Customized Roadsters

[doug]

red inlay on nose badge
red brake calipers
red grill mesh

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/3104301624_4cba72bfa2.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/3104301624_3bd9226492_o.jpg)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/3103476213_8382ec6385.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/3103476213_8382ec6385_b.jpg)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/3104303832_899cf21795_o.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/3104303832_804deeb7d5.jpg)

[graham]

Not sure I like the red on the grille like that. I would have to see it in person I suppose. Is this a car still in Menlo Park with no drive train? I wonder whose car it is?

[doug]

Not sure I like the red on the grille like that. I would have to see it in person I suppose. Is this a car still in Menlo Park with no drive train? I wonder whose car it is?
I just find it and pass it along. The pics were posted by Bob in the LA store.

[malcolm]

Judging from the reflection, not many cars in store. :wink:

[doug]

Orange rear diffuser and side sills. (Guessing the front lip as well)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3221744833_c3a23923bd_b.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/electric-future/3221744833/sizes/l/)

[TEG]

I think those are the A048 (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=ADVAN+A048) (sport) tires as well.

By the way, you can see the photographer (who I recognize, wearing a Tesla hat) in the reflection on the Roadster quarter panel in the photo Doug posted.

And you can see the building across the street from the LA storefront in the reflection above him which you can also see in this nighttime shot of the store.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/2922614238_dddaa51c25.jpg

(In other words, I think that orange diffuser is visible from the Street on Santa Monica blvd.)

[shark2k]

By the way, you can see the photographer (who I recognize, wearing a Tesla hat) in the reflection.

You must have really good eye sight cause I can't see any person in a reflection. Where exactly are you seeing this in the picture?

-Shark2k

[doug]

You must have really good eye sight cause I can't see any person in a reflection. Where exactly are you seeing this in the picture?
Mods on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://flickr.com/photos/electric-future/3221744833/)

[shark2k]

Thanks doug, didn't realize it was another photo TEG was referring to.

-Shark2k

[vfx]

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v273/214/52/651371768/n651371768_722746_2381.jpg

Safety Version
(http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v273/214/52/651371768/n651371768_722746_2381.jpg)
(photochop)

[vfx]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/3104303832_804deeb7d5.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/3104301624_4cba72bfa2.jpg?v=0

[NEWDL]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/3146472436_95cd92ff81_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/3084476880_117fe21cab.jpg

[NEWDL]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2764073703_19c7783b8c.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2761472091_d6769ab2f3.jpg?v=0

[doug]

ms8fp8IDRFo

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3389750634_82d46b94a4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26339101@N07/3389750634/sizes/l/in/set-72157615978736818/)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3388940543_7e2815fe61.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26339101@N07/3388940543/sizes/l/in/set-72157615978736818/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3389750832_8efc556bab_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26339101@N07/3389750832/sizes/l/in/set-72157615978736818/)

[vfx]

Dr Taras' ride. #254

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3408062067_473a62c3d0.jpg?v=0


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/3408870468_4a09ab184a.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3408871126_a81850bd33.jpg?v=0

Done by Al and Eds Autosound.

[vfx]

#254 cont.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3315/3408872846_2b4f63a767.jpg?v=0

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/vfxshots/CIMG5259.jpg?t=1238899370

[James]

I like DrTaras (from reading his postings) but I am not a fan of those changes. Does it look better in person? The pictures of #254 are not impressive.

[vfx]

I like DrTaras (from reading his postings) but I am not a fan of those changes. Does it look better in person? The pictures of #254 are not impressive.

Styling is a personal preference for sure. What it does do is bring up the general quality of the interior to high quality materials and finish.

[Lancelac]

I'll pass on 90+% of these changes as well. Amusing to hear that he says that it's going back to get truly pimped out soon.

Love to see what can be done though. If I were so inclined I would go with another seat entirely (and lose the pattern), although I'm sure the options are limited, as the space is a cramped one. I would also stick with a continuity of surfaces (either all CF, all brushed aluminum, all chrome, etc.) as the mixture is not to my taste.

[doug]

Since it exceeds the Roadsters accessory 12V current rating, the sound system required a separate 12V supply which has to be charged (again separately) via that plug under the rear diffuser. The video shows the sealed lead acid battery where the stock subwoofer would be and the 120VAC to 12VDC inverter mounted behind the rear grill.

[TEG]

The license plate behind the headrest was creative, but I wonder if it is legal there.

