Advice for getting modifications done

[aawolf]

Hi there! First post, so please be gentle.

I just purchased a 2000 V6 4x4 4Runner Automatic for the purpose of making the overland trip from the US to Patagonia. The truck has 162,000 miles and is in generally good shape.

There's a bunch of preventative maintenance changes and custom modifications I need to make in the next few months before leaving:

Standard things I imagine most mechanics are accustomed to doing:
- timing belt
- radiator replacement and maybe adding external transmission cooler (will be summer in central america, is this worth it?)
- addressing possible warped rotor issues (front brake pads were replaced by previous owner twice in past two years... ponderous? or normal?)
- lower ball joint replacement
- installing a stereo head unit that support bluetooth
- upgrading the suspension (shocks absorbers.. but maybe more than that? could I resolve the rear sag issue in the same go?)

Unique modifications:
- modifying the battery mount to support an auxiliary battery (see Installing the Dual Battery System Part 1 - Life Remotely)
- modifying the electrical system to support dual batteries (solenoid, fuses, running wiring to back seat)
- mounting a 12v refrigerator in place of left back seat
- installing a power inverter

The dual battery mod is especially involved as it will require: moving the radiator overflow reservoir to the other side, dremeling away part of the radiator fan shroud, and cutting off a battery bracket to make room for the extra battery. The electrical system mods seem pretty complicated also (to me, at least).

It's not very feasible for me to make these modifications myself. I don't have a lot of experience working on vehicles (though I'm technically minded and willing to learn). A bigger problem is that I live in a small apartment in San Francisco with no garage or even usable street space. I also have no tools.

Q: How would you recommend I go about finding someone to help me with this? I've tried searching Yelp (there's an "Auto Customization" tag) and found a few places, but honestly these places all seem geared more towards scheduled maintenance and standard run-of-the-mill repairs. Is that my best bet for everything? Or should I consider searching craigslist for someone skilled in this type of stuff that I could work with personally in their home garage? (Anyone here in the Bay Area that's interested in this?) Would you recommend finding one business to do everything (PM + scheduled repairs + vehicle mods), or should I split the standard stuff and mods doing the standard stuff at a mechanic and customizations elsewhere?

Thanks for the guidance!

 

[JeepKiller]

Try to find a friend or someone local that has a garage, tools, etc. Most mechanics will either charge you and do all the work or turn you away because most mechanics have too much to do to allow you to borrow their tools and garage. Just my 2 cents

 

[aawolf]

Most mechanics will either charge you and do all the work or turn you away because most mechanics have too much to do to allow you to borrow their tools and garage.

Yah, this seems very likely especially here in San Francisco where real estate is expensive and everything is crowded. To be clear: I don't think me getting access to a mechanic's tools and garage will be enough. I'm not experienced enough by any stretch of the imagination.

Try to find a friend or someone local that has a garage, tools, etc.

I don't have any friends that are skilled mechanics. Any ideas on where to look for someone local / how to phrase it? Is this a common arrangement?

 

[BrianSD_42]

The only real thing that you will need a garage for is to install the dual battery system.

Most (nearly all) mechanics will not install such a system because:
1. It isn't approved by Toyota or any car manufacturer
2. The mechanic won't stand by the parts since you will be bringing them in from elsewhere
3. It could cause an electrical fire and you could sue them. If done right then likely no fire.

This is a do it yourself type of mod. Or pay for custom car modifications. I imagine that installation would be $500 plus just for labor.

 

[aawolf]

Thanks for the response, Brian. I'm a bit confused by these apparently contradicting statements:

Most (nearly all) mechanics will not install such a system...

This is a do it yourself type of mod. Or pay for custom car modifications. I imagine that installation would be $500 plus just for labor.

If mechanics won't take on this type of job, who would I pay? Or do you mean just find one of the few mechanics that will take on this work and expect to pay an arm and a leg?

 

[Mindomission]

In Springield, Mo we have a DIY garage and you do all the work. A rental fee is charged for a bay and use of all the tools, welders, plasma cutters, tire balances, lifts, presses, etc. come with it. The bay charge is by the hour so have a plan before you go of how long it may take for whatever work needs done. I went there to put in my body lift with the help of my nephew and a 2-post lift. If it helps, here is the link to ours. See if there is one in your area.

417diy.com

 

[aawolf]

...we have a DIY garage and you do all the work. A rental fee is charged for a bay and use of all the tools, welders, plasma cutters, tire balances, lifts, presses, etc. come with it... See if there is one in your area.

Awesome advice Mind Omission. I searched for a DIY Garage near me and found one in Fremont, 30 minute drive (Lifted, Inc - Fremont, CA | Yelp).

Now I just need to find someone who knows what the hell they're doing to help with the install

 

[Mindomission]

Awesome advice Mind Omission. I searched for a DIY Garage near me and found one in Fremont, 30 minute drive (Lifted, Inc - Fremont, CA | Yelp).

Now I just need to find someone who knows what the hell they're doing to help with the install

Thanks great! If you're like me, estimate how long it will take and double it! Look in the member's area here on the forum and see if there is as group for the Bay Area. Chances are good you'll find someone you can work out a deal with. Have fun. I can pay for my time at the garage online and then just call ahead.
If there is stuff you can do at your place beforehand, it will save time in the garage. Like when I did my body lift, I pulled all the door sills, panel trim and running boards BEFORE I left the house. I didn't want to wAste garage time with that.