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TacoSkeet's 03 DC

Discussion in '1st Gen. Builds (1995-2004)' started by TacoSkeet, Jan 16, 2013.

  1. Jan 16, 2013 at 6:53 PM
    #1
    TacoSkeet

    TacoSkeet [OP] 'MERICA

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2012
    Member:
    #89164
    Messages:
    670
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Memphis, TN
    Vehicle:
    03 DC Tacoma
    2003 Double Cab Tacoma

    How it sits as of 7/19/13
    Untitled_zps36cdbd29_81e06c8025d155f2d76262245037943a3247afc0.jpg
    DSC_0320_zps19a953b9_8e405cd70b903c917703295c864ea6a5c0fee1f1.jpg
    DSC_0243_zps8056fd55_ec1be155c50a97b99ef3d1785657ba5c6b7e93af.jpg

    Mods to date:

    Engine and some
    -3.4L V6 (stock)
    -TRD e-locker
    -Deckplate Mod
    -Engine bay light mod

    Suspension
    -Bilstein 5100s
    -Eibach Coils
    -AAL
    Coming Soon..
    --Dakar leaf springs

    Exterior
    -5000k Morimoto H1 retros from TRS
    -Fog light mod
    -Sockmonkey black badges, black hood retro stripe and "TRD Expedition" bedsides
    -Bed rack mod
    -Painted bumper and grille duplicolor bedarmor (black)
    -Front Runner style custom roof rack
    -custom rear bumper

    Interior
    -Wet Okole seat covers
    -Maglite mount
    -Ultraguage
    -Peripheral PXD Ipod Adapter with custom mount
    -Garmin 40LM GPS
    -Fire Extinguisher
    -Factory alarm system mod
    -White LEDs in the dash

    Future Mods:
    -4x4 conversion (someday)


    The Story
    I've wanted a Tacoma since before I could drive, but when my 16th birthday rolled around....I got a Honda...:pout: My best friend (01GreenTaco) got his truck when he turned 16 and I was super jelly, but I had fun helping him build up his truck. I worked as much as I could around school trying to earn enough money to get a truck and then I realized that it just wasn't going to happen at that time so I bought a 1986 Suzuki Samurai (shown below) and began to work on it. I was planning on just wheeling that around and then my parents vetoed that idea so I made a deal with them. Long story short, I sold the Samurai for twice as much as I bought it for, sold the Honda, and bought my 2003 TRD DC PreRunner in October of 2012. Found TW and the fun begins

    1986 Suzuki Samurai Tin Top that I fixed up and sold to get my Tacoma
    ThreadSammi_zpsbace015a_5d36b5bb92ef1b6fb44e5a26abd3b9760659297e.jpg

    Stock photo: Bought in October of 2012 with 123,236 miles for $12,000 out the door
    Stock_zpsd2507b83_09ae5ded4c33bf82ad60afb333d4882b7e9383cd.jpg

    A little interior mod. I bought a Peripheral PXD Ipod adapter and ran the wire under the console and made this ipod mount. You can also see my maglite mount, and the lights I wired up that come on when a door is opened. (underneath the dash, shining on my floor liners) In the second picture: Ultraguage, Griffin USB adapter, switch for rock lights
    Ipodmount_zps6316737f_0a127b71b0983b1cdb01dc6e5d123cad33cd3853.jpgUltraguageSMALL_zps69d05eef_789eb5db80d89ed4000391750ee6408f6d09eb95.jpg

    Here are my Wet Okole seat covers. These things are great!
    WetOkole_zpsa0899d3c_00b9317b2d8fb8d78c61c5a83c7bb0b138004c8d.jpg

    DSC_0100_zps4f68fcb2_6907283402609e5ac1c51a1b1aefbfe34319ebb4.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 19, 2013
  2. Jan 16, 2013 at 7:49 PM
    #2
    01GREENTACO

    01GREENTACO Not all who wander are lost

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2008
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    #8672
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    Germantown, TN
    Vehicle:
    01 4WD
    Lost track many, many mods ago.
    Looks familiar, Think I have seen you around a time or two. Great looking DBL cab!

    haha :brianr:
     
  3. Jan 16, 2013 at 7:51 PM
    #3
    ChamYota

    ChamYota Crash Bandicoot Or Groot AKA Cham "Scottalot" Yota

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2011
    Member:
    #59431
    Messages:
    12,356
    Gender:
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    First Name:
    Cam
    Columbia,South Cakalacky
    Vehicle:
    05' Taco 4x4 swapped/ 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
    H1 Morimoto projector with XB35 4300K bulbs with Mini-gatling gun shrouds, BHLM. Debadged,OEM roof rack,TW sticker,Sockmonkey Beside decals,265/70/16 Nitto terra grapplers with dick cepek DC'2 wheels,weathertech floor liners(front/back),USA Spec Ipod reader,Scanguage II,Bestop Supertopper and more in the works...
    Is that "old man tan"? :cool:
     
