Has anyone tried clear bra protection? One installer wants $550.00 for hood, bumper, headlights and sideview mirrors. Is this excessive? What about the protectors on eBay that are hundreds cheaper that you install yourself? Has anyone tried these? Is it possible for someone with no experience to install these? These are supposedly pre-cut.
Just had it put on my new Ford Escape, because I tow that car behind my motorhome. $500 installed. 3M material, and In my opinion is not a do it yourself project. 2 guys 4+ hours. Used a lot of specials chemicals in process of application and prepping the surface. Floyd
I saw this on one of the cars in the showroom at the Hyundai Dealership and it looked good from a distance. But up close I could see the lines and edges of the material and didn't like it. Also would worry about dirt, polish and wax buildup along the edges.
A soft detailers brush would eliminate the build up along the line.
Only question I would have is...would it retain it's clear finish or over time will it turn hazy like headlights do? That would not be a good look at all!!! Then you'll be paying that money all over again to get the old one removed and get a new one installed. Probably the same amount or more to pay to get the front end re-painted and blended in.
RE:432 I went to a certified MMM shop and viewed the managers car that had film installed several months earlier. Not only was the line visable but nicks in the film from stones could easily be seen. To replace the film would be almost as costly as refinishing hood.
And that's where the problem lies. I would rather just get the front end refinished and make it look brand new rather than count on a film that will end up taking the abuse and looking ragged after awhile, which in turn would make the front end look even worse than it would if the paint were nicked up with rock chips.
Has anyone here ever installed a "Blueconnect" blue tooth for there phone? There website, www.autointelligence.com say it will fit in an Azera. and if so , where do did you get it?
RE: 435 Blueconnect does not appear to connect to cars audio system. This means that if audio system is on, it must be manually be shut off to make or receive a call and that telephone will not be heard thru audio systems speakers. There are many other systems available that will perform these functions. Parrot and Motorola are two examples.
Parrot 6500 is the top of line system that also allows audio streaming from Ipod or MP3. The Motorola IHF 1000 appears to be a very nice system as well. Both tie in to audio system and will mute audio play when phone is in use and use audio systems speakers for receiving phone calls.
I don't jump out there and show folks the top of the line systems because I don't know what their budget is. I deal in car audio and have for over 15 years. It's just something I've learned. Show them something nice that serves the purpose they are seeking it for and let them decide if they need more. If they do...then I show them more.
RE:439 Mike What do you consider is the "best" bluetooth available for the Azera that will control the audio ststem when the cellular phone is in use? In my opinion, if the bluetooth doesn't control the cars audio system you use might as well use a headset.
I'll be honest in saying I don't have a clue as to what the BEST bluetooth product is. It isn't something I've been researching.
You are right, it should be one that controls the car's audio system. However, the idea is to keep the driver's hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road (as much as possible) and not have him/her holding a phone up to his/her ear by pinning it against the shoulder. While some may not control the car's audio system, simply turning it down or hitting a mute button really isn't that big a deal for some.
You have to remember, not everyone can or will pay a premium to have a top of the line Bluetooth unit. So while you may have a handful of units that are top notch, it boils down to what is best for a given user.
Every cell phone has the capability to use a wired ear bud, which eliminates the need to hold the cell phone to your ear. Many state laws prohibit the use of hand held cellular phones while driving. These ear buds can be purchased for as little as $10. Plug in speaker phones are available at about $30 If one makes the decision to go to bluetooth, it should at least be capable of controlling the cars audio system.
However, some like the idea of having Bluetooth without paying top dollar for a top of the line unit. So again, it boils down to what a potential user is looking for and how much they are willing to spend for it.
Personally, I agree...if you're gonna get it, then get one that offers you the full potential of it's capabilities.
