Why the Alpine Halo9 is the Perfect Solution for Toyota Trucks

Since Toyota entered the U.S. truck market back in the 70’s, the Toyota Truck lineup has proven itself to be some of the best on the road. We have seen models like the Hilux, Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner, and each has proven itself to be a great vehicle in its own right. These trucks have looked good, performed great off-road, and have had some really cool features.

However, the Toyota truck has always lacked the technology that its competitors have had. Toyota has caught up with ADAS safety features such as blind spot monitoring and collision avoidance systems, but still falls short in media and vehicle entertainment. While Toyota has incorporated a media system from the past, Alpine Electronics has answered the call from consumers for a media system from today.

Introducing the Alpine iLX-F309. Also Called the Halo9, this new Alpine product is the best way to add a large screen and new technology to the Toyota truck lineup. Featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through Alpines 9″ display, this unit adds the technology the manufacturer left out.

After connecting your smartphone via the charging cable and activating Bluetooth for Android Auto use, you get your music, driving directions, and phone calls all controlled from the 9-inch touchscreen and heard through your Toyota’s speaker system — so you don’t have to look at or touch your phone and can keep it safely stored away.

One of the cool features of the Halo9 is that it retains factory steering wheel controls and backup camera, and even feeds vehicle diagnostics to the screen. You can read tire pressures and engine codes, as well as control the vehicles air conditioning system. Additionally, a gauges screen will show engine temperatures, pressures, engine load, and more.

Even cooler is the ability to control accessories right from the screen. No need for a switch panel, you can control winches, light bars, and truck bed covers from the convenient accessories tab. Moreover, multiple cameras can be added to the camera view for the off-roading enthusiast.

All in all, this new Alpine product adds the convenience of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to Toyota Trucks. In addition, it adds many other great features not found in any other manufacturers factory infotainment system. The Halo9 is the perfect solution for Toyota Trucks.

https://www.alpine-usa.com/product/alpine-halo9-radio-apple-carplay-android-auto-ilx-f309

Build Files: Lifted 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

We customize Hyundai’s new addition to the compact truck market

See how we gave Hyundai’s new truck the ATR treatment with a host of aftermarket accessories and complemented this great platform.

The 2022 Santa Cruz is a new addition to a new truck market: Compact Trucks. Truck shoppers for the last decade have really only had two broad category options, the full-size truck and mid-size truck. With this new category of trucks being based on already existing CUV platforms, the accessories available to them is much different than your traditional truck accessories. Through this write-up we will share with you our thoughts and images of our first lifted Santa Cruz.

First Step: The Lift Kit

Because this vehicle is so new to the Hyundai lineup, and not many of them have made it onto the road due to production issues, there hasn’t been an overwhelming outcry for aftermarket parts from Santa Cruz owners. Because of this short inventory of Santa Cruz, not many lift kit manufacturing companies have gotten their hands on one to develop parts. As of March 2022, there are only 3 that we know of:

Truxx 1.5″ Front-Only Level Kit

Adventure Offroad Custom Built Lift kit

ReadyLift 2.0″ SST Lift Kit

Because of ReadyLift’s long history of dedication to quality engineering for suspension upgrades, this is the part we went with. Not only did it give us slightly more lift than the other options available to us, but it is backed by a 5 year 60k mile powertrain warranty.

The kit is composed of laser cut steel fabricated strut-spacers for the front, and 1″ billet aluminum coil spring spacers for the rear, and sway bar link extensions and shock extensions as well. Because ReadyLift already had engineering history with the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, it took minor adjustments to previous engineering to get a solid fit for the Santa Cruz. The 1″ rear spacer left the truck with just a little bit of forward rake, so that added wait of a small trailer or bed cargo won’t squat the truck to the point of instability.

Hyundai Santa Cruz lift kit

Second Move: Wheel and Tire

While ReadyLift says the recommended wheel & tire size is a 255/70 on a 17″ diameter wheel, we opted for 265/60 on 18″ wheels instead. This overall tire size we used ends up being slightly smaller than the max tire size recommended, but left us open to a better selection of tires.

