Greetings All

I've used this site multiple times for information, but a turn of events has finally transpired to get me motivated to join and get involved...
First let me say that I'm a die hard Toyota fan and have been all my life. The only cars I've ever regretted owning were a Mazda and a Nissan. Now, they weren't bad cars really - they just weren't my thing. My first car was an '80 Celica and I've honestly lost track of how many Toyotas I've owned since then. I'm sure I could list them, but I'm not here to bore you.
The reason I am here is because in 1996 I bought my first (and so far my only) brand new vehicle: an Evergreen Pearl/Tan int, Extended Cab, 4WD, SR5, Manual shift, pretty much loaded as far as I know, Tacoma. It was special order, which at that time took 4 months for them to finally locate one (I actually turned down two others in the process). I had wanted a Toyota pickup badly since 1985 when I first saw Back To The Future, and I literally had to beg, borrow, and steal (well not really steal) to get the downpayment together for this truck at the time. I bought it from a dealer in Minot, ND for $23,500, which I still think was a really good price for the truck. I was elated as we signed the papers, while my wife was skeptical at best.
Anyway, what does she know - almost 20 years later I still own the truck. It has 172,000 miles on it and it literally starts like the day I bought it. Of course it has it's fair share of dings and dents and it's showing its age, but I still love it. I am kinda like Ralphie and his BB gun: its the best vehicle I've ever owed, or ever will own, in my life.
All of these years I've driven it pretty much stock. At one point I had grill guard and some PIAA lights on it. It came with a factory tonneau cover that has long since been trashed. It's never been lifted; never a thing done besides routine maintenance to the engine. I've pretty much just replaced the stock radio and at one point put BFG 32X11.5s on it. As awesome as it was the day that I bought it, I've always dreamed of making is badass. So I figure if anyone can relate, it would be you guys on this site.
As of today, I am in the preliminary stages of my plans to restore this truck to what it deserves to be. I'm not ready to start dumping money right this second, but I will be soon. I recently contemplated buying a 2016 just so I can say that the only two new vehicles I've ever owned were Tacomas - 20 years apart. But I've decided against it. Don't get me wrong, I think the new ones are cool, but I figure for a fraction of the $40k a new one costs, I can get mine pretty squared away (not sure what that "fraction" actually is at this point). And honestly, mine has character and memories that money can't buy. So it's a no-brainer.
So anyway, that's why I'm here. I'm not a gear head - I can do some basic stuff, but God knows I have a lot to learn if I'm going to anything substantial to this truck myself. But I figure, that's all part of the fun. I don't need it as a daily driver, so I want to take my time and do it right.
I'm not sure that anyone reads these newbie posts so if you've made it this far, thanks! I'm looking forward to being part of the community and I'll appreciate whatever direction or advice any of you all can give!!!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Thanks!!!!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW!!