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Tigerian's Unicorn Build - The Pika

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Builds (2005-2015)' started by Tigerian, Apr 14, 2020.

  1. Apr 14, 2020 at 9:33 AM
    #1
    Tigerian

    Tigerian [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2017
    Member:
    #233607
    Messages:
    1,377
    Gender:
    Male
    Iowa, unfortunately
    Vehicle:
    2024 GR Corolla
    AS IT SITS TODAY

    50B4DB94-2956-4679-925F-894D48256D50.jpg

    THE STORY


    Before the Tacoma I had a little 2007 Corolla. It had been my car since high school and after graduating college I had planned on replacing it with something more rugged when I could afford to. FJ or Tacoma. Something more suited for winter and offroad. I had a lot of experience with different Tacoma's since @Shellshock (my brother) seems to have a tendency to get bored and buy a new truck every couple of years.

    The plan was expedited by a mule deer jumping into the side of my car while I was working out in Colorado in 2017. After fighting with the insurance company and Shellshock towing it back to Iowa, they finally decided to deem the car totaled. After a bunch of deliberation and many conversations with Shellshock I finally decided on a Tacoma. My biggest want was something with a manual transmission. Not even a week later pops up the unicorn. A 2013 Tacoma SR5 Access Cab with a 4 cylinder and manual transmission. It wasn't even on the dealership lot yet. I wasn't convinced on the 4 cylinder though, as the automatic 4 cylinder Tacoma's I had driven in the past left much to be desired. My doubt was quickly extinguished. Shellshock and I went down to the dealership, test drove it, and bought it on the spot.

    IMG_1316.jpg
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    tacomamississippi.jpg

    Immediately purchased OEM running boards and Rokblokz mudflaps. Joined TW. Then the planning began...while I moved to Minnesota.

    IMG_1486.jpg

    The plan for everything I do with the truck is emphasizing functionality and making the truck really my own. My biggest gripe when I had my corolla was how common they were. I had a couple of times where I accidentally went up to somebody else's and tried to get in. I wanted there to be no doubt that my Tacoma was mine, and no one else's.

    Fast forward to spring of 2018 and some of my first mods start appearing. I wanted to personalize my truck. It had to be my truck, and not just look like every other Tacoma on the road. First step was blacking out some chrome. I started with plastidipping the grille surround and the Tacoma badges. I also got a really nice retro decal to replace everything on the tailgate and an SR5 bedside decal from @CBoy808. I also figured out a way to make my access cab more useful for me. Slap in some Dewault toolboxes and a TrackMat and I have a level storage surface.

    IMG_1534.jpg
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    After that I replaced the interior overhead lights with Diode Dynamics LEDs. Not a lot happened after that for about a year. I moved to a different spot in Minnesota. Winter came and went. I knew I needed new tires on my truck and I wanted to get some new wheels as well. I really wanted the TRD Beadlocks but was heavily considering SCS instead because of the price difference. After much deliberation I decided to pull the trigger on what I actually wanted instead of settling for something else. TRD Beadlocks and Falken AT3Ws.

    IMG_0059.jpg

    Shortly after the wheels and tires I ran into an issue with my reverse camera and lights intermittently working. After some research I replaced a part that was like $5 and it was working flawlessly again. I also ended up replacing my reverse lights with Diode Dynamics LEDs. During this time I had been looking for a method to hold and charge my phone and iPad for when I got to the point of taking real trips with my truck. I did a lot of searching for this, bounced around the idea of a techdeck amoung other things as well. Then I found it. The TPAM by Expedition Essentials.

    IMG_0247.jpg

    So far the most complicated thing to install but by far the most useful mod yet. This is currently my favorite functional mod I have made to my truck. Another move and motorcycle purchase and that brings us to the present.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: May 18, 2020
  2. Apr 14, 2020 at 9:33 AM
    #2
    Tigerian

    Tigerian [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2017
    Member:
    #233607
    Messages:
    1,377
    Gender:
    Male
    Iowa, unfortunately
    Vehicle:
    2024 GR Corolla
    THE PARTS

