xB for an old guy

8558 Views 29 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Hellen4Wheels, Oct 25, 2010

Dale

Discussion Starter · Oct 14, 2010

Upon learning that as you age things happen.After learning that I have a disability,owning a pickup truck was no longer practical. Researching a lot I gleaned that the xB was right for me. Best choice I ever made. For the price it has everything that a 68 year old needs-except-for the reverse light.The new '11's have improved this by putting the lights where they should be.It looks like they can be installed where the old ones are.Wiring must be added for directional signals and the backup lights.I'll be looking for wiring diagrams for my '09 to see where I can tap into what wires.I will keep you all upto date.

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gr8scape

· #2 · Oct 14, 2010

OK?? Go for it. Let us know how it worked out for you.

Geezer

· #3 · Oct 14, 2010

There is no reason for the xB to be wasted on the young...HEY KID, GET OFF MY LAWN!!!

gr8scape

· #4 · Oct 14, 2010

Geezer said:
There is no reason for the xB to be wasted on the young...HEY KID, GET OFF MY LAWN!!!

You got that right.

Hellen4Wheels

· #5 · Oct 14, 2010

I had to leave my 4WD 4Runner because it was getting more difficult to climb up to get in it. The xB was the answer to all my problems. It's the best car for any age...even if you refuse to grow up like I have.

Welcome to the site!

TartanJack

· #6 · Oct 15, 2010

It is a very good vehicle, period. The stock reverse light is pretty bright on its own. My main issue is that A LOT of people don't seem to see it and whip behind me AS I am reversing . . .
The Rumion (the Japanese parallel to the xB-> mostly same body and parts) also has taillight housing mounted reverse lights:
http://www.japanesesportcars.com/galleries/data/media/224/toyota_corolla_RUMION.jpg

If Yung gets the search working . . .
There are posts on here where people have wired those onto 08-10 xBs. So, it is VERY doable. The 11s should wire in too. The housing is a different shape, but don't remember if it is bigger or smaller (the Rumion's is SLIGHTLY smaller on the bottom).
If you can, get the lights and bumper off a wrecked or modded 11 model and it will all fit flush.
Who knows . . .
You may even find someone who wants to swap (more possible than you'd think- a number of people have already commented on mixing front and rears between the 2 versions of the vehicle) and be able to simply swap the lights and bumper one-for-one. W/ some planning, even the light connectors might could be swapped too . . .
I'd look into the local Scion clubs and see if someone is interested.
(I am fond of Scikotics . . . a member even . . . its members are of a HUGE age range)

Someone should be able to post up and guide you w/ one they have modded.

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chief52

· #7 · Oct 15, 2010

I love my cyclops reverse light--it is one of the things that made me want an xB. I think the 2011 with the changes to the front grill and rear lights was a huge mistake.

TartanJack

· #8 · Oct 15, 2010

My OWN reverse light is staying . . . I like it that way.
(Was addressing the intent of the Dale's first post)

Yet, I wish people would SEE that lamp and quit cutting behind me! Someone already cut it too close and cost me my first bumper cover (and the whole side of their own Ford Focus). I was WAY out of the spot and moving . . .
I seriously think people are oblivious.

The stock one is PLENTY bright for practical use!

TartanJack

· #9 · Oct 15, 2010

Where the single light came from:

That is Scion T2B, the concept that foreshadowed the xB2's styling.
It was from March 2005 (That is 200FIVE!), so the Gen2 was already being developed about the same time they started selling the Gen1.
It was unveiled at the New York Auto Show, 2005.

More shots, from Scion:
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/scion/photo.aspx?id=13520&ncid=12047

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chief52

· #10 · Oct 15, 2010

Actually I don't think it is the fault with the xB--I live in SW FL and there is a real loss of common courtesy and defensive driving if you ask me. It doesn't matter where I am, Walmart, Publix, Costco or anywhere, backing out of a parking spot is always a risking event. People are in such a hurry--they see you backing out and won't give you any break. They don't slow down they just zoom by you and figure they "have the right of way." I don't get how people can be so cavalier with their vehicle--something that cost thousands and they don't care if their car gets hit. Any car I ever had that was hit in an accident was never the same to me and it bugged me until I got a new car. I think it is just one of the many ways we see how people care a little less for their fellow citizens than they did in previous generations... things are going to hell in a hand basket.

chief52

· #11 · Oct 15, 2010

TartanJack said:
Where the single light came from:
http://s2.desktopmachine.com/pics/Scion_t2B_16-1024.jpg

That is Scion T2B, the concept that foreshadowed the xB2's styling.
It was from March 2005 (That is 200FIVE!), so the Gen2 was already being developed about the same time they started selling the Gen1.
It was unveiled at the New York Auto Show, 2005.

