- Location
- Draper, UT
So you're saying my sliders look ghetto?
Build Thread: Sixstringsteve's 2002 Tacoma double cab: Carlos
- Thread starter sixstringsteve
- Start date
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
Gotcha. I could see that working. I was thinking textured stuff like rhino liner.
carsonc1974
Active Member
You should be able to get it pretty smooth with a good pass with a flapwheel then follow up with a random orbital... at least thats how i do it.
TJDukit
I.Y.A.A.Y.A.S.
- Location
- Clearfield
But you could always use body filler and do some good quality body work on it and make a nice paint job.
I bet with a little work with a flap wheel then an orbital you should have it plenty smooth enough to look fantastic with normal paint.
I bet with a little work with a flap wheel then an orbital you should have it plenty smooth enough to look fantastic with normal paint.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
I was definitely in a rush when I did it. I was just trying to get paint on it before the trip so I didn't have mud/rust to deal with later. I"ll spend some good time on it in a bit. Not a high priority at the moment, but I appreciate the advice and feedback.
- Location
- Stinkwater
We didn't want to tell you...
TJDukit
I.Y.A.A.Y.A.S.
- Location
- Clearfield
I will agree with Steve that most bedliners would look super Ghetto. I remember seeing a prototype bumper designed by a guy in Ogden that he had done with what looked like herculiner, it really did look ghetto, it also looked like he had 4 coats on it too.
Function over looks while not sacrificing looks is Steve's motto on this build it seems, so whatever will make a well built and functional bumper look it's best is the way to go. And it's going to look great all finished up.
Function over looks while not sacrificing looks is Steve's motto on this build it seems, so whatever will make a well built and functional bumper look it's best is the way to go. And it's going to look great all finished up.
- Location
- Draper, UT
I used Rustoleum bedliner. Just looks like a satin black paint and has the texture of sandpaper.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
I think flat black paint would hide a lot of these imperfections. I went with semi-gloss on this coat, but I might try flat black. The semi-gloss looks like a powdercoated finish.
cjncustoms
Well-Known Member
- Location
- West jordan
I always use mutiple flap disc in variations of grits and then move to an orbital and use multiple grits as well. It takes a long time but it sure does pay off in the end. The orbital will give it a really nice finish!
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
good info, thanks guys. I think my main problem is keeping the lines straight on the joints. I'll give those techniques a try.
TJDukit
I.Y.A.A.Y.A.S.
- Location
- Clearfield
Probably a better description than I gave.
Any kind of satin/flat black will hide the imperfections pretty well. I had the same trouble as you with trying to make the straight lines on the edges look more like the metal was bent as opposed to welded together. I remember you looking at mine thinking it was bent instead of welded. I really did spend probably an entire day with a flap wheel trying to get those edges to look good enough for me. I can still look at it and find my little mistakes but most people won't ever look at your bumper as close as you will.
Westernhunter
Active Member
Steve, when you are ready to finish the bumper, just send me a message and I will come by. I have been doing that kind of work all my life. We can make it look good!
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
Awesome, thanks. Will do.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
whew, what a day! It's 2:32 AM and I finally got the lower control arm bushings replaced. Many thanks to Davy for the help with pressing out the old bushings.
I haven't had time to drive it yet, but I hope it helps the front end feel firm and I don't get any movement at abrupt bumps (like a pothole or steep driveway). I also beefed up the cam alignment tabs while I was there. I'll be getting an alignment on Monday, then I can really see if there's an improvement or not.
I haven't had time to drive it yet, but I hope it helps the front end feel firm and I don't get any movement at abrupt bumps (like a pothole or steep driveway). I also beefed up the cam alignment tabs while I was there. I'll be getting an alignment on Monday, then I can really see if there's an improvement or not.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
I got my alignment done today, so I can report back on the lower A-arm bushings. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! My braking improved substantially, I have more road feel through the steering wheel, and most importantly, zero clunks when hitting dips or transitions. I have no doubt that tacomas that are high in mileage would benefit from this maintenance. I didn't feel that it was especially difficult to remove the bushings from the a-arms, so I think you can save yourself $200 and just buy the bushings rather than the entire lower a-arm. I have a tool I made to make the job easier. If anyone is thinking about doing this and would like to use the tool I made, let me know and I'll give it to you. I honestly can't over-emphasize how significant this was. I now have zero looseness in the front end.
I have no doubt my old maroon tacoma had this same issue, but none of the guys who fixed it could pinpoint the issue. They all blamed it on a lifted vehicle, cupped tires, or just the nature of a mud terrain. I knew they were wrong and now I know what the issue was. I'll be replacing these every 100k. I am so happy to have that noise and feeling gone in the front end.
I have no doubt my old maroon tacoma had this same issue, but none of the guys who fixed it could pinpoint the issue. They all blamed it on a lifted vehicle, cupped tires, or just the nature of a mud terrain. I knew they were wrong and now I know what the issue was. I'll be replacing these every 100k. I am so happy to have that noise and feeling gone in the front end.
Great info. Both of my 1st gen Tacoma's and 4Runners had that loose front end feel and would almost do a Jeep death wobble hitting a bump on the freeway. Steering rack bushings helped some, but never thought of LCA bushings.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
It cab also come from worn ball joints or tie rod ends. Ball joints are absolutely critical to stay on top.of with a tacoma.or 4runner
I totaled my 1st truck because a ball joint broke.while I was driving.
I totaled my 1st truck because a ball joint broke.while I was driving.
- Location
- Stinkwater
Were you going fairly slow at the time?