What Have You Done To Your 2nd Gen Tacoma Today?

LSK

 

FTMFW.

 

Just got a used Softopper. Does anybody know a way to get it somewhat back to full color (almost as if it just came from factory)?

pic attached of the new (used) topper.

 

Snowed in Vermont. lol

 

porn is prohibited in the forums...thank you

 

what'd you coat your frame with? shiny...

 

you got a write up on this? I wanna reroute mine but I can't bring myself to do a snorkel...

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/different-approach-to-a-snorkel.266449/

Spectre Performance 9751 Black 4" Air Duct Hose

$40 Spectre Performance SPE-9751 Black 4" Air Duct Hose

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OMM7HM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hC-TEb8DMN6YB


there’s the thread on it and the hose I used for it. I haven’t had any additional noise in the cabin or issues with water off-road. That said, I avoid deep water anyways when I can. I’m still treating the truck as if it has a stock air intake so I don’t get myself into trouble.

 

thanks!

 

Also here.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cowl-induction-snorkel.525314/

I’ve been contemplating this too...

 

seems like another brilliant, cost-effective mod

 

guess i'm just wondering if I should stick with a 4in the whole way through or go down to 3in. any problems with water on your end getting into the 4in pipe?

 

Nope not that I’m aware of. That tube is still an inch or two off the bottom of the cowl so it would take some effort to get water in there.

 

Congrats on the find! I love my Softopper. I found mine used and it was also a bit faded. I called Softopper and asked them what to do about it. They suggested a cleaner and treatment available through them for convertible tops (you can find it on their website) but the 2-part treatment is pretty expensive. On the drive home from picking it up, I said, "what the hell" and ordered it. For the price, I wasn't really impressed and really only allowed me to treat it one time.

So far my favorite method is to wash it thoroughly with dish soap (removed from the truck unless I'm waxing the truck, too), pressure rinse it, let it dry completely and then treat it with 303. 303 isn't cheap either, but the results look newer to me and hopefully the 303's UV protectant properties protect it for a long time. I worked for a custom canvas and shade company for a long time and the owner swears by the stuff and buys it by the gallon.

I've also tried Turtle Wax Inside Outside Protectant (available cheap at Walmart; also has anti-UV qualities). It makes the 'Topper look shiny, black and new again but the residue streaks the paint of the truck when it rains or snows. If that's not a concern, it's a super-cheap way to get new-looking results that do last a while.

 

cant help in the restoring color, but many years ago I had a TJ that went thru several states during the winter in a snow storm, and the top went from blk to white with salt...I called Bestop and asked about cleaning, was told Dawn dish soap and the softest shoe brush I cud find...worked great ..might try a wash first, and then their Protectant ..

my opinion ONLY: 303 contains a large number of compounds they claim to be Proprietary, and this to me is an issue, most are rated as being on the nasty side for contact and inhalation, I don't use due to that....the Bestop is better defined in the SDS and i prefer that for that reason, either way you should wear proper gloves and try not to inhale the fumes...

BTW like the topper

 

This. Frame, suspension, axles, skids, side bars, bumpers and more. I have been using this paint for decades on many different vehicles. It last for years.

 

How do you apply it? i.e. rattle can, roller, brush, spray gun, etc.

 

Finally got some new rims and tires installed and got a new grille that isn't cracked.

 

It comes in a rattle can, but expect to buy a case and pay twice as much. If using a spray gun, use a large nozzle or it will sputter and clog. Check this out, this is with 40K miles on the truck and when I had FOX 2.0s. If I do a major mod to the suspension, I pretty much pull off the shocks and shoot the entire frame, axles, etc, you get the point.

 

Love that!But not sure if it’s legal in Cali.