My new 2007 mirrors finally came in and I installed them today. I was encouraged to do it because another poster several months ago wrote a step-by-step description of how to do it. It didn't sound too difficult, so I decided to try it. It was really easy. Taking off the old mirror, installing the new mirror, and having it blinking took me 11 minutes. Both mirrors and putting the tools away was 25 minutes, tops.
In case anyone else is interested in doing this, I took some pictures so you can see how easy it was.
This picture shows the tools that I used: a putty knife, a flat head screwdriver, a socket wrench with a 10mm socket, and the small screwdriver attachment on the Swiss Army pocket knife I have.
This photo shows where I first inserted the putty knife between the plastic cover and the painted door surface.
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com ">This photo shows where next I inserted the screwdriver between the cover and the putty knife. There are three mounting points on the inside of the cover; one forward (toward the door hinge) and two toward the back (toward the window glass). The cover just pops off. No need to remove the door panel.
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com This photo shows the mirror plug disconnected from the door receptacle.You depress a tab on the receptacle to release the plug and then you just pull them apart. I used the Swiss Army knofe to push in the tab. Then you unscrew the nut on the three bolts and remove the mirror from the door. The wire connection slips out through the hole in the door as you remove the mirror. ">
Now you just reverse the process to put the new mirror on. Insert the mirror bolts through the holes and tighten them down, insert the plug in the receptacle, and pop the cover back on.I tested the signals before I put the cover back on.
Where did you get the mirrors? I'd like to do it myself too!
The mirrors can be acquired online from koreanautoimports.com.
Just so I understand clearly...you just plugged in the new mirrors and bingo all lights worked?
That's right, once I plugged them in, I turned on the ignition, flipped the turn signal on, and as you said "bingo" the lights worked, the mirrors adjust up/down/left/right, the mirrors housing pivots in & out, etc.
Now, I hope the change over to the 07 steering wheel audio control I'm getting ready to do goes as easy as this did.
The steering wheel audio control switch replacement is a 15 minute job. A torx screwdriver is necessary. These screws will be tight, so don't be afraid to exert a little force to loosen them. Once loose, the job is a snap. The airbag need not be removed, just moved out of the way.
The steering wheel audio control switch replacement is a 15 minute job. A torx screwdriver is necessary. These screws will be tight, so don't be afraid to exert a little force to loosen them. Once loose, the job is a snap. The airbag need not be removed, just moved out of the way.
Bob - Thanks for the info about the tight torx screws. Hopefully I can get at it between now & Monday instead of mowing the grass.
RE: 451 If you wish to be extra safe and not chance activating the air bag, disconnect the negative battery cable. If you don't,( which I didn't) the horn will sound for a second, and scare the hell out of you, as you are inserting the torx screwdrive.
If you wish to be extra safe and not chance activating the air bag, disconnect the negative battery cable. If you don't,( which I didn't) the horn will sound for a second, and scare the hell out of you, as you are inserting the torx screwdrive.
Well, since several people said that installing the 07 audio controls on the 06 steering wheel was easy & quick to do, I decided to go ahead and do it this morning. You all were right, it's a snap to do. And I only blew the horn twice putting the cover back on. Now that I've run out of things to do to the car, it's either take pictures of it or mow the grass. Hmmmm!
RE: 453 Glad that your project worked out well. There are always new toys to add to your car. I started with mud flaps then added wood dash kit, debadged car, added side marker lights, custom pin stripes, built in radar detector with lazar jammer, 07 Azera radio with new steering wheel remote switch, Phillips X-Treme headlights, back up sensors. There is probably more that I forgotten about. Guess it's time to sell and buy a new model.
Glad that your project worked out well. There are always new toys to add to your car. I started with mud flaps then added wood dash kit, debadged car, added side marker lights, custom pin stripes, built in radar detector with lazar jammer, 07 Azera radio with new steering wheel remote switch, Phillips X-Treme headlights, back up sensors. There is probably more that I forgotten about. Guess it's time to sell and buy a new model.
