New 2013LX mall cruiser, interior tweaking questions/feedback from former 100 series owner

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mikeluce

mikeluce

Joined
May 8, 2008
Threads
3
Messages
31
My MY2000 100LC got totaled by an overly ambitious young man in Charger, and I eventually replaced it with a CPO 2013LX w/75k miles (2 year warranty and 4 free services including the 90k major? - Sure!). Silver, black interior, smoke wheels, 3rd owner, brakes 10k ago, tires are fresh (though I've never heard of Nankang tires before). The 100 series was a legit work truck when I was flipping houses, the LX is more of a mall cruiser/road-trip rig for now...

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Now I need to address all the little things that come with a new-to-me car...

Small things I've already done:
  • Ordered a center console/cool box insert so I have some junk storage
  • Pinged @TrekboxX that I'd love to see a rear-seat video delete plate for a 2013
  • Tracked @bhicks' water bottle insert thread to get one for the LX when it comes out
  • Ordered a hitch and new hitch pin lock that will fit
Things I need to do:
  • Pull out the 3rd row seats
Things I need feedback/thoughts on:
  • Surround for the hitch: I trailer a lot, and I run with the receiver on most of the time. I've seen a couple of ways to cover the open wound you get when the cover is removed, but nothing terribly slick or off-the-shelf...
  • Extra Tailgate storage: I got the toolkit, but not the reflector and vest. I've seen a couple threads on stashing stuff in there, but if anyone has any other/newer thoughts...
  • Ashtray: The cabin doesn't have as many small storage spots, and I'd like to convert this to storage, but all I've found is this (Toyota NO SMOKER BOX | JDM Japanparts.com | UZJ200) and it doesn't look like that finish is the same.
  • "Storage pad" in front of the gear shift: Has anyone figured out how to put stuff there and not have it slide off? My phone launched into the sale guy during the test drive...
  • 3rd row seats cover plates: I've seen several threads, but no definitive conclusion on the "preferred" way to cover the openings once the 3rd row is out
  • Stupid XM radio tuning: has anyone figured out how to scroll through XM channels from the steering wheel? Having to reach down and rotate the selector for every tune is super stupid lame (yes, you can use presets, but sometimes I just want to explore). Even my 10 year old BMW lets you walk the channels.
  • Power for cell phone: I like the cellphone mount high so I can see it without looking down, but I don't like the power cord hanging down now that I've got the "upmarket" car... :) Has anyone come up with a good way to get a power cord to the dash?
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What other convenience/obvious things I should be looking at? Once I get another 100k I'll look into making it a crawler... :) Thanks!
 
nankang chines tires ! ditch them asap ...
this is my 2 cents .... good luck !
rest is just personal preference . you chose good vehicle for sure ;)
 
According to the Nankang website, they have no tires for the 2013 LC, so you may need to go back to the dealer that certified the car and get the proper tires. What size tires are on the LC now?
 
ceb said:
According to the Nankang website, they have no tires for the 2013 LC, so you may need to go back to the dealer that certified the car and get the proper tires. What size tires are on the LC now?
Click to expand...
LOL - there are tires there, so they have made them... And interesting that of all the questions, the throw-away comment about the tires gets the most interest... :)

In any case, they are stock size - 285/50R20, Sport SP-9. My tire-dealer-lifer father-in-law said they are a midline tire with a decent reputation (though he didn't sell them), and since they are newish, just replace them at or before half worn or if I want to do any serious off road/snow driving. Seems reasonable.

And the CPO warranty just requires "Size, type, match factory speed rating" so I don't think I get a new set of free tires...
 
Last thing about the Nankang tires, they just threw them on there because it's the cheapest tire that will pass inspection. Not a big deal as tires are the very first thing you should change, LT tires are a big upgrade for this vehicle.


  • Surround for the hitch: I trailer a lot, and I run with the receiver on most of the time. I've seen a couple of ways to cover the open wound you get when the cover is removed, but nothing terribly slick or off-the-shelf...

