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

Replaced the starter, the top bolt is the biggest beeeeeotch. I wish I had those swivel sockets


2 days ago when I turned the key to start the truck I heard a single click from the starter then the engine would turn over. Well today it clicked but then wouldn't turn over. I had to have the wife turn the key while I gave the starter a few knocks and it started and got us home. Bought a new starter and it took about 2 hours from start to finish for the new starter, an hour of that was getting that top bolt out, what a pain.

 

Did you run the starter through the wheel well or the top of the engine?

 

That top bolt is a real bitch. What happened to your starter is the copper contacts wore out. If it was a genuine Toyota starter, the best thing to do was to get new contacts from the dealer because factory starters are way more reliable than any reman parts store starter.

 

anyone ever used a stainless steel exhaust band to hold a muffler on? just worried how they would hold up when wheeling

 

Actually slid out from underneath. I read
Some stories about others not being able to get the starter out, so I was worried it was gonna be tough. But after I got the top bolt off I rotated the starter as I was sliding out. The new starter went it with no issue either

 

My truck got its first kiss today by a co workers car.




I'm hoping the tail light fairy will come tonight




I came into work to pick up her shift. Had a brief conversation ABOUT AVOIDING CAR ACCIDENTS then within 3 minutes of that conversation and her leaving, she comes back inside to tell me she bumped into it .

We decided not to get insurance involved. I have a perfect driving record and don't want to tarnish it (even though I wasn't at fault) I don't want to risk it. I was parked, away from the car. She backed up into it. We agreed I'd get a quote for repairs and she'd pay me cash. The lens is no biggie, I'm just worried those 2 dents on the seam will end up being big money that she probably won't have.

Thoughts?

 

I'm of the opinion that it is a truck and therefore, dings bring character. I'd just replace the taillight and call it a day.

 

I thought about it but it's my only vehicle and I need it ASAP.

That being said I'm thinking about keeping it and replacing the contact points so I can have an OEM spare

 

I agree some what, especially if it was a work truck. But I paid about $850 a year ago to get the rear door repainted because it didn't match. What I'm trying to say, is that I'm obsessive and anal and I'll openly admit that my truck never sees dirt (at least not yet).

 

Take the tail light out and try knocking them out from the inside.

 

Get a quote from a paintless dent removal guy. They do great work.

 

Got my CVT awning yesterday and installed it today. Gotta find a better way to mount it but it's OK for now.

 

Dirt it needs dirt! After your first few pinstripes you'll start caring less, it gives it character

Another winner in the color category and only cool guys have the black topper

 

Haha heck yeah, black on red FTW

 

What was she driving? Those dings are up there quite a ways
.

 

Probably a crossover or a huge needless SUV.

 

Your truck, your choice. However, it is very liberating to get your first "trail" damage. Once you get your first real dent or scratch, you're not worried as much about future damage and thats when you really begin to find your limits.

 

I agree but disagree. I don't mind all the pin stripes I have, in fact I couldn't care less. But I do hate looking at my bedside/tailgate damage I got from a recent trip because the lines are no longer clean and it's a constant reminder of me trying to take a dumb line.

 

Ideas on my rough draft AutoCADed front winch bumper? The supports I show on the front would hit the body mount, so those need to change, hence they aren't on the top view yet.

 

Thats what I would do.

Edit: maybe you don't need the side supports to go to the frame, it might be better to keep those high for clearance like you had them actually.