User Tag List

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rating: Thread Rating: 10 votes, 4.60 average. Display Modes
Old 03-31-2011, 05:28 PM #1
sp8ball's Avatar
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
sp8ball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
Sp8Ball’s Mod Thread (Stealing Other Poster’s Ideas Since Mid-2010)

The Two Main Reasons This Thread Exists

Reason #1:

Because I’m flat-out schoolgirl giddy about the mods I do to this thing, no matter how minor they are.

(Example: I grinned for 4 hours when I replaced the antenna. That involved unscrewing the old one and screwing the new one in. I felt like I was the greatest “car guy” on my block when I was done.)

Reason #2:

I came to this forum to learn basic information about my upcoming 4Runner purchase. After 15 months, I had a comprehensive list of mods I wanted to tackle – something I had never intended to do. (For more details, see my rambling post, below, about the Back Story about my truck and my path to this thread…or don’t)

I want this thread to be a beacon of honesty, on my part.

Many of these mods, at first glance, were intimidating. And I like to think I’m no dummy.

So let me start by saying this: I have a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters degree in Systems Engineering, so many people may assume that I sit around all day and take complicated nuclear missile components apart and build video game controllers out of them.

Wrong! I sit in an office and manage people, and the thought of doing something like this to my car absolutely terrifies me on a number of levels:

Plastidip and losing the chrome.

Spray painting (which I know would produce drips and runs if I did it), dismantling the entire front end, figuring out what the hell he’s talking about when he’s putting headlights in the oven...I break out in a cold sweat.

[9Hooker – you are a bigger man than I, and you are on my list of forum pioneers. If I ever meet you in person, I will buy you a beer, and then refuse to look you in the eye due to my shame.]

So I wanted to make a thread for people who...

...can’t convert a Limited into the world’s most luxurious AWD Trail Edition (I’m looking at you, Harper)(June 2010 T4ROTM - harper7),

...can’t create a vehicle that will likely appear as a badass Decepticon-killing Autobot in the next Transformers movie (that’s you, Jesse)(Jesse1983), or

...have to Google what UCAs and coil-overs are once a month because they forgot (from when they Googled it last month).

Here’s a thread dedicated to the low-hanging fruit – the mods you can do with just a little technical know-how and the resources provided by this forum. I’m not going to rebuild a transmission or rip out an XREAS suspension system (mostly because I have an SR5, but you know what I mean).

Each post will document a single mod, and will include pictures, links to the T4R.org threads that inspired it (and that taught me how to do it), and pricing/vendor information for the parts.

Along the way, I’ll post questions for the “experts” on here, because I know there are places where I’ll get stuck, or where I’ll need a little encouragement to move forward.

I’m going to do my best to make this thread funny, informative, and easy to follow. I hope you enjoy it.

So let’s meet the “baseline” vehicle. Below is a picture of my 4Runner, in its stock configuration. This picture was taken two days after I brought it home.

-21march2011_sp8ball_4runnerpic-jpg

You'll also see a newspaper ad for the dealer from which I bought the vehicle. This lovely ad appeared in our local paper yesterday. (I don’t have a problem posting it online, since everyone around here can see it anyway) My silhouette was cropped from another photo to appear on this background, and it would appear that they mis-cut my head.

-thompson-ad-jpg

My head does NOT have the same contours as Sloth from “The Goonies.” I got to keep the shirt, though i'm sure it was factored into the price of the truck somewhere.

-sloth_goonies[1]-jpg

So, let’s see where this takes us!

Running Index of Mods:

WeatherTech DigitalFit Floor Liners

Interior LED Lights

Stubby Antenna

Nerf Bars

Window Tinting

Vinyl Blackout of Chrome

Bug Deflector

Baby Einstein Mirror

LED Puddle Lamps

Toytec Top Plate Spacer

Husky Cargo Liner

Interior Accent Lights

Back-up Camera Switch

Tutorial: How to Make LEDs

Tutorial: Taking Off Door Panels

Door Handle Changeout

Interior Door Handle LEDs

Cupholder LEDs

Kappa Speaker Install
__________________
**2011 SR5 - Salsa Red Pearl** Backup Camera, Moonroof, Upgraded Stereo, Third Row, Remote Start, and Anti-Theft
Mods: Weathertech DigitalFit Floor Liners, Husky Weatherbeater Cargo Liner, Stubby Antenna, Black Steelcraft Nerf Bars, Interior & Puddle Lamp LEDs, 35% Window Tint, Vinyl Chrome Strip Blackout, Color-matched Door Handles, AVS Bugflector II, Toytec Front Plate Spacer Lift, Interior Accent Lighting, Backup Camera Switch, Cupholder & Door Handle LEDs, Infinity Kappa Speakers
My Build Thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...id-2010-a.html

