NeonTaco's build log

Hey, thanks for reading!

This thread is mostly so I can keep track of the work/money I have spent and mods I want, it's very link/image heavy, be warned...

Where she sits now as of January 2018:



History:
I told my wife exactly the type of truck I wanted one friday night in February 2016, so she started searching online and found one a few hours later. The next morning we were there looking at a Tacoma sitting in a tiny 15 car lot in the small city of New Braunfels, TX.

2004 Toyota Tacoma Xtracab SR5, 3.4L V6, 5-Spd 4x4, Lunar Mist Metallic paint.

One previous owner, 90% of service records back to 2005, Completely stock (save for the Firestone Dueler AT 265/70R16). I had it taken to a big Toyota dealer and the head mechanic took a look at it on the lift with me...

"It's been babied" was his remark after doing a once over with a flashlight through the engine bay and under the whole truck.

It was at 135k miles at the time, I test drove it in a parking lot that day in 1st / 2nd gear only (I drove stick like a nervous virgin) I liked it!

I went home and slept on it, talked to the bank and did some adult money stuff. Given the circumstances I was going to take the risk...and signed that papers the next day. She was mine... Just had to learn how to drive stick to get her home...


As I was about to pull off the lot a gentleman showed up with the full asking price ready to be transferred from his bank, we talked for a minute and he said that he saw it online too and was there to buy it and drive it to Mexico that day...

She's a rescue.


Pics are a few months after purchase, tool box is the biggest mod in these images.

The plan:

I want to have a daily driver that is extremely capable off road and will excel in primitive camping environments. Traveling across Texas, camping with the wife and dog, and tackling some ruff trails is the target. (pun intended) Budget is extremely tight but I'm luckily a metal fabricator and extremely DIY orientated, so ~90% of the work will be done by myself. I want safety to be #1, so no skimping on critical components that will leave me hurt/stranded. I'm located in the Texas hill country so the entire state is within a days drive and I can select from beaches, swamps, deserts, grass lands, steep hills, etc.

This truck is capable (without any mods at all) to go almost anywhere, but where is the fun in that? I like to tinker too much to let things be...

It's going to be a long journey these next few years, but I can and will learn, as much as possible from the communities that are around. I look forward to meeting new friends!
​

Mods completed:

Wheels and Tires:

4 Pro Comp - Series 51 Steel Wheels - $200

$69 Pro Comp Steel Wheels Series 51 Wheel with Flat Black Finish (15x8"/6x5.5")

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F0R6K34
/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

4 Hankook Dynapro ATM 31x10.5r15 - $600
http://www.hankooktire.com/us/passenger-cars/hankook-dynapro-at-m-rf10.html
No-name keyed concentric lug nuts from DT in black. - $25

Painted wheel weights black with nail polish. - $5
(need to do again after balance)

Trimmed wheel well to fit new tires after 2 weeks of rubbing... - Free
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/neontacos-build-log.529039/page-2#post-16960988
(also need to do again)
​

Engine/Drivetrain:

Air box deck plate mod - $20
http://www.speedysgarage.net/sportrunner/deckplate/projectsportrunner_deckplate.htm

Diff breather mod - $15
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/neontacos-build-log.529039/page-3#post-18060169

Flowmaster 40 series stainless muffler. - $40
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/neontacos-build-log.529039/page-4#post-18660015
​

Exterior/Armor:

Powder-coated black Ebay stock bumper - $10
(Found on Craigslist for $50 sold old one for $40)

Repainted Skid plates - Free

Rear sliding window found at scrap yard in perfect condition - $30
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/neontacos-build-log.529039/page-3#post-18653333

Westin tube steps (temporary until proper sliders) - $30
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/neontacos-build-log.529039/page-3#post-18653333

Fabricated custom front grille - $10
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-look-at-the-grille-mod.567297/#post-18657297

Custom 1/2" Aluminum Transfer case skid plate - Free
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/neontacos-build-log.529039/page-3#post-17964373

​

Interior/Gadgets:

DIY Leather Car Steering Wheel Cover - $15

AULLY PARK Universal Genuine Leather Car Steering Wheel Cover Stitching Style (Size M, Gray)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018FM55UE?ie=UTF8

BOSS stereo - Bluetooth, MP3/USB/SD AM/FM & pocket/harness - $50

$33 BOSS Audio Systems 616UAB Car Stereo With Bluetooth - Single DIN, MP3, USB, Aux-in, AM/FM, No CD DVD Player

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CG8N0H8?ie=UTF8

Performance Teknique ICBM-776 400w Stereo Amp - $10
Garage sale find.