Bob - I know you've done a lot to your sage Azera as I follow your post on all the Azera forums. I've really enjoyed making my 06 look even better (in my opinion) than the original design (which I love). I've done the following: 1. Debadged the car 2. Installed the logoless grill 3. Added a hood ornament to the front 4. Added window shields over the 4 side windows 5. Put on front & rear mudflaps 6. Added crystals to the side front quarter panels and the lower portion of the rear bumper 7. Added 07 turn signal mirrors (thought about side marker lights like you and allmet33, but figured I didn't need both) 8. Added the 07 audio controls to the steering wheel 9. Put a navigation system on the console 10. Added custom made floor mats, front & rear
Radar detectors are illegal here in Virginia or I'd do that too. Always had one until they became illegal.
I've always thought a pin stripe would look great. My car is Pearl White. Did you do yours or did you have someone do it?
So I'm running out of things to do without making the appearance look tacky. Now if I could just figure out a way to get hot & cold running blondes in the car without my wife finding out, I'd be done.
As far as a new model goes, I'm waiting on the 08 Genesis and if it's as good as it sounds, I'll likely trade or sell my wife's 01 Hyundai XG300L for one and give her my Azera.
Why are so many of you debadging your Azeras? I like the badging and I'm proud of my pearl white 07 Limited. Maybe proud is not the right word, but I like the styling better than anything else I've seen on the road. Is it my age (77)?
For me...it has nothing to do with not being proud of the car. It has everything to do with asthetics. After removing the "Hyundai" and "Azera" badging, the back end just looks so much cleaner. I still have the big "H" in the circle on the back and "AZERA" is still spelled out across the red trim piece on the back.
Then, there's the whole creating a mystique that comes with debadging. Folks already sit there and wonder what it is WITH the badging on, but remove it and folks really get stumped.
RE;456 Like Mike, I debadged my Azera because I prefer a smooth line on my cars. I debadged my 3 prior cars which were an Infiniti Q45, and 2 BMW seven series cars. If I could remove the H from the trunk and the grill. ( sage green not available from Korean in H less model) We all have different preferences.
Pay no attention to these people who have far too much time on their hands. While you are out enjoying your Azera the debadgers are sandpapering the Michelin logo off the tires and trying to find a way to scrape the Infinity logo off the stereo.
The Michelin logo doesn't clutter up the tire, it's black on black. I didn't look for an out on Infinity logo on the stereo, I simply replaced the whole unit with something that gave me greater control over my music.
Oh yeah, has nothing to do with having too much time on our hands, the process takes mere minutes from start to finish.
RE: 459 These changes, in most cases took less time than you put into your negative posting. Perhaps you are a part of our club that has too much time on our hands.
Pay no attention to these people who have far too much time on their hands. While you are out enjoying your Azera the debadgers are sandpapering the Michelin logo off the tires and trying to find a way to scrape the Infinity logo off the stereo.
Like allmet33 and floridabob1, my debadging has nothing to do with not being proud of a Hyundai or having too much time on my hands. In fact, I own two Hyundais. It has more to do with perceived cleaner lines from my perspective and the "mystery" factor of people not knowing what the car is. It has caused numerous people to engage me in conversation about the car. I probably have averaged two people a week asking me about the car since I bought it last July. I enjoy the attention and only speak highly about Hyundai.
I'm having more fun with this car than any other car I've ever owned. So, why would you feel compelled to speak negatively about what we've done? It's just our personal preferences and we've never suggested that others should be doing the same. I just don't understand your post. What were you trying to accomplish?
It probably does have something to do with age because I too am 77 and am not debadging my Azzy. I love it just as it is. It is pearl white and I catch myself admiring it as I have no other of my cars. I love my Sonata LX as well. Don
RE: 259 I know that it has been a while, but I have now found someone to repaint a non "H" grille for me with sage green paint. I can't find the postings outlining the easiest procedure to swap the grilles. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Sundevils...just to set the record straight, I've owned 3 Hyundai vehicles in my life thus far. An '87 Excel, '02 Sonata and now my '06 Azera. The Excel came along when I was in desperate need of a car and I bought it from a buddy for $500. Yeah, I was leery of it, but the car had over 250K miles on it when it was totalled. Didn't do much with that car as it was just basic transportation.