We sourced a set of Black Rhino Boxer 18×8 wheels in matte black finish, and paired them with 265/60 Falken Wildpeaks. This gave our lifted Santa Cruz an aggressive style without compromising ride quality or having unbearable road noise from meatier tires.

Finishing Touches: Performance Films

With the Lift Kit and Wheels/Tires installed, there was only the cherry on top left to do.

We tinted the 2 front windows with Llumar Ceramic Tint, and added rear tailgate inlays to give the back end of this truck some extra flair. These tailgate inlays are super easy to install with a soap and water wet application.

Overall: A Great Package

At Auto Trim Restyling of St. Louis, we pride ourselves on being the best area Restyler and truck accessories installer. We design and build great looking packages just like this lifted Santa Cruz package every day.

It is important when accessorizing your vehicle to make sure to buy the highest quality parts with a good warranty, bring your vehicle to a certified shop for installation, and to verify that these modifications to your vehicle are safe to do.

On this Santa Cruz, the ReadyLift parts we installed are FMVSS compliant, our wheel and tire package does not rub or hit any body or suspension components, and our films are compliant with local tint ordinances.

When accessorizing your car, make sure to be safe, and always remember:

Life is Too Short to Drive a Boring Car

Lifted Hyundai Santa Cruz

What You Should Look For In A Remote Start

Most innovations these days are created to make our lives easier, and remote start is one of the best at it! With the simple touch of a button, you can outsmart mother nature. Let’s talk about the benefits and features to keep in mind when considering your options.

How Can Remote Start Benefit You?

The number one reason to install remote start would be to avoid suffering in severe weather. Not only can you warm up your car and even help melt ice or snow in the winter, but you can also cool down your car in blistering summer heat! This can be safely accomplished from bed (no judgements) or from your office – without even stepping outside. Gone are the days of walking out to your car, starting it manually, and hoping no one drives off with it.

Is There More Than One Type Of Remote Start?

The most commonly installed system is the 1 way remote start to factory fob. This utilizes your existing factory fob, simply turning on your car lights as the indication that the car has started and will run for 20 minutes. The range is that of the factory fob, though separate remotes can be added, usually with an extra fee.

The standard 1 way remote start often extends the range to around 1000 feet, and is also a great option for those who don’t currently have a fob. Certain models allow you to lock and unlock your car, as well.

If you are looking for a larger range, a 2 way remote start system boosts the range to around 3000 feet and offers all of the features of the 1 way remote, with some added benefits, such as a confirmation of start.

For unlimited range, consider an app system. This option enables one to start the car without a fob or remote from anywhere, as long as the phone has service. Other features frequently offered with this system, in addition to the standard, include battery life alerts, engine stop, and locate.

Time to Get A Spray-On … Bed Liner

“Spray In Bed Liners.” “Line-X Bed Liners.” “Rhino Liners.” However you refer to them, Auto Trim provides customers with the best available using our patented high pressure system. Spray-On Liners offer many benefits and now is the best time to get it installed.

What Makes Auto Trim Bed Liners Different?

Our state of the art, high pressure spray-in bed liner system allows us to spray 100% solids, meaning we don’t add thinners or solvents.

End result? More consistent spray pattern, texture, and a virtually impenetrable polyurethane coating. The best part is it ONLY takes 10 seconds to dry!

Our bed liners are composed of the highest quality polyurethanes available, with the highest levels of UV inhibitor to protect your liner from the sun.

This is what prevents the bed liner from becoming chalky looking, fading, and becoming dull over time. Unlike other spray-in bed coatings out there, our bed liners have UV inhibitors mixed in with the two-part formula.

Benefits of Auto Trim Spray-On Bed Liners Winter is around the corner, which means snow and sleet. Then we have Spring showers and hailstorms. Now is the best time to get a spray-on bed liner installed on your vehicle to protect it.

Rust can take a toll on your vehicle over time, in addition to the scratches, gouges, and other blemishes that might appear. Adding a spray-on bedliner can help lengthen the lifetime of your truck so you can make the most from your investment.

We use the best products in the industry to ensure that your new bed liner will last a lifetime. We’re so confident in our work that we back our liners with a LIFETIME warranty! If it ever peels, cracks, or fails over time, we will fix it for free!

