My First Project

I am 16 years old. And god blessed me because i got a bone stock 1996 toyota tacoma sr5. This truck has very clean interior but the clear coat is failing. Couple dents here and there so I definitely need new bumpers. So i guess my question is, what would you do to a bone stock 1996 toyota tacoma sr5(3.4l v6 4x4)

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to the forum Aaron

 

Welcome aboard Aaron

 

Nice! My 1995 has paint issues as well. Every now and then I see another red tacoma with the same issues going down the road. There was obviously problems with that color. When I got it the truck almost looked pink because of oxidation and clear coat peeling. I clean up the oxidation every few years. Nice first vehicle though... you're lucky. Enjoy it

Pictures?!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to The Forum!

If I had just acquired this truck I would attempt to track down the maintenance records to determine maintenance history. If the records aren't available, I would perform a full maintenance/inspection to get off on the right foot.

 

Miles? Has it lived in rust country (salted roads) or not? Did you receive any significant maintenance records with the truck?

Assuming the frame is not swiss cheesed from rust, tires are safe but you have minimal records to rely on.........

Learn how to maintain it properly.

'Baseline' the truck by changing all fluids. Inspect the brakes, repair as needed.

Keep the interior very clean, keep it mechanically healthy and drive it. Bumpers can be had at scrap yards or from other owners who change their bumpers.

Re the clearcoat. A good repaint will cost a lot. Maybe as much as the truck is worth. Don't bother at this point.

If the bed inside needs attention, look at www.monstaliner.com and consider trying your hand at that. If that works well for you, you could consider doing the whole truck with that product. I'd pick a color close to yours, and leave the door jambs, underhood, etc alone.

 

Welcome Aaron!!! Congrats on your first rig. I remember my first truck. It didn’t go in reverse and had 245k miles on it. Single cab ford ranger. I don’t miss it. You definitely lucked out with a Tacoma. Don’t take it for granted.

Do what you want really. That’s all I can tell you. But if I was you I wouldn’t worry about paint. I’d trick it out to hit the trails. Focus on suspension