Auto-darken rear-view mirror with compass - $15
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/neontacos-build-log.529039/page-4#post-18676513

Dash/back up camera - $50

NEXGADGET Dual Lens Dash Cam Full HD 1080P Front + VGA Rear Lens 170°+ 120° Super Wide Angle Car Dashboard Camera with 4.0" IPS Screen, G-Sensor, Parking Mode (Black)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZXQ93W?ie=UTF8

120w inverter for my laptop - $10
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Everstart-120W-Slim-Power-Inverter/109463375

Dog mod - $20
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dog-mod.122345/page-4#post-18636640
​

Lighting/Electrical:

License plate LED - $5
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/neontacos-build-log.529039/page-2#post-17094385

Interior over-head LED - $15

$13 Alla Lighting 912 921 LED Bulbs for Back-up Reverse Lights, 6000K Xenon White CAN-BUS 4014 30-SMD T10 T15 906 W16W 921K 922, 360° Light Backup, Cargo Lights Replacement, Extremely Super Bright

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072FHNZKW?ie=UTF8

Reverse light LED - $15

$13 Alla Lighting 912 921 LED Bulbs for Back-up Reverse Lights, 6000K Xenon White CAN-BUS 4014 30-SMD T10 T15 906 W16W 921K 922, 360° Light Backup, Cargo Lights Replacement, Extremely Super Bright

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072FHNZKW?ie=UTF8
​

Comms/Nav:

2 cheapo old Walmart walkie-talkies - $ ?

Aluminum phone mount on dash with velcro - Free
​

Recovery/Tools:

10' hooked chain, jumper cables, socket & Torx sets, 2lb hammer, basic drivers/pliers, jack stand, 1gal gas can, OEM jack & bars.

Master Flow MF-1040 Air Compressor - $50

12 Volt Air Compressor, Portable Air Pump 12 Volt, Tire Inflator 140 PSI, Air Compressor by MasterFlow for Cars, Trucks, and Bikes.

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Flow-MF-1040-Portable-Compressor/dp/B000L9AD2K
(I ordered the 1050, but they sent this one instead...whatever...)

​

Maintenance & other random Mods:

DIY Trama rip-away bag on passenger headrest. - $60?
(ACE bandage, tourniquet, gauze, rubber gloves, chest seals, Mylar blanket)
(Basic first aid bag in passenger door pocket too)

Removed mudflaps. sway bar, back seats/belts - Free
(selling/trading/gifting all this stuff)

Engine Oil Drain Valve - $25
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UT822G?ie=UTF8

Replaced blown outer tie rods & LCA bushings. - $150
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/neontacos-build-log.529039/#post-16908935

Alignment done! It was way off from installing new outer tie rods. - $80
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/neontacos-build-log.529039/#post-16921334

New valve cover gaskets, spark plug/wire change, clean throttle body. - $100
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/neontacos-build-log.529039/page-2#post-17011786

New Quarter window arms - $15
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/neontacos-build-log.529039/page-2#post-17094385​

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Mods "planned" (Will probably change over time):
* = greatest importance, will be done first.

Suspension:

Full set of Bilstein 5100's - $350

$141 Bilstein 24249928 Shock Absorber

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CK0LFME/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IRU8KNGMQ5V3D&colid=2EGBS78WQLTDP

$105 Bilstein 5100 Series 96-04 Toyota Tacoma Rear Right 46mm Monotube Shock Absorber (33-247717)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CK0LG8M/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2QTHCSZTQS4AH&colid=2EGBS78WQLTDP

$112 Bilstein Qc55T 1" X 1" Male Coupling

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CK0LFSI/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2XWMYQJI8YP91&colid=2EGBS78WQLTDP

OME 883 front lift coils - $180
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...-2004-toyota-tacoma-1996-2002-toyota-4runner/

Light Racing UCA – Adjustable Upper Control Arm - $500 OME Dakar Leaf Spring Set - $370

​

Wheels and Tires:

*Single spare tire matching 4 main - $180 (soon)

New set of 5: 33x12.5r15 tires after completed lift & armor with upgraded / higher quality wheels.

