My '04 PR TRD-OR Remodel & Improvements

Original post is bellow. Here's a current pic:


Hey all! As stated, just picked up my first Tacoma (first real truck actually.)

2004 PreRunner TRD Off Road
-184K
-1 Owner (older gentleman, handed me the original sticker!)
-Factory upsized wheels, 16"
-Tow hitch
-All organized maintenance receipts with list of dates, mileage, on each one.
-No rust whatsoever.
$6500!

Only known issues: Paint will need to be addressed eventually, one bearing assembly will need replacing.

Already picked up a set of WeatherTech mats, and ordered TRD stickers for them from @CBoy808

Plan: Get it back to factory like-new. Then a few simple mods/upgrades. Want to keep the factory look.

Questions:

1. Can I get someone to re-clear coat the hood/roof? Or am I in for a new paint job?

2. The fender flares are a little grayed. Is painting them an option for the long run? Or are replacements the best option? Again, going for factory look.

3. Is there a cheap option/place to get replacements for door seals?

4. Any other suggestions for a newbie will be well received!

Thanks gents!

 

Congrats, nice find!

Hard to tell if the white is just in the clear coat or whether it has gone down through the color. Try some compound and wax first -- if it has gone through the color, you'll need more than just clear coat. Personally, I'd just make sure it is protected with some wax and focus on refreshing mechanical stuff first, then worry about fixing the paint.

 

Welcome to TW!

Sounds like you got a great buy! I cant answer all of the questions but I sure can help you with the trim. go and buy this product

$15 Rust-Oleum 15OZCAL Wipe New Trim Restore, 1.5 fl. oz.

Rust-Oleum 15OZCAL Wipe New Trim Restore, 1.5 Fluid_Ounces

I just copy and pasted the product description out of my Amazon account. google this stuff and get it. it works great for a few months. brings everything ive got back to show room quality. dont buy new as they just fade quickly anyway.

 

Welcome aboard new member
Scuffing and clear coat touch up will buy you some time and better appearance.
Mother's Back to black for the flares.
Spend the $$$ for OE door seals.
Proper maintenance will get you to 500,000 mi.
Drive defensively.

 

Looks like great stuff, thanks! I'll grab some.

 

I'll give that a go, thanks!

 

Welcome

 

Just used the Mothers NuLens Renewal Kit on the headlights. Didn't come out "like new" as I was expecting, but still a night and day difference.

 

Welcome to TW. hope you have deep pockets because you'll see all the mods members are doing, and you'll want to make your truck "Bad Ass" also. I looked for months, wanting to find a truck in that hunter green color, but settled for a lunar mist 2003 DC. I'm keeping my truck stock also, no lift for me. I think there plenty capable of doing what most of us want, unless your into seriously hard core off roading. There are several products to help renew the black. The Mothers a use listed above works pretty good, and I have a Turtle Wax product I'm going to try. Keep up your basic maintenance, check your lower ball joints all the time, timing belt and water pump changes, and your truck should last you for years to come.

 

Thanks @CrippledOldMan! Yeah, I've already got a list of mods going because of this stupid site Nothing too crazy, and I don't expect to do anything really to the body. Mostly some LED (practical not aesthetic) light installs, stereo w/ backup camera, maybe bug deflectors, etc. But mostly the upkeep like you said. Didn't think about checking lower ball joints, I'll have to add that to the list.

 

Today I refinished the screws and bolts in the cab. Took them all out, put them through my ultrasonic cleaner to eliminate the rust (I have one on hand for reloading ammo), used a wire brush attachment on my drill to brush the heads, then put them all through a cold blueing agent to turn them black/dark. Then a quick wipe of a gun oil/solvent for protection and put them back in. Gooder than new! Also took a toothbrush with the same gun oil/solvent to the seat mounts to clean them up some.

 

That turned out awesome! Great job. Looking forward to seeing what all you do.

 

Thanks jammer! Have a few things lined up, just a matter of getting the free time.

 

Hey man, I understand. Just remember, nothing in between you and the Yota but air & opportunity!

 

I like it!

 

Hey nchiker1 - Since you just purchased this Tacoma, just wanted to pass on that you can download the free BlueDriver App on your phone and pull up information based on your VIN #.
You don't have to have the BlueDriver OBDII Scan installed to pull vehicle info on the app.

Have a Great Weekend!

 

Congrats on the find! Really nice truck and wow the headlights came out really good!

 

Thanks man, I'll check it out!

 

Thanks @Jpac1!

 

A friend came over and helped me make my first attempt at fixing up the paint oxidization on the hood and the roof. Polished it with a moderate cutting pad, and finished it off with a...well, "finishing pad." Outcome is not "like new" (how could I expect it to be?). But what a difference! I think I bought some time before taking it to a paint shop.

Also, this Imperial Jade color is really growing on me. Never hated it, but I thought I'd make the move over to white if I had to get it painted. But I'm really liking the outdoors look of the Jade. Think I'll keep it.