Amanelot's boring build

Current

 

This thread isn't for anybody but myself. I find that this forum is driving me crazy and I am having a hard time keep track of what I have done, and things that I want to do in the future.

THIS WILL BE EXTREMELY BORING. I know, so seriously, just move along.

I love the look of lifted trucks, but I use my truck daily. I swore about 5 years ago that I was done lifting and constantly chasing problems. I commute 80 miles a day for work, so for now, the truck will remain stock height. I do not off road very much anymore other then fishing and camping trips, but all that can be done in a honda civic so no need for the lift.

July 4, 2018 I bought the truck. 2016 TRD Sport, 3.5l 4x4, double cab short bed. 52k miles


I hated the chrome grill, so naturally I did the TW thing and bought a TRD pro knock off from @FreshMexicanTaco and painted the lettering MGM to match.


A few days later my Husky floormats came in. Extremely happy with these. Probably the best money I have spent on the truck.


Had some extra paint left over from color matching the grill. There was no point to this, just messing around. But it shows how well the paint I bought matches. That's great because it was expensive!


Two things here. This should have been a feature off the assembly line. Second, it says gasshole. Makes me smile every time. Thanks @mesojdm


Bought an extra rim for the spare. I like doing 5 tire rotations. I got it off Ebay used, it has some blemishes, but so do all my other wheels. Used truck problems.



Painted the interior trim MGM. Lots of fun, learned a lot about taking apart the dash, but the MGM kinda looks the same as the gunmetal grey it was originally. So basically it was a huge waste of time.




Another one from @FreshMexicanTaco. The DMM. I love this mount for so many reasons. Great product.


60k Miles. Time to do some work. Did the full service myself, including the spark plugs. Used this as a guide.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-tacoma-spark-plug-replacement.554468/
Noticed what looked like oil on the threads of the plugs, some members thinks its not an issue, other think it may be. I'll check them periodically. Thread here.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...com/threads/oil-on-spark-plug-threads.574140/

During my service, I lubed and retorqued my propeller shafts (had to google wtf a propeller shaft was lol) and immediately noticed my rough "down shifting" in the first few gears dramatically improved. Huh. Go figure.

I also got tired of the stock Firestone Destination LE2s. I found a set of take off 265/70r17 BFG TAKO2s C Rated. I'm not a huge fan of these tires, but they had 100 miles on them and seller was asking $100 each, 5 tires. I couldn't pass it up. No pics to share, I think we have all seen our fair share of stock Tacomas with BFGs.

About two weeks later I get swiped on my way to work. The other guy took off. I was late to work so I didn't chase. Damage totaled $250, my deductible is $500. Damn it. Oh well, it was minor, but the truck is still pretty new to me so it erked me a little.
So I took the easy way out a derped the fenders

Damn, I like that! Unfortunately, my BFGs were not treating me well. I mean, they rode great and they looked fantastic. I was getting compliments left and right. My work has the equipment to mount and balance tires so I do my own tire work, and those BFGs did give me hell trying to balance them, but once they were straight I loved the way it rode. What I didn't like was the gas mileage. The stock tires gave me regular 24.8 mpg tank average. Stellar for a 4x4 pick up! The BFGs slowly worked their way down to 19 mpg. I knew there would be a drop, but damn that's a lot. I was talking to a coworker about my disappointment in the tires fuel economy and he asked what I would be willing to part with them for. I told him it would only be worth my time if I could get $100 for them, and only if they bought all 5. The next day a friend of his came to my work and offered me $500 for the tires, even though they were still on my truck! I quickly ordered a new set of P265/65r17 Toyo AT2s and ripped my tires off and sent him on his way. Its been about 2k miles since and my gas mileage has gone back up to 22 mpg. I can deal with that. No pics, this set up is pretty common as well.

Met up with a fellow TW member and bought his 2nd gen running boards from him. I still haven't decided if I I like them or not.


My derped fenders started developing white water spots on them. I tried scrubbing them clean and to my surprise I rubbed a hole in the plastidip. I pulled all the fenders off (breaking about 95% of the fender clips) and sanded them down. I bought some spray can bedliner and sprayed the fenders. Still waiting on the new clips to arrive from China.


Fenders completed.


Exhaust chop!


Painted to match @Tacowiede knobs


AC drain mod. No rust found on my frame. I'm kinda thinking this was pointless, but whatever. I learned something and it was cheap.


Installed a Redarc brake controller. I wanted something factoryish looking and did not want a box banging my knees. Pretty easy install, and it looks good too!


Meso mirror turn signals!


Added a tool box. I got tired of all my tools taking up my back seat. Cheapo from Tractor Supply painted with the same rattle can bedliner that I did my fender flares with.

 

Future stuffs:
OVtune
Paint match steering wheel emblem
Meso Dome and Map lights
Door sill entry gaurds
Clazzio Seat Covers
Seat warmers? - Still Debating
bed stiffiners
The Bracketeer + Element Extinguisher
TRD shift nob (Not paying $100. On the prowl for a used one)
Hood Struts
Pro hood scoop vinyl
Ac vent vinyl - maybe painting them
Hitch plug
Trd battery hold down
Pop and lock tailgate
SSO Slim Line Hybrid Stage 2
Tailgate anti theft bracket

 

100k maint coming up
Changing all fluids, not in one go but one at a time. Oil change first.
Next will be coolant replacement
Service manual Doc ID: RM0000017DS053X

 

That color matched key looks amazing.

 

I used ERA Paints MGM spray paint and clear coat. I was super impressed with how well it turned out. Like I said, its pricey, but the quality is great.

 

Fenders look great! Nice job!

 

Thank you! I was surprised by how well the rattle can bedliner looks

 

Got a little kiss on the interstate a few day after installing Meso's turn signals


There is some very minor body damage as well to the front left quarter panel. I haven't decided if I'm going to fix it or leave it yet. If I fix it, I'll post up pics of the process

 

Got a new (aftermarket) mirror in from rockauto for $78 unpainted. Looks almost identical. There is a slightly different texture to the black underside plastic. Its unoticable unless you're one of those people who go around feeling car mirrors. I was able to score a driver side @mesojdm turn signal to replace the one that was shattered, but the internal wiring for the turn signal was different. Luckily, I still have the turn signal plug from my old mirror and was able to repair, and splice it in.



Painting the upper plastic. Looking good


I do have a complaint about the aftermarket mirror assembly. It vibrates while driving. Not a lot, but the OEM mirrors are rock solid. I will address this issue at a later time when I can do some research on some possible fixes. It's hard to be upset about it because the OEM mirror assembly was around $450...

 

Just checked my transmission fluid level. I was 1/3 to 1/4 quart low. I used this as a guide

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...nsmission-fluid-level-check-diy.547455/page-4

 

boring...



Just kidding.
Its looking pretty good actually!

 

A simple build with a lot of practicality. I like it, just keeps getting nicer and nicer.

 

Thanks, man!

 

Added Husky mudflaps. I kept throwing mud all over my new camper. These solved that.

 

BHLM! And Meso headlight plates, painted with bedliner.

 

Nice build Man. MGM is a great color on the Taco. Very tasteful mods.

 

Thank you, sir!

 

Clazzios ordered!!