Last edited by sp8ball; 05-27-2011 at 11:14 PM.
sp8ball is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 05:33 PM #2
sp8ball's Avatar
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
sp8ball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
The Back Story of my 4Runner

(Editor’s note: Skip this post if you just care about the mods!)

Today is the last day of March 2011 – the month in which I finally bought my 5th Gen 4Runner after 18 months of waiting and wanting and otherwise annoying everyone around me about 4Runners. Why do I say “finally” in such an exasperated tone?

Where to begin…

In the summer of 2009, I got wind of the news that a new generation of 4Runner was coming out as a 2010 model (with a Fall 2009 release date). I saw the teaser pics and got excited. In the fall of 2009, I went to a local dealership to see if they had any information about when the 2010 4Runner would be on their lot. They didn’t know. While I was there, I test drove a black 2009 Sport Edition 4Runner (which I was told was the last 2009 they’d have on their lot), and it was nice. I almost bought it. I decided to wait for the 5th gen. The black SE was parked in my neighbor’s driveway three days later (my neighbor across the street, so I saw it front and center every time I walked out of my door). I thought it was taunting me.

Then the 5th gens started to arrive at the dealership – and appear on the road - I knew I was right to wait. They were gorgeous. They were bigger and badder (in my opinion). They were awesome.

My wife agreed, but we (she?) wasn’t ready to buy one just yet. You have to understand the mentality in my house about loans, financing, credit cards, etc. I did not have a good financial mindset when I was younger, and it took me a long time to pull myself from the depths of debt (especially after going through a divorce!). So I have happily adopted her financial approach as our “family methodology”. Everything we own is bought at 0% and paid off before interest charges hit - furniture, electronics, cameras, TVs, home theater systems, you name it. We don’t carry credit card balances. The only thing we pay interest on is our mortgage, and that’s only after she made three mortgage brokers fight to the death in a pit of vipers while yelling out their lowest APRs.

So I waited for 0% financing on a 4Runner. (note: don’t do this – it never happens)

I waited, and watched the “sudden acceleration” thing hit the news, and thought to myself “maybe they’ll do 0% on all of their models as a PR move to show the public they’re confident in their product!” They rolled out 0% on almost 10 models, but not 4Runners.

I thought maybe there’d be a 0% offer as the winter weather went away and people stopped buying SUVs during the summer, or when gas prices went up. It didn’t happen.

It never happened.


Then…my wife got pregnant. Space in the cars became a premium, between my 7-year-old in a booster seat and the soon-to-arrive newborn with a car seat base. We decided it was time for something bigger. My son was born on March 1st, and the new 4Runner was in my driveway on March 18th.

Where do all of you come in? Look at my avatar over on the left side of the screen. I joined this place in January of 2010 – that’s 15 months ago! I used this forum to get information on what models people were buying, what the pros and cons of the Limited, SR5, and Trail trims were, and what people were paying.

Then people started modifying them.

I never came here with the intention of learning how to modify my 4Runner. I just wanted to learn what the forum members thought of their new cars, see what problems they were encountering, and solidify my opinion that the 4Runner was right for me.

But I started seeing pictures of the mods. And I liked it.

And the people on here were friendly and helpful. And it encouraged me.

I started jotting some of the easier mods down, thinking I might tackle them. Over the 15 months, these notes became a little more…formal. You can scroll down and see what happened.

(OK, I’m an engineer – we’re dorks by nature, and we love spreadsheets)

My spreadsheet had hyperlinks to T4R.org threads that showed how to do the mod, plus hyperlinks to the website where the parts were sold.

I’m so indecisive about the wheels that I just listed every single one that I liked, and I’ll have to make that decision later.

