My 1st 2nd gen looks like a Dad Truck. Suggestions?

I've owned two 1st gens before and I just bought a 2nd gen. 2006. It looks like a dad truck which is a little too fitting to my personality so I want to toughen it up. Black fender flares, metal front bumper, lose the topper... any and all suggestions welcome!

 

You could go this route. I wouldn't recommend it, but you could..



Also, losing the topper is a great start. That does look like a dad truck. Get a full steel ARB bumper, lift it, get a prinsu rack, lots of lights (roof lights, ditch lights, bumper lights), maybe some slider rails

 

I wouldn't change anything, but then again I like the stock look w/ a camper shell

EDIT: that bug deflector screams "Dad". Maybe ditch that

 

I think ditching the mud flaps and bug deflector is a good start. I think the big thing at least for me is a facelift, flip to page 25 to see it all completed well worth it IMO. Canapy could go or stay up to you and what you like.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2012-tacoma-front-end-conversion-rg11.293318/

 

I think shells look plenty tough.

 

For real. It ain't a Silverado, keep the shell. Ditch the chrome and get some wheels it'll look way better. Also the big guard has gotta go

 

Black out all chrome. I love the look of the new Blacked out Spyder Taillights (Just the bezels).

 

40s n Tons

 

Ditch the bug deflector

get a light bar

 

Weeels

 

Dad’s fuck sooooo I don’t see an issue. 2” useful lift, beadlocks/beagrips wrapped in MTR’s and some loose n lost stickers. Oh yeah toss the mud flaps.

 

Maybe it's just the dad in me talking, but I say lean into it. Snip the antenna in half and call it good.

 

keep it stock "dad"

 

Here’s my dad truck.

 

I find the unpainted black fender flares on 2nd gens paired with stock rims make it look even more like a dad truck.

 

<--- Dad truck owner here I guess... My kids call it the pavement princess
Your rig looks good in that pic, but what does this old guy know?

 

New dad here so I’m not sure if my opinion matters that much haha. I’d say, ditch the bug deflector, ditch the mud flaps or get shorter ones, powder coat the rims black, black emblems, and color match the front end / rear end.

 

Is the "ditch the bug deflector" answer due to the fact that its ugly, or that is isnt functional? Asking for a dad friend....

 

Its both, the only protection they provide is right behind the plastic and the big one is they are ugly as all that - following/outlinging the hood crinkles (and I used to like/run them on straight hoods all the time).

 

Not just a dad here, but a grandpa too... I like the the way it is. But, have to admit I also really like @buckhuntin-tacoma 's dad's truck too. I don't think I've ever seen a Tacoma that color before which I love.