What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

Only mod needed.

 

A tip for juuuuuust a bit of added security, insert the skewers from the Right ride (passanger),so that the lever can not be spun counter clockwise, which would loosen the nut on the other end.

**edit** Pic of mounted bikes required!

 

265/75r16? Looking to swap my stockers out before winter hits, can't make up my mind what size. Looks good!

 

Put on partial ppf (used Xpel 6" wide) on whole upper part of the tailgate to prevent grubby hands grinding dirt and other crap into the tailgate. Learned a few things in the process.

1. No matter how many youtube videos you watch, it's harder than it looks.
2. Leveling across a large area is really hard. Put in marking points to align.
3. Getting all the bubbles out is probably the hardest part. While you're squeegeeing, the film is moving up or down because it has not fully tacked.

I got a few bubbles after the install and they will hopefully dissipate after a few weeks. I'm happy with it overall and luckily I have a lighter car where the bubbles don't show up as much.

Not the best pic but showing the line and a few of the bubbles as they reflect light differently. If it needs to be ripped off and redone, not a huge waste of $20.

Also used TurtleWax hybrid ceramic spray after washing the truck and it's incredible. Will see how it holds up over time.

 

Thinking of doing a strip of PPF there as well. Where'd you get the strip of XPEL from?

 

Got it "used - like new" from Amazon:

$43 XPEL R4003-P Clear Paint Protection Film Roll 6" x 84"

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0748QPJTP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aI2EFbS3VX1C8.

Came repackaged with film and squeegee but otherwise untouched. Saved a couple bucks this way. In terms of surface prep, I didn't do much other than wash and wipe down with isopropyl. I literally have 2200 miles on the truck with minimal outdoor fun so the paint didn't needed correction.

 

Thanks for the link! Did a 6" strip work without having to go around anything? Seems like you'd almost have to cut around the opener/handle at that size. Was wondering if I should go with 4" or 6" and was wondering about that.

 

I did the 6 inch 2 years ago and had to cut around the handle, I didnt like it so I switched to the 4 inch and it fits without cutting. Though you can remove the tailgate cap and put 2 inches under the cap.

 

The perfect Tacoma.

 

Sealed or ported? If not ported, why?

 

Finally built my platform. My A.R.E Revo CX comes in tomorrow!


Simple 2x6 and 3/4” ply, cut some grooves up front, and outdoor carpeting make it easy to remove need be.

 

PM'd you with some additional details.

One other big lessons learned is I should've actually cut it a little short on either side as wrapping it proved damn near impossible due to slip solution not evaporating fast enough to tack. The guys that do this for a living are probably laughing and going "this is why it's so expensive to do it professionally".

 

Check your VIN here:
https://www.toyota.com/recall

 

Yep, removing the cap and tucking is what I did. The little ridge at the very top is also a pita when squeegeeing/working the film and bubbles.

 

Thank you!

 

Any time!

Hopefully if you’re affected they get to you soon!

 

Still haven't committed to adding any color to my truck, so I added texture and pattern instead.

 

Installed driver side seat jackers today. Once I make a few commutes to work to see if they help, I'll install the passenger side. My legs were killing me on some drives. I had the same problems in my last vehicle, but I could at least adjust the seat angle on that suv. I'll say that just getting in I can already feel the extra support at the new angle. Pardon the messy floor. I vacuumed better after the install.

 

I think this is the worst part of these trucks, and probably the reason I would ever sell / trade it in. Do update after some long miles.