​

Engine/Drivetrain:

Hilux 167 snorkel mod - $150

OEM locker install - $?
​

Grey wire mod (after OEM locker install) - $?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/grey-wire-mod.4405/

Dual batt install - $?
http://bajataco.com/dualbatts/dualbatteries01.html​

Exterior/Armor:

ARB 3423020 Winch Compatible Bull Bar - $870

$1,382 ARB 3423020 Winch Compatible Bull Bar

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LQCG7E/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2VAIJ41RQHUZ1&colid=1YQJSCSB5WRTJ

DIY Rock Sliders - $?

DIY Aluminum under belly & A-arm skids 1/4" plate - Free (self made)
http://puretacoma.com/20052015-taco...6.html?zenid=2bfa4f785c64ad985e7eba1b00be5463

Camper shell & exterior roof rack with custom ladder - $?
Similar to: http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/168812-First-Gen-Tacoma-Shell-350-San-Diego

*Herculiner bed, bottom 3rd of panels, fender flares, part of hood, roof, sliders & bumpers - $100
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ker-panels-for-bed-liner.282078/#post-7023018

​

Interior/Gadgets:

Husky floor liners - $80

$90 Husky Liners Classic Style Series | 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab/Standard Cab | Front Floor Liners, Black | 35111

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CMJQ1K/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3247MLMJBZBKB&colid=1YQJSCSB5WRTJ

Custom Wet Okole seat covers (or have them upholstered) - $340
https://www.wetokole.com/

Radar detector - $?

Upgrade dash-cam & back-up cam - $?

Upgrade stereo to touchscreen/NAV/built in AMP- $?
Example:

Jensen VX7022 MultiMedia Receiver w 6.2" TFT NAV / SXM Ready / Pandora / iPod / iPhone / Built-In Bluetooth with Ext Mic

https://www.amazon.com/Jensen-VX7022-Multimedia-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B00VQ8RK62

​

Lighting/Electrical:

4, four-inch spot lights mounted on the roof rack like Black dog has - $?
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/11883146785_3275ffe635_b.jpg

Blinker to corner light mod - $?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/alternate-corner-blinker-light-mod.500948/

Under-hood LED strip install -$?

Side mirror LED install. - $?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-side-mirror-lights.248168/

DIY programmable RGB LED lights under seats and dash that will pulse Neon colors to the Retrowave playing through the speakers. An Arduino running a script to cycle to certain colors with the peaks in the audio. (Think 80's neon, synthesizers, Lazers, guitar riffs & deep beats that make you want to hit the beach in summer)
Watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZC_Cx0YpW8

​

Comms/Nav:

Uniden PRO520XL 40-Channel CB Radio, coaxial, 4' antennae & spring - $90

$64 Uniden PRO520XL Pro Series 40-Channel CB Radio. Compact Design. ANL Switch and PA/CB Switch. 7 Watts of Audio Output and Instant Emergency Channel 9. - Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004VXNI/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2PNKH0DMPMJ1C&colid=1YQJSCSB5WRTJ

Baofeng UV-5R V2+ Plus Two-way Radio & programming cable - $40
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HX03AMA/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2VX5PPDK2525T&colid=2EGBS78WQLTDP

Tablet on long flex arm - $?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mod-tablet-mount-above-the-center-console.410979/
​

Recovery/Tools:

*Smittybilt 29312B Receiver Hitch, D-Ring, receiver lock - $40

SmittyBilt 2IN RECEIVER CLEVIS BLK - SB29312B

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CF1A7O/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3R201WBNYOCEN&colid=2EGBS78WQLTDP

Smittybilt 2722 Universal Trail Jack - 54" - $60

SmittyBilt TRAIL JACK 54IN - SB2722

https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-2...ck&pd_rd_wg=SMVY7&refRID=JMV9GNRY7DVMF607DMB5

MAXSA Escaper Buddy Traction Mats - $150

$130 Maxsa 20333 Heavy-Duty Escaper Buddy Traction Mats for Off-Road Mud, Sand, & Snow Vehicle Extraction and Recovery, Bendable, Unbreakable, Orange, 2 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/Escaper-Trac...FH&pd_rd_wg=k6v3B&refRID=VW1DCC0RDVA1PFQXATHA

4X4 EZ tire Deflator - $20

#1 4X4 EZ tire Deflator for Large Offroad Tires

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NQGCDC8/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I6L7LM007NGE3&colid=1YQJSCSB5WRTJ

*Smittybilt 2733 Tire Repair Kit- $20

$37 SmittyBilt TIRE REPAIR KIT - SB2733

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EQ1IOS4/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I28LGL4YJM4GTF&colid=1YQJSCSB5WRTJ

Small tire Iron Set - $30

$46 Ken-Tool yanzhen Tool Tire Iron Set, Small, One Size

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OCT7FI/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IJ2RCILXVSDXK&colid=1YQJSCSB5WRTJ

​

Maintenance & other random Mods:

OEM air & oil filters - $?

