One Month Old and One Month of Mods

Hi Everyone: I just wanted to share the journey of my 2022 Barcelona Red Sport over the last month. As some of you know, I wrecked my 2016 Quicksand OR DCSB MT in early December 2021. I was originally going to buy used but quickly discovered that a new Tacoma would be less expensive than the '20 I almost bought. So with a lot of patience (my non-negotiable is a manual trannie) and a little bit of luck, I found her! The best thing is that because I saved $5,200 by NOT buying that used one, I used that money to mod her up! And I couldn't be happier! Well, I suppose I could be happier if I had those damn LED Headlights. Oh well. Enjoy!

February 3, 2022 - At the dealership before its window tint, door guards, and TRD Lift.

February 4, 2022 - With window tint, door guards, and TRD Lift.

February 4, 2022 - March 4, 2022
Pricier Modifications/Additions:
1. TRD Lift
2. TRD Pro Gloss Black Alloy Wheels (16") with TRD Pro Center Caps
3. 265/75/16 BFG All-Terrain KO2 Tires
4. Black Chrome Exhaust Tip
5. Bed Mat
6. BedStep
7. TRD Pro Tail Lights (Nightshade Package)
8. Black Lens Sequential Turn Signals (Side Mirrors)
9. TRD Front Skid Plate
10. TRD Pro Shift Knob (Manual)
11. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 with Dongar Tech Power Adapter

Cheaper Mods:
Black Emblem Overlays and Black Tailgate Insert Kit, Center Console Cushion, Center Console Organizer Tray, Center Console Dividers, Glove Compartment Dividers, LED Interior Light Kit, Liner Mat Accessories, TRD Heritage Badge, TRD Pro Grill Letter Overlays (Ruby Red), Tacoma Mountain Vinyl Decal, Steering Wheel Black Emblem Overlay, TRD 4x4 Sport Black Bedside Decals, Tacoma License Plate Frame, and Alloy Wheel Locks (haven't put them on yet).


EDIT: I forgot to add the TRD Lift as one of the pricier mods/add-ons!

 

Looking good man!

 

Damm all that in one month….I can’t wait to see what you do in a year!!

Love the red when it’s all waxed up.

 

Nice ride!

 

Awesome job! That’s my favorite color taco. May I ask how much you have in mods up to now? Thanks!

 

I knew that question was coming!

So for the pricier mods listed above it equaled $4,140 not including the $1200 for installation of TRD Lift.

For the cheaper mods it totaled $273.

So you can see, I’ve surpassed the $5,200 I saved from not buying the ‘20 Taco, if I include the $1200 install.

But on the other hand, if I DON’T include the $1200 install…

Frank

 

Very nice upgrades/add-ons to your Sport. I'm holding off on a couple of things but look forward to new wheels/tires.

Dropping down from 17 to 16 in wheels and going bigger on the tires...I'm thinking it balances itself out on the speedometer but don't quote me on that!

The Barcelona RED does look good...I think it's great.

Overall, some nice touches to your truck.

Ed

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Hey Ed!!

That’s exactly what I did. Went from the OEM 17” wheels to the 16” TRD Pro wheels. And also went up in tire size from OEM 265/65/17 to 265/75/16.

And I hate to be the bearer of bad news but MPG went down. I expected as much though. Heavier wheels and tires.

Frank

 

Dang!

How much heavier can 16" wheels be? (sorry to end that sentence with a preposition) LOL!

So, I see no TRD Lift in your list of expenditures. I like my splash guards/mud flaps so the size wheel/tire set up would be around that condition. I see you still have your splashers!

How about that rear step? That's a pricey add-on but then again, I spent 6 times that on my OEM LED headlights...doh!

Keep up the good work and I will definitely look to your Sport/this thread for ideas!

Don't freak out but I will be following your profile.

Ed

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Oh Snap!! I forgot to add the TRD Lift on my mods!! I suppose I forgot it because it was added before it came off the lot. But I still paid a pretty penny! I’ll add an EDIT to the original post.

I got the BedStep for $196 (small discount) and it was well worth it. My knees ain’t as good as they used to be, and it’s so easy to step into the bed which I’ve done a few times already.

Frank

 

I'm afraid (expression) that we've all spent an exuberant amount for our TRDs.

I figured I earned it since the 2003 Honda Pilot was basically a family vehicle (we have two daughters). Our girls were in grade school in Hawaii but then went to Germany then Delaware...then Aviano, Italy. I had a great 25yr military career and my family was well immersed/cultured in Europe and of course Hawaii.

But back to the expenses on our trucks. We've earned it being on this earth for as long as we have. Even though I have both knees replaced, I'm still able to get into the bed of my truck with some effort! lol

Good chatting with you on this thread!

Ed

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That’s great Ed! Thank you for serving our country. And yes, you’ve earned it!

As for the knees, I tore my left ACL playing basketball soon after turning 40. Then a few years later, tore my meniscus in the same knee also while playing basketball. I’m 51 now and I still play basketball (because I love the sport), so the BedStep is for preventative measures. But damn that left knee and the arthritis in both!

 

Awwww,

memories...hopefully, you're not grossed out! Or anyone else viewing this--the day I took the bandage off.

This was March 2018. I had the left one done 4 weeks later on April 18th. Trust me, you need one good working knee to use the toilet! lol

I had two torn meniscus that were worked on during my military career. The doctors removed too much meniscus! I'm rated for service connected disability for my knees.

BTW, I'm 55...obvious as my username! I should change it to 56 this June! lol




Ed

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Oh man! That looks like it was painful. How are you moving around these days? My one good knee (the right one) keeps me balanced except when I get bumped on a drive to the basket!

And I just can’t “like” your post because that’s just wrong.

 

Dang that’s a nice rig! but i’m slightly biased

 

Short term pain, long term gain!

I went through SOME experience with two surgeries...but it was well worth it. I didn't get addicted to oxycodone but I learned when to stop taking it! lol

Funny story I can tell you via PM.

Ed

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That's a pretty truck, and I like knowing I'm not the only one that takes a new truck and in about a month turns it into a different new truck! I haven't done anything to mine yet (only about a week old now), but I do have things scheduled...and a pile of things waiting. And sorry for most owners of the BR color, as usually they look just ok to me...but this one looks NICE. Really like the black/red contrast with very tasteful mods. Well done!

 

Thanks Tom!

And I do have to agree with you. I too was not a fan of the BR. But I didn’t have many options because I wasn’t budging from wanting an M/T. But when I saw a similar colored vehicle on the lot with the dark tinted windows, my brain went to blacking out the exterior for a two-tone look.

I’m happy you like the end product! I truly love how’s it turning out!

 

2/1" and 265's really is a great combo for this truck!

 

Looks great! Really love the Barcelona Red. Not going to lie, I had the TRD skid, bed mat, roof rails, black badges, and organizers installed withing two weeks of taking it home. I've stalled adding things as I'm waiting for wheels and tires.