To modify or not to modify

I am going to run around and get a few quotes to paint the damaged areas but also get a quote to paint the whole truck. But I will will definitely take better care this time around. I can't avoid the sun, I don't have enough parking space in the garage for two vehicles.

 

Where are you at in FL, Luis? There are a bunch of fly by night mechanic places here in FL, check them out carefully, look for reviews online. I work on my own stuff, there's nothing on that list you couldn't do, I'm just outside Orlando, if you get all the stuff, I'll help you put it on, all except the paint is driveway jobs.

 

I'll give a plug for Maaco -- I live in TX and this truck does sit out in the heat all day with the exception of our crazy TX snowstorm earlier this year (see pic). It is 15 years old. The roof was basically peeled off, and the paint looked like it has enjoyed 15 year on the sand at the seashore and in the dirt on trails around here. I chose the cheap Macao paint job 2 years ago. All in I was $1500. I think the high end was about 8k. Wraps were more. I did this because I knew I was going to continue to enjoy the beach, the truck would remain outside, and I am on the trails even more with plenty of scratches along the sides. Maaco was actually very honest with me. "this will look great for about 5 years". But the way I use the truck, the last thing I want to be worried about is getting a scratch on the new $8k paint job. I have done all the other maintenance, suspension work and mods myself so for me this was an easy decision. I'd do it again if and when necessary. As for your suspension, my opinion would be to keep it stock unless you're doing it yourself. There will be new noises, maybe some issues (?? wheel bearings, UCAs ??), and unless you're able to self diagnose and fix I think you may regret it.

 

I very much appreciate your offer, trust me I am mechanically incapable.
I am on the West Coast by Weeki Wachee. I have the wheels and tires on order and they are set to be mounted and Balance in two weeks at a local tire shop. I am going to order Bilstein 5100's that will need to be installed. From reading previous posts there are discussions of toytec springs and toytec add-a-leafs, but I was told elsewhere that it's unnecessary since I am not changing wheel size. It's not 4wd and I rarely go on dirt roads that would require any special suspension. Mostly I am just looking to improve the looks and the quality of the ride. My stepson has a 2020 Dodge Rebel that drive's like a Cadillac which is what I want my truck to feel like on long road trips. I don't think I will need lift since the tire size matches the stock tire size, but I wouldn't mind a lift of 2-3 inches.

 

Your truck looks great, I appreciate the input. And you are definitely right about the suspension, it's beyond my skill level.

 

I have a 2015 and you could not give me a 3rd gen for free. I would maintain and mod what you have..

 

Fantastic looking.

Bizarre to see, sitting on snow, usually vehicles I've seen in snowy areas look coated in dry mud, dents all over from sliding out on ice. I know it isn't but it almost looks photo shopped.

I have a thing for black vehicles, I've owned several. I've been told black cars are difficult to paint, several places would just say no, others wanted a fortune. I know very little about painting a car but my understanding is the prep work is the majority of the labor. The sanding to get it all perfectly flat, no waves, up and down dips, gaps perfectly aligned. That's why people try to do much of the sanding and door jamb painting themselves to keep the cost down.

 

I actually tried redoing the roof myself. That process sucked and it looked terrible. In my case, this was $1500 well spent. It isn’t perfect by any means but still exceeded my expectations. They also smoothed all the dents as part of this work.

 

Lifting and bigger tires, I’ve seen plenty of issues posted with inability to get a good alignment, noises, worn suspension parts, mpg suffering. I’m sure there’s also plenty who’ve done it without issues too.

Fading paint, it’s up to the individual. I had a Supra that was shiny. I actually got chased a few times by wannabe jackers. After the paint faded, it stopped. I see it as theftproofing.

The $2k seats, I’m guessing junk yard take offs? I can’t imagine that price from the Toyota parts counter. I’ve read good things about covers from a company called classico or clazzio, something like that. Checked their site, it’s fully customizable, which color to go where, stitching color, type of material, leather perforated or not, etc. I remember they’re expensive but maybe less than whatever you had planned. I think it needs to be installed by an upholsterer shop.

Moving out of a 2nd gen into a 3rd, I’ve heard plenty of people saying it was a mistake. A few went back to a 2nd gen. Also consider price. You’ll probably get more than expected if you sell yours now. If you’re paid off, which it probably is, will you need to start making a monthly payment? Plus more for insurance and registration.

