What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

bgreyc · Mar 13, 2019

MisterKitchen said: ↑

Installed a Martin Roof Rack. CB antenna, CB and pelican case. ☺️
Click to expand...

How do you like the rack? My next major mod!

baldbeardedtaco · Mar 13, 2019

Easthill Bob said: ↑

Turned out to be surprisingly easy didn't it? The hard part was the removal of the chrome section of grille without breaking any of the tabs. I ended up breaking two and fortunately not adjacent to one another so it's still serviceable. If I were to do it again I would probably enlist the use of a heat gun in the process to make the plastic less brittle and avoid breaking any of the tabs. I learn some of my best lessons the hard way and I hope this little piece of information will help someone doing this swap in the future.
You live, you learn!
Click to expand...

I broke (stress cracks) a couple tabs by barely pushing in, you can look at it wrong and you’ll get a stress crack! Your right about them being brittle and a heat gun probably would help.

Theredbaron7 · Mar 13, 2019

tandemgeek said: ↑

As mentioned in an update last week, I ordered a set of Unique Style Racing's (USR's) Revi Motorsports-made, Switchback mirror lights late last week and they arrived today.

The fit and finish is very good. Installation is straightforward, although I did need to pop the lower housing loose to install the light as the foam gasket material around the edge of the light is quite a bit thicker than the OEM material; not a big deal but something to take note of if you've removed and reinstalled your OEM swtichbacks where their gaskets have been compressed, as I have. I've linked a 3 minute video that shows the installation process for those who've never seen how it's done. Most of the plastics in the mirror are fairly stout; however, be careful with the glossy plastic part that the switchback mounts to; those small tabs are brittle. Also, make sure press-to-fit parts are aligned before snapping them back together.

Note that I was not interested in the DRL feature; I just wanted to eliminate the chrome from the mirror housings with a smoked lens / OE-quality replacement and this looked like a good option, pending mesojdm's next release and not knowing how deep in the waiting list I was; I'm still waiting to hear back about the ECT TRD Pro shifter knob as well. So, being anxious to get all of the mods done on this truck, when the USR / Revi switchback popped-up on my radar for what seemed like fair money, I decided to give them a try as I was pleased with USR's comms and support when I bought a set of the DEPO TRD Pro headlights a few weeks back.

Anyway, while I'm not in the aftermarket parts business, I've been wrenching on cars and motorcycles and worked in aircraft manufacturing long enough to have a pretty good sense of what's good and what's not-so-good. The DEPO headlights, as others have noted, are excellent OE quality parts, if not on par with Toyota's OEM lights. However, I also had a set of the DEPO TRD Pro taillights (not from USR, but another reseller) pass through my garage and they were not-so-good; strange that they were so far inferior to the headlight materials and fabrication quality.

Based on the foregoing, I would assess the Revi Motorworks Switchback material and fabrication quality to be very close to the DEPO headlights. As for the internals and some of the other design features, time will tell if the reliability is there but for my needs they're a good fit: again, very good fit and finish, the smoked lens gives me the look I wanted and is a vast improvement over my cheap-screw de-chrome efforts using black-out trim tape as an interim fix. The smoked lens could have stood to be a bit darker if only to off-set the milky light color of the non-tapered defuser which is very different looking from the OEM's and -- based on the photos I've seen -- MESO Customs swtichbacks with their more detailed, molded acrylic defusers. However, what the internal defusers may lack in an OE/OEM look from an aesthetic standpoint is purely subjective, along the lines of some aftermarket head and taillight offerings (e.g., Spyder's stuff comes to mind), but they are plug & play albeit with a pigtail instead of a molded-in male plug in the housing, have a clean, dark look and they are indeed bright, as advertised.

Bottom Line: I feel like they were a good value and gave me what I was looking for, i.e., a blacked-out aftermarket-quality replacement for the chrome switchback signal in my mirror to complete my de-chrome of our TRD Sport.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, this has been my evolution: Stock with chrome, then Black-Out Trim tape applied over the lens to hide the chrome pending availability of blacked-out switchbacks, and now the USR Revi's.

Here's how the USR/Revi's came... nicely boxed with OE look. And, the Revi side by side with the OEM switchbacks.

See linked video for installation; about 3 minutes per side. Again, these aren't quite OE and use pigtail connectors for plug & play installation. Also note that I did not run the wire for the DRLs as I don't have an interest in that feature; however, I elected not to cut it away since there was plenty of room inside the mirror housing for the pigtail and bundled wire.

And the installed views: without the cover both off and on, and then with the cover-on for the final look. The off-white defuser is definitely a different look that I'm still trying to warm-up to. Hopefully, it will just become part of the truck's landscape and not stand-out as a defining visual feature.