So here we go!
Attached Images
-excelsheet1-jpg  -excelsheet2-jpg 
__________________
**2011 SR5 - Salsa Red Pearl** Backup Camera, Moonroof, Upgraded Stereo, Third Row, Remote Start, and Anti-Theft
Mods: Weathertech DigitalFit Floor Liners, Husky Weatherbeater Cargo Liner, Stubby Antenna, Black Steelcraft Nerf Bars, Interior & Puddle Lamp LEDs, 35% Window Tint, Vinyl Chrome Strip Blackout, Color-matched Door Handles, AVS Bugflector II, Toytec Front Plate Spacer Lift, Interior Accent Lighting, Backup Camera Switch, Cupholder & Door Handle LEDs, Infinity Kappa Speakers
My Build Thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...id-2010-a.html
sp8ball is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 05:37 PM #3
sp8ball's Avatar
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
sp8ball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
Modification: WeatherTech Digital Fit Floor Liners

Weathertech Digital Fit Floor Liners - $169.90
WeatherTech Automotive Accessories - FloorLiner

Difficulty Scale (1 to 10): One

Sp8ball’s Personal Intimidation Factor (1 to 10): One

Install Time: Five minutes (mostly due to moving seats to get the mats in place, and removing the clips from the passenger side floorboard)

Reason for Doing It: Because cloth floor mats have no place in an SUV, particularly in a “four season” environment like the Northeast.

Benefit: No stained, indented, or slippery cloth floor mat; Better protection for underlying carpet; looks awesome

Cons: Losing the “4Runner” logo’ed floor mats (I think they’re a nice touch, sue me!); they’re a little pricey, but I believe that they pay for themselves with the long-term cleanliness you’ll get from the switch.

Other Products Considered: Husky Floor Liners, Weathertech Mats
_____________________________

OK. I replaced the floor mats. Big deal, right?

Well, when I’ve shown people the changes I’ve made to the stock car (because all my friends at work want the “walk around” of the new car), these floor liners are the thing that get the biggest “wow” reaction. They look real good, and they fit like a glove. The silver-and-red Weathertech logo looks real good in my Salsa Red Pearl truck, too, but I’m thinking it would add a nice splash of color to black, white, gray, and silver 4Runners as well.

I’ve noticed a little “mounding” near the edges where the liners were bent a bit in the box, but I expect this to level out over time – especially in the summer when higher internal temperatures will likely soften the material ever so slightly and allow it to “settle”.

I ordered these the night before I took delivery of my 4Runner, making these the first “new” items I purchased. (my first mod?)

I apologize for the pictures, but they were taken in my garage. It’s raining, and supposed to rain for the next few days…and I can’t leave it out in the rain because of another mod. We have a townhouse, so you can see that the garage isn’t that big. It takes 4 trained circus monkeys and my wife (holding those orange guidance sticks they use at airports to walk planes to the gate) to get this thing to fit into the garage with about 8 inches of clearance on each side. Once I can pull it outside, I’ll get some better pictures posted into this post.

These threads discuss the Weathertech vs. Husky debate in great detail. In the end I don’t think you can go wrong with either product, and it will just come down to personal preference. I chose the Weathertechs.

Weathertech v. Husky mats v.?

2011 Floor Liners - New Discussion Husky vs. WeatherTech
Attached Images
-dsc05035-jpg 
__________________
**2011 SR5 - Salsa Red Pearl** Backup Camera, Moonroof, Upgraded Stereo, Third Row, Remote Start, and Anti-Theft
Mods: Weathertech DigitalFit Floor Liners, Husky Weatherbeater Cargo Liner, Stubby Antenna, Black Steelcraft Nerf Bars, Interior & Puddle Lamp LEDs, 35% Window Tint, Vinyl Chrome Strip Blackout, Color-matched Door Handles, AVS Bugflector II, Toytec Front Plate Spacer Lift, Interior Accent Lighting, Backup Camera Switch, Cupholder & Door Handle LEDs, Infinity Kappa Speakers
My Build Thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...id-2010-a.html
sp8ball is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 05:42 PM #4
sp8ball's Avatar
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
sp8ball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
Modification: Interior LED Lights

SuperBrightLEDs - $26.75 (total, for all 5 bulbs)
Super Bright LEDs ? LED Lights, Bulbs, and Accessories

Difficulty Scale (1 to 10): Three

Sp8ball’s Personal Intimidation Factor (1 to 10): Two and a Half

Install Time: Ten Minutes (because I went SLOWLY)

Reason for Doing It: I knew I was going to be tinting the front windows, making the interior a bit darker when getting in or looking for something at night. I thought I’d address that problem with brighter LED bulbs, which would also (hopefully) provide longer bulb life.