    Current

    Interior
    Electrical
    • TPAM
    • X2Power 24F Battery
    • Battery Tender Hookup
    Lighting
    • Diode Dynamics Map and Overhead Lights LED Replacement
    • Diode Dynamics Reverse Lights LED Replacement
    • Rago Ditch Light Brackets
    • Switch Pro
    • Iggycorp Switch Pro Mount
    • Rigid Ditch Lights
    • SDHQ Battery Terminal and Switch Pro Mount
    • Runnin4Tacos Grille Lights
    Exterior
    • Tonneau Cover
    • OEM Running Boards
    • RokBlokz Mudflaps
    • TRD Beadlocks
    • Falken Wildpeaks AT3W
    • Softopper
    • RDJ Trucks Pocket Style Fender Flares
    • Redline Tuning QuickLIFT ELITE
    • Stubby Jr Antenna
    Armor
    • Mobtown Offroad Sliders
    Visual Mods
    • Shift Knob
    • Climate Control Knobs
    • Patches, Patches, Patches, and Patches
    • Caliraised Faux Pro Grille
    • Grille Surround Plasitdip Paint Blackout
    • Badges Plastidip Blackout
    • Tailgate Badge Removal and Retro Decal Replacement
    • SR5 Bedside Decals

    Coming Soon™
    • The Child Decal
    • TRD Skid

    The Future

    The Short List
    • Rear Bumper Blackout
    • Suspension
    • Recovery
      • Maxtrax
      • Various Recovery Gear
    The Long List
    • HAM Radio
    • Armor
      • SSO Slimeline Hybrid Front
      • CBI Bushmaster 2.0 Rear
     
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2020
  3. Apr 14, 2020 at 9:34 AM
    #3
    Tigerian

    Tigerian [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2017
    Member:
    #233607
    Messages:
    1,377
    Gender:
    Male
    Iowa, unfortunately
    Vehicle:
    2024 GR Corolla
    THE PICTURES

    DSC00768.jpg
    DSC00762.jpg
    FD07A3B4-4130-47E3-912C-6B77CD074CFD.jpg
    3CF5C69E-706C-4CA6-A8AF-831A8BA50505.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2020
    CygnusX191 likes this.
  4. Apr 14, 2020 at 9:45 AM
    #4
    uploadadventure

    uploadadventure It’s all @ColoradoTJ’s fault

    Joined:
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    #281288
    Messages:
    9,877
    Gender:
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    Dixon, Mo
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cavalry Blue Tacoma TRD OR (sold) 05 Duramax
    Reserved
     
    CygnusX191 likes this.
  5. Apr 14, 2020 at 9:52 AM
    #5
    Shellshock

    Shellshock King Shit of Turd Island

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2015
    Member:
    #170338
    Messages:
    21,371
    Iowa
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra TRD PRO / 2024 GRC Circuit
     
  6. Apr 14, 2020 at 10:02 AM
    #6
    CygnusX191

    CygnusX191 Gangster of Boats

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2016
    Member:
    #203575
    Messages:
    17,025
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Timm
    St. Louis, MO
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD Sport Access Cab M/T, 2017 TRD OR DCSB
    So. Many. Stickers.
    Fire extinguishers are cheap and easy to mount. Move that up to the top of the list there. :thumbsup:
     
  7. Apr 14, 2020 at 10:06 AM
    #7
    Tigerian

    Tigerian [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Iowa, unfortunately
    Vehicle:
    2024 GR Corolla
    Oh I know. It is one of those things that I added to my list a while back and haven't really thought much about since. It'll definitely be done sooner rather than later. Anything in the future section is subject to multiple re-orderings and changes in priority level. :rofl:
     
    CygnusX191[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Apr 14, 2020 at 10:07 AM
    #8
    Shellshock

    Shellshock King Shit of Turd Island

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2015
    Member:
    #170338
    Messages:
    21,371
    Iowa
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra TRD PRO / 2024 GRC Circuit
    I got one out of rich's garage for free.99
     
  9. Apr 14, 2020 at 10:14 AM
    #9
    Sasquatch3153

    Sasquatch3153 Sassy Squatch

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Josh
    Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2010 ACLB OR
  10. Apr 14, 2020 at 11:06 AM
    #10
    uploadadventure

    uploadadventure It’s all @ColoradoTJ’s fault

    Joined:
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    Gender:
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    Dixon, Mo
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cavalry Blue Tacoma TRD OR (sold) 05 Duramax
    So I’m kinda confused.
    Are you the chicken getting pet.. or is this your pet chicken giving me the “you don’t eat me” look?
     