Installation Video:

https://youtu.be/HF8FvvTg7Wg

3/12/19 Update: The defuser is providing to be less eye-catching that I originally thought. In the grand scheme of things, unless you've gone to the trouble of eliminating your DOT-required reflectors in the front (orange) & rear (red) corners of your truck, having the ghostly-white defuser in the turn signals -- which is really only visible in direct sunlight -- is a non-issue. I say this because I know it's there and am looking for it. I'd venture to guess the average civilian who doesn't even know there are crazies out there who actually spend money "fixing up" new cars and trucks would never notice.
Click to expand...

Bump for future install. Thanks for the review and video. Great work.

Dammit Evie · Mar 13, 2019

rgljr831 said: ↑

Been thinking about getting a shell
Click to expand...

Me too, this is the one I'm looking at http://www.snugtop.com/product/gbsport

rgljr831 · Mar 13, 2019

MisterKitchen said: ↑

Installed a Martin Roof Rack. CB antenna, CB and pelican case. ☺️
Click to expand...

Been thinking about going with the uniden also. Nice install.

rgljr831 · Mar 13, 2019

Dammit Evie said: ↑

Me too, this is the one I'm looking at http://www.snugtop.com/product/gbsport
Click to expand...

I was considering the Snugtop Cab-Hi since it has the aluminum frame rear window. I understand that the all glass rear window can get pretty expensive if you have to replace it. It is temping though; nice looking shell.

rgljr831 · Mar 13, 2019

1992SR5V6 said: ↑

Finally some decent weather, first real bath since last year.

Click to expand...

Is that spray on rinse off wax?

DLRIII · Mar 13, 2019

Rodchester said: ↑

I went with the plus to keep the Black and Tan look going.
Click to expand...

You didn't wave at me today by women's hospital did you?

baldbeardedtaco · Mar 13, 2019

rgljr831 said: ↑

Is that spray on rinse off wax?
Click to expand...

Likely foam canon/gun

rgljr831 · Mar 13, 2019

kjhadfield said: ↑

Likely foam canon/gun
Click to expand...

Soap suds? Hoping it was something you could spray on hose off and done; no scrubbing.

GunderTacos · Mar 14, 2019

60k Lumens out the logo

1992SR5V6 · Mar 14, 2019

rgljr831 said: ↑

Is that spray on rinse off wax?
Click to expand...

No, just soap in the foam cannon.

oretaco · Mar 14, 2019

Went to Harbor Freight to grab a gun case for the top of the rack.

bgreyc · Mar 14, 2019

Dammit Evie said: ↑

Me too, this is the one I'm looking at http://www.snugtop.com/product/gbsport
Click to expand...

I have to say, there has been several comments with different toppers on this site over the past months, leaking, fit, etc. I purchased a new Snugtop Hi-Liner, installed by dealer, have had 0 complaints so far, fit and finish I wouldn't say is perfect, I do see some flaws, but overall it is a great topper! I have had 3 different toppers in the past, Leer (F250), ARE (F250) and now a SnugTop (Tacoma), I don't think, at this point, I would go another way as long as the SnugTop holds up over time, stays sealed, etc. In my opinion, I made a good choice in Snugtop.

Just my thoughts.

jaredc2306 · Mar 14, 2019

It’s been a busy week for my Tacoma. I had my 700# eibachs installed in my 6112’s as well as the OME AAL. The stance is a bit higher and it rides great. I am a bit nose high but the springs will settle and I’ll be adding the X2O winch with the SSO slimline with the new stage two “wings” when they come out.

Unfortunately it’ll stay in this box for a couple more months probably...

I also installed my All-Pro Apex bolt on sliders last night. I like the snug fit and they seem very sturdy. I still have to drill the holes on the bottom of the frame on each side. I’ll do that next week.

Also got my ARB twin compressor and expedition essentials bed cubby mount from the recent group buys. I’ll be installing those next week most likely. Very excited to take my truck to the next level! My taco hasn’t seen this much love in such a short period of time before!

CarverLB · Mar 14, 2019

I ordered me some recovery gear today... See links below:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/X-BULL-San...m4d54703802:g:NvUAAOSwUMBcMwU6&frcectupt=true

https://www.rhinousainc.com/products/recovery-tow-strap

https://www.rhinousainc.com/products/shackle-hitch-receiver

Edit#1: Edited links

Kicker73 · Mar 14, 2019

Received my C4 fabrication rear bumper from Rigd supply in Orange Ca from Jason “tacodust”. Received great customer service and install. The crew at Rigd also took care of me on the front C4 bumper and expedited my order. Only waited 4 weeks. Here’s some pix from my trip last weekend.