Benefit: More light than incandescent bulbs, longer bulb life, Star Trek look to cabin

Cons: Nothing, really.

Other Products Considered: Leaving it the way it was. (i.e. “Stock”)
_____________________________

Now I’m talking about replacing light bulbs? Really? This is a mod thread?

Well, I told you guys I’d start with the low-hanging fruit, and this one is super easy and looks REALLY good when you’re done.

Let me be honest about this: I gave it a 2.5 on the intimidation scale because I saw guys talking about doing this in this thread: Interior Lighting mod

There were discussions about unscrewing the upper console by attacking the two screws in the sunglass holder and then popping off the remaining tabs that held it in place. I immediately saw visions of me breaking the tabs that hold it in place, and forever riding around with this upper console that has one corner dangling down while my wife sneers and says, “it was a perfectly good car and you had to break it!”

Then someone posted that you could pop the lenses off of the map and dome lights with a small flat-head screwdriver, and just pull out the bulbs. This piqued my interest, though I still had visions of me trying to pry this lens off, and it refusing to come, and me gouging the plastic because of my impatience and grizzly-bear-like gentleness. Not to mention that the first couple of guys to do this had trouble getting the bulbs out, causing them to explode.

Then a poster named “enduro” posted this on page 6 of the thread I linked above:

Interior Lighting mod

Quick. Painless. Easy to follow. No exploding bulbs.

Done, and it looks great. Thanks enduro!!

I apologize for the pictures, but they were taken in my garage (again).

Here’s all the information you need on bulb sizes (from a post by SnooperStyle on Page 4 of the aforementioned LED lighting thread) and prices. I’ve confirmed that they fit, and they work. Superbright LEDs is also a site sponsor!

Replace front map lights with WLED-xHP5, a mini-wedge bulb (you need 2 of them, I chose “White”)
Super Bright LEDs - Miniature Wedge Base Bulbs

Replace center dome light with 3022-W9, a festoon bulb (you need one of them)
Super Bright LEDs ? Festoon Light Bulbs

Replace the two cargo lights on the rear door with 3022-W9 as well (need 2 of them)
Super Bright LEDs ? Festoon Light Bulbs


Still to come – replacing the outside puddle lamps with LEDs, based on what I learned in another Snooperstyle post on that thread. (I have the bulbs, but this involves taking the side mirrors apart…so it’s going to get a separate post when I do it) [Update: It's post 39 of this thread]

EDIT: See post #48 of this thread for an important Sp8ball Modification Service Bulletin (SMBS)!
Attached Images
-dsc05026-jpg  -dsc05028-jpg 
__________________
**2011 SR5 - Salsa Red Pearl** Backup Camera, Moonroof, Upgraded Stereo, Third Row, Remote Start, and Anti-Theft
Mods: Weathertech DigitalFit Floor Liners, Husky Weatherbeater Cargo Liner, Stubby Antenna, Black Steelcraft Nerf Bars, Interior & Puddle Lamp LEDs, 35% Window Tint, Vinyl Chrome Strip Blackout, Color-matched Door Handles, AVS Bugflector II, Toytec Front Plate Spacer Lift, Interior Accent Lighting, Backup Camera Switch, Cupholder & Door Handle LEDs, Infinity Kappa Speakers
My Build Thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...id-2010-a.html

Last edited by sp8ball; 04-04-2011 at 04:52 PM.
sp8ball is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 05:47 PM #5
sp8ball's Avatar
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
sp8ball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
Modification: Stubby Antenna Install

MangoWalk 5” Stubby Antenna: $12.92 (after shipping)
Mangowalk.com - Mangowalk 5" Rubber Antenna Mast - Black - Rubber Antennas - Car Accessories
AutoZone Metra/RoadWorks Antenna AW-RM1R: $6.95

Difficulty Scale (1 to 10): One

Sp8ball’s Personal Intimidation Factor (1 to 10): Two

Install Time: Less than 2 minutes

Reason for Doing It: Because that 3-foot high gargantuan antenna looks ugly

Benefit: Looks good; screams to general public that there is a high likelihood that you are a member of this forum

Cons: Noticeable decrease in reception

Other Products Considered: Craven Speed Antenna, Pep Boys Antenna
_____________________________

Is this pathetic yet? Replacing an antenna?

