Need Recommendations For Dressing Up An Old Toyota Truck

[daepp]

My future son-in-law (just engaged to my middle daughter!) was rear ended a couple of weeks ago and insurance totaled his car. He’s got money, but he hardly needs much of a vehicle as he’s an officer in the Navy (they're often “underway” for a week or two getting the ship ready, and he will be deploying to parts unknown in 9-12 mos.) so he needs very little in a DD.

At about the same time I was asked by an old friend of the family to evaluate and possibly sell a base model 2008 Toyota Tacoma. It runs and drives great, it’s a (big!) 4 cylinder, automatic trans, nothing fancy. Jump seats in the back of the cab with some nifty storage underneath. 146K in the clock, front seat is ripped, needs 4 tires and a deep cleaning/detail - but other than that it runs great, good compression etc. He was able to purchase it for $3800.

"Before" shots









Anyways, he asked if I could help get a few things done, and the more I look at it I get a hankerin’ to “fix it up” a bit.

He's buying new, 15” rubber all around. I looked for used oem 2008 Tacoma aluminum wheels, but in that year only 15" steel wheels (5 lug) were available.

I've got a line on someone with OEM fabric to redo the seat - supposedly $80.

Detailer wants $150 (a lot I think but I'm gonna see if he'll throw in polishing the headlights

But this is where I could use some help/some vision by those more talented than I:

- No matter what, it's a pretty plain-vanilla truck. But I was thinking of maybe powder-coating black the existing steel wheels. Good idea? Bad idea?

- Summit Racing has some "Cragar" 15" steel wheels that look pretty nice for only $78 a corner. Thoughts?



- I can't stand that painted-white front bumper. Think it would look any better painted black? Or replaced with something?

- Finally, add some side graphics (something like these below) or is that just lipstick on a pig?







Did I miss anything?

[URY914]

I'm thinking 30" wire rims and a neon light kit.

[Nickshu]

Go to 16 or 17" wheels, definitely black wheels.

I like the decals.

Wow your detailer can clean that for $150? My guy would charge at least $300.

[rfuerst911sc]

How about vent visors over the windows and a hood protector ? It will add some black contrast and not much money . That would tie in nicely with black wheels and some black graphics . Not too flashy on the graphics .

[speeder]

This guy marches to the beat of his own drummer but maybe an inspiration:

[Tobra]

Headlight restoration kit first.

Joe Bob has your vinyl graphics.

Second hand OEM wheels might be a better choice than aftermarket.

[stevej37]

Westin side steps

[fastfredracing]

Did I miss it ? 2 wd, or 4 wd. ?
I think a 2 " lift is dirt cheap. and easy peasy, as long as its not rusty .

[Por_sha911]

Joe Bob is a long time Pelican:
No Bad Days Graphics

[daepp]

Thanks - lots of great ideas!

Ok Paul - too funny! I get it - less is more

Nick - I don't think anything other than 5 lug, 15" wheels are possible without major mod $$.

rfuerst911sc - that's a great idea - good contrast, and they don't bust the budget!

Tobra - Thanks for the reminder about Joe Bob - will def hit him up. He supplied the Porsche side script for my '72 911 and they came out great!

As for second hand OEM wheels, from what I've been able to learn none of the optional aluminum wheels will fit. They're 16" and 6 lugs only.

Steve -side steps are another good, affordable idea. Any idea how they'll look on a regular height (ie not lifted) truck?

Fred - 2 WD Tacoma. I thought about a lift kid, and my shop at work could do it. But the last time I lifted anything it really compromised the ride. (It was an '04 F150 and I just didn't like that the front was lower than the rear. So I paid a pro, who used good parts, to level it out. And it never road the same again. Those newer F150's rode really well starting in 2004.

[Arizona_928]

Oh one of those led top of windshield light bars.
Maybe other off road goodies
Taco graffics.
Change all fluids

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Headlight restoration kit first.

Joe Bob has your vinyl graphics.

Second hand OEM wheels might be a better choice than aftermarket.

If you are near a Sam's Club, they do headlights for $40 and they put on a clearcoat. They also give a warranty on their work.

Craigslist is a good place for used wheels and other parts.

[daepp]

Any thoughts on this wheel selection vs. just powdercoating the steel wheels black?

[daepp]

Also, do you think the front bumper would look better in black? It's pretty shot as it is.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by daepp

Also, do you think the front bumper would look better in black? It's pretty shot as it is.

Black spray-on bedliner...maybe the same treatment to the bumper?

[WPOZZZ]

What about these, Dave? https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/wto/d/baldwin-park-toyota-tundra-platinum/6807745576.html

[gordner]

if you want to find out, spend 15 bucks on a can of Plastidip black. If you don't like it, peel it off in just a couple of minutes.

[sugarwood]

One vote for ignoring visuals for a year, and sorting it out mechanically first

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by daepp

My future son-in-law (just engaged to my middle daughter!) was rear ended a couple of weeks ago and insurance totaled his car. He’s got money, but he hardly needs much of a vehicle as he’s an officer in the Navy (they're often “underway” for a week or two getting the ship ready, and he will be deploying to parts unknown in 9-12 mos...

Another Naval Officer in the family...the truck is the least of your worries...

You poor bastard

[JavaBrewer]

I would go in stages - starting with the professional detail and full filter & fluid exchange and auto transmission service to get a baseline. You may want to consider having both front seats recovered to match - or buy some good quality seat covers. How are the suspension and brakes? I think the truck would look great with a 2" lift and some larger 31-33" tires on black wheels. Does the stereo have a USB input and if not can it be exchanged for something aftermarket? I bought Pioneer head unit for my Jeep from Crutchfield that had front/back USB for mobile phone, bluetooth, no CD player (I don't use CD's anymore) for well under $200 including wiring harness, mounting plate, and shipping.

I'm not a decal/sticker guy so I would skip that (no offense to JB). YMMV.