---


Since it exceeds the Roadsters accessory 12V current rating, the sound system required a separate 12V supply which has to be charged (again separately) via that plug under the rear diffuser. The video shows the sealed lead acid battery where the stock subwoofer would be and the 120VAC to 12VDC inverter mounted behind the rear grill.

I find that an inelegant kludge. Maybe Tesla should offer an ESS with an upgraded 12V DC/DC for those planning major stereo mods like this (53kWh only inches away and you have to add an aux 12V battery?!).

Doug, I assume you heard the audio on that car. I assume it got very loud? Did it actually sound good or was it over the top? IMHO, sometimes a little extra bass is a good thing, but too much power and too much subwoofer doesn't always sound so great.

[James]

I'll pass on 90+% of these changes as well. Amusing to hear that he says that it's going back to get truly pimped out soon.

Love to see what can be done though. If I were so inclined I would go with another seat entirely (and lose the pattern), although I'm sure the options are limited, as the space is a cramped one. I would also stick with a continuity of surfaces (either all CF, all brushed aluminum, all chrome, etc.) as the mixture is not to my taste.

Lancelac, I actually made a last second change in my Roadster Sport after seeing these pictures with the CF inside. At one point I had upgraded from Premium Leather to the full interior Premium Leather with Carbon Fiber. But after seeing how busy it looked I could not risk it. So at the last second I downgraded to just doing the Executive Leather (Red/Black). The extra leather and the contrast stitching will have to be enough.

[TEG]

Does DrTara's Tesla use 3rd party carbon fiber accents, or Tesla factory accents?

It would be a shame if you canceled a Tesla option because you got scared of the way a 3rd party option looked.

[vfx]

It sounded uneccesarily terrific.

[NEWDL]

It sounded uneccesarily terrific.

I'll second that...

At one point I was right next to it and then also farther away. It sounded amazing in both locations.

One question though, I assume you charge the sound system battery at night when the car is charging, or whenever you need to charge it but if you go for a 240 mile drive with the sound system at full blast some of your drive will be silent right?

There is no recharge system other than the plug? I guess that makes sense... you can only pull so much from the converter box...

Very nice system...but I think I will stay with the stock system due to the power restrictions...

[James]

Does DrTara's Tesla use 3rd party carbon fiber accents, or Tesla factory accents?

It would be a shame if you canceled a Tesla option because you got scared of the way a 3rd party option looked.

Tesla doesn't have any pictures to show me what the interior carbon fiber accents look like for real. They only have a raw scetch of the panels that are covered with carbon fiber. So the combo of two tones of leather, contrast stitching, carbon fiber and brushed aluminum, would have presented a very busy and crowded Roadster cabin.

For the Executive Leather, they have a picture that is very detailed and accurate. It looks really classic and will be a hit. So it was a safer choice for me to make.

[Lancelac]

Lancelac, I actually made a last second change in my Roadster Sport after seeing these pictures with the CF inside. At one point I had upgraded from Premium Leather to the full interior Premium Leather with Carbon Fiber. But after seeing how busy it looked I could not risk it. So at the last second I downgraded to just doing the Executive Leather (Red/Black). The extra leather and the contrast stitching will have to be enough.

Now who is copying who? ;)

[vfx]

One question though, I assume you charge the sound system battery at night when the car is charging, or whenever you need to charge it...

One of the reps told me that the seperate battery would need chargung about once a week. I was harping to both of them that they really reeeaaly need to think about weight with this car. The indoor speakers have huge magnets and the new battery alone is 30 lbs. I know these fabrication guys use a lot of MDF, bondo and meatl brackets to shape dash, center consuls and door panels. What do they care how much it weighs? Since they will be doing a Glove Box later I wanted to get my two cents in on how to do it lightweight suggesting honeycomb panels, Gaterbord and molding comleted shapes out of fiberglass or CF like the doorsills.

As I was making my point ad nauseum my wife walks up and suggest that maybe I just loose some weight ...:redface:

[James]

Now who is copying who? ;)

I will admit that when a few people here pointed out that it could potentially look too busy/gaudy, I realized that the potenial existed to have a really expensive car that looked stupid. After seeing the aftermarket carbon fiber interior, my concern went through the roof.

I am sure you saw the same picture of the Executive Leather. That looks classic and I can get it without being worried.

[James]

Here are the complete pictures of Dr Ian Taras' Roadster #254. Some major customized work done here.

