible is the smaller than normal rear window, all convertibles have smaller windows than the coupe or sedan versions of the same car. Be thankful that some brilliant person finally figured out how to make them with real glass, rather than that cheesy plastic that always craked and got cloudy!

Well, I already know that there's no such thing as a convertible with a rear window the size of its hardtop sister (unless of course it's vinyl ), but it's only almost less than 12"... Personally I'd rather have my trunk space sabotaged to almost naught with an RHT than see almost nothing. Hell, when I get my drop-top one day, I'm even going as far as putting an LCD/camera in place the rear view, and ALL cars I've owned already have blind spot convex mirrors on both sides, and let's just say I'm continuing that tradition.

[oldkystude]

Did a google search and found some solutions:





That last one is only $139. Wireless to monitor. Looks easy to install in visor.

http://www.sstatee.com/

As far as that sheetmetal in the rollbar/headrest, it is not there when we make the body, even on the original master body in my area. I would not think it was welded on in final assy, but anything is possible. I will wander over to the final line and take a look at how the headrest is installed now and report.

If you think that little hole in the newer ones would be a help I am sure you could buy a set for many $$. I like the camera idea. I would want nav in mine anyway and I am sure the Prius/RX system could be added into it. Otherwise I would imbed the monitor in the visor to go cheap, or adapt the mirror setup which can also take video from other sources.

The point is rear visibility can be fixed safely, Toyota should have done it for you, but the car is not going to see any major changes since it is sadly on a death watch .

[PXLpainter]

I like the idea of the newer headrests - but honestly, they don't really match the front headrests now either. I like the camera/screen in visor combo - looks like a great aftermarket solution!

Between my Radar Detector, GPS Receiver and FastTrack Transponder, I already have enough junk on my dash/windshield, so adding another screen is out of the question!

[Down2TheC]

I was originally in favor of chopping them of. I never have ppl in the back seat anyway. But after much nagging about safety and a neat PS job from Jeff, I like the bare bar idea. Looks pretty good and still functional. But it's still a major job. For now I'm used to the view, but still don't like the look.

BTW I'll gladly host that PDF if you can share it. PM me and I'll make a link to it.

[PXLpainter]

^^ This last summer I attempted the "bare bar" look - but once I was finished and stepped back from the car - it looked TOTALLY GOOFY!

The bars are way too small and set too close-together and just don't look right from the back or sides. I was too embarrassed to even take pics and quickly pulled my car back into the garage and put the headrests back on!

The only way I'd attempt it again would be to cut off the existing bars and have new ones bent and welded on that were better suited for the car's design... but again - I'm starting to get lazy about spending that kind of $$ and time on this car now...

[oldkystude]

Well - I know for a fact that you can't just slap on an '07 headrest on an '04-06, because they have a flat metal plate inside the roll bars that the headrests attach to (welded in place). BUT - do you know if they can be modified to fit somehow? (like Sawzall that middle bracket out?)

I stand corrected on the roll bar, headrest metal plate thing. Looked more closely tonight and compared the old Master Body to a current one. The metal plate was about 1 third bigger on the original design. The lower part of the plate is identical but it now shorter and only needs 2 welds on each side where it had 3 per side. If you wanted to cut it off cut just above the middle weld and taper down a bit to the center. easier if I had a drawing, but it is obvious when you get to it. Just eliminate everything above that middle weld and you have an 07 type headrest plate, except you now need to weld on a 1 inch by 1 inch tab in the center hanging down to attach the upper part of the new type headrest. The setback must be correct so be sure you have the new headrests available before you weld the tab. A decent body shop could probably make the needed change for a few hundred or so.

Then install your new 07 Headrests, (probably another $200 each) and enjoy the improved view of the front of the top bonnet through the new 3x3 square holes. HP

[Down2TheC]

http://www.down2thec.com/FileStore/SolaraConv.zip

Have at it boys!

[MCOjerry]

^^cool

[PXLpainter]

^^^^ What he said!


Thanks Mike!

[2007*RedSolaraConvertible]

I've owned both Gens of the Solara convertible, an 2002 and now and 2007. The 02 had tighter steering and a booming bass that I really liked. It was more nimble but not as quick as my 07.

[PXLpainter]

I've owned both Gens of the Solara convertible, an 2002 and now and 2007. The 02 had tighter steering and a booming bass that I really liked. It was more nimble but not as quick as my 07.

Get the TRD RSB/FSTB and lower your ride a bit... it will out-handle your '02 like mad!

[2007*RedSolaraConvertible]

I've owned both Gens of the Solara convertible, an 2002 and now and 2007. The 02 had tighter steering and a booming bass that I really liked. It was more nimble but not as quick as my 07.

Get the TRD RSB/FSTB and lower your ride a bit... it will out-handle your '02 like mad!

LOL... I am such a Noob! I know what TRD stands for but the other acronyms I need a little help with.

[Sebas007]

I've owned both Gens of the Solara convertible, an 2002 and now and 2007. The 02 had tighter steering and a booming bass that I really liked. It was more nimble but not as quick as my 07.

Get the TRD RSB/FSTB and lower your ride a bit... it will out-handle your '02 like mad!

LOL... I am such a Noob! I know what TRD stands for but the other acronyms I need a little help with.

I had the same problem as you in the beginning...since English is not my primary language.

RSB stands for Rear Sway Bar and FSTB stands for Front Strut Tower Bar

The RSB go under you car between your rear wheels
The FTSB is the easiest thing to install...and it replace the black bar between your 2 struts tower under the hood.

[PXLpainter]

^^ Well put Sebas! Not bad for a French Canadian!