As automotive professionals, we understand the pride our customers take in their truck beds and we know what it means to keep your vehicle looking new for years to come.

Ready to Get Started? We have samples of the material that we use for you to touch and feel in our showroom. Stop in and see why Auto Trim Restyling is the #1 choice for St. Louis Spray On Bed Liners.

Want to learn more about our process? Speak to a professional and find out.

Build Files: Lifted 2022 Bronco OuterBanks on Vossens

We customize this OuterBanks Bronco in a Clean and Elegant Fashion

Check out this simple but clean Bronco build completed here at Auto Trim Restyling and Window Tinting St. Louis.

Lifted Bronco on Vossen Wheels

At Auto Trim Restyling, we are no stranger to Ford Broncos. Our team has artfully crafted and put together some of the best looking Bronco’s on the streets of St. Louis. We partner with some of the best car and truck accessory manufacturers to make sure we are putting out the best product for the best price, and this Bronco is no exception.

First Step: Suspension

Our first move with nearly every Bronco that rolls into the shop starts with suspension upgrades. While many manufacturers like Rough Country, Zone Offroad, RTR, SuperLift, Fabtech and others make lift kits for Broncos, we prefer ReadyLift as our first choice for lift kits. ReadyLift puts more time into product engineering than some other companies who rush to get product to market, and additionally provide a Powertrain Warranty with their product that gives our customers peace of mind when modifying their vehicle.

We opted for ReadyLift’s 2” Front 2 1/2” Rear SST LIFT on this build. We have noticed that with the normal 2″ Lift, the weight of the rear mounted wheel and tire can give the back end a “sag” look, so we like to upgrade to the 2.5″ Lift Kit for High Payload Conditions. Not only does this support the heavy weight of the larger rear mounted wheel and tire combination, but also and rear cargo or light towing that might be done with your Bronco.

Second Step: Wheel and Tire

Because this Bronco is an Outerbanks Trim Level, we decided to go with a more luxurious wheel choice. We feel this fits well because of some higher-end features that Outerbanks come equipped with, like Painted Fender Flares, Larger Infotainment screen, Power Seats, etc.

We sourced a set of 20″ Vossen Wheels HF6-5 in Matte Gunmetal finish. This is a new addition to Vossens Hybrid Forged Lineup, and we felt they complimented this Bronco very well. We wrapped these beautiful wheels with a set of Nitto Recon Grapplers, a comfortable riding but slightly more aggressive A/T Tire. We felt that this tire was a great fit for a more elegant style Bronco Build, as it still gives the offroad look but with less road noise, and a more comfortable ride. The Nitto Recon Grappler sits between a Nitto Terra Grappler All Terrain and a Nitto Ridge Grappler R/T Hybrid Terrain in Nittos tire lineup.

Vossen HF6-5 Matte Gunmetal Wheels

Third Step: Leather Interior Upgrade

For the Interior of this Bronco, we added a little bit of flair to the factory design. This particular Bronco did have Brown Cloth seats and Brown Door Panels from factory, so we stuck with that color pallet but added some flair of our own. We stripped the factory cloth and added Katzkin Walnut interior.

Specifically, this is a Walnut Face, Black Wrap, with HexTek and Black all visible stitch. We felt this best complimented the brown door panels that were already their, while adding a bit of luxury with the hexagon stitch pattern.

Final Step: Appearance

In this category, we will lump a few different types of accessories together.

Oracle Backlit Bronco Grille Lighting

In our electronics department, we added Oracle Lighting’s Backlit Bronco Lettering across the front grille. These letters are offered in both White and Amber Backlight, however we opted for the White as we felt it gave a more luxurious look, while the amber would be more off-roady.

These LED backlit letters are a great addition to any Bronco Build, and we recommended them as a low price option that adds a ton of style to a Bronco.

We also added some other subtle style pieces to this Bronco. The first one was a Gloss Black rear Bronco Emblem, which we swapped for the polished Bronco that was on the back from factory. The other was the removal of the fender outerbanks logo and swapping for gloss black bronco script. These both add a ton of style for little cost, and a great addition to any Bronco.