The Diary’s Of Elmer

On May 24th of 2021 I picked up “Elmer” from my coworkers father that bought the truck brand new in 2008. When I first laid eyes on “Elmer” pulling out of the garage my jaw hit the pavement the truck was babied it’s whole life and looks brand new still. The headlamps are not yellow and there isn’t a ding in her.
I knew immediately this truck needed me to be a care taker of her. My wife wasn’t thrilled it was a manual but I warmed her over by explaining we will be down to 1 car payment and the truck had plenty of life in her.
I sold my 2016 Tundra TRD Pro to rid that car payment and collect the crazy equity that the dealerships are paying. Payed off all of our debt except for my wife’s car payment and bought “Elmer” with the remaining money.
My mission with “Elmer” is knock the old man off without cutting up the truck she’s too nice to do that to. After selling my beater LS430 and left overs from the Tundra I bought everything she needs to look great after doing some learning from this forum.
I’m new to Tacos but I’m enjoying her so far. It fits better in my garage, easier to park, the seats are more comfortable, shifting gears are a pleasure, and also the color hides dirt well.
So stay tuned for a epic adventure of transforming “Elmer” I assure you that the parts are ordered but some things are going to take time to arrive.

 

6/5/21 Amazon dropped off my antenna X antenna. Looks 100x better than the weird stubby the prior owner installed.

 

6/6/21 Went to my buddies house and had him throw some tint on the windows. Now it’s 20% ceramic tint all around.

 

Good find, enjoy the build.

 

I’m a automotive tech by trade but customizing my truck is my passion. I’ve had 6 trucks in my lifetime and they all been modified by me.

 

6/10/21 Removed all the chrome badges except the one on the grill but have a solution later down the road for that. Installed newer Tacoma black badges on her.

 

Great find! Unbelievable mileage for a 13 year old truck.

I went from an ‘07 to a ‘15. I still miss the ‘feel’ of the ‘07..

Did you replace all the fluids and update all the tune up usuals? There’s a terrific sticky on all maintenance for the 2nd Gen.

Good luck with ‘er.

 

If you don't put an elmers glue sticker on there somewhere I think a lot of people will be disappointed. Awesome truck and enjoy the build!

 

Great catch! I've only had my '08 a couple of years, felt like home right outa the gate!

 

No not yet I’ll go through her in the future the prior owner babied her. I was a Toyota/Lexus tech for 10 years I know these little trucks well they are bulletproof.

 

6/20/21 Installed a new Pioneer radio with Apple car play. Removed the useless cigarette lighter and added a USB port for the Apple car play.

 

6/21/21 Installed a Kicker hideaway sub in the little cubby behind the seat to add some much deserved bass to the factory speakers.

 

7-25-21 Rear bumpershellz showed up no more chrome rear bumper.

 

8/21/21 Wheels and tires showed up but still waiting for the coil overs.

 

What head unit is that specifically?

 

Pioneer AVH-1550NEX

 

9/10/21 The FedEx man left some goodies to get this Taco out of the weeds.

 

9-12-21 Installed a console safe to lock up valuables.

 

9/18/21 Installed Vertex coil overs and shocks. Control arms. Method wheels and Nitto tires on her.

 

Elmer is looking good!