Modernizing a 2nd gen Taco: An Introduction

Hey all!

With the help of TW members, I recently purchased a 2009 Tacoma Sr5 Double Cap with a short bed (Thank you!). Prior to the Taco I was driving a BMW and I loved its comfort creatures. So, I decided to make this project all about comfort and "up to date" simply because it will be my daily driver.

Due to absurd cold weather, I have not been able to take decent photos or do any large projects. However, I have been plugging away at smaller projects. Onto the photos.

Quick Facts
67k miles
Tow Package
Sr5 Package
AT
Short bed



The first step was to perform minor maintenance including the air filter, cabin filter, spark plugs, oil change, etc...



A tonneau cover was a must. Especially with the crazy snowstorms we've been getting.


Next up were the tail-lights. I wanted something that looked more modern but still OEM ish.


After


And today, I installed a double din unit. The search bar on TW was very helpful in figuring out the small details.



Here is one of my project cars. I also own a Integra Type R and Civic Em1.


I have a ton of parts sitting in my garage waiting to be installed.

 

Welcome and congrats on the truck.

 

Congrats on the new truck! I guess if your doing creature comforts then heated seats, remote start, and heated mirrors are in the works?

 

Welcome! I've owned a few BMW's in the past, they are great to drive but the reliability is crap compared to Toyota. So you can spend your money on upgrades instead of parts.

 

I had a 1976 2002. By far my favorite vehicle ever. Ex SCCA car with lots of suspension and motor upgrades. Died an untimely death due to age related stupidity. Missed greatly!

 

Heated seats and a remote start have been purchased. Heated mirrors will be done a bit later.

Mine have been pretty reliable. Knock on wood. But yes, most of them are pretty unreliable.

2002's are great. Would love to own one at some point.

 

Screw the Tacoma.

Those E36 three piece Bottle Caps look killer. 5 lug suspension eh? What’s under the hood?

 

Congrates on the Tacoma and welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW.. Nice Daily driver

 

Love the idea man. Might want to look into Katskinz

 

Subd

 

Subd

 

Haha. They are e28 bottlecaps. I'm using adapters at the moment instead of a 5 lug conversion. I have a few sets of wheels so I like the flexibility. I did a m50 swap and may do a supercharger in the future.

That's a good idea.

 

Gotcha. I was hoping you did something silly like take buncha parts off an e30 M3.

The wheels built off RS lips and barrels or custom spun?

 

Been looking at those exact tail lights. Do they look pink in certain lights? Where'd you pick them up? And are they using the same bulbs? Thanks

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld bro! I like your plans for the truck! Love the 3 also! '86 325i?

 

Those taillights look really good! Cheers from a former Vermonter! Work forced a move last November, missing the snow...

 

subd

 

Very nice!

 

Welcome. I bought an 05 a few months ago and put in a nav headunit and tailgate handle backup cam. Slapped on a pro style grille and some 3rd gen wheels and it doesn't look/feel like a 14 year old truck anymore.

Spent less than $1,000

Will update the lights eventually.