When I had my '02 Sonata, I went in with optimistic skepticism (how's that for oxymoron). Yes, I knew the Hyundai curse, but again...I was in a position that I needed a car, but I didn't want to spend over $20K which Toyota wanted for the Camry. Along comes the Sonata and this time I decided to enjoy it. It wasn't long before the car itself made me not worry about anything happening with it, it was a great car. I removed the badging from the back end, put a stereo system in it and added some rims. Everyone thought it was a new Jag, I loved it! After 4 years and 105K miles later (with no problems might I add), the car was traded in due to my girls getting taller and needing more leg room behind me...thus, the Azera.
Am I ashamed of owning a Hyundai? Quite the contrary my friend. I like the cleanliness provided by removing the cheap "chrome" plastic lettering from the back end. All you see is the encircled "H" and the word AZERA across the middle...very classy indeed! When folks ask me about it...I'm quick to say it's a Hyundai just so I can watch peoples eyes bug out their head in disbelief. I point to all the encircled "H" emblems on the back, front and steering wheel.
By all means my friend, I'm glad to own a Hyundai and speak highly of it.
Oh yeah, would the guy that had the brand new S-Class wagon on the beltway yesterday ashamed of his Benz? I mean...there was no badging on the back end of it, save for the encircled tri-star emblem.
Give it a break Sundevils, Hyundai owners are not the only ones debading their vehicles and it simply boils down to asthetics and preference. I can see if someone were replacing the emblems with Lexus "L's", or the Benz tri-star or what have you, but that is not the case.
I agree zredsox. I went through this discussion last year on this forum when I first purchased my 06 Azera. It is all a matter of personal choice. I debaged, added the no logo grille and love the look it gives my car. A Big Thank your for the DIY information on installing the 07 outside mirrors. Mine are in the mail and should be arriving any day now. I already have installed the Steering Wheel Audio Control. Now I will have an 07 with a Full Size Spare! Thanks again for the information.
If anyone can give some tips on changing the Azera grille, it would be most appreciated. Is it best to pull the bumper, or is that action not needed? I know that there was a posting on this procedure at some time in the past, but I can't locate it.
I have no opposition to debadging a car. It was the first think we did back in the sixties when we got our cars. Removing the emblems gave it that smooth custom look that we all wanted. Since I've grown more "mature" I try to keep my cars as "stock" as possible thinking that trade-in value could be hurt by debadging. I'm not sure if it's true. I just remember when I traded in a 67 muscle car the dealer wanted to know if I had the emblems and the stock tires and wheels. Has anyone encountered any negative comments upon trade-in because of removing the markings? I know dealers are always looking for some reason to invent to devalue a car at trade in.
If anyone can give some tips on changing the Azera grille, it would be most appreciated. Is it best to pull the bumper, or is that action not needed? I know that there was a posting on this procedure at some time in the past, but I can't locate it.
Bob -
I know I posted directions on how to instal the new grille after I did mine, but I'll be darned if I can find where I posted it.
Here's a posting by jim101 on May 10, 2006 (post #2202)under Hyundai Azera 2006 that I found for you. It's basically what I went by when I did my change-over. You don't need to remove the bumper.Hope this helps.
