What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

So normally posts are generally where someone has successfully completed a mod and is proud to announce it to the world. These two that I have completed have been what i would describe the results as mixed...

I decided that installing paint protection film over all four doors would help the paint from inevitable scratches brushy roads. While at the same time i also wanted to install security film on the door windows. The idea being that it dramatically increases the break in time.



Paint Protection Film

Here’s the brand of PPF i used.

If you want to attempt this I’d advise purchasing an installation kit like this:

It doesn’t look like much but you’ll need all of the help you can get

So here’s my advice:

- do no more than one panel at a time (ie: do only the lower part of the door, save the upper part around the windows for another piece
- the curved sections along the corners of the doors are the worst.
- its super important to wash it really, really well and then strip off any wax with dishwashing soap
- Cut the sheets about an inch wider/longer, you will trim/tuck/fold it later
- there’s a backing layer that gets peeled off, spray with a slightly soapy water solution as you peel the backing. Spraying the water allows the PPF to be separated if it sticks to itself
- Spray the solution all over the cleaned panel, then put the PPF on, spray the water on the outside of the PPF as well
- take your time, start smoothing with the blue card in the middle and slowly work your way out
- the idea is to squeegee out all of the air bubbles but realize that you're not going to be perfect...
- It can be peeled off and started over or you can stretch it
- on corners the hair dryer will slightly shrink it but overheating it will mess it up...
- on the bottoms of doors leave it about an eighth of an inch too long and wrap it underneath or between the gap in the panels
- use the hair dryer to activate the glue along the edge where you’re trying to fold it over
- use a towel to dry up the water along the edge
- be careful along your fender edges as dirt accumulated in the fenders will wick up under the wrap
- the bubbles that youmissed can be pricked with a pin to let the water/air out and then can be smoothed down, mostly...


Getting it ready for rough cutting. I found that taping it in place help cut it roughly to size. Notice the wrinkles in the PPF; these smoothed out just fine

Security Film
In theory applying this should have been easier as this material was 3X the thickness, VViViD 4 mil clear safety window film. It actually had stiffness to it. Also i only applied it to flat windows. While applying was indeed much easier the outcome was worse. No matter how may times i washed the window with a clean microfiber cloth. This is what the darkened rear windows looked like:


The darkened rear windows showed it the worst. But even the driver and passenger front windows look like its slightly cloudy or dirty. So far I’ve left them on but may peel it off. I give myself a D on this mod. As much as this hurts me to say, leave this one to the pros.

I have lots more photos of this at: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/taking-a-tacoma-around-the-world-need-advice.585792/page-46

 

Used it to pick up my new bike.

 

Any cutting to install?

 

Good tips. I did a stupid 6" strip of Xpel on the tailgate and even that wasn't a super easy process (have never done it before). All the bubbles that were trapped got out on their own so about 2 weeks. Can't even imagine doing a full panel; its definitely a 2 person job to at least hold the backing as you peel and spray it down.

 

Sorry for replying so late. I got the baby yoda hitch plug from an Etsy seller - 3B Makers. https://etsy.me/3hSl20D This is available in multiple colors. I just went a more subtle look for mine.

 

I looked at that one and it does require you to cut the bumper. The only one I found that does not require the bumper to be cut is the Victory 4X4 bumper. It just installs over the top of the bumper and looks similar to the SSO.

 

Breaking hinge pins off with a 12” pipe is disturbing. I did not go with a Bolt hinge pin lock because of reviews saying it had rusted. The idea that it could use an existing Toyota key made it tempting.

 

Did my clutch ADM yesterday. Took what felt like forever because my line wrenches were too long and didnt have adjustable heads. Also some of the foil-like heat shielding is sharp AF. Totally worth it and my shifts no longer suck.

 

Decent thread here. I’m still evaluating my options.

 

I'd at least unroll it and see if the actual film is creased (ie came off backing and stuck to itself). You may be able to smoothe it out with a little bit of heat before applying. Still, those big sheets aren't cheap so I'd go with a replacement and maybe you won't need to ship it back.

 

Are you guys using a high pressure spray like at a car wash or doing this at home with a hose and nozzle?

 

just used a shitty Walmart electric pressure washer

 

Finally got my new tires on the other day. Looking forward to going out wheeling in 2 weeks and seeing how big of a difference they make.

 

Installed MESO V2 Dome light, the red looks great at night, would be a nice option for the map lights as well.

 

Added a rear wing....

 

Any of these not-chopped? Tire and Wheel specs?
Great pics!

 

from their site. Called “Dashboard accent“ trim and “climate control“ trim.

 

Yup, two people really helps.

 

From what I’ve read there’s love and hate for BOLT on Amazon reviews. I bought my four straight from their website and have no problems over the past year. I’ve heard that there’s fake ones sold on Amazon, no surprise

 

Installed Apple CarPlay head unit and rav4 blind spot mirror. Also ordered a softopper that should go on this weekend.