More low-hanging fruit for modification newbies, I say!!

This is another one of those simple, cheap changes that can really change the way your vehicle looks. Again, it draws a lot of positive feedback from my friends during the “vehicle walk-around”.

Learned about this mod from this thread, and saw the debates about which antenna to use, and whether folks were experiencing a decrease in radio reception as a result of changing out the antennas:

Ideas for a shorter antenna?

There were some discussions about how hard it was to find an aftermarket antenna that had the right fittings to match up with the threading in the 4Runner antenna receptacle.

Then “Goatroper” did some experimenting and came up with an Autozone antenna that had multiple connectors, and one of them fit both the MangoWalk antenna and 4Runner receptacle.

Ideas for a shorter antenna?

So I went for it. I ordered the MangoWalk. And less than 4 hours after I hit “send” on my order, my new friend “Antman” – who you’ll remember lives right around the corner from me – PM’ed me and said he had done this mod, and it affected his FM radio reception in our area. He was right.

I was aware that loss of FM reception was a risk (keep that in mind), which is why I rated this a “2” on sp8ball’s intimidation scale. I knew my wife wouldn’t notice the antenna change, but would notice the difference in quality. Fortunately, I fessed up to the switchout, showed her the difference between the two looks (stock antenna, and stubby), and she said the new one looked MUCH better. Since I only listen to one FM station (and it was barely affected), I can live with it.

I once again apologize for the garage pictures. I’ll post more later.
Attached Images
-dsc05029-jpg 
__________________
**2011 SR5 - Salsa Red Pearl** Backup Camera, Moonroof, Upgraded Stereo, Third Row, Remote Start, and Anti-Theft
Mods: Weathertech DigitalFit Floor Liners, Husky Weatherbeater Cargo Liner, Stubby Antenna, Black Steelcraft Nerf Bars, Interior & Puddle Lamp LEDs, 35% Window Tint, Vinyl Chrome Strip Blackout, Color-matched Door Handles, AVS Bugflector II, Toytec Front Plate Spacer Lift, Interior Accent Lighting, Backup Camera Switch, Cupholder & Door Handle LEDs, Infinity Kappa Speakers
My Build Thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...id-2010-a.html
sp8ball is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 05:52 PM #6
deekoi's Avatar
deekoi deekoi is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 629
deekoi is on a distinguished road
deekoi deekoi is offline
Member
deekoi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 629
deekoi is on a distinguished road
WOAH! you sure do love to write!

What degree of led bulbs did you get?
__________________
2011 4RAWRner Magnetic Gray | Trail Edition

the Mods - ICON S-2 LR + MT Links | Matte Black Hood | FN Six Shooter Graphite Gunmetallic | 285/70/17 Duratrac | 30% Tint | Shockworkz Sliders | Hybrid Conversion | AFE Intake | 20" Light bar lower grill + a bunch of lights all around | low - Blacked out FX-R IV Apollo HID 4300k | High - Sylvania Ultra | LED Interior | Back up camera switch | Camelback Metalgear Roof Rack - DC Power 270 Alternator
deekoi is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 05:53 PM #7
sp8ball's Avatar
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
sp8ball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
Modification write-ups that are “in the works”

I’ve done three other mods that are a little bit more involved than the three I’ve listed above.

These mods are:
(1) the Steelcraft nerf bar installation,
(2) tinting the front windows to match the rear windows, and
(2) the vinyl blackout of the chrome bumper and rocker panel strips.

(OK, I didn’t actually do the last two - the guys at the Window Tinting place did them, but I’ll still post about it)

These deserve more/better pictures to be shared (yes, I’m proud of these mods!), and I can’t do that until the weather clears up. They told me not to wash the vinyl for two days – and of course it started raining on the way home. Does anyone know if that will affect its adhesion or final disposition? Either way, I’m leaving it in the garage during the next three (rainy) days to let it set up and “cure”. (or whatever it is the vinyl does)

Below are a couple of sneak peeks...