Don
The installation is not a DIY less you be having some above average disassembly and assembly abilities. There are seven small philips screws behind the grill in that tiny space in front of the radiator, you cannot get there from the bottom. You could I guess remove the radiator and it would be real easy or you could remove six hold down plastic retainers, four small hold down retainers on the top of the grill, lifting and removing two black pieces of plastic from the top of the grill, removing two 10 millimeter bolts, one each side, holds the upper bumper, next to the headlight, and popping the bumper off of the pin next to the 10 millimeter bolts you removed, you'll see it. The two top screws that secure the grill on each side are a challenge and impossible if you do not have the right tools. The rest is pretty straight forward if you can work without instructions and have patience. Do not pull the bumper top piece out to far, you may damage the paint. You can hold a light in one hand and a stubby philips in the other to remove the easy five. you will need an offset or philips socket for your 1/4" drive, even then it's a tester.
Before putting the new grill 'in' pre-tap the holes, put the screws in and remove. If you don't they will be difficult to due during installation.
I agree zredsox. I went through this discussion last year on this forum when I first purchased my 06 Azera. It is all a matter of personal choice. I debaged, added the no logo grille and love the look it gives my car. A Big Thank your for the DIY information on installing the 07 outside mirrors. Mine are in the mail and should be arriving any day now. I already have installed the Steering Wheel Audio Control. Now I will have an 07 with a Full Size Spare! Thanks again for the information.
jnd17 -
That's exactly the way I look at it. I figure my car's better than an 07 as I have the new mirrors and the new audio controls AND a full size spare tire with the matching rim which doesn't exist on the 07.
You're gonna love the new mirrors. Glad you liked the DIY mirror installation instructions.
Mine is also pearl white. This morning my wife and I left a doctor's office and stopped beside a white car with the same array of turn signal lights on the side mirrors. I kept hitting the remote door opener and heard the beep(faintly). The doors would not open. I turned around and saw our car 2 spaces away. Thee first car turned out to be a Mercedes. I like my Azera better.
Has anyone installed the Motorola IHF 1000 Bluetooth on their Azera with Infinity sound system and tied the Bluetooth into the audio systems speakers to get mute and telephone thru cars speakers? If so, where did you install the controller button and mike? How does the system perform?
Comments
Floyd
Only question I would have is...would it retain it's clear finish or over time will it turn hazy like headlights do? That would not be a good look at all!!! Then you'll be paying that money all over again to get the old one removed and get a new one installed. Probably the same amount or more to pay to get the front end re-painted and blended in.
I went to a certified MMM shop and viewed the managers car that had film installed several months earlier. Not only was the line visable but nicks in the film from stones could easily be seen. To replace the film would be almost as costly as refinishing hood.
The film is definitely not invisable.
Rich :confuse:
Blueconnect does not appear to connect to cars audio system.
This means that if audio system is on, it must be manually be shut off to make or receive a call and that telephone will not be heard thru audio systems speakers.
There are many other systems available that will perform these functions. Parrot and Motorola are two examples.
Parrot Bluetooth system
Here is a Parrot in-dash stereo with telephone built in, along with CD/MP3 player and am/fm radio.
Parrot Car Stereo
The Motorola IHF 1000 appears to be a very nice system as well.
Both tie in to audio system and will mute audio play when phone is in use and use audio systems speakers for receiving phone calls.
Mike
What do you consider is the "best" bluetooth available for the Azera that will control the audio ststem when the cellular phone is in use?
In my opinion, if the bluetooth doesn't control the cars audio system you use might as well use a headset.
You are right, it should be one that controls the car's audio system. However, the idea is to keep the driver's hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road (as much as possible) and not have him/her holding a phone up to his/her ear by pinning it against the shoulder. While some may not control the car's audio system, simply turning it down or hitting a mute button really isn't that big a deal for some.
You have to remember, not everyone can or will pay a premium to have a top of the line Bluetooth unit. So while you may have a handful of units that are top notch, it boils down to what is best for a given user.
Many state laws prohibit the use of hand held cellular phones while driving. These ear buds can be purchased for as little as $10. Plug in speaker phones are available at about $30
If one makes the decision to go to bluetooth, it should at least be capable of controlling the cars audio system.