  4. Jan 16, 2013 at 8:16 PM
    #4
    TacoSkeet

    TacoSkeet [OP] 'MERICA

    Joined:
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    Steven
    Memphis, TN
    Vehicle:
    03 DC Tacoma
    Old man tan FTW
     
  5. Jan 17, 2013 at 10:05 AM
    #5
    TacoSkeet

    TacoSkeet [OP] 'MERICA

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2012
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    #89164
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    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Memphis, TN
    Vehicle:
    03 DC Tacoma
    Got this Snugtop camper but after having it for a few weeks, I decided I wanted to go a different route for now.
    photo_zpsce55e87c_4285093a614dffcfa1f457e37a6f1265bb6e75f6.jpg

    Also got some TRD stickers from Sockmonkey and threw them on my stock wheels I painted Duplicolor "Graphite." I think they look great! Thanks Sock!
    rims_zpscdb7c984_b3048385562066361080301a0983d54f259d8cb3.jpg

    A few people were interested in the paint I used and what my process was so here it is:

    There are two kinds that are basically the same color. Duplicolor or VHT "Graphite".
    1. Sanded with fine sandpaper
    2. Sprayed brake cleaner as a degreaser and cleaned them up really good.
    3. Rustoleum self-etching primer, and gave them some heat with a heat gun. (not too much or the paint will bubble)
    4. 1 coat of "graphite", heat gun, another coat of graphite, heat gun
    5. 1 coat of rustoleum wheel clear coat, heat gun, another coat, heat gun.

    After each coat, I used a heat gun and slowly heated the wheel and then let sit for about 5 minutes before I added another coat,then used 2000 grit in in between each coat on the small imperfections. Also, make sure no dust settles on the wheel between coats.

    AND WALLAH! They are holding up great!
     
    Last edited: Feb 22, 2013
  6. Jan 21, 2013 at 11:22 AM
    #6
    taco52

    taco52 01 5 speed

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2011
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    Trevor
    Bailey, Colorado
    Vehicle:
    01 SR5 v6 5speed 4x4
    Grey wire mod, De flapped,
    Nice build so far. Looks really good. I like it
     
  7. Jan 21, 2013 at 11:25 AM
    #7
    TacoSkeet

    TacoSkeet [OP] 'MERICA

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    Steven
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    Thanks! I have a lot that I'm planning on doing. I have a good time working on it, so it will probably be a never ending project, and I'm perfectly ok with that :D
     
  8. Jan 26, 2013 at 6:44 PM
    #8
    01GREENTACO

    01GREENTACO Not all who wander are lost

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2008
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    Messages:
    1,262
    Gender:
    Male
    Germantown, TN
    Vehicle:
    01 4WD
    Lost track many, many mods ago.
    Still planning on getting those treadwrights soon?
     
  9. Jan 26, 2013 at 6:48 PM
    #9
    TacoSkeet

    TacoSkeet [OP] 'MERICA

    Joined:
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    Steven
    Memphis, TN
    Vehicle:
    03 DC Tacoma
    Planning on ordering a set of 265/75/R16 Wardens sometime this week. Hopefully I can get the BFG casings.
     
  10. Jan 29, 2013 at 7:21 PM
    #10
    TacoSkeet

    TacoSkeet [OP] 'MERICA

    Joined:
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    Steven
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    Tried to replicate (as best I could) on a CAD software the FrontRunner mounting rails since they no longer make them and sent the .dxf cut files to JLee at B.A.M.F. I'm getting him to cut the main piece and then I will weld on the tabs and any other mounting points I need to the main frame that will be CNC'd. Here is a mock-up of a basic rack on the roof rack rails. There are a few parts not shown in the picture (feet, side mounts, etc), but you get the point. Also I slightly changed the design from the first picture to the picture with the rack. Hopefully, in the end, this rack will be a little more low profile that the FrontRunner one. I just hope that it functions as good as their design.

    kjabsgkjabgkjafbkjaffgbgq_zps623123ca_95f102c6e93cbf1ef43b7e73bd486d366a38245e.jpg
    hdhdhdhd_zps618e76ec_a6631d657e290798241998a52c5494fac43c304c.jpg
     
  11. Jan 29, 2013 at 8:38 PM
    #11
    01GREENTACO

    01GREENTACO Not all who wander are lost

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Gender:
    Male
    Germantown, TN
    Vehicle:
    01 4WD
    Lost track many, many mods ago.
    Keep us updated!!
     
  12. Jan 31, 2013 at 6:49 PM
    #12
    Box Rocket

    Box Rocket Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Syracuse, Utah
    Vehicle:
    1995 FZJ80 Land Cruiser
    3xLocked, lifted, well used
    Be careful of the height (or lack of height) in those rails. The roof of the truck is not flat so your rack will be closer to the roof in the middle than it will at the rails. I'm sure you can make the adjustments necessary in the tabs you weld to it to get the height just right.

    what do you intend to do for a pad between the roof and the rail?
     