Picasa Web Albums - Ian - 2009_04_02-Te... (http://picasaweb.google.com/DrTaras0/2009_04_02TeslaStudioFAVS?feat=directlink#)

[James]

Dr Ian Taras' Roadster #254 has completed phase two of his upgrades. Here are the pictures. There is still more to come. He is already planning phase 3.

About half of the pictures are new. He has a built in radar detector, new Tesla logo on the headrest, hands free remote mic, etc.

Picasa Web Albums - Ian - 2009_04_02-Te... (http://picasaweb.google.com/DrTaras0/2009_04_02TeslaStudioFAVS?feat=directlink#)

[dpeilow]

Tech makeover for the Tesla Roadster | The Car Tech blog - CNET Reviews (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10243392-48.html)

[DrTaras]

Ok guys. So sorry that I've been remiss in posting on the far superior site that this is, but it seems that some of my mates have been picking up on my blogs on the owner's site and posting here as well. Thank you. As VFX so aptly noted in one of his posts, styling is personal and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. By the same token there are people who will buy the Tesla Roadster because it is good for the environment, others because it will help us get off our addiction to foreign oil and still others because ain't nothing can beat it on the street! The point is that there is 31 different flavors of ice cream for a reason and by my account Tesla has been serving up a vanilla flavor only for the interior. VFX states the world likes to be deceived and truthfully when it comes to manufacturer options, there is more truth than you realize. I guess ignorance is bliss!

So you can find my personal pix of my mods here:
Picasa Web Albums - Ian - 2009_04_02-Te... (http://picasaweb.google.com/DrTaras0/2009_04_02TeslaStudioFAVS?feat=directlink)

You can see Al & Ed's web site here:
www.AE54.com (http://www.AE54.com)

Al & Ed's in West Hollywood have done about a dozen Teslas (including just having painted one owners in official Lamborghini yellow) and work closely with Tesla which is important when you are dealing with an electric car and you do not want to invalidate your warranty. They know what they are doing and YOUR vision is what they are setting out to create. Elie Rothstein is a magician. Their brochure can be seen by clicking on the "Tesla Brochure" link here, but realize that the brochure was made before they put in my glove boxes and my MP3 horn (which VFX hates and he is in good company as my wife hates it too... but that's are right because I'm good enough and gosh darn it people like me):
http://www.al-eds.com/stores/west-hollywood/downloads-brochures/ (http://www.al-eds.com/stores/west-hollywood/downloads-brochures/)

Autoblogs comments on the interior are here:
Pics Aplenty: Al & Ed's Autosound upgrades Tesla Roadster interior, audio system [UPDATE: w/VIDEO] — Autoblog Green (http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/pics-aplenty-al-and-eds-autosound-upgrades-tesla-roadster-interi/)

Sorry for being verbose. Sometimes my passion is mistaken for showmanship & grandstanding; nothing could be further from the truth. Come join us this Sunday 8/30/09 from 7-10 AM at the Calabasas Village Coffee Roasters Super Car Sunday and see for yourself.
Ciao, Ian ;-)

[vfx]

Wow, 3 mentions. Very flattered. I just would not use the word "hate". I prefer, "unecessary".

By the way, I was told that yellow paint job was done a a Tesla delivered in primer.

Wish we could get pix!

[vfx]

Picasa Web Albums - rcellio - Tesla Pictures (http://picasaweb.google.com/rcellio/TeslaPictures#)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9H3nuooZqlw/SvxYtWhHpjI/AAAAAAAAACc/wV6yBSXn7Ds/s640/IMG_0322.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9H3nuooZqlw/SvxYTyg8XqI/AAAAAAAAACQ/1kYYbovd5xM/s640/IMG_0320.JPG

Al and Ed's again:

stereo package
amplified antenna
audiophile system
bespoke black and saddle leather interior with tan stitching
black perforated leather
black Alcantara steering wheel
Tesla logo floor mats
carbon fiber door sills
ceramic tint to the windows
2 glove box doors
rear tail light surrounds painted the body color
iPod cover
inside of the hardtop covered in Alcantara.

[relliott]

I was going to post what VFX posted. I think I still will.