However, some like the idea of having Bluetooth without paying top dollar for a top of the line unit. So again, it boils down to what a potential user is looking for and how much they are willing to spend for it.
Personally, I agree...if you're gonna get it, then get one that offers you the full potential of it's capabilities.
In case anyone else is interested in doing this, I took some pictures so you can see how easy it was.
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com">
This picture shows the tools that I used: a putty knife, a flat head screwdriver, a socket wrench with a 10mm socket, and the small screwdriver attachment on the Swiss Army pocket knife I have.
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
">
This photo shows where I first inserted the putty knife between the plastic cover and the painted door surface.
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
">This photo shows where next I inserted the screwdriver between the cover and the putty knife. There are three mounting points on the inside of the cover; one forward (toward the door hinge) and two toward the back (toward the window glass). The cover just pops off. No need to remove the door panel.
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
This photo shows the cover removed.">
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
">This photo shows the bolt pattern and the electrical connection between the mirror and the door.">
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
This photo shows the mirror plug disconnected from the door receptacle.You depress a tab on the receptacle to release the plug and then you just pull them apart. I used the Swiss Army knofe to push in the tab. Then you unscrew the nut on the three bolts and remove the mirror from the door. The wire connection slips out through the hole in the door as you remove the mirror.
">
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
Here's what the inside of the door looks like after you've removed the mirror.">
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
Here's what the outside of the door looks like with the mirror removed.">
Now you just reverse the process to put the new mirror on. Insert the mirror bolts through the holes and tighten them down, insert the plug in the receptacle, and pop the cover back on.I tested the signals before I put the cover back on.
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
Here's the new mirror installed on the door.">
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
And here's the completed job.
">
Thank you soo much! That's really awesome and it looks SWEET!
Where did you get the mirrors? I'd like to do it myself too!
Awesome job showing the step-by-step! I really appreciate you taking the time!
Just so I understand clearly...you just plugged in the new mirrors and bingo all lights worked?
Regards,
Where did you get the mirrors? I'd like to do it myself too!
The mirrors can be acquired online from koreanautoimports.com.
Just so I understand clearly...you just plugged in the new mirrors and bingo all lights worked?
That's right, once I plugged them in, I turned on the ignition, flipped the turn signal on, and as you said "bingo" the lights worked, the mirrors adjust up/down/left/right, the mirrors housing pivots in & out, etc.
Now, I hope the change over to the 07 steering wheel audio control I'm getting ready to do goes as easy as this did.
Thanks for the kind words.
The mirrors can be acquired online from koreanautoimports.com
Thank you so kindly...I will check it out!
Now, I hope the change over to the 07 steering wheel audio control I'm getting ready to do goes as easy as this did.
I have mine installed and I can tell you that it's way easier
Thanks for the kind words
Man, they weren't kind enough. You did a great job and you deserve it bigtime! Now that's raising the bar!
Sincere regards,
A torx screwdriver is necessary. These screws will be tight, so don't be afraid to exert a little force to loosen them. Once loose, the job is a snap. The airbag need not be removed, just moved out of the way.
Sorry, I don't know about the SE model. I have an 06 Limited Ultimate.
Wish I could help. Maybe someone else on this forum will know.
A torx screwdriver is necessary. These screws will be tight, so don't be afraid to exert a little force to loosen them. Once loose, the job is a snap. The airbag need not be removed, just moved out of the way.
Bob - Thanks for the info about the tight torx screws. Hopefully I can get at it between now & Monday instead of mowing the grass.
If you wish to be extra safe and not chance activating the air bag, disconnect the negative battery cable.
If you don't,( which I didn't) the horn will sound for a second, and scare the hell out of you, as you are inserting the torx screwdrive.
If you don't,( which I didn't) the horn will sound for a second, and scare the hell out of you, as you are inserting the torx screwdrive.
