What have you done to your Tacoma today? 1st Gen Edition

some manual transmissions take atf like my 91 5.0 mustang with a t5 it uses atf if you put gear oil in it youll be buying a new transmission soon..

 

Made a $200 mistake this weekend when trying to mount my hella 700's behind the grill... Accidentally drilled into my radiator. On the plus side I learned how to install a new rad which was surprisingly so easy.

 

I am sure it was time for a radiator flush or something, you just saved yourself from having to replace one in a parking lot on a 112 degree day.

 

Thanks man I was just wondering what color it would be if it was leaking. Thanks for the info though!

 

I didn't even have to take my flares off for one of mine to blow around in the wind and then fly off my truck

 

The Plastic X is excellent for polishing them to a clear surface (if you have already done extensive fine sanding in the past, as I have), but then the issue it to seal them so they don't quickly haze again. I just tried some Blue Magic sealer, and I'll see how that goes. But the plastic lenses do actually have some very small superficial cracks in a couple spots, so I might just replaces them so they don't make the Homeroshi look lame. Whenever I have time to do that.

 

Yeah, one of mine has been trying to do that, passenger rear. Halfway out, flapping all over, try to tear itself apart. I finally took some clear silicone caulk, cleaned up the rubber and sheet metal, and put a few dabs in there to make it stay put until I can do a proper restoration/flare paint.

 

I have always just waxed them every few months. You could also clear coat them after you do the sanding and polish them.

 

I've thought about clear coating mine the next time I buff them out. Wonder what kind would be best for plastic though...any recommendations???

 

Yeah, I know, but I have no patience for this sort of cosmetic maintenance. It's all I can do to wash my truck every few months...

Out of curiosity, I tried the Blue Magic sealer after polishing since it had good reviews.

Blue Magic 730-6 Headlight Lens Sealer - 8 oz.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Magic-730-6-Headlight-Sealer/dp/B0051PJWQW

Clearcoat would be the next step if the blue magic doesn't hold up or I don't get new ones. I would do that when I have the whole grill assembly apart to color match the corner light chrome, too.

 

Penetrol has given me great results. It has lasted really well too, I'll take a pic of how they held up.

This was right after I did them:

 

Yes, Duplicolor Clear Coat. It's what I use when I smoke tail lights, corner lights, reflectors, ect. Always had good results not to mention I think between my jeep, mustang, and tacoma I did 54 coats on various lenses before I ran out.



That's not my hand haha, just a google image.

Haha I feel ya on that one. Mine were yellow when I bought it from my dad but they were too far gone so I bought ebay black housing and have just been waxing them.

 

After a Google search I found some folks using a UV protective varnish on theirs...but I'm not sure that something made for wood would have good adhesion properties on plastic...same thought for the paint clear coat.

http://my350z.com/forum/body-interi...restoring-headlights-with-new-uv-coating.html

The key for me is the UV protection, as living in South Florida, my vehicle is subjected to year round heavy UV rays.

Also read this on one posting: "If someone is going to use [FONT=inherit !important][FONT=inherit !important]spray [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=inherit !important][FONT=inherit !important]can[/FONT] [/FONT]clearcoats, make sure its 2K [FONT=inherit !important][FONT=inherit !important]urethane[/FONT][/FONT]. If its the 1K lacquer clear, it has high amounts of solvents in it which will react with the plastic lens.
The only companies I know which make 2K clearcoats in rattle cans are: SprayMax and Pro Spray."

 

All I can tell you is I have had 100% success with that duplicolor clear but I was painting over translucent paint and not directly on the plastic. From my experience with it I would not hesitate to clear bare plastic with it but it's your truck and therefore your decision.

 

I used this kit that comes with a UV blocker clear:

$22 SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps to Restore Sun Damaged Headlights With Exclusive UV Block Clear Coat, Light Output and Beam Pattern Restored, Long Lasting Protection

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-38771-Headlight-Restoration-Kit/dp/B00429NKWK

 

Yea it's not that hard the hardest for me was getting the bolt off between the AC lines

 

Aww...I thought you used Kitten Water!

 

You guys and your "bad kitten water" bottle jokes...

 

I see what he did there!! lol