Big Lee's Tacoma Build Thread

[DewYota]

This will be the beginning of my build thread. I will warn you, it will be slow, but i like the idea of having a "journal" of what i have done.

Project is a 2015 Toyota Tacoma DC TRD Off Road Shortbed

I started to build a 2012 DC TRD Sport and ending up selling. I would like to do things different.

Here is a picture from the weekend i got it with my brother-in-laws tacoma that is heavily modified... Not looking to go that route... yet.


looking to do a weekend camper/expedition build.

 

[193kyle]

Nice truck Lee! Glad to see you back in a 4x4.

 

[DewYota]

Thanks Kyle. I'm excited to be back in one too. don't work down at the LowRange anymore so the build will probably be slow.

Anyone have a puck lift they are looking to retire?

And what's everyone's idea on the chrome grille surround? That's one thing I dislike about non-sport tacos.

Steve, my truck needs a name.

 

[jentzschman]

Nice truck! So jelly!

 

[sixstringsteve]

My dream rig. I don't think I'd change a thing other than tires

 

[193kyle]

Some black Plasti Dip should take care of the chrome.

 

[DewYota]

What you don't like the white walls out?? No I want some black rims. And the mods are going to go on slow. I don't think I'd do a high clearance bumper again on the rear. That was silly on the last taco haha. Ballsy was more like it. And it is a beautiful truck I don't want to clutter it up on the front yet. I want to look into getting mounts for gas/water and things back in the bed. Tied into the bed railing tie down system and possibly getting a shell. I saw a soft topper on ksl for 300 last night I was tempted to call on. But I think I want a color matched shell one day and it's not gonna be cheap.

But Im going to have to stay stock as long as possible but I do do love the look of a 3" lift. But I feel like I can take on any obstacle currently after trading in the lowerd TC.

 

[DewYota]

i feel like everytime I've done the painting or see someone's stuff that's been painted. It only lasts a season. A new color matched grill is 200 on eBay.i wish I could get a trd pro insert and a sport color matched surround. But I think I'd be around 700. And it's just getting silly at that point.

What's my options for plasti dip? Black? I want to do the Toyota emblem too to match if I do it.

 

[DewYota]

Took the taco out to rattlesnake over the weekend and tested it out in stock form. I did trim about 4" off the front mudflaps before setting off, because I had problems already just getting to little moab. In conclusion it did well. It did the trail just fine. I did make a mistake one obstacle because I was driving it like my previous yotas. This truck is a lot wider than I remember. Got a little scuff on the bumper but didn't damage the headlight thankfully. Sat it on its frame once and just barely touched the front mount of the leaf spring.

Will need sliders soon.
Need to get a lift and larger tires. This is a long truck that potentially will drag belly more often.
Need to look into skidplate alternatives. I have purchased bud built in the past and it's just a lot of money.
The locker worked like a dream. Instant on and off. Way better than my late 90s yotas
Maybe figure out more lighting, came across some deer and had to stop and wait for them to cross.

Overall I was impressed how it did in stock form. I regret I didn't take more photos.

 

[DewYota]

 

[Coco]

Looking good Leeroy! I look forward to seeing how it comes along! Let me know if there is anything I can help you with Call it Moe.

 

[airmanwilliams]

How did the cb install go?

 

[DewYota]

 

[DewYota]

Got the cb installed, its still not quite 100% finished, but it is wired, and concealed, and i have the external speaker so i dont have to drive around with the console lid open.

The third pictures is with my LED lights from Airmanwilliams all lit up. I really enjoy them!

 

[DewYota]

Got my topper shell on and installed. No third brake light or fancy LED's in there yet. It is defiantly not color matched but it works for the moment. Do I... Rattle can that sucker or just let it be until I can get a nicer matching one? Scored this guy for a deal. It needs a little tlc

 

[airmanwilliams]

Rattle can it a darker color. Does it have a dome light in it? Or would you like to try out an undergo of light setup I have and run led strips down the sides and put the pressure switch on the opening so it turns on when you open the back?

 

[DewYota]

it has no dome light, but i feel like i would want a switch, i dont want the light on unless i tell it to be on. it would be nice to turn on automatically, but i dont know if its necessary. Unless you can have it on a three way switch like my interior lights, where i can manually force it to be off in the event i have to sleep in the back with the hatch open.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I vote rolling the paint with a foam roller. It takes patience, but it'll look better than a rattle can in the end.

 

[DewYota]

Do you think it will change the tempature if inside the shell a ton? Would you go sides black with a white top? Just random thoughts I guess.

Steve - what paint would you recommend and how long will it last? I don't think I will keep this shell forever. I just picked it up on a sweet deal, eventually I will sell it once I find a color matched shell in the budget. But it's a rare color so I may never find one and have to have one made. But that will be spendy.

 

[bryson]

My opinion is that if you're going to spend the time and money to paint it, paint it to match the truck. Rolling it like Steve suggested can look nice, but it really is a lot of work (several thin coats are required, usually with sanding between coats.) But, rolled paint certainly can look better than a typical rattle-can job. One of the smoother liner options could be neat as well, and would be much easier to roll than paint - Raptor, Monstaliner, Al's... I even have a tintable (any color you want!) Raptor liner kit I'd love to sell you for a good deal.

I think the color choice would definitely have a noticeable effect on temp inside the shell. On that note, I think it looks cool in white.