Proton Flip Key Remote Control Conversion

Most remote control key fobs found on newer cars (especially luxury models) such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen etc. are now flip type. Some bread and butter models do come with flip remote control keys, and I'm sure many of you would like one for your car as well!

Why would you want one? First you got to admit it looks cooler than the standard Proton Key Fob. Second, great space saving! I usually keep my Proton Saga FLX's key in my pocket, and they tend to poke around and it feels uncomfortable especially when sitting down. Also, sometimes they scratch my phone if they are sharing the same pocket. Third, did I mention it looks cool?

Disassembling: this flip key remote control conversion kit works for Proton Saga BLM, Saga FL, Saga FLX, Saga SV, Proton Persona, Proton Gen-2. 

As I was browsing through the internet, I found a flip key conversion kit made for Proton cars! Specially, this conversion kit works for Proton Saga BLM, Saga FL, Saga FLX, Saga SV, Proton Persona, Proton Savvy, Proton Satria Neo, Proton Waja, Proton Gen-2, and other Proton cars that have the similar remote control chip placement. The Proton flip key conversion kit even comes with key screw Proton Logo sticker and slot for your immobiliser!

Left: Proton Waja immobiliser key fob. My original Proton Saga FLX's key fob was broken after only 4 months! The plastic casing was loose and the plastic holding the key broke.  Right: Proton Flip Key aftermarket conversion.

The build quality of the Proton flip key remote control fob isn't top notch, as minor modifications are required to fit my Proton Saga FLX key. The top of the remote holder needs to be trimmed off or else the cover would not fully fit. Minor issue there. One thing I really dislike is the red and green buttons. They should include an all black option! Apart from that, there are small gaps at the side of the Proton flip key, but otherwise the build is still pretty solid and cool!

Great space saving! Doesn't poke you when you put into your pants, or scratch your phone if your phone happen to share the same pocket.

Did I mention I bought it for only USD15 including shipping? I ordered it online and got it delivered for free from China. There are local sellers selling it as well though, but they are selling it for RM65-75 (slightly over 20 US dollars)  the last time I checked. If you have 3 weeks to wait, I would recommend ordering yourself as it is simply cheaper.

This flip key remote control conversion kit works for Proton Saga BLM, Saga FL, Saga FLX, Saga SV, Proton Persona, Proton Gen-2. 

2nd Hand Reconditioned Mugen Twin Loop Replica

 I was browsing through the Automotive section @ lowyat.net, and I found this nice Mugen twin loop replica exhaust going for RM100 (About 30 USD). Couldn't resist, and thought of buying it for my Proton Wira 1.6 XLi, which uses a 4G92P  (Related to the old Lancer). Started off with washing it using some strong detergents, followed by sanding it down using 600 grit, 800 grit, 1200 grit. Was too lazy to sand the whole thing using 1500 grit, only the muffler tip received the special treatment.

Original Condition

Halfway there; used a combination of Turtlewax Chrome Polish + sand paper

After Polishing

Engine Bay Detailing

Article Extracted From: DetailedImage.com

Overview

We spend countless hours detailing the interior and exterior of our cars, but how many people give the needed attention inside the engine bay? Having your engine bay properly detailed not only looks great, but it also helps fight potential corrosion as well. With a few simple tools and supplies, you too can keep the area under the hood looking like it was professionally detailed.

DIY: Tyre Wall White Font

I recently went shopping around at Popular bookstore, and I came across these all purpose Artline 400XF Paint Markers in white.

I have always wanted to paint my tyres walls white, similar to those track racing cars!

Michelin Racing Slicks with white fonts!

Since I had some spare Hankook Ventus tyres laying around my room, I decided to use them as guinea pigs for my project.

Ferrari 599 with Michelin white fonts; looks simply gorgeous!

Modification: Toyota MR2 to Lamborghini Murcielago

From a normal Toyota MR2

To a lamborghini murcielago

Watch the video ! The modifications were done by Broadfieldz from the UK. 

Fully Working Ferrari 312PB Model!