I purchased a C4 dual swing out. With twin fold down camp tables and twin Jerry can box. Also has rear view camera relocation. Side tubes for added protection. It’s a newer design. Rigd Supply’s crew went out of the way to take care of me on my limited time frame!

Another benefit is they stock some Baja Design lights so I was able to get some flush mounts S2 sport and Squadron Sport ambers at the same time!

See Jason D. “Tacodust”

Rigdsupply.com
Or
See them in person @
1533 W Orangewood Ave Orange, California

Rodchester · Mar 14, 2019

DLRIII said: ↑

You didn't wave at me today by women's hospital did you?
Click to expand...

Wasn’t me. But my wife may have been in it.

ArchitectJVM · Mar 14, 2019

12backvader said: ↑

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/10-diy-power-lock-tailgate.424052/

I did the $10 power tailgate lock mod.
Click to expand...

I didn’t know this, should I have known I wouldn’t have bought the pop & lock. This one’s way cheaper for the same purpose.

ArchitectJVM · Mar 14, 2019

oly51 said: ↑

Installed the Bird Dog Industries rear view mirror riser. The mirror w/Scangauge below it was blocking my view. No more head bobbing at intersections.
Very well made and it came with a ball mount for future accessories.

http://www.birddawgindustries.com/tacoma-mirror-riser.html

Click to expand...

Do you know if they have one without the ball mount on the bottom?

Log in or Sign up

Welcome to Tacoma World!

What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

#115881
bgreyc Well-Known Member

#115882
baldbeardedtaco Well-Known Member

#115883
Theredbaron7 Well-Known Member

#115884
Dammit Evie Evie the Schnauzer

#115885
rgljr831 The less you bet, the more you lose when you win

#115886
rgljr831 The less you bet, the more you lose when you win

#115887
rgljr831 The less you bet, the more you lose when you win

#115888
DLRIII Well-Known Member

#115889
baldbeardedtaco Well-Known Member

#115890
rgljr831 The less you bet, the more you lose when you win

#115891
GunderTacos I like tacos

#115892
1992SR5V6 Well-Known Member

#115893
oretaco Daddy and/or Papí

#115894
bgreyc Well-Known Member

#115895
jaredc2306 Well-Known Member

#115896
CarverLB Who Dat?!

#115897
Kicker73 Well-Known Member

#115898
Rodchester Well-Known Member

#115899
ArchitectJVM Well-Known Member

#115900
ArchitectJVM Well-Known Member

Products Discussed in

Log in or Sign up

Useful Searches

Welcome to Tacoma World!

What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

#115881 bgreyc Well-Known Member

#115882 baldbeardedtaco Well-Known Member

#115883 Theredbaron7 Well-Known Member

#115884 Dammit Evie Evie the Schnauzer

#115885 rgljr831 The less you bet, the more you lose when you win

#115886 rgljr831 The less you bet, the more you lose when you win

#115887 rgljr831 The less you bet, the more you lose when you win

#115888 DLRIII Well-Known Member

#115889 baldbeardedtaco Well-Known Member

#115890 rgljr831 The less you bet, the more you lose when you win

#115891 GunderTacos I like tacos

#115892 1992SR5V6 Well-Known Member

#115893 oretaco Daddy and/or Papí

#115894 bgreyc Well-Known Member

#115895 jaredc2306 Well-Known Member

#115896 CarverLB Who Dat?!

#115897 Kicker73 Well-Known Member

#115898 Rodchester Well-Known Member

#115899 ArchitectJVM Well-Known Member

#115900 ArchitectJVM Well-Known Member

Products Discussed in Entire Site Forum: 3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023) Thread: What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

#115881
bgreyc Well-Known Member

#115882
baldbeardedtaco Well-Known Member

#115883
Theredbaron7 Well-Known Member

#115884
Dammit Evie Evie the Schnauzer

#115885
rgljr831 The less you bet, the more you lose when you win

#115886
rgljr831 The less you bet, the more you lose when you win

#115887
rgljr831 The less you bet, the more you lose when you win

#115888
DLRIII Well-Known Member

#115889
baldbeardedtaco Well-Known Member

#115890
rgljr831 The less you bet, the more you lose when you win

#115891
GunderTacos I like tacos

#115892
1992SR5V6 Well-Known Member

#115893
oretaco Daddy and/or Papí

#115894
bgreyc Well-Known Member

#115895
jaredc2306 Well-Known Member

#115896
CarverLB Who Dat?!

#115897
Kicker73 Well-Known Member

#115898
Rodchester Well-Known Member

#115899
ArchitectJVM Well-Known Member

#115900
ArchitectJVM Well-Known Member

Products Discussed in