Tips for building my 1995 Toyota Tacoma 5 speed manual 4x4

Also as previously mentioned, I have been doing some work in the interior. The front seats were too expensive to reupholster, so I decided to try out some seat covers. These fit perfect, they are specifically made for this 1st gen 60/40 split bench. They're water proof and have a nice feel. I also installed brand new black carpet. Was a pain in the diq to install but it was totally worth it.
I added a double did that has all the new modern goodies (bluetooth, navigation, rear view camera etc). Loving it. Works awesome and really changed the look of the interior.
I was tired of not being able to lock my doors because of a lost key that is different to my ignition key. I sourced new locks with keys and went as far as to turn the locks to electric. Wired in lock poppers and an alarm. Key-less entry is so cool. The alarm is sensitive, makes me feel more secure!
As you can see in the door panel pic. I have been changing worn out items with black units such as the, black leather shift boot, window crank, inside door handle, and the door lock knob. I am enjoying the brown and black contrast going on. And lastly I added brand new knobs for the climate control since all mine were missing. It is the little things that can make these old trucks stand out.

Several interior pieces were missing but I sourced them used and my interior is close to complete with my 240sx checkered mats transferred to my Taco ;-)

 

I wish I would have taken before pics of the interior. It was awful. My dad did not care to clean it very much unfortunately. But not to worry DAD, your truck is in good hands. I miss you so.

I recently installed a brand new windshield which is super nice to see out of day and night. Makes the driving experience so much better and safer. I added a pic of the rear sliding window. All the seals seem to have gotten out of place, is that normal? Any tips on how to tidy them up better? I was quoted 150.00 for a 1 piece rear window installed. But I really like having the ability to open that back window when good weather allows.

I removed the factory fender flares, side exterior plastic moldings, and window visors that were double sided taped on. I need to buy a decal removal tool to remove all the adhesive.

Anyway I was quoted $2500, $2800.00 and $3000.00 for body and paint work by 3 different shops. The truck is riddled with hail damage and big dents to the bed from my dad backing into his trailer in reverse. At this point I have a brand new front and rear bumper waiting to be installed. A new grill that I am turning into a statoshi grill and a set of KC lights I will be mounting behind the grill. I also have brand new headlights, corner lights, bumper lights, and tailights waiting to go on.

Any suggestions on what to do for the exterior? Maybe pay someone to do the body work and I can vynil wrap it? Monstaline it? Or just leave as is and rock that rustic look?

I am itching to install all my new exterior components.

 

i have much love for a 1st gen and those tires look awesome i wont lie...my question will dictate the opinion...what do you plan on doing with the truck?...mud run, rock crawl, weekender, DD, or home depot runner? if its gonna be a DD for me it would be worth the money to fix up and give it a new paint job and fix the dents otherwise it'll ride just the way it sits and still look awesome.. good luck and keep us posted

 

It is my new daily. That is what makes me want to paint it and you are right. And thanks for your input. I will continue to update this !

Question if anyone can help? What size camper do I need for my bed? So many mixed size reviews online. I found 2 that are close-ish to me. Anyone know if these will fit/work?

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/pts/d/fort-worth-tacoma-are-toolmaster-cap/6968221826.html

or

https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pts/d/dallas-camper-topper-truck-cap-toyota/6970973512.html

 

Update.

Was super lucky to find a topper. 5 hr round trip but totally worth the trip. Brought my fishing poles since we knew of several creeks to fish out of along the way. Arkansas is awesome.

Anyway, found this awesome camper shell. Came off a super clean unmolested 2002 tacoma (gold truck posted). Older gentleman agreed to hold it for me for 24 hrs. Such a cool guy. Lived in a retirement zone by the lake. Had a super cool house which he showed us around in.

Guy said he had more of a need for his truck bed without the shell. He practically gave away the shell to me.
After a chat we get on the road. Met up with a buddy of ours whom is also working on building his Taco (black truck)!

Anyway I'm happy with the progress so far. Can't wait to send it out for body work. I am considering Monstalining it. Any thoughts? Anyone have experience with this type of "paint job" alternative?

 

HELP:

I am looking to buy a parts tacoma so that I can get a bed in good shape and possibly some doors. Which years/trims have the same exact bed size as ours? I need to get it right so that I can use my newly acquired camper topper. Any help/tips would be appreciated.

Also if a Moderator could move this to the 1st gen builds section I would appreciate it.

 

Any first gen (1995.5 to 2004) should be the same for the bed. Doors should be the same, too. The main difference is some minor changes the grill/headlights in 1998, new hood/grill/headlights 2001, and some changes to suspension in 1998. There will be minor changes to tail lights and stuff too, but it should all still bolt up.

Xtracabs and regular cabs have the same bed, Xtracabs just have a longer frame.

If you get a 1997 or earlier, everything should be compatible.

 

Thank you for your reply, what about the smaller tacomas, non sr5. Normally come with a 4cyl and are not tas tall height wise from factory. Would a bed and door from that work as well?

 

Smaller? All first gens are the same size, regardless of engine size. SR5 is an option package that Toyota uses across ALL their vehicles(like power windows, etc), so it doesn't denote a different model per se.

I think you might be talking about the 5 lugs. What most people call the 2wd models. That's a little confusing because there are also "2wd's" that look identical to the 4x4's, but are called Pre-runners. The distinction is how many lug nuts each wheel has. The 4x4's and Prerunners have 6 lug nuts, and the 2wds are 5 lug models. The Prerunners are identical to the 4x4's, they just have the front drivetrain/transfer case removed.

I would not waste your time getting a 5 lug as a parts truck. The suspension is entirely different, fenders are different, etc... Some is compatible, but if you're looking for a parts/donor truck, stick with the 4x4 or a pre-runner.

If you're looking for a parts vehicle JUST for the bed and doors, an entire donor truck is kind of overkill. The 5 lug bed most likely will fit, but I can't be sure. The frames (btwn the 5 lug and 6 lug) are different in several ways, so I'm not sure if that forces a change to the beds themselves.

 

May be a stupid question. But does anyone know if these will work on my tacoma. They look fairly similar to mine and even the fenders on an 01 look the same.

$95 DEPO Smoked Front Corner Lights FIT FOR 2001-2004 Toyota Tacoma Pickup 4x4

https://www.amazon.com/2001-2004-Toyota-Tacoma-Pickup-Smoked/dp/B019JJKAEI#customerReviews

any help would be appreciated.

 

Nice 95.5! I’m also on the mission of bringing mines back to youth with a little bit more capabilities lol.

Check um out: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/shaydo’s-reggae-lar-cab-build.584757/

 

Question if anyone can help:

I replaced my front passenger cv axle due to a ripped boot. I remembered to transfer the inner dust shield, but somehow forgot to transfer the outer dust shield. How fudged am I? Should I tear it apart to put it back on?

If anyone wants to know: I bought 2 cardone axles from rockauto for about 65 dollars shipped to my door, no core required (wholesaler closeout special).