What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

I wish my brother still had his with the pros , I’d be nice to do a side by side

 

I'm pretty sure it's from my wife's rings chewing up the plastic. That's where the door hold is. She's messed up the outer handle hold as well

 

AC water leak inside cab resolved...mostly

So the Dealership had my truck for 10 days this last time but I did have a Tacoma 2021 loaner truck so I endured. The head mechanic and I seemed to agree the area that was leaking needed more insulation to prevent the massive condensation that was happening. He placed some insulating felt on the case where the condensation was forming. When I got home after a 20-minute drive there was a spot of dripped water on the carpet, but like only one or two drops, not 100! Since the pickup, I have done many 45 minute and hour-long trips in it around the DFW area. Yes, it isn't as hot as it is in the summer time but it is still humid. I had always kept a microfiber towel under the spot where it dripped and before the towel would be soaked about half of it. Now it hardly feels damp at all. So to catch the remaining few drops that do come down to the carpet I have installed a black sponge to soak up the drops. The black color blends in with the black carpet better than any other color sponge I can think of. It is hardly noticeable at all. What few drops hit it should evaporate and it is an easy removal if need be as it is just wedged in there real good between the carpet and the dash plastic. This all took about 3 months to get this much resolution but I can live with the issue now. My floorboard will still be there 10 years from now!

 

You let your wife drive your truck?!?

 

It ain't 1952

 

I guess your wife may be a better driver than mine. And mine can’t drive a manual so it’s a non starter.

 

Got it from The Taco Garage. Their on sale now

 

I have the same thing. I always thought finger nails. Although i keep mine short

 

Powder from vinyl gloves?

 

Damn ain't they purdy!! Love my bravo for sure.

 

It's the type of plastic. I tried many products and none seem to cover it well. But if you do find something I'm sure everyone would like to know!, thanks in advance

 

It is just another example of the low bid suppliers of plastics used in the production of the North American produced 3rd gen Tacoma. The windshields, door trim panels and cluster screens are some of the sorriest materials I have ever seen in new vehicles. The 2016 Tacoma that I recently sold, and thoroughly loved, was due for windshield #3 and had cluster screen #2. The door panels scuffed up so easily I gave up trying to do anything with them. I tried every product on those panels with no luck. I just think it's a shame that you cannot touch the door panels or cluster screens without showing some scratching or damage. A 1 mm smooth pebble is enough to damage the windshield. My Dad has a USA built 2016 Camry and his windshield looks like it was hit with pepper shot. It has under 20k miles. My 2008 and 2012 Japan built Tacoma windshields are still original. The cluster screens can be wiped with any type of rag without being scratched. My door trim panels look new compared to the scuffed up 2016 panels. I wonder if new Japanese built 4runners have any of these issues.

 

The best thing I have found to hide it is Chemical Guy VRP (vinyl rubber plastic). It dries with no residue and hides it pretty well.

$12 Chemical Guys VRP Vinyl, Rubber and Plastic Non-Greasy Dry-to-the-Touch Long Lasting Super Shine Dressing for Tires, Trim and More, Safe for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, RVs & More, 16 fl oz

https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guy...chemical+guys+vrp&qid=1633608217&sr=8-1-spons

 

Totally agree with you, we also have a 2012 Made in Japan Toyota Yaris and I have to say that the quality of plastic is incredibly resistant to scratches. It's definitely a different supplier that's at another level. I nearly considered a 4Runner just because they're made in Japan but we also have a Honda Pilot 4wd that's Made in Canada (an older one) and the plastics hold up very well. The wife kinda reminded me that it was a truck I wanted...that's why everytime I see something that isn't right I say to myself...it's not made in Japan...

 

Got a nail in the front passenger tires, just between the knobby part of the tread. Appears to be a roofing nail, currently construction at the entrance of my subdivision and with all this rain and downpour, lack of any type of cleanup, it washed onto the street. Called 2 places and they each only have 1 tech so it’s a no go for today, but Firestone has 1 appointment late this afternoon thankfully. Rather have it patched than plugged honestly. So far it’s not leaking air, knock on wood.

 

Plugs can be a good alternative if the plugs and contact cement is of a good quality. I used to be a service technician for the Police fleet and I got so good at plugging that I was done in under two minutes , cops loved it...and the tires never leaked (from my plugs).

 

I agree. Plugged a few tires and no issues but been raining and still raining so rather have it done at a shop and patched. If I was in a pinch I’d go that route but thankfully I have another car I can drive

 

Next week, I'll be doing this to my truck for 7 days....but at Big Bend Ranch. Desert southwest paradise...and mucho pin stripes await. Silence, no friggn computer and zero people. Win, win, win for sure. Explore, hike, bike, eat, sleep...repeat.

Mind is in the gutter until then and not getting much done.

 

Fog went out recently. Ordered yellow LED bulbs and im happy how they look. Havent see them at night yet. This brand lasted 3 years so i went with them again.

Auxbeam H11 H8 H9 H16 LED Fog Light Bulbs 3000K Yellow, 8000 Lumens 40W 3570 Chips with Temperature Control, Non-polarity, H11 Fog Lamps Daytime Running Light Bulbs Replacement

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08N65R82B?ie=UTF8

 

Those are going to scatter and glare like crazy