Brian757's "Stormtrooper" Build Thread

[mikebontoft]

Give it some time... I guess the forum done brokeded

 

[Brian757]

So while on my skiing trip, I noticed my bug deflector on my hood was flapping a little too much. I ended up removing it to inspect the damage and the thing broke in my hand! So I am going to purchase a Weathertech bug deflector to replace it. It looks weird without it in my opinion.

Here are some photos: (I had some chips in my grill as well.)

Here is after the second coats of primer:

Here are the second coats of paint:

Here are the third coats of paint:

All said and done:

 

[4ever4running]

The grille came out awesome! Any plans to paint the bumper and/or lower valance to match?

 

[Brian757]

The grille came out awesome! Any plans to paint the bumper and/or lower valance to match?

Haha, Im not sure yet. Thank you btw. I used Krylon Fusion for plastics on it. I used 180 grit sandpaper and roughed everything up. It really stuck to the grill! Here it is after a day of paint, and it gets rained on:
Notice the water is beading

 

[Brian757]

Next comes the bug deflector. I am thinking about the Weathertech. I am not quite sure yet. But last week consisted of:

1) Fixing noise from my antenna.
2) New Inner and Outer Tie Rods
3) Resurfaced grill

And this week brings more time

 

[rickashay]

The front end looks great man! The white emblem really goes with the whole "stormtrooper" theme. Nice!

 

[Brian757]

So my factory brakes have been just plain scary. They are completely inadequate at stopping power, and in about 2000 miles, I have already warped my 4runner rotors. This included some moderate wheeling and mountain trips recently.

Problems from factory Brakes:
1) Brake pedal to the floor, shuddering brakes and no stopping power
2) Transmission was having issues engaging gears because brakes could not hold my truck still while stopped, to help the tranny engage, so I got loud metal-to-metal slapping when exchanging gears.
3) Loud squeals when hitting the brakes and approaching stops, also, a tapping sound from passenger side caliper.

Resolutions after 13WLs:
1) Brake pedal feels essentially the same, but stopping power is about 2x stronger than before, at around half of the depression of the pedal. I have locked my brakes up, my rear end flies up and the truck goes easily from 30-0 in a heartbeat.
2) Transmission slapping has ceased, and no tranny noises have been heard since 13WL install.
3) No squealing, no popping, and no tapping. The brakes don't make a sound, whether I slam on them, or if I am slowly decelerating to a stop.

Conclusion: I would highly recommend doing this conversion if you are lifted or feel like your factory front brakes are insufficient. They will definitely impress you if your lifted!

Here are some photos: (Have to have these or its not true )




BEFORE:


AFTER:

 

[Brian757]

Here is a better comparison photo:

 

[Brian757]

So I want my red calipers back. I miss the look, and the factory calipers weren't even worth the red paint, these 13WLs are actually worth it!

Here is how I taped everything off.

All done! After 3 coats and a clear coat:

 

[Brian757]

Here is another shot, I love them! Super durable finish as well.
I +1 to the Duplicolor Caliper Paint Kits! Just remember to buy sandpaper and a clear coat as well.

 

[4ever4running]

The calipers came out great! I will probably be doing something similar when I eventually upgrade to Tundra brakes. Did you consider a spray on caliper paint or does Duplicolor only make the brush on?

 

[Brian757]

The calipers came out great! I will probably be doing something similar when I eventually upgrade to Tundra brakes. Did you consider a spray on caliper paint or does Duplicolor only make the brush on?

Thank you for the compliment! And yes, the Tundra upgrade alone is huge, but I really love the way they came out in red. I have had 3 pretty significant rain storms lately and have been inspecting my paint. They have held up great and are still super bright red. No chips or any flaws.

As for the paint, I wanted to try the brush on type. I have used the Duplicolor Spray Caliper Paint and it flaked a little, and its sort of a mess, versus brushing strokes on carefully. I didn't have to tape off too much.

On another note:
Bye-bye HELLA's, here come PIAA's.



Into the trash they go:

 

[BrianSD_42]

Truck is Looking great!

 

[4ever4running]

Thank you for the compliment! And yes, the Tundra upgrade alone is huge, but I really love the way they came out in red. I have had had 3 pretty significant rain storms lately and have been inspecting my paint. They have held up great and are still super bright red. No chips or any flaws.

As for the paint, I wanted to try the brush on type. I have used the Duplicolor Spray Caliper Paint and it flaked a little, and its sort of a mess, versus brushing strokes on carefully. I didn't have to tape off too much.

Cool, thanks for the info!

 

[Brian757]

I wanted a 1,2,3 image. Here is the update. I want this for reference.

 

[4ever4running]

1. Meh
2. Better
3. Sexy!

 

[Brian757]

So I've finally received my replacement bug/rock deflector. I went with the AVS BugFlector II, and it is amazing. I had to buy a new one because my last one broke, but i wasn't a fan of my truck without the deflector. Now Im back to liking the front end again.

It is really low-profile. I can barely see it from the drivers seat. Its lower profile than the Toyota deflectors. I got it at AdvanceAuto online, used a promo code, and got this thing for about $35-$40, so great deal.

 

[robb1887]

If that one breaks I have one I'll sell ya cheap, I took it off the day I bought the truck 2 years ago.

 

[Brian757]

If that one breaks I have one I'll sell ya cheap, I took it off the day I bought the truck 2 years ago.

Haha, I know. Not too many people run them on here. But I like it for some reason. I think it really grew on me the 5 years I've had it on my truck.
But thank you. I will consider that if this thing breaks. They advertise that its "Virtually Indestructible." We will see...


ALSO,

 

[Brian757]

Went to Bayville park to play a round of disc golf. There were 3 3rd gen 4runners and a 4th gen 4runner there. These two parked next to each other so I joined the pack. I dont blend well..

I also buffed/waxed my truck today. I figured she deserved it.
Meguiars Carnauba Wax and a Ryobi 10" Orbital Buffer do the damn job.