My '04 PR TRD-OR Remodel & Improvements

Thanks @joe25rs !

 

Restored the black trim today. I used Rustoleum Wipe New and it really made this trim dark again. Reviews on Amazon said that it lasted 2+ years, so I'm hoping to not have to revisit this for some time.

Also fixed the annoying "CD-changing" sound coming from under the glove box using this tutorial. Sound is gone!

 

The paint "clean-up" may not be perfect but came out better than you expected thats for sure. I know you are really happy with the "side" panels. Doors, quarter panels, etc. The paint that doesn't get all the sun normally comes out best. Good job. Hows the tailgate ??

 

It's in great shape! No dents of any kind, bumper looks new, just a few marks on the paint.

 

I'm willing to bet that this doesn't actually do anything for the light output. Those kits IMO are for looks only.

Here are my lights AFTER I ran my original 2004 headlights through one of those 3 stage kits twice in about 3 or 4 months.

Low beams. Notice how my gutters are illuminated.

And here are NEW headlight housings (CAPA certified TYC brand, from rockauto):

Notice here how you can barely even see the alarm sign on my garage door anymore, let alone my gutters.

Those kits really are about as close to a scam as you can get. The "good" ones cost about as much my my headlight did. Just get new housings...

 

Today I fixed replaced the light in the glove box. Best $2 I ever spent!

 

You think the headlight restore kits are a scam? I’ve restored 3 sets of headlights with the 3M kit and they’ve improved my light output significantly. I most recently did it on my first gen and it was a night and day difference. They don’t get the headlight back to brand new, but it’s a huge difference if you have heavily oxidized lenses.

 

A scam? only partially. They don't exactly lie about what their products do, but they kinda gloss over what they don't do.

Sure, your light gets brighter, as did mine, but if you look at my pics the quality of that light is complete shit. There is no cutoff whatsoever, just round blobs of light.

Like I said, that first pic I posted was after doing 2 different sets of "restoration" with a Maguires kit. 2 sets of sanding discs, polishing compounds and finishing wax stuff.

Sure it made my lights look absolutely brand new, and I was rather impressed. That is, until I realized how little it did for the light cutoff pattern.

 

Alright gents, this thread is not for debate about headlight restore kits. It’s for people to drop compliments on my beautiful truck and how wonderful a job I’ve done with her. Thanks!

 

Psh!












Nice Yoter.

 

Thanks bro! By the way, loving that 1st gen you got. Lot's of good work that's way above my head. Nice!

 

Thanks! Been my baby for a long time. I need to update the build thread a bit, but I’ve been out using it more this year than working on it!

 

The best way to do it!

 

Buffed and polished the paint. Still has imperfections, but made a great difference!

 

That paint really shines!

 

Thanks man! Was really happy how it turned out.

 

Replaced the map & dome lights with LEDs. Huge improvement-can actually see the floor!

 

I responded to YOUR post about the restore kit with my experiences with using a similar kit vs. replacing the housings.

 

I realize that, it just devolved into something else.

to your point, I believe the kit did make a difference. The spread was less than before, because the light was able to go in its intended direction instead of being flung every which way by the haze of the light. It probably goes further also. Personally, I like the results, and would do it again. But to each their own

 

Finally got the front bearing assembly replaced! It hurt...but MAN it drives so much quieter now.