  11. Apr 14, 2020 at 11:09 AM
    #11
    Shellshock

    Shellshock King Shit of Turd Island

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
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    Iowa
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra TRD PRO / 2024 GRC Circuit
    That’s the chicken with the “who let this guy in here” look lol
     
    CygnusX191 and Tigerian[OP] like this.
  12. Apr 14, 2020 at 11:23 AM
    #12
    uploadadventure

    uploadadventure It’s all @ColoradoTJ’s fault

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2019
    Member:
    #281288
    Messages:
    9,877
    Gender:
    Male
    Dixon, Mo
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cavalry Blue Tacoma TRD OR (sold) 05 Duramax
    So. You’re the chicken getting pet.

    What a weird spirit animal to choose. That’s different.
     
    95tojo likes this.
  13. Apr 15, 2020 at 6:54 AM
    #13
    Tigerian

    Tigerian [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2017
    Member:
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    Messages:
    1,377
    Gender:
    Male
    Iowa, unfortunately
    Vehicle:
    2024 GR Corolla
    The truck is going to look sick soon. Thank you government for stimulating my truck build. :anonymous:
     
  14. Apr 15, 2020 at 8:17 AM
    #14
    CygnusX191

    CygnusX191 Gangster of Boats

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2016
    Member:
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    Messages:
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    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Timm
    St. Louis, MO
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD Sport Access Cab M/T, 2017 TRD OR DCSB
    So. Many. Stickers.
    Got mine last night.... Was also browsing diode dynamics.... So many lighting options
     
    Tigerian[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  15. Apr 15, 2020 at 8:26 AM
    #15
    Tigerian

    Tigerian [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2017
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    Gender:
    Male
    Iowa, unfortunately
    Vehicle:
    2024 GR Corolla
    I might have to take a look to see what else Diode Dynamics has. I've been super happy with everything I've gotten from them so far.

    Lighting is the next major upgrade on my docket. I finally found an interior mount for the switch pro that I like for the second gen. Most of the ones I liked for 2nd gen aren't in production anymore and I hate the idea of using one of the glasses holders for switches.
     
    CygnusX191[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Apr 15, 2020 at 8:58 AM
    #16
    CygnusX191

    CygnusX191 Gangster of Boats

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2016
    Member:
    #203575
    Messages:
    17,025
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Timm
    St. Louis, MO
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD Sport Access Cab M/T, 2017 TRD OR DCSB
    So. Many. Stickers.
    My biggest thing with diode is looking at their upgrades for what's already in the truck.
     
  17. Apr 15, 2020 at 9:24 AM
    #17
    Shellshock

    Shellshock King Shit of Turd Island

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2015
    Member:
    #170338
    Messages:
    21,371
    Iowa
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra TRD PRO / 2024 GRC Circuit
    I’ve got their interior stuff in the taco, I still need to do the tundra. Everything outside is rigid.
     
  18. Apr 18, 2020 at 4:40 AM
    #18
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy Sweet or sour?

    Joined:
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    8,733
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    First Name:
    James
    Vehicle:
    '19 T4R, TRDORP, KDSS
    RSG sliders, SOS skids, SOS bumper, wheels, tires, etc
    Hey, @Tigerian , are you still digging the Rokblokz mud-flaps?

    My new tires are rubbing the OEM mud-flaps, so I ordered some last night.
     
    Tigerian[OP] and CygnusX191 like this.
  19. Apr 18, 2020 at 5:38 AM
    #19
    Tigerian

    Tigerian [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2017
    Member:
    #233607
    Messages:
    1,377
    Gender:
    Male
    Iowa, unfortunately
    Vehicle:
    2024 GR Corolla
    They are great. I’ve never had any issues with them.
     
  20. Apr 18, 2020 at 5:43 AM
    #20
    Shellshock

    Shellshock King Shit of Turd Island

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2015
    Member:
    #170338
    Messages:
    21,371
    Iowa
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra TRD PRO / 2024 GRC Circuit
    Plus they are flexy
     
    CygnusX191 and Thatbassguy like this.

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