Also in the works:

- AVS Bugflector should arrive today (another piece of low-hanging fruit)
- I have the Toytec top place spacers, and Antman says he’s willing to help me install them
- Puddle lamp LED installation (I have the bulbs, just need to get into the mirror after the truck comes out of the garage)
- Door handle changeout (ordered the color-matched door handles, but they’re on backorder and won’t be in stock for another week)
- Chrome elimination (rear garnish, front grille “wings”, and roof rack caps)...see next post!
Attached Images
-dsc05022-jpg  -dsc05024-jpg 
__________________
**2011 SR5 - Salsa Red Pearl** Backup Camera, Moonroof, Upgraded Stereo, Third Row, Remote Start, and Anti-Theft
Mods: Weathertech DigitalFit Floor Liners, Husky Weatherbeater Cargo Liner, Stubby Antenna, Black Steelcraft Nerf Bars, Interior & Puddle Lamp LEDs, 35% Window Tint, Vinyl Chrome Strip Blackout, Color-matched Door Handles, AVS Bugflector II, Toytec Front Plate Spacer Lift, Interior Accent Lighting, Backup Camera Switch, Cupholder & Door Handle LEDs, Infinity Kappa Speakers
My Build Thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...id-2010-a.html
sp8ball is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 05:55 PM #8
sp8ball's Avatar
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
sp8ball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by deekoi View Post
WOAH! you sure do love to write!

What degree of led bulbs did you get?
LOL...I actually wrote this stuff in Microsoft Word during slow parts of the day, and then used one "mod page" as a template for another. Then I just had to cut-and-paste and do a minor bit of formatting.

If you follow those links to the LED lights, the website should have most of the technical specs. (that's the long way of saying..."I don't know")
__________________
**2011 SR5 - Salsa Red Pearl** Backup Camera, Moonroof, Upgraded Stereo, Third Row, Remote Start, and Anti-Theft
Mods: Weathertech DigitalFit Floor Liners, Husky Weatherbeater Cargo Liner, Stubby Antenna, Black Steelcraft Nerf Bars, Interior & Puddle Lamp LEDs, 35% Window Tint, Vinyl Chrome Strip Blackout, Color-matched Door Handles, AVS Bugflector II, Toytec Front Plate Spacer Lift, Interior Accent Lighting, Backup Camera Switch, Cupholder & Door Handle LEDs, Infinity Kappa Speakers
My Build Thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...id-2010-a.html
sp8ball is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 06:02 PM #9
sp8ball's Avatar
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
sp8ball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
The Great Chrome Debate

While I don’t feel it’s necessary to rehash the debate over the amount of chrome on the stock 4Runner, I definitely want to acknowledge that it’s a fun debate to have.

There are those who are in favor of the chrome.
Chrome Lovers?

There are those who are opposed to the chrome.
Blacking Out the Runner's Chrome
Plastidip and losing the chrome.

To be honest, before I joined this forum, I thought it was just something you had to deal with when you bought a new car. When I first saw the fifth generation 4Runners, I remember saying to my wife, “does that look like a lot of chrome on that thing?”

My wife likes the chrome. I don’t hate it, but I prefer the blacked out look after seeing it pursued by other on here.

Perhaps I’m weird, but I don’t favor a TOTAL blackout, either. Where others have blacked out completely, I think I may go for color-matched or even (gasp!) leave it silver/chrome for a very slight accent.

In fact, I have even re-thought debadging the SR5, which I was sure was going to be my very first mod. I think that if I leave a hint of silver/chrome on the front and back, I may leave a “hint” of silver/chrome on the sides (i.e. the SR5 badge).

Here’s my original concept for changing the chrome on my 4Runner. Feel free to point out any fatal flaws in my plan. My biggest challenge will be the two garnish sections (front grille and the rear section under the “4Runner” lettering) painted Salsa Red Pearl. This will inevitably require a body shop or dealership’s “paint guy” to do the work, because of color-matching issues. (unlike hitting it with Flat Black Krylon Fusion and calling it a day) These two pieces will also likely require some disassembly of the front and rear by the painter, which will lead to further costs.

