One of the Rarest Tacomas

Lol, I'll remember that.

The one thing I see that would bother me is not being able to see the radio and reach it quickly and effectively. Scanning other PD's and departments and I'm always switching channels.

 

The Chevy Colorado is absolutely the worst product GM has ever made and I really don't think they'll be able to improve upon it with this new version.

Access to the radio and lightbar controls is an issue. I would not have gone with the center console route if given the truck before the equipment was installed and instead tucked the individual pieces of equipment into existing openings in the truck. This would leave a lot more arm room and have things in an easier to reach location. The way it sits now, the metal center console is so close to the driver seat that it's rubbing a couple of flat spots in my holster.

 

I'm currently in a Tahoe so comfort and space isn't an issue. But in the sedans we have the same large metal center console and it's really tight. I'm 6' 200lbs and I have to adjust sitting a little off the seat in order to buckle the seat belt and sit without my holster digging into my side. The bigger guys go through holsters like their underwear. It tears them up bad. Wish they would ask us where we wanted the shit that we use

Oh... And the no arm rest? That's an absolute f-ing no go! Lol

 

I was recently scouting out ahead of maintenance crews on a road that was being reopened after a year of bridge construction. Pulled off to the side of the road to wait for the grader and thought it was a good time for a photo op.

 

Flexing at work, I like it!

 

Saw a Ranger's Tacoma parked outside the Ranger station in Stovepipe Wells in DV (around Dec 14th). Is this another Tacoma or were you there?

 

Wow, I guess National Parks are equipping their Rangers with Tacomas now as well. Good to know. I am in the desert, but I don't make it out quite that far into the middle of nowhere.

 

A little over a year and 30,000 miles. The truck has still been great as a patrol rig. Just need to upgrade the suspension (or at least replace the blown front shock). I keep kicking myself for tossing the factory Bilsteins from my Sport. Worn Bilsteins are better than new Tokicos.

 

I've already reached out to a number of companies who are willing to give a discount. The issue, unfortunately, isn't the price. It's getting approval to "modify" the vehicle by the State control agency that governs our vehicle use and repair.

 

Are you able to use that discount for both your personal Tacoma and work Tacoma?

 

Heh, I can't believe I haven't replied to this thread yet. I've read it over several times in the past year or so.

Truck looks great.

I would also be interested in a few more "up close" pics of the AR lock - I assume it has the sort of standard rubber coated "ankle cuff" style ratcheting lock but I'd like to see how you welded it up and mounted the base (to the seat bolt?).

What is the scanner that is farthest back in the console? Looks like a Uniden something or other but I can't see the model. I've been sort of thinking about adding a unit like that to my CV.

And add me to the other interested party who would do a patch swap with you, if you can...

 

There is a new inspector for the area that I cover. He is a really great guy who fully understands why I need the parts that I'm asking for because he wheels the same terrain on his off time. The problem is that he's so black and white, by the book that he's been, so far, unwilling to approve upgraded springs and shocks. Any deviation away from OEM, in his opinion, opens up the department for liability. This is why I would love to find a cheap TRD Pro kit as that is technically OEM because I can show it is installed from the factory. On that front, so far none of the three Toyota dealers I've contacted have come through with giving me a true quote on parts and labor to install.

 

It is a Uniden, but unsure of the model. I'll have to take a look next time I'm at the office (not a take home vehicle). I can tell you that I don't like it as much as the older Uniden BCT8 that I had in my previous vehicle. The BCT8 was relatively easy to program and came with many of the individual standard state frequencies pre-programmed.

 

Nice patrol rig! Did you ever get some better tires? My department (county not state) has a few F150's, F250's and F350's that they have done certain mods to. Bumpers, small lifts, and better tires. Even our county maintenance guys have a couple Tacomas, one of which has a lift and Shrokworks bumper on. I feel for you that you can't get some beefier, more capable parts on your sweet Patrol Taco.

 

I'm not completely boned yet, as I do still have some options. It's just going to take more time, mostly because we are at the end of our fiscal year and can't spend anymore money until the politicians figure their stuff out. I could technically get a full set of 5100's because it would keep the stock springs and wouldn't need inspector approvals as long as I could install them in-house. Biggest thing stopping me there is I don't have a good coil spring compressor.

New tires were an easy sell because they were the same size. Running Duratracs now. Bumping up from the stock 245's would be an issue, even though I can show that 265's are available from the factory.

 

Just read threw the thread!Very cool Tacoma!

 

Nice ride. Definitely needs a lift & tires..

 

Subd

 

Sub'ed

 

hey I got a very good scanner which is a BCT15,, newer kind.. I am willing to get it off my hand. I used it just for few days.. never will use it. ( I am a vol firefighter, semi retire hahaha)