What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

I'm not a chrome fan and couldn't find anything that would swap out the Toyota emblem to something I liked so I changed the grill and added in the raptor lights because...why not. Added fog lights at the same time. The fog lights act as DRL's until actually turned on. Eventually will change out the headlights for something with less chrome. The truck was pre-wired for the fog lights so I had the switch stalk changed out. Thanks to caribe_makaira for his assist when I asked for info about the wiring harness.
And the fog light dash indicator light does work when they're on.

 

Bought it off Amazon:

$17 Three Pocket Pickup Truck Cargo Net Fit for Toyota Tacoma 2013-2019 Cargo Organizer Storage Net

Amazon.com: Three Pocket Pickup Truck Cargo Net Fit for Toyota Tacoma 2013-2019 Cargo Organizer Storage Net : Automotive

 

Now why'd you have to go point that out! Lol

Doesn't really bother me but I see what you're saying.

 

thanks. I have the engine skid, tranny skid and the cat shield in my cart right now. With the sale they're having right now, it's about $125.00 off. How does this setup work compared to, say a TRD front skid plus a Talon cat shield? Not that much difference in price.

 

I have a solution for your problem...........
https://www.chewy.com/range-kleen-foldable-dog-car-stairs/dp/206091

 

awesome!!! Will be shamelessly stealing your idea!!!

 

I'm not sure how well a Talon will hold up as a skid plate. The RCI trans skid will hold up great as a skid and the additional Cat security wings will give you piece of mind.

 

I believe the TRD skid plate is aluminum and with RCI you have a choice of aluminum or 3/16” steel which is way stronger. I just installed the front and transmission skids. Didn’t know about the coupon code when I ordered them but I did use it when I put in my order for the sliders. I guess you could go with the TRD skid and Talon cat shield if you don’t really off-road too much. All a personal choice.

 

Installed the third brake light on my Softopper before work. Got the wiring harness from @Puppypunter which made it a lot easier than having to splice into the tail light wiring. Felt a lot better on the drive to work with having that third brake light. I was super paranoid driving around at night for the month or so with having the Softopper on there blocking the OEM third brake light… felt like cars were getting super close to my rear end a good several instances. I have the light wired for running lights and for braking.

I soldered the wires from the purchased wiring harness into a quick disconnect and then the female end to the light. I was originally going to do a quick disconnect in the tail light compartment as well but felt that the harness from @Puppypunter served the same purpose. I made little slits in the ST and mounted the light to the canvas above the window portion of the ST so the light will be visible even with the rear window rolled up. I used exterior silicone sealant around the screws and on the slit where the light wiring is running through the canvas.

I also cut out little plastic backing for the screws and washer to clamp onto to make sure the light stays up right.

Additionally, I considered doing T-splice clamps for everything but had read that it can be a little sketchy in areas that get a good amount of vibration which is why I went with the solder route. That, and I thought it would have been a good skill to pick up especially for when I want to do future wiring projects on the Tacoma.

 

Nice work! I’m sure it’s a relief, especially at night time.

 

LOL! I knew it wouldn't take long. I'll probably just put em back on too

But it's weird. Like Toyota said "If we remove the red housing around the whole brake light on the previous pro's, then black it out, it'll look better." and then they let some intern design it...

 

Thanks for the reply, guys. I'm leaning towards the RCI route. With this sale going on right now, how can I afford NOT to buy it, right? lol

 

You got it! I thought the same thing once I found the coupon code, I just couldn’t let the sliders set in my cart any longer. Too good to pass up!

 

My only concern would be the dissimilar metals if you have steel skids and the aluminum wings but if you're getting powder coated skids it should be ok. Probably not a bad idea to hit the inside of the aluminum that will be up against the steel skid with some self-etching primer.

If you do drill out your steel skids for the bolt holes don't forget to paint the inside of the holes.

Now that RCI has them I'm leaning towards picking some up as well.

EDIT: Well, hell, now I just bought them........

 

Thank you! It might just be me being overly paranoid of getting rear-ended but it’s still peace of mind for me nonetheless.

 

I have this already hahah

 

On the seal, that is a Phyrgian cap, the bonnet rouge of revolutionary France also called a liberty cap. On the Devo album cover, those are Energy Domes.

And here's a link to a description of everything else on the seal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seal_and_emblem_of_the_United_States_Department_of_the_Army

And a link to Energy Domes: https://boingboing.net/2018/07/06/the-real-meaning-behind-devo.html

...the more you know <g>

 

That's the spirit! Haha, thanks for the pointers. I'm probably going to go 1/4' aluminum on all the parts. I don't do a lot of off-roading and I want to save on the weight.

My SR5 didn't come with any skids, not even the flimsy OEM skids. It looks very naked under there and I don't want to buy the stock skids, so I'll jump on board and join ya

 

That actually sounds pretty good. Also didn't realize these produce any noticeable sound at the tailpipe stock.

Finally installed the remote tailgate lock today. Pretty simple. Have to say thenworst part was the cable ties and those stainless cable ties. Also noticed how small the rear diff is on this thing... made me chuckle.

 

When my Mother saw the album cover back in 1980 she referred to them as "potheads" haha