I have toyed with the idea of buying those pieces from toyotapartsales.com and having them painted, minimizing the time that my vehicle is apart (and allowing me to keep the original chrome pieces in case I ever feel the need to go “back to original”)…but they’re pretty expensive.

Hey – did anyone on here who did the Satoshi grill mod hang onto the chrome front grill piece with the “wings”? If so, what would you want for it (incl. shipping to MD)?

Some of the conceptual stuff on these slides has changed; specifically, I'm using color-matched door handles rather than trying to paint them, and I had black vinyl installed on the bumper and rocker panel chrome strips instead of painting them.

The Original Concept:
Attached Images
-slide1-jpg  -slide2-jpg  -slide3-jpg  -slide4-jpg  -slide5-jpg  -slide6-jpg 
__________________
**2011 SR5 - Salsa Red Pearl** Backup Camera, Moonroof, Upgraded Stereo, Third Row, Remote Start, and Anti-Theft
Mods: Weathertech DigitalFit Floor Liners, Husky Weatherbeater Cargo Liner, Stubby Antenna, Black Steelcraft Nerf Bars, Interior & Puddle Lamp LEDs, 35% Window Tint, Vinyl Chrome Strip Blackout, Color-matched Door Handles, AVS Bugflector II, Toytec Front Plate Spacer Lift, Interior Accent Lighting, Backup Camera Switch, Cupholder & Door Handle LEDs, Infinity Kappa Speakers
My Build Thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...id-2010-a.html
sp8ball is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 06:36 PM #10
Hawkdog21's Avatar
Hawkdog21 Hawkdog21 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Aspen, CO
Posts: 490
Hawkdog21 is on a distinguished road
Hawkdog21 Hawkdog21 is offline
Member
Hawkdog21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Aspen, CO
Posts: 490
Hawkdog21 is on a distinguished road
Look, another person that makes a bunch of spreadsheets for their mods! Even though you have not done the most to your truck of anyone here, I think I might like you mod thread the best as far as entertainment/info. Keep up the good work sir.
__________________
2018- TRD Pro
Hawkdog21 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 06:53 PM #11
tjstevens5 tjstevens5 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Age: 37
Posts: 8
tjstevens5 is on a distinguished road
tjstevens5 tjstevens5 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Age: 37
Posts: 8
tjstevens5 is on a distinguished road
Thanks for puttin' this post up Sp8Ball. I am also a mechanical engineer who just graduated from college and I'm buying my first T4R in about a week. I was looking for a mod thread that had very simple modifications for a low price. This one fits the bill
tjstevens5 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 07:14 PM #12
BeerShark's Avatar
BeerShark BeerShark is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Baltimore & Annapolis, Maryland
Posts: 57
BeerShark is on a distinguished road
BeerShark BeerShark is offline
Member
BeerShark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Baltimore & Annapolis, Maryland
Posts: 57
BeerShark is on a distinguished road
Nice thread.. very entertaining
__________________
2011 Black SR5
Equipped: Husky Floor Liners Front, Rear, Cargo & Baltimore Ravens Plate Frame 12/10; LED's all around 1/11; GT Covers Digital Camo Front Seat & Seat Saver Rear Bench Cover 2/11; GPS & Mud Flaps 3/11, tinted 6/11, window visors 7/11, Proclips 12/11!!
Planned Mod's: Heated Seat Install, Black-Out Chrome, projector headlamps
BeerShark is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 09:25 PM #13
sp8ball's Avatar
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
sp8ball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by BeerShark View Post
Nice thread.. very entertaining
Thanks - I appreciate that coming from a fellow Marylander and Ravens fan.

