MTN+SRF Army Green Build Thread

We are now 3 weeks into September, and still waiting on the 2.5 Fox Coilovers to complete my lift package (ordered at the end of July, so I probably shouldn't complaint too much, yet.)
Also waiting on my Cali Raised LED Step Edition Rock Sliders.

HOWEVER, in the meantime, my OEM Audio Plus stereo system showed up last week, and thus, I dove right in and got that sucker installed.
I ordered the Reference 500 with the single subwoofer and dedicated sub amp. Everyone in the family loves their music (and it runs the full gamut with all of us); so, upgrading the stereo system was a must! Usually I piece together a system from the head-unit to the amp(s), speakers, subwoofer, etc... But with today's modern vehicles, and the full integration that the head-unit plays with the CAN bus system, I thought that a "plug-n-play" solution would be the best way to go.

Single Subwoofer from OEM Audio Plus


All the components displayed (on the rear of my '74 Porsche 914)


Multi-Channel 64-Bit DSP Power Amplifier + Dedicated Subwoofer Amplifier


Quick-Sync Wiring Harness


Front 6″ x 9″ Carbon Fiber Woofer


Rear 6.5″ 2-way Coaxial Carbon Speakers (featuring 1″ Tweeter)


Front 1″ Soft Dome Tweeter

 

The install took most of the day, to be honest. I took my time, might have made a few little mistakes, and I definitely did not watch the *newest install YouTube video from OEM Audio Plus for the 2020+ Tacoma DoubleCab. I had watched it in the past, so I had an idea that I needed to cut the behind the driver side passenger cubby ... but when the subwoofer didn't fit at first, I freaked out a little bit. Then, I thought I spent too much money on this system to not make it work --> thus I cut the rear cubby, and it turns out, that it was the same cut that the *newest YouTube video tells you to cut. Good thing.

Installing the front door subwoofer (driver side)


Installing the front door subwoofer (driver side)


Installing the front door subwoofer - stock speaker (driver side)


Installing the front door subwoofer - new OEM speaker (driver side)


Installing the rear door subwoofer - OEM speaker (driver side)


Installing the front tweeter - stock (driver side)


Installing the subwoofer (driver side)

 

The new OEM Audio Plus Reference 500 stereo system is pretty awesome. Sounds much better than the stock Tacoma stereo. I was hoping that the rear subwoofer with the dedicated amplifier would "hit" a little harder; but, the amount of bass in the vehicle has increased tremendously! The front door subwoofers probably make the biggest difference in the truck. The clarity of the sound is incredible, and the volume is loud and clear no matter how high you turn it up.

Road trips and just running errands are so much better now. And, my teenage sons love it -- so that's a bonus.

 

We are at the end of September, and components of my lift are still not available.
Also waiting on my step sliders ... but, the front Molle panel should show up by the end of the week, so that's cool. Also took my two (2) CO2 tanks down to the shop to be hydro-tested and filled with CO2 ... getting ready for desert season.
As of this post, the truck has 3,783 miles on (since July 2, 2021).

Today's project was to customize the "black-out" kit for the chrome emblems on the truck.
I ended up ordering two (2) sets as I was unsure what color/shade I wanted to paint the emblems.

The first attempt was too "gold." the 2nd set, I used a brush and didn't like the brush marks. Finally, for the 3rd try, I found a rattle-can that was closer to bronze and just the right amount of dark. On one (1) of the emblems, I cut out the space in the "A's" ... that didn't look that great. So, on the final set, I ended up taping the small space in the "A's" so the space ended up being black ... and it looks much better in the final product.

The first attempt ... too "gold" for sure.


Settled on "flat chestnut"


Tailgate "V6" in chrome and then painted


"TACOMA" on the door


Tailgate lettering ... I think the last "A" might be a slight bit off ... :/


I like the updated emblems. It is subtle enough, and cuts down on the "bling" of the chrome. (and almost matches the color of the rims.)

 

We are in the first few days of October (already), and still waiting on some components for my lift, and the side step/rock sliders.
But, a few other items have showed up and thus my need to modify and install were satisfied ... somewhat ...
First new edition to the Army Green MTN+SRF Tacoma is a Cali Raised LED Front MOLLE Panel.

For upcoming desert and Big Bear Mountain wheeling trips, I plan on attaching a (1) High Lift (I got the attachment kit with the MOLLE Panel), (2) my CO2 tank(s), (3) Fire Extinguisher, and (4) some miscellaneous items. I purchased a number of "Quick Fist" adjustable straps to attach items to the Panel.



I really like the MOLLE Panel so far. Thinking about getting the full Driver & Passenger side Panels as well.

And then, just some silly "bling" was added to the Tacoma:
Tri-Color Grill Badge

 

Molle panels look awesome!