Well, since several people said that installing the 07 audio controls on the 06 steering wheel was easy & quick to do, I decided to go ahead and do it this morning. You all were right, it's a snap to do. And I only blew the horn twice putting the cover back on. Now that I've run out of things to do to the car, it's either take pictures of it or mow the grass. Hmmmm!
Thanks for everyone's written help.
Glad that your project worked out well.
There are always new toys to add to your car.
I started with mud flaps then added wood dash kit, debadged car, added side marker lights, custom pin stripes,
built in radar detector with lazar jammer, 07 Azera radio with new steering wheel remote switch, Phillips X-Treme headlights, back up sensors. There is probably more that I forgotten about.
Guess it's time to sell and buy a new model.
There are always new toys to add to your car.
I started with mud flaps then added wood dash kit, debadged car, added side marker lights, custom pin stripes,
built in radar detector with lazar jammer, 07 Azera radio with new steering wheel remote switch, Phillips X-Treme headlights, back up sensors. There is probably more that I forgotten about.
Guess it's time to sell and buy a new model.
Bob -
I know you've done a lot to your sage Azera as I follow your post on all the Azera forums. I've really enjoyed making my 06 look even better (in my opinion) than the original design (which I love). I've done the following:
1. Debadged the car
2. Installed the logoless grill
3. Added a hood ornament to the front
4. Added window shields over the 4 side windows
5. Put on front & rear mudflaps
6. Added crystals to the side front quarter panels and the lower portion of the rear bumper
7. Added 07 turn signal mirrors (thought about side marker lights like you and allmet33, but figured I didn't need both)
8. Added the 07 audio controls to the steering wheel
9. Put a navigation system on the console
10. Added custom made floor mats, front & rear
Radar detectors are illegal here in Virginia or I'd do that too. Always had one until they became illegal.
I've always thought a pin stripe would look great. My car is Pearl White. Did you do yours or did you have someone do it?
So I'm running out of things to do without making the appearance look tacky. Now if I could just figure out a way to get hot & cold running blondes in the car without my wife finding out, I'd be done.
As far as a new model goes, I'm waiting on the 08 Genesis and if it's as good as it sounds, I'll likely trade or sell my wife's 01 Hyundai XG300L for one and give her my Azera.
Then, there's the whole creating a mystique that comes with debadging. Folks already sit there and wonder what it is WITH the badging on, but remove it and folks really get stumped.
Like Mike, I debadged my Azera because I prefer a smooth line on my cars.
I debadged my 3 prior cars which were an Infiniti Q45, and 2 BMW seven series cars.
If I could remove the H from the trunk and the grill. ( sage green not available from Korean in H less model)
We all have different preferences.
The Michelin logo doesn't clutter up the tire, it's black on black. I didn't look for an out on Infinity logo on the stereo, I simply replaced the whole unit with something that gave me greater control over my music.
Oh yeah, has nothing to do with having too much time on our hands, the process takes mere minutes from start to finish.
These changes, in most cases took less time than you put into your negative posting.
Perhaps you are a part of our club that has too much time on our hands.
Like allmet33 and floridabob1, my debadging has nothing to do with not being proud of a Hyundai or having too much time on my hands. In fact, I own two Hyundais. It has more to do with perceived cleaner lines from my perspective and the "mystery" factor of people not knowing what the car is. It has caused numerous people to engage me in conversation about the car. I probably have averaged two people a week asking me about the car since I bought it last July. I enjoy the attention and only speak highly about Hyundai.
I'm having more fun with this car than any other car I've ever owned. So, why would you feel compelled to speak negatively about what we've done? It's just our personal preferences and we've never suggested that others should be doing the same. I just don't understand your post. What were you trying to accomplish?
It probably does have something to do with age because I too am 77 and am not debadging my Azzy. I love it just as it is. It is pearl white and I catch myself admiring it as I have no other of my cars. I love my Sonata LX as well.
Don
Don
And they say that love is blind.