Painted the receiver hitch and surrounding area of mine silver, so it matches the bumper and blends in when accessories not in use. Use Plasti Dip Bright Aluminum Metallic if you want it to be removable.

  • "Storage pad" in front of the gear shift: Has anyone figured out how to put stuff there and not have it slide off? My phone launched into the sale guy during the test drive...
I put a TCU Emblem there... not much space there. But for your phone, I recommend a vent mount; positions it in your line of sight, but out of the way. I use mine with Google Maps and it works well. This is the low profile mount style I use.

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Car SUV Magnetic Air Vent Mount Holder Stand Universal For Mobile Phone GPS | eBay

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  • Stupid XM radio tuning: has anyone figured out how to scroll through XM channels from the steering wheel? Having to reach down and rotate the selector for every tune is super stupid lame (yes, you can use presets, but sometimes I just want to explore). Even my 10 year old BMW lets you walk the channels.
I can't stand the very low bitrate and audio quality of XM, so I pretty much exclusively listen to 320kbps MP3 or HD FM radio. You can get a ultra low profile USB drive that won't take up any room at all. Download music, movies, games, software! The Pirate Bay - The galaxy's most resilient BitTorrent site for all the 320kbps MP3s you want.
  • Power for cell phone: I like the cellphone mount high so I can see it without looking down, but I don't like the power cord hanging down now that I've got the "upmarket" car... :) Has anyone come up with a good way to get a power cord to the dash?
    View attachment 2055603
Vent mount will put it in your line of sight without blocking the windshield or the cord getting in the way.
 
Last edited:
Chocolate said:
www.ebay.com

Car SUV Magnetic Air Vent Mount Holder Stand Universal For Mobile Phone GPS | eBay

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Click to expand...
Thanks - a viable solution, but I like it higher and don't want to cover vents.
Chocolate said:
I can't stand the very low bitrate and audio quality of XM, so I pretty much exclusively listen to 320kbps MP3 or HD FM radio. You can get a ultra low profile USB drive that won't take up any room at all. Download music, movies, games, software! The Pirate Bay - The galaxy's most resilient BitTorrent site for all the 320kbps MP3s you want.
Click to expand...
I listen to HD radio a lot around town. XM's bit rate is indeed poor, but it works OK on long road trips.

Stealing intellectual property though? That's just not OK.
 
Who said anything about that? All the Bach and Beethoven you want.
 
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This works well for me. Pros - Doesn't block vent, don't have to look down, phone stays put, charger drapes down the left side of the center stack. Cons- takes two hands to insert your phone, and can't easily change between horizontal and vertical. I have been happy with it.
 
wiseinvestor said:
View attachment 2061730

This works well for me. Pros - Doesn't block vent, don't have to look down, phone stays put, charger drapes down the left side of the center stack. Cons- takes two hands to insert your phone, and can't easily change between horizontal and vertical. I have been happy with it.
Click to expand...
Some crazy cool glue? How’s it held down and can it be removed without leaving a mark? Blocking a vent is a big negative for me, I like it.

I have a Ram on the bike but it attaches via screws on the brake master cylinder.
 
It has adhesive on the base. I was concerned that it would not hold, but here we are in August and it doesn't seem to be a issue. I followed the manufacture instructions and let it cure 24 hours before use.
 
Chocolate said:
Last thing about the Nankang tires, they just threw them on there because it's the cheapest tire that will pass inspection. Not a big deal as tires are the very first thing you should change, LT tires are a big upgrade for this vehicle.
Click to expand...
Put some real miles on the truck this weekend (Seattle to Bend, Or and back) and wow... those tires are awful! Sidewall roll is ridiculous - wow.

What are the chosen tires for a 2013 LX? It's a mall crawler, so road performance is #1, and mud/snow is #2. Thanks for any insight!
 
 
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