 

BETTER LEATHER & AUTO TRIM CO
1125 E 140TH AVE
TAMPA, FL 33613
813-493-3838

Please contact your Katzkin Authorized Installer for specific pricing for your request. Estimated pricing for a two-row vehicle with factory match, single tone interior is $1,700 including installation. The Katzkin Authorized Installer will provide you a more accurate estimate based on your vehicle.

 

Get a pro shop to just re do the clear coat. Embrace the imperfections.

 

Thanks for the tip!

 

I did a MAACO paint job on my old fox body mustang. It looked great from 20ft but was dogsh*t up close. However, I paid $500 for one of their single stage 'specials' ha ha. I definitely got what I paid for so take my experience with a grain of salt. A $500 paint job will never be show quality.

I'd keep your truck and mod it. I did my small lift (springs, shocks, AAL) for like $1000-1500 total. Just keep your wheels and get a little bigger tires. For the paint i would just address the areas that need it and don't worry about painting the entire truck.

 

I went out this morning gathering quotes. A local very reputable company price for (Hood/Roof and Tonnuea Cover) guaranteed for life, $1,800. To paint the whole truck over $10,000. He said otherwise the truck is in great shape so if I do go through with it I would go with the $1,800 price. I may just keep the current patina look for now.

I am awaiting for the shock set below to become available. I got a quote of 4 hour install for front and back. Total cost s/b right at $1000 or below.
Bilstein

$565 B8 5100 Series Set of Front & Rear Shocks fits 1996-2004 Tacoma with 1-1.5" Lift | TrendsAuto Decal | 24-249928 33-247724 33-247717

B8 5100 Monotube Gas Adjustable Shocks Set for

$73 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma With 4L Right Petrol intake air snorkel kit high performance system compatible kit Replacement black Rotational Molding (2005-2015)

2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD w/0-2.5" lift

 

Do the rears yourself. You say you aren't mechanically inclined... the rear shocks literally couldn't be easier. Just unbolt old ones and bolt in new ones. Nothing else to do. The fronts its wise to pay for a shop because you need a spring compressor and they can do the alignment right afterwards, but seriously try at least to tackle the rears yourself and save some cash. The 5100's are what i have and they are great. Most everyone will tell you to keep the 5100 set at the zero notch but I ran mine on the .85" (first) notch and couldn't tell a difference in ride quality. If you go with aftermarket front springs then definitely leave them on the zero notch because the springs themselves will provide the lift.

 

I would tell you to do what was told to me, go to a local automotive paint shop and ask if anyone does side work. I did this found some giant dude in the back who had tons of pictures of work he’s done. Took me into the parking lot and showed me his car he painted and quoted me 1/4 the price everyone else did cash under the table. He did a amazing job on my truck.

 

You just need the roof and hood painted, should be around a grand or less at a reputable shop. Do NOT change colors, especially through Maaco or Earl Scheib or any of those cheap shops. It will be worse off than what it is now. They won't scuff all the jambs and nooks and crannies well, and it will start peeling.

With your low miles, I'd just fix her up like you want it (other than changing the color).

 

The other parts of your truck will start peeling and fading sooner or later. A friend of mine had just his roof painted for $800+and a couple months later his hood and fender started peeling the clear coat. He then had the whole truck painted by Maaco and is happy with the results. If you are going to have it painted , do the whole damn truck.
In addition matching the new paint to old original paint which has changed and faded over time is difficult and near impossible in many cases. If your truck was newer it would be different. The new paint will be slightly different than the original. The differences may be slightly noticeable or way noticeable.

 

Here’s the bottom line. You have a nice low mileage truck 62000 miles and you obviously put few miles a year on it. If it’s been well maintained it should easily last you many many more years. Keep it. Decide what budget you can afford to do mods and upgrades. Prioritize what you want to do and then just start upgrading and moding and stay within your budget. None of the things you want to do are necessities, they are wants that make you feel good. You could drive that truck for another 10 years and do nothing to it other than basic maintenance. So, budget, prioritize, and mod it. Do what you like, what makes you feel good, what YOU think looks good. You don’t need us. Easy peasy. Just do it.

 

I am definitely going to keep and modify it, I honestly appreciate everyone's comments good and bad. I like to hear different opinions and suggestions. I will post some pics when it's done.