Anyway, it's springtime, and love is in the air.
Enjoy your rides.
I know that it has been a while, but I have now found someone to repaint a non "H" grille for me with sage green paint.
I can't find the postings outlining the easiest procedure to swap the grilles.
Any assistance would be appreciated.
When I had my '02 Sonata, I went in with optimistic skepticism (how's that for oxymoron). Yes, I knew the Hyundai curse, but again...I was in a position that I needed a car, but I didn't want to spend over $20K which Toyota wanted for the Camry. Along comes the Sonata and this time I decided to enjoy it. It wasn't long before the car itself made me not worry about anything happening with it, it was a great car. I removed the badging from the back end, put a stereo system in it and added some rims. Everyone thought it was a new Jag, I loved it! After 4 years and 105K miles later (with no problems might I add), the car was traded in due to my girls getting taller and needing more leg room behind me...thus, the Azera.
Am I ashamed of owning a Hyundai? Quite the contrary my friend. I like the cleanliness provided by removing the cheap "chrome" plastic lettering from the back end. All you see is the encircled "H" and the word AZERA across the middle...very classy indeed! When folks ask me about it...I'm quick to say it's a Hyundai just so I can watch peoples eyes bug out their head in disbelief. I point to all the encircled "H" emblems on the back, front and steering wheel.
By all means my friend, I'm glad to own a Hyundai and speak highly of it.
Oh yeah, would the guy that had the brand new S-Class wagon on the beltway yesterday ashamed of his Benz? I mean...there was no badging on the back end of it, save for the encircled tri-star emblem.
Give it a break Sundevils, Hyundai owners are not the only ones debading their vehicles and it simply boils down to asthetics and preference. I can see if someone were replacing the emblems with Lexus "L's", or the Benz tri-star or what have you, but that is not the case.
Is it best to pull the bumper, or is that action not needed?
I know that there was a posting on this procedure at some time in the past, but I can't locate it.
Is it best to pull the bumper, or is that action not needed?
I know that there was a posting on this procedure at some time in the past, but I can't locate it.
Bob -
I know I posted directions on how to instal the new grille after I did mine, but I'll be darned if I can find where I posted it.
Here's a posting by jim101 on May 10, 2006 (post #2202)under Hyundai Azera 2006 that I found for you. It's basically what I went by when I did my change-over. You don't need to remove the bumper.Hope this helps.
Don
The installation is not a DIY less you be having some above average disassembly and assembly abilities.
There are seven small philips screws behind the grill in that tiny space in front of the radiator, you cannot get there from the bottom. You could I guess remove the radiator and it would be real easy or you could remove six hold down plastic retainers, four small hold down retainers on the top of the grill, lifting and removing two black pieces of plastic from the top of the grill, removing two 10 millimeter bolts, one each side, holds the upper bumper, next to the headlight, and popping the bumper off of the pin next to the 10 millimeter bolts you removed, you'll see it. The two top screws that secure the grill on each side are a challenge and impossible if you do not have the right tools. The rest is pretty straight forward if you can work without instructions and have patience.
Do not pull the bumper top piece out to far, you may damage the paint. You can hold a light in one hand and a stubby philips in the other to remove the easy five. you will need an offset or philips socket for your 1/4" drive, even then it's a tester.
Before putting the new grill 'in' pre-tap the holes, put the screws in and remove. If you don't they will be difficult to due during installation.
jnd17 -
That's exactly the way I look at it. I figure my car's better than an 07 as I have the new mirrors and the new audio controls AND a full size spare tire with the matching rim which doesn't exist on the 07.
You're gonna love the new mirrors. Glad you liked the DIY mirror installation instructions.
You will, until the day you trade or sell it.
You will, until the day you trade or sell it.
I don't plan on selling and if I do it will be known that it is an 06. Until then it looks like an 07 and I am happy with that
If so, where did you install the controller button and mike?
How does the system perform?