I've built my company on customer service. *So, I'm a stickler for it. *I'm almost never satisfied with the customer service that I receive from other businesses. I’m always disappointed. *Back in July, I had Elie *completely go over my red Tesla Roadster. *I have never been MORE satisfied with the quality of the product, the service and the attentive customer service that I received. I really can’t say enough about Elie and the service I received. *Everything about the whole experience was superb. *

The items I had put in were the stereo package, amplified antenna, audiophile system, bespoke black and saddle leather interior with tan stitching, black perforated leather with black Alcantara put on the steering wheel, floor mats with the Tesla logo, the carbon fiber door sills, ceramic tint to the windows, 2 glove box doors, the rear tail light surrounds painted the body color, an iPod cover and finally, the inside of the hardtop covered in Alcantara.

The leather included the dashboard, complete coverage of the doors, the rear wall, and the seats. *All of it was beautifully, perfectly done. *The sound system and it's reception is incredible. I drove the car up to the Menlo Park Tesla dealer and had a crowd of Tesla employees listening, dumbstruck, to the sound system. *It’s that good. *And I hardly ever plug the sound system in to be charged.

The navigation system is better and easier to use than any OEM system in any car that I have ever owned. And that goes back to my first navigation system in a BMW 7 series back in 1997.

If you are unhappy with the interior of your Tesla or the sound or navigation system, I urge you to speak with Elie. *He really, really knows what he’s doing. *I’ve never been happier with any company’s product or service and I’m sure you will be too.

VFX (right above) gave the link for more picture.

Thanks Elie,
Ron Elliott
Al & Eds Autosound
West Hollywood,Ca
Elie Rothstein
310-920-5454

[DrTaras]

Elie @ www.AE54.com (http://www.AE54.com) is at it again. He took my v2.0 into his posession last week and is not allowed to tell me what all Alpine has given him to put in to the car but for that it is nearly $7K worth of Alpine equipment so that they can show it off at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas 1/7/10 - 1/10/10. Look for it at CES as the only Tesla inside the convention, though I hear that Tesla Motors will have a car outside and they'll be giving rides. I'll be in Lost Wages on Sat & Sun (1/9-10). Picture posting after that. :eek:

I beleive that Al & Ed's Autosound will have a Lambo and another car at the Kenwood booth as well.

[DrTaras]

T8H-vBp0fNA
I posted this video in another section, but will post new pix & video in this section instead so that you can do some comparing.

[DrTaras]

Sometimes my passion is mistaken for showmanship & grandstanding; nothing could be further from the truth.

Is it a faux pas to quote yourself? Yes I did just to remind you of that, but maybe I doth protest to much? Judge for yourself.


Styling is a personal preference for sure. What it does do is bring up the general quality of the interior to high quality materials and finish.

Many on this blog have been critical of the past Xtreme customization of #254 & respectful dissent is always invited. I figured you needed "fresh meat" so here is the entire picture album of #725:
Picasa Web Albums - Ian - 2010_01_09-CE... (http://picasaweb.google.com/DrTaras0/2010_01_09CESLVObjects?feat=directlink)
(Still can't figure out how to embed pix)

If you go to the video posted above you will get a 2 minute debriefing on some of the "firsts" on #725. Here is the post an 8 minute video that will explain most of the others.
YouTube - Tesla Customizations by Al & Ed's Autosound @ CES LV 2010 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rphfmncRBrM)
(Still can't figure out how to embed video)

Lastly, when I get it out in the sun and without the for-the-show blue lighting, I will take some more pix and post.

[TEG]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rphfmncRBrM

[mpt]

I was all jealous until we got to the comedy horn!

That aside; what a lovely piece of work; I especially like the door treatment and double-DIN audio. I'm not a fan of LED DRL's but when done that well :wink: maybe I can be swayed. The blue pool lighting at the door though; just class.

[Lancelac]

While I certainly wouldn't have made the same customization choices, even with an unlimited budget, what you've done is amazing. In addition, you help all of us see different options, all of which are now available to any Roadster owner, because you blaze the trail. I agree with MPT that the Double DIN (with movement of the vents) is the most outstanding feature. Enjoy, and thanks for showing us!

[William3]

He's probably the first one to do "double din" in a Tesla, but check out these pics from a similar vehicle from a year ago...

[DrTaras]

http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php?p=47007#post47007
What's old is new again!

