Then...


5-4-2012



Now...


10-5-2013


Here's how it started...

So, I'm new to the forum, sorta. I've been browsing and reading random threads for a few months now.

So in May, I bought my first car. A 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5. 4x4 with a V6. I bought the car from a guy who claims to be a "used car salesman". First test drive, it drove fine. No issues. Had it checked by my mechanic, everything looked good. I was ready to make an offer, then I found a 98 Tacoma for the same price. I was all set to buy the Tacoma till I had it checked out. Cracked exhaust manifold, clutch was going out, needed new tires, etc. So I was back to the 4Runner. Second time we test drove it, everything was the same except for a little knocking sound in the engine. It had only been 3 weeks since the first test drive and inspection, so I figured I would be alright buying it and then having the noise checked out. So I did it. $4900 and it was mine. As I was driving it home, it began to overheat. I was mad as f**k. So I had it towed at the previous owners expense. 4 days and 5 radiator flushes later, it was finally fixed. So I took it back to my mechanic to see what the knocking was. According to him, PISTON SLAP. I trust him. I've also been told it was valves ticking, and that I'd be throwing a rod sometime soon. 12,000 miles later, nothings changed. Still running strong. I'm gonna drive it till it blows up, then I'll either rebuild or just swap a used motor into it. But knowing how well Toyota builds their trucks, it won't be anytime soon.

The day I bought her...


The day I got her running without overheating...

After having my T4R for a few months, I wanted to do something to give it some character. My solution, PLASTI DIP!!! It's amazing how much 5 cans of plasti dip can change a car.

First off, the grille. I started small to see how everything would turn out. I like it. 2 coats. I peeled off the plasti dip around the logo and the chrome strip at the bottom of the grille.


Next, the wheels. I used 3 coats on each wheel. Turned out pretty good. Until I ran it through the car wash. Every wheel was peeling. So, I started over. This time 5 coats on each wheel, and no more automatic car washes. Turned out pretty well. Almost looks like a different car.


And finally, I got rid of the running boards. Gave it a bit more clearance and a meaner look.

After painting the rims and grille black, I figured I'd look for some LED Black tail lights. I found a few good looking ones, but they cost about $200. I wasn't wanting to spend nearly that much. So instead I found some 00-02 looking lights. They're LED lights. They came with clear corners and turn signals. All for $125. Installation was pretty easy. The hardest part was swapping the tail lights. The previous owner had the tail lights rigged to the towing package. So I couldn't remove the old tail lights without removing those wires. I ended up just ripping out the entire harness. I won't ever tow anything. So I'm not worried about it.
Finished product.

I also painted the bumper valance black. The stock grey threw off the entire front of the truck.

So, after seeing someone on here who used bed liner to paint their bumpers, I liked the look of it. So I PlastiDipped mine. Turned out pretty well.



Had a little fun with my friends Montero Sport...


I officially love PlastiDip.

No offense dude, but I liked it better before.

Nice truck! I like it a lot, mine looks pretty similar.

Chandler_Ross.......... _Joey?



The tails = but take it easy on the plasti-dip.

None taken My dad thinks the same thing. He's got a bone stock 02 SR5 identical to what mine looked like stock. I just don't like the chrome bumpers. I'd rather have the bumpers of a base model.

Thanks man! Is yours a base model?

I expected that from someone. haha. And I'll try to. I plan on eventually getting base model bumpers. I just can't stand the chrome.

Looking great! I really like the clear corners.

Yup.

Did it come with the rear spoiler? My SR5 didn't have one.

So I'm just wondering, does anyone else have any issues like this? I've seen one person who got a 98 for practically nothing because it knocked. But theirs didn't knock until warmed up. Mine knocks at a cold start and pretty much goes away once its warmed up. They had to rebuild the engine. And when they tore it down, the pistons were mangled. I'm hoping thats not the case with mine. And if it is the piston skirts, hopefully its only minor damage and it sounds a lot worse then it is. Any advise is appreciated.

Yeah, mine came with it. It's a Base model but came with pretty much everything (roof rack, spoiler, hitch, power everything) except Automatic, which I'm totally ok with lol.