$28 Genuine Toyota 17801-07020 Air Filter

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004C67FLA?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

$8 Genuine Toyota Oil Filter

https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Genuine-Parts-90915YZZD1-Filter/dp/B0044AVLF0?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0044AVLF0&pd_rd_r=02818JFC29EB8A72PDT9&pd_rd_w=SziKg&pd_rd_wg=HIwXI&refRID=02818JFC29EB8A72PDT9

Exterior 4Gal hot shower roof top tank: - $?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG2HK9JsAjw&t=0s&list=WL&index=5
(or a regular RV tank in the toolbox)

*Fram fuel filter - $20

FRAM G6680 High Performance Replacement In-Line Fuel Filter for Optimal Engine Protection, Fits Select Hyundai, Kia, Lexus and Toyota Vehicle Model Years

https://www.amazon.com/FRAM-G6680-I...7&refRID=6EYYK863WSGTH6QV48N3#customerReviews

Window tint 20% - $?

Mount compressor under hood/in tool box and add switch for on-board air. - $?
http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/16835-05-Tacoma-On-Board-Air-On-The-Cheap

Replace/relocate windshield wiper fluid reservoir - $?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...r-1st-gen-tacomas.441906/page-2#post-16847286

--- Much needed maintenance as of Sept 2018 ---

*Steering fluid flush, wash exterior.
*Touch up small paint chips/paint hubs flat black.
*Replace driver side door seal.
*Seat belt return spring mod? or replacement...​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trip Reports! (The reason I have this beautiful money pit!)

2017 - Padre Island National seashore camping, 120+ miles of sand driving!

https://imgur.com/a/AIpHZ

​

2018 - ...Soon...

​

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​

Final notes

Many more images incoming soon!​

This thread is a major WIP and will be updated (semi)regularly. Feel free to suggest mods & products!​

​

 

Subd!

 

Awesome. The exact truck I want as well; been looking for months and can't find it in CA with low miles.

 

Subd

 

Yesterday I noticed that a boot on my outer tie rod was blown on the left side...

Right side was bad too...


This was my first time doing tie rods so I learned quite a bit.


So after the new ones were bolted & torqued back on I looked at the wheels and could see my alignment was completely screwed in the process.
There was an attempt to keep the stick out the same but it's off a few threads one each side so my tires are toe out pretty badly...

Well now the plan is to hobble it over to the alignment shop 10 minutes down the road and have them fix it.

LOL.

 

Nice!!! ​

 

Represent!

 

I dig it!! ​

 

Thanks for the decal ma' dude!

 

Thanks Colton!

 

Nice ride man. For any maintenance check out this guy's YouTube channel. 75% of it applies to our trucks even though he does 4runners:

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC9EMiD9KPy61kJ6hdXcbjxA

Also, I look forward to seeing what you fab for your truck. Awesome truck.

 

Already subscribed! Very well made videos.

I Have a few plans to build my own armor, but I need more. Any ideas of smaller things that I can build out of aluminum are needed. I can't build massive things like bumpers/racks but smaller things are ok.

 

Alignment done!

 

Did you end up needing 1/4" wheel spacers for those Pro comps? I initially bought those wheels. But they rubbed the caliper. Ended up with 98 series.

 

I had the same issue, so I ground down the corner of the calipers and they fit fine now.

See post: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/your-unique-mod-on-the-1st-gens.118241/page-53#post-16922335

 

Looks good. I would never grind a caliper down. Also glad I went the 98 series route. Then I can run tundra brakes in the future.

 

Thanks!

Why is that? I don't believe I compromised the integrity of them.

 

Just doesn't give me that warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

 

Haha I understand, it's a little nerve racking taking an angle grinder to the brake system on your daily driver. I'm confident in my skill but it's hard to not get into trouble...