2020 Vanilla Ice Build

I finally got round to making my own bracket for the camping shovel/hatchet mount. $10 for the steel and $10 for the quick fist clamps. I didn't want to buy a second pair of the quick fists, so I just used a couple bungee cords lying around for the hatchet.

 

I always found myself running out of mounting locations when I'm hauling my dirt bike, so I picked up a front rail from ebay for $40.

 

Tonneau cover = Can't see whats in the bed when its closed, so I picked up OEM plug and play bed lights.

 

Ordered the OEM remote locking tailgate lock

$162 PK3B6-35JS0 Toyota Genuine 2019 & Newer Tacoma Short Wheelbase Tailgate Lock (PK3B6-35JS0)

PK3B6-35JS0 from the dealer (For 19-20s). Now I can lock/unlock my tailgate from my key.

 

It finally happened. I officially joined the Taco community by installing a TRD Pro grill on my non-TRD Pro Tacoma (+ some pointless Raptor lights that I got to admit I do love). During the install, I also came across some fine workmanship during the production line for my Tacoma.


It looks like the painter decided to get off work early that day when they were supposed to finish painting my bumper. Got to love that fine Toyota craftmanship.

Anyway, I messed around in the fuse box, and was able to get a clean install by running the Raptor Lights wire through the loom, and then adding a heat shrink tube to the fuse tap. If you plan to run a fuse tap to the fuse box for the Raptor Lights, make sure to pick up a low profile fuse tap for the factory mini fuses. 1) The fuse tap will not rub against the adjacent 120A fuse in the location I chose (injectors) 2) This particular kit came with a mini fuse tap meant for mini fuses instead of a low profile mini fuse tap that suits the OEM low profile mini fuses, so I had to run to the store to pick up a replacement fuse tap in order to keep all the fuses consistent. I like keeping spare fuses in my car since I have been stranded in the desert before due to a blown fuse, so keeping all fuses consistent is always a smart idea.



And here she is all done!





Just a heads up to anyone else to plans on installing the raptor lights - these were not a perfect plug and play setup. I did have to use my dremel a little bit to get the outer lights to fit in the grill, and then I had to buy another fuse tap (low profile mini fuse tap) since the kit came with just a mini fuse tap. On the bright side, I did order the cheapest Grill + TSS Garnish Cover + Raptor Lights I could on the internet, and it came from some company I had never heard of. The customer service ended up being great! Quick to respond, and happy to help out. Link - https://www.vgautoparts.com/collect...s/tacoma-trd-pro-grill?variant=35785619898527

Some shots from the weekend. I went on a last-minute trip to the woods near Lake Tahoe to disconnect from work.

 

I'm undecided on my next mod. I'm thinking either -

1) Baja Design Amber Squadrons. My brother just picked these up for his Silverado, and they are reaaaaallly good.
2) CaliRaised Low Profile LED Light Bar. I haven't seen these in person, but a light bar is probably putting out more light than the Baja Design Squadrons? Has anyone done a CaliRaised LED Light Bar vs. Baja Design Squadrons comparison?
3) Bilstein 6112/5160s since the ride quality is pretty crap in this truck.