Made from scratch in the garage of a man who has too much time (or passion), the car is fully working; the gearbox even has reverse gear, indication signal light, and scaled down engine which makes the Ferrari engine sound as well.


How long did it take? 15 Years.  Everything is made by himself.

DIY: Cheap Basic Soundproofing using Insulflex ®

    For those of you with cars which aren't sound proofed, acquiring a better quality ride in terms of NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) could be easily done. Note: This cannot be compared to auto foam or professional sound proofing specialists' work, but serves as a BASIC form of soundproofing only. For the price you pay and the satisfaction of DIY, it is actually a worthwhile project to undertake. However, if your really serious and willing to fork out more money for better quality, I recommend you take a look at AutoFoam; there are many wonderful reviews regarding AutoFoam around the net.

To be more specific, Insulflex does not really "soundproof" the ride but insulates and dampens outside noise from interior noise, hence the name Insulflex. Similar products include Superlon.Coupled with sound deadening product that reduces the vibration is essential for better quality NVH. For sound deadening, deadening soundproofing mats such as Dynamat could be used. In most cars they also have tar pads to absorb vibration. For wind sound, you can try those Bitumen strips for car door areas.

To remove the door panel, just remove any visible screws. For my case there is 2 screws (one at the arm rest holder, another at the door lock area). For Proton Savvy I know there is like 5 screws holding the panel. For front door, the tweeter speaker box can just be pulled out. After all the screws are removed, pry your hand along the edges and pull the panel. Usually it is held only by clips. After the clips are open, lift the panel up and you should be able to remove it.


Preparing the mat for application: simply cut it into rough sizes according to your panel size. Excess could be trimmed after the glue has been applied. Make sure you note down the clip holding areas and any screws or cables that should be passing through the mat, especially the arm rest holder and door lock. For cables I just cut a small hole to let the cable pass through. For me it is better to leave some areas, due to the nature of the panel, once you stick the mat there may be curves that demand for extra width.

To apply the Insulflex, use Dunlop Contact Adhesive (CA) glue and apply evenly on the smooth side of the Insuflex mat. For hood it is recommended you have 2 person to do it together, due to the nature of the glue it might dry before you manage to stick it.


Completion: Make sure the mat is properly glued to the panel by pressing it down. You should get some kind of shape for panels with contours. Trim away excessive Insulflex.

Recommended Areas for Application
1. Doors
2. Front bonnet
3. Rear trunk lid
4. Boot floor and walls
5. Floor pan
6. Front fender / wheel arc
7. Roof
8. Engine firewall

Personally I have applied the mat for doors and front bonnet. For the doors, the result is wonderful! Most external noise is significantly reduced. Instead, the noise comes from the tyre area. For the bonnet, both me and my friend have benefited from quieter engine revving sound heard in the cabin. Overall, for the cheap price of the material, it is an enjoyable DIY experience!

Finally for those of you in Petaling Jaya, (Malaysia) wishing to purchase Insulflex, I have purchased mine from this great seller @ Lowyat.Net : 012-3001933 - Kelvin

Insulflex @ Lowyat.net  

 

DIY: Carbon Fiber Sticker for Center Console

     Hello guys! I have DIY-ed carbon fiber stickers onto my dashboard with great result! For those of you who may want to attempt to DIY yourself, I have a toturial on how to do it. First, you need to get the sticker! Usual price is about RM12-15 per feet for 3M carbon fiber sticker. I would recommend this as the sticker is 3D and not normal sticker 2D sticker.

To disassemble your console or any part you wish, it is best to just examine the area for any screws. If there are no screws, then the piece is most probably held using clips. Simply attempt to pry open the part slowly.

  

Once you have the parts ready, you should wipe and clean them. Cut the sticker to fit your component. What I have done is to separate the sticker from the non-stick film and soak the sticky side with soap water. This allows you to adjust the sticker. Once you have attached the sticker, use blowdryer or any source of heat on the sticker. The sticker should become soft and you can stick it around edges and curves. Once the soap dries, you can trim off the edges.

My end result! (Not really proficient in cutting, thus the edges are a bit rough)

Happy DIY!