[TEG]

Not necessarily to everyone's liking:
http://www.insideline.com/tesla/roadster/tesla-art-car-touted-as-digital-masterpiece.html
http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/tesla/ns/tesla_f34_ns_120710_717.jpg
http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/tesla/ns/tesla_front_ns_120710_717.jpg
http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/tesla/ns/tesla_rear_ns_120710_717.jpg

[TEG]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dream-car-tv/with/5249150679/
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5249753312_c8fff8cd8b_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5249753210_cf017fa30c_z.jpg

[DrTaras]

One of the things I did with my Roadster, without the help of West Hollywood (http://www.AE54.com), was to get a replica California BLACK license plate that were standard issue from before 1970. For me I liked the look on a black car. It currently is my avatar picture you can see on the left. The site I bought it from stated that as of 2008, the DMV recognizes his replicas as legal. If you have the sequential or vanity plate, he'd make you a replica. The site is misleading as it does not spell out that if your car was originally issues a black (or a blue & yellow for 1970-1980ish) plate, THEN it would be legal. Otherwise a Tesla can not "wear" any other plates than those that were issued to it. I found this out today when a CHP officer pulled me over and that is all he wanted to tell me. He gave me a warning, though could have issued me a fix-it ticket; glad it was the former and not the latter. Wanted to share it with y'all. :redface:

You can reference Vehicle Code Sections 5200 & 4805 as they specifically address the issuance of license plates. :cursing:

[dpeilow]

It's similar over here. If your car is pre-73 then you can legally have the white on black plates, otherwise you have to have the white at front, yellow at back combination. Many people flout this and seem to get away with it, though. Supposedly the old style doesn't show up on radar traps as easily.

[vfx]

... if your car was originally issues a black (or a blue & yellow for 1970-1980ish) plate, THEN it would be legal.
Yeah, classic cars get away with it.
Gald you were let off this time. I did try and warn you though. :wink:

[DrTaras]

I did try and warn you though
OK Mr. HOV sticker on a removable back window plaque :rolleyes:

[vfx]

OK Mr. HOV sticker on a removable back window plaque :rolleyes:

Yep! Rolling the dice every time I'm on the 405.

[tdelta1000]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dream-car-tv/with/5249150679/
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5249753312_c8fff8cd8b_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5249753210_cf017fa30c_z.jpg

I'm not a fan of black wheels but the combo is awesome.

[Slackjaw]

Compared to some of the stuff in this thread, it's a tiny customisation, but: Are the TESLA side door stickers (big letters along the base of the doors on some promo shots) available to customers? We opted for "Obsidian Black" so our car will be pretty low key but I do like those stickers.

Sorry if this is discussed elsewhere, I did search but couldn't find anything. Thanks in advance!

[bonnie1194]

Compared to some of the stuff in this thread, it's a tiny customisation, but: Are the TESLA side door stickers (big letters along the base of the doors on some promo shots) available to customers? We opted for "Obsidian Black" so our car will be pretty low key but I do like those stickers.

Sorry if this is discussed elsewhere, I did search but couldn't find anything. Thanks in advance!

I'd ask your Tesla sales rep - and ask that it be done free. They do that on their cars for promotion. They shouldn't charge you to add that to the paint. :)

[DaveD]

The side stickers are available from Tesla Stores, at least U.S. ones, for $100 for the set of two. The Seattle Store said the guy they recommend to do the installation charges $100. Four colors: light gray, dark gray, white, and red.

[Slackjaw]

The side stickers are available from Tesla Stores, at least U.S. ones, for $100 for the set of two. The Seattle Store said the guy they recommend to do the installation charges $100. Four colors: light gray, dark gray, white, and red.

Cool, thanks for the info. In the course of the discussion, my better half "persuaded" me that we won't be putting those on our Roadster. Looks like we'll be needing a Roadster each now...

[DrTaras]

The newest customization that Al & Ed's - WeHo (http://www.ae54.com/) has done for me are Skid Guards: Cure for the Front End Driveway Rash!
Cross Posted here: http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/6721-Roadster-Upgrades-Page-on-Tesla-Website?p=99957#post99957

(http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/6721-Roadster-Upgrades-Page-on-Tesla-Website?p=99957#post99957)

[S-2000 Roadster]

In the course of the discussion, my better half "persuaded" me that we won't be putting those on our Roadster. Looks like we'll be needing a Roadster each now...
Isn't that the best solution for (nearly) all marital disagreements? His and Hers of everything!

[Tesla 940]

Isn't that the best solution for (nearly) all marital disagreements? His and Hers of everything! That approach has always worked in our relationship! Her Mercedes AMG Stationwagon, my Roadster, her '69 Z28, my '65 HiPo Mustang Convertible, etc. etc.