 

Thanks!
I really like your products ... well made, and the install videos are very easy to follow.
I can't wait until my "STEP EDITION ROCK SLIDERS - KICK OUT // RAW FILLER PLATE // RAW" shows up so I can install them and finally not be afraid to take the truck out on some aggressive trails.
I purchased OEM-matched Army Green rattle cans to paint the Raw Filler Plate (body color matched) and the tubes themselves with a black bedliner.
And I even built a new structure where I will be able to hang the Step Rock Sliders from in order to prep and paint them properly.

 

Sweet, They are going to looks solid on your rig. How are you going to be prepping them?

 

We are now at the end of October 2021, and still waiting on the 2.5 Fox Coilovers to complete my lift package (ordered at the end of July, so I probably shouldn't complaint too much, yet.)
But, exciting news!!! My @MESO Overhead MOLLE Rack and @CaliRaisedLed Step Edition Rock Sliders showed up this week and I was able to install them over the weekend with the help of my middle son, Trace, age 17. (I can only get help from my sons on Sundays because every other day is full of school and water polo. Check out my YouTube channel where I film youth water polo games at Skip Shot Films.)

MESO MOLLE OVERHEAD RACK






The rack did not fit with the spacers; so we move ahead without them and it fit great. There is still room to feed the MOLLE straps with the hex pattern and hang flashlights, stuff-bags, and first-aid kits as needed.

 

Thanks to @CaliRaisedLed for the quality products. I ordered another item a few days ago ... new LED fog lights and mounting plates; just waiting for them to be delivered.

Here are some photos of the Cali Raised LED "2005-2021 TOYOTA TACOMA STEP EDITION ROCK SLIDERS - KICK OUT // RAW FILLER PLATE // RAW // DOUBLE CAB SHORT BED" that I ordered a short time ago.

STEP EDITION ROCK SLIDERS


Getting ready to wash them down


All washed and scrubbed down


Primer applied


Brackets primered


Automotive Touchup custom "Army Green" rattle cans. Paint applied to the top steps


THe Rock Sliders themselves getting numerous coats of black spray paint.


Driver's side installed


Driver's side (with the 2007 Jeep Wrangler in the reflection).


My son Trace, 17, helping with the installation of the top step on the passenger side. The Army Green paint on the step turned out awesome!


Passenger side


Passenger side


These rock sliders look great.

 

Sick paint job! Glad you like the product.

 

How do you like the OEM setup I have the JBL and don’t like it at all…

 

Badass!!!

 

@Kronk21 The OEM set-up is pretty awesome. It is a bit pricey, but totally plug-n-play. The whole family loves it ... so much better than the stock speaker set-up.

I got the single subwoofer, with the dedicated sub amp, and I thought it was going to "hit" harder than it does, but even without pounding bass hits, it certainly has a lot of bass; a good portion comes from the door subwoofers that are substituted for the weak-ass stock speakers.

All in all, I think it was definitely worth it.

 

Nice rig through and through. Tastefully done

 

Thanks. I appreciate the compliment. Cheers.

 

Beginning of November 2021, and another @CaliRaisedLed product showed up just a few minutes after 1:00 pm. By 2:05 pm, I had the product installed and working perfectly.
This time around, I put in new LED FOG LIGHT POD REPLACEMENTS BRACKETS KIT - 3X2 18W AMBER PODS. During the install process, I learned that my 2021 TRD Off-Road already had LED Fog Lights, but, I wanted AMBER for a few reasons: (1) cuts through the fog and dust better; (2) looks cool; and (3) matches the Raptor lights in the TRD grill.

As always, I watched the @CaliRaisedLed Install Video a few times, and had it available while I installed my new fog lights. Not sure it is because my Tacoma is a 2021, or not, but my install was a tad different than the Install Video, but in the end, everything came together just fine.

UPS delivers the goods a few minutes past 1:00 pm.


Contents of the box:


CaliRiasedLed Fog Light kit:


3x2 Amber LED Fog Lights


This is where my install differed from the Installation Video. My inside wheel well still has all its shrouding, so access to the OEM fog lights from underneath was not easy ... I began to undo some of the shrouding, but decided it might be easier to come at the job from inside the engine bay.


Looking down into the cavity on the driver's side, behind the headlight. I had access to the fog lights from here, and it was much easier than removing all the plastic underneath.


Driver's side OEM LED Fog Light removed. It is basically the same as the Install Video; unplug the wire, and then there is one small Philip's head screw holding the whole light assembly to the surround. Because these OEM fog lights are LED, they did not have a "bulb" that pulls out of the housing.


Front of the OEM LED Fog Light


Empty Driver's side "Fog Light Socket"


The flat indent where the hole is drilled (I marked the location so the drill bit would not wander).


Hole drilled - 3/8"


Driver's side fog light installed into the replacement panel (prior to installation unto the truck).


Driver's side fog light & panel installed.


Driver's side done. Comparison (daytime) of new vs. OEM:


Driver & Passenger sides installed:


New fog lights with the behind the grill @CaliRaisedLed light bar all ablaze!


Looking forward to going on a night drive ...

 

What seat covers did you use? Have you been happy with them? Just been reading through your thread - nice looking truck.