This weekend I'll post writeups of the front window tint and black vinyl blackout job that I had done yesterday. I mention this because you have both of those in your signature. If you haven't done them yet, they might give you an idea of price, and a good vendor in the Baltimore area to boot.
__________________
**2011 SR5 - Salsa Red Pearl** Backup Camera, Moonroof, Upgraded Stereo, Third Row, Remote Start, and Anti-Theft
Mods: Weathertech DigitalFit Floor Liners, Husky Weatherbeater Cargo Liner, Stubby Antenna, Black Steelcraft Nerf Bars, Interior & Puddle Lamp LEDs, 35% Window Tint, Vinyl Chrome Strip Blackout, Color-matched Door Handles, AVS Bugflector II, Toytec Front Plate Spacer Lift, Interior Accent Lighting, Backup Camera Switch, Cupholder & Door Handle LEDs, Infinity Kappa Speakers
My Build Thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...id-2010-a.html
sp8ball is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 11:00 PM #14
sp8ball's Avatar
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
sp8ball sp8ball is offline
Member
sp8ball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 456
sp8ball is on a distinguished road
Ok, I need a sanity check from any posters out there that are familiar with auto paint work...

Jump up to Post #9 of this thread ("The Great Chrome Debate"). Specifically, the pictures of the front grill (slide 1) and rear garnish plate (slide 3).

Am I crazy to be thinking the following...

(1) The Front Grill:
I want to paint the "wings" on the front grill Salsa Red Pearl, while leaving the Toyota logo alone. I know these parts come off the grill with a little work, but it's not impossible to do. But that piece is not sold individually - it's part of a whole grill assembly in the Parts Manual that Harper posted. If I can get my hands on someone else's "winged" front grill piece (like, someone who did a Satoshi grille mod or TE conversion), couldn't I take just THAT piece to a body shop to be color-matched to my truck, and then change out the chrome one at my leisure (using my original Toyota logo emblem)?

(2) The Rear Garnish:
If I were to heat the Toyota emblem and 4Runner lettering and remove it (as seen here...thanks Jesse!), leaving just the chrome garnish piece...could a body shop tape off the rest of the car, and paint the garnish Salsa Red Pearl while it was still in place? Then remove the tape and maybe do a "blending" pass with the existing paint? (do they do that?) Would that work? Then I could just reattach the chrome Toyota emblem and "4Runner" lettering in their rightful place.

Are these ideas insane? Doable? Logical?

HELP!
__________________
**2011 SR5 - Salsa Red Pearl** Backup Camera, Moonroof, Upgraded Stereo, Third Row, Remote Start, and Anti-Theft
Mods: Weathertech DigitalFit Floor Liners, Husky Weatherbeater Cargo Liner, Stubby Antenna, Black Steelcraft Nerf Bars, Interior & Puddle Lamp LEDs, 35% Window Tint, Vinyl Chrome Strip Blackout, Color-matched Door Handles, AVS Bugflector II, Toytec Front Plate Spacer Lift, Interior Accent Lighting, Backup Camera Switch, Cupholder & Door Handle LEDs, Infinity Kappa Speakers
My Build Thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...id-2010-a.html

Last edited by sp8ball; 03-31-2011 at 11:03 PM.
sp8ball is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-01-2011, 07:36 AM #15
Johnny Utah's Avatar
Johnny Utah Johnny Utah is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Cape Coral, FL
Age: 42
Posts: 1,087
Real Name: Matt
Johnny Utah is on a distinguished road
Johnny Utah Johnny Utah is offline
Senior Member
Johnny Utah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Cape Coral, FL
Age: 42
Posts: 1,087
Real Name: Matt
Johnny Utah is on a distinguished road
good mod thread. Thank you for doing this. I've actually been thinking of doing something similar, but, you def. went above and beyond what i was gonna do. Keep it up.

This is what i'm talking about!
__________________
2011 4Runner SR5 - Black
Stubby Antenna - 5% Tint - Weathertech Liners
Pioneer AVIC z130BT w/Camera feed in Nav
Ultra Gauntlet 20 X 9 - Nitto Terra Grappler G2 275/55r/20
H11 XTREME LED PRO Kit
Johnny Utah is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Satoshi Grill Mod Build Thread (pic heavy) BrianSD_42 3rd gen T4Rs 57 10-27-2020 03:29 PM
My 2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Build / Mod Thread doodman 5th gen T4Rs 59 11-03-2010 10:10 PM
99 mod ideas 99yota4 3rd gen T4Rs 23 03-09-2010 09:11 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:47 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
***This site is an unofficial Toyota site, and is not officially endorsed, supported, authorized by or affiliated with Toyota. All company, product, or service names references in this web site are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation***Ad Management plugin by RedTyger
 
Copyright © 2020