98-00 Tacomas Only

I think sliders are a good preventative for brainless college students or bipeds in general...

 

The end cap mod is worth doing, for a couple reasons, it makes for a stronger mounting in the first place, you find out if the horns have any damage- like someone hit the tow hook on anything(seems to happen quite a bit) and then should you opt for a winch install later on, it’s already out of the way!

 

IIRC, the 98-00 did not have this bolt hole. My 99 for sure didn't. The bumper came with 2 plates so that I had to cut off the OEM frame end caps that protrude and have the plates welded in place to resemble what you have stock. It was about 3/8" plate whereas yours looks like not too much.

 

Guess that’s what I get for sticking my 2004 nose where it doesn’t belong.

 

Yeah but time to make sliders and mount them was not there sadly, really wish I would have had a pair on there. Its crazy how little people care sometimes.

 

Finally stopped being lazy and reset my password lol! Here is one from this weekend in some local woods.

 

Favorite part of this thread is forgetting what thread it is and going: Ooh someone posted a photo. Its a 1st gen! Its the same as mine!!

Really like your bumper with the single cab, looks great.

 

Same here man! Always love sharing and seeing other builds! Thank you

 

I'm a believer in paintless dent repair. A good guy can do wonders. I'm extremely particular and I've been AMAZED at what the local gey can do. I never had any issues with paint chipping afterward.

DON'T just wax your truck. There are so many contaminates on the paint that need to be removed. At the bare minimum, get a Clay bar kit. I like the Miquires kit(~$20) which comes with the clay, spray detailer and a towel. You need all three items. Clay bar will clean your paint. Polish(Maquires #2 is what I use) will bring back the shine and the wax will protect. There are other alternatives to wax that I might try next time.

 

Thanks for posting this. I just ordered the 4xinnovations plate bumper(link below), it I have that option I will do it.
https://www.4xinnovations.com/1995-2004-Tacoma-Front-Plate-Bumper_p_113.html

 

Alright, definitely going to be shelling for those dents though D: but its worth it. I'll go for the clay bar, polish and wax, do you know if there are any adverse affects if i don't do all of the panels at once vs doing one fender one day and the hood the next ect. ?

 

Nice to see all the 8N1 Horizon Blue Metallics in this thread. Add another 1999 blue/purple/blurple/periwinkle to the list.
March 2017 when purchased


Present configuration


@rybern - I like the choice of your new 4xInnovations bumper

 

1999 new to me
Lift getting ordered today with the stimulus

 

You can do that. If you do, then Clay an area and then polish it, then wax. If you clay it and wait a few days before polish, it can have build up on it quickly if you drive it. This build up is what causes things to look like crap when you are polishing. For the record, this has been my experience and I'm still learning. Disclaimer: I'm a machinist, not a professional detailer.

Watch a few videos on polishing. Make sure it has reasonable feedback. I've been able to do what I've done with a drill and 6" foam wheel(not running wide open). You have to be careful with a drill because it turns a little fast at full speed.

 

Another pic

 

Yes, i have come across your truck and studied it a good bit while making my decision. I plan to add custom grill and light hoops but I might get it on there and change my mind. I need to see how you painted your bumper. It looks great. Have you looked at 4" lights? I'd like to get some but don't want to spend too much(just spent a nice chunk on bumper and sliders). My sweet wife will think I'm out of control.

 

Alright, that makes sense. Might just start with my tonneau as it is looking more aged than anything else and has few angles on it. Hopefully I can convince my parents to allow me to have a garage space when I do this. I get pollen all over my truck in 30 min just sitting after a wash.

 

I had the bumper powder coated at a local shop.
Very briefly I looked at 4" lights at PIAA's website. Lighting is low on my list of priorities. I usually wheel during the day and camp at night so I have little need for extra lights at the moment.

 

Love the truck! Makes me miss stock fenders even more seeing a clean setup like this

 

Gotcha. It looks great. Makes sense about the lights.