  13. Jan 31, 2013 at 6:51 PM
    #13
    Box Rocket

    Box Rocket Well-Known Member

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    3xLocked, lifted, well used
    Looks like my truck is going to have a southern twin before too long. :)
     
  14. Jan 31, 2013 at 7:04 PM
    #14
    TacoSkeet

    TacoSkeet [OP] 'MERICA

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    I initially had the tabs being cut with the main frame, but I thought pretty much exactly what you said. I didn't want to chance my measurements and screw up the whole mounting system because I made the tabs too low, so i figure I can just weld them on myself and make it sit at the exact height I like.

    As for the pad, kind of hard to explain, but my grandpa has a roll of "rubber sheeting" that I'm going to cut and hopefully I can make that work. If not I will come up with something.

    I may just change my name to SouthernBoxRocket :D
     
  15. Feb 1, 2013 at 9:43 AM
    #15
    Box Rocket

    Box Rocket Well-Known Member

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    3xLocked, lifted, well used
    So, let me make one suggestion for the rubber pad you put under the rails. The thing that makes the Front Runner ones so good is that the rubber pad they used has a slot that slides over a "foot" that runs the full length of the rail. That rubber extrusion is also what made it so expensive for them to produce and why they ended up discontinuing the product.

    I was working on some designs of my own for quite a while (exactly like what you're doing) and was going to use some easily sourced rubber pad. The problem is that you'll need to find some way of having the pad actually attached to the rail. If you don't, the pad can vibrate out from under the rail. I was surprised that even with what I thought was a lot of clamping force holding the rack on the roof the pads could shift and wiggle loose (especially if the roof got wet in the rain for example). That creates the potential for the metal rails to come in direct contact with your roof and really jack with your paint.

    I think the best option is if you can find something like a rubber pad that has 3M adhesive on one side that can be stuck to the bottom of the rail. I even considered using weather stripping adhesive. But I wasn't able to find something that I was satisfied with. I'm sure there's something out there I just didn't look long enough.
     
    UtahTacoma02 likes this.
  16. Feb 1, 2013 at 9:56 AM
    #16
    TacoSkeet

    TacoSkeet [OP] 'MERICA

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    That's going to be my biggest problem IMO. Because even the 3M adhesive may have a tendency to shift, causing the metal on metal contact, especially with circumstances like a load or rain. I won't get my rails until next Friday, so until I actually have some metal in my hand to work with, all I can really do is think about it.

    One possible option is the thick version of weather stripping typically used to seal a camper shell. Another would be to somehow make a channel in the heavy duty rubber I have for the rails to slide in. (not really sure how i would manage that though..)
     
  17. Feb 2, 2013 at 9:24 AM
    #17
    Box Rocket

    Box Rocket Well-Known Member

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    3xLocked, lifted, well used
    That's exactly what the Front Runner ones are. The rubber extrusion to get the groove in the rubber is what made it cost prohibitive.
     
  18. Feb 2, 2013 at 9:29 AM
    #18
    TacoSkeet

    TacoSkeet [OP] 'MERICA

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    I'll figure something out. When I have the metal and the rubber pieces in my hand, I'll send you some pics if I can't figure something out. Maybe you will have some better ideas on how to attach it.
     
  19. Feb 12, 2013 at 4:46 PM
    #19
    TacoSkeet

    TacoSkeet [OP] 'MERICA

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    Steven
    Memphis, TN
    Vehicle:
    03 DC Tacoma
    Got my roof rack rails in that I got JLee at B.A.M.F. to CNC for me. They fit perfect! I can't wait to get to welding and finish this up!
    DSC_0089_zps229a6a75_0c4abfb20a47570d30d4f7b91a3c2567417c68ca.jpg
    DSC_0086_zps3c62cc4f_21f2427efbd0653cd2384d610ec4d5f639996f43.jpg

    Also got my Treadwright Warden A/Ts in today! Here's a sneak peek, more pics coming tomorrow when its not raining
    DSC_0090_zpsa3222267_60403a33e549c2363c410ea14cc6df7c1e92d3f6.jpg
     
  20. Feb 16, 2013 at 7:26 PM
    #20
    TacoSkeet

    TacoSkeet [OP] 'MERICA

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    Steven
    Memphis, TN
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    03 DC Tacoma
    Started my version of a Front Runner roof rack. I'm not completely done with the rack, still have to add a few cross beams but the main stage is done. All in all it turned out great, I can stand on top of my roof without causing any problems. I have to make a few adjustments here and there.

    I sent a .dxf cut file to BAMF and got them to CNC my main mounting frame and got a lot of steel from a local warehouse. (1" square tubing, 1.25" flat stock, 0.5" angle iron, and 1" x 2" square tubing) The brackets that connect the rack to the cab were the hardest part, but after a long day of measurements and welding here it is.

    DSC_0105_zps30b057bb_2de8dab6a69cbf96bae3fff58a8ceed9269913ec.jpg
    DSC_0098_zpse62ade8e_832a3c051aa64fbe39ac6d8e3335393b218c52cf.jpg
    DSC_0101_zps6220aca4_e94126f59dc0560564c8bb6580d88456e7f6d912.jpg
    DSC_0100_zps4f68fcb2_6907283402609e5ac1c51a1b1aefbfe34319ebb4.jpg
     

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