More shots, from Scion:
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/scion/photo.aspx?id=13520&ncid=12047

I would love to have that exact car--I love the suicde doors and exhaust through the fascia.

Brewski

· #12 · Oct 15, 2010

chief52 said:
I love my cyclops reverse light--it is one of the things that made me want an xB. I think the 2011 with the changes to the front grill and rear lights was a huge mistake.

Ditto....I've said it before ... :yes: The 2008-2010 reverse light sets the xB2 apart from all other "mini-vans" from the rear...love being able to spot the xB2 in front of me from a distance! As for the "old guy" comments...I just turned 70 years young and I love my xB2!

Brewski

xBray

· #13 · Oct 17, 2010

I love the single reverse light too, and it's one of the reasons I bought a 2010 over a 2011.

I'm thinking of putting a reverse beeper on mine. I don't know if that'll make anyone pay any more attention or not, but I just think it'll be cute, and will add to the "panel truck" aspect of the xB. Plus I already have the beeper, so yay for free mods.

I'm another old guy who bought the car largely because it's easy to get in and out of. Climbing in and out of the Tacoma I had before was a chore. Plus I like weird things.

TartanJack

· #14 · Oct 17, 2010

xBray said:
I love the single reverse light too, and it's one of the reasons I bought a 2010 over a 2011.

I'm thinking of putting a reverse beeper on mine. I don't know if that'll make anyone pay any more attention or not, but I just think it'll be cute, and will add to the "panel truck" aspect of the xB. Plus I already have the beeper, so yay for free mods.

I'm another old guy who bought the car largely because it's easy to get in and out of. Climbing in and out of the Tacoma I had before was a chore. Plus I like weird things.

I was thinking of getting the same thing . . .
But wasn't sure how to wire it up.

chief52

· #15 · Oct 17, 2010

I had one of these years ago on another car--it just tapped into the brake light so when the light came on the beeper went off. It annoyed the hell out of my spouse (x).

xBray

· #16 · Oct 18, 2010

Yep, the instructions for mine show it tapped to a reverse signal wire. I need to check on how much power draw it has to see if it's better used with a relay, but I doubt that's necessary.

Since I wanted it to be a little less loud, when I got the one I have I bought the lower volume one. It's still 87dB if I recall, but others were 90dB or higher.

I haven't checked yet, but I imagine there's already a hole in the frame rails somewhere under the rear of the vehicle to attach it to.

I don't have a spouse to annoy, so I guess the only drawback for me is if I need to go somewhere late at night it may annoy the neighbors.

TartanJack

· #17 · Oct 18, 2010

chief52 said:
I had one of these years ago on another car--it just tapped into the brake light so when the light came on the beeper went off. It annoyed the hell out of my spouse (x).

I'm gonna see how big those are tomorrow . . .
If not too big and cheap enough, I'll get one as a "stop-gap" to see if I like it or it annoys me after the "gimmickness" wears off. I'd rather not spend a chunk and tap into the wiring harness just to take it off again in a week or 2.

Dale

Discussion Starter · #18 · Oct 18, 2010

Brewski said:
chief52 said:

I love my cyclops reverse light--it is one of the things that made me want an xB. I think the 2011 with the changes to the front grill and rear lights was a huge mistake.

Click to expand...

Ditto....I've said it before ... :yes: The 2008-2010 reverse light sets the xB2 apart from all other "mini-vans" from the rear...love being able to spot the xB2 in front of me from a distance! As for the "old guy" comments...I just turned 70 years young and I love my xB2!

Brewski

TartanJack

· #19 · Oct 18, 2010

Dale, . . .
It seems your comment/statement/reply was missing from the last post. You should be able to edit it back in. If not, PM it to me and I'll put it in for you.

As for the beeper . . .
I think I'll get the beeper, just need to figure out my preferred pitch and volume. I'll add a "cut out" switch to its wiring and mount that under the back w/ the beeper box. That way, I can turn it off or on when I feel like.

Thanks for the idea!

gr8scape

· #20 · Oct 18, 2010

Now all you need are Air Horns. LOL :lol:

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