Desert Dawg build...what a switch!

[Desert Dawg]

have you tried reading thru this thread. I posted some info on the stuff I used.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/147267-dash-cam.html

Thanks NoDak. I must have somehow skimmed right over it when I did my search so didn't see this one. Lot's of good info too.

So what are you using now? Some of the older videos you posted looked a little grainy/fuzzy to me especially the night shots, but then you were considering an upgrade to the Marcus 4.

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

I think you have the best looking 5th Gen I've seen. You've made it your own!

 

[NoDak]

Thanks NoDak. I must have somehow skimmed right over it when I did my search so didn't see this one. Lot's of good info too.

So what are you using now? Some of the older videos you posted looked a little grainy/fuzzy to me especially the night shots, but then you were considering an upgrade to the Marcus 4.

I've flip flopped on the firmware between the 6.2 and the 5.1

the 5.1 seemed to have better color while the 6.2 had worse night time but better daytime settings.

I use Dash Cam Talk to research my info via the forums and I have even posted some about concerns about the 6.2 firmware.

the marcus-3 is the next gen version of the TF2+ but then I saw some info on the marcus-4 that had better specs than the marcus-3.

the marcus-3 & 4 still uses the same cpu, but the marcus uses a different lens than the TF2+.

the marcus-4 is using the same cpu as before but a 4.1mpix lens that is suppose to be better than the previous versions.

I was going to buy the marcus-3, but I wanted a new 7" garmin first, before the trip for the college for the son. the good part was waiting and then finding out about the marcus-4 which will come out in 3rd quarter.

 

[Desert Dawg]

I think you have the best looking 5th Gen I've seen. You've made it your own!

Thanks Doodz for the compliment! I always try to make my trucks somewhat unique but functional, and sure learn a lot about what I can do (or not) with the 4Runner from a lot of folks on this Forum!

 

[Desert Dawg]

I've flip flopped on the firmware between the 6.2 and the 5.1

the 5.1 seemed to have better color while the 6.2 had worse night time but better daytime settings.

I use Dash Cam Talk to research my info via the forums and I have even posted some about concerns about the 6.2 firmware.

the marcus-3 is the next gen version of the TF2+ but then I saw some info on the marcus-4 that had better specs than the marcus-3.

the marcus-3 & 4 still uses the same cpu, but the marcus uses a different lens than the TF2+.

the marcus-4 is using the same cpu as before but a 4.1mpix lens that is suppose to be better than the previous versions.

I was going to buy the marcus-3, but I wanted a new 7" garmin first, before the trip for the college for the son. the good part was waiting and then finding out about the marcus-4 which will come out in 3rd quarter.

Yeah, I have been on the Dash Cam Talk site, but nothing like getting real world experience and suggestions, so really appreciate yours! Thanks for the comparison on the differences as that steers me towards the Marcus 4! :cheers:

 

[Cypher]

Awesome 4Runner! Very impressive 5th gen. I really like the Gobi with the light bar. It fits the 4Runner dimensions and proportions so well. I also recognize the Sandias in the background of your pic. Nicely done!

 

[Jeremy556]

Yeah, I know....my problem is I keeping going back to the awesome shots being shown by [MENTION=66300]Intruder[/MENTION], [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION], [MENTION=78273]Jeremy556[/MENTION], [MENTION=77842]EasylyConfused[/MENTION], and so many others that make me want to post too....lol. But I am not going to have any cool "new" shots until I can get out off-roading myself (soon, I hope).

But I'll stop posting if it's getting annoying! out:

Come on, you're not that far away. I just bugged out from the San Juan's early because of all the Texas traffic. You're closer than those guys.

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

Thanks Doodz for the compliment! I always try to make my trucks somewhat unique but functional, and sure learn a lot about what I can do (or not) with the 4Runner from a lot of folks on this Forum!

Some of us just add stuff because we need or want it. Yeah it's all functional and we get it done but it doesn't always have that over all Zen look and feel to it. Yours has all come together as a whole, like it was designed that way from the beginning.

Now get some dirt on it ASAP and post pics. No fair waxing the nice black frame rails first before you go either. :wink2:

 

[azn-sensation]

I enjoy this thread getting bumped for updates. However, I would suggest changing it up and getting this thing dirty, run some trails already. HAHA! j/k

 

[T4Ranger]

Desert Dawg, love the build, and I will most likely go this route in August/September, if and only if the new trd pro doesn't come with a supercharger option. if it does, then I'll be trading in and going that route. thanks for all of the sweet pics!

 

[amalik]

A pair of gorgeous trucks. Great work

 

[Desert Dawg]

Awesome 4Runner! Very impressive 5th gen. I really like the Gobi with the light bar. It fits the 4Runner dimensions and proportions so well. I also recognize the Sandias in the background of your pic. Nicely done!

Thanks Cypher...and cool you recognize the view...lol!

Come on, you're not that far away. I just bugged out from the San Juan's early because of all the Texas traffic. You're closer than those guys.

Some of us just add stuff because we need or want it. Yeah it's all functional and we get it done but it doesn't always have that over all Zen look and feel to it. Yours has all come together as a whole, like it was designed that way from the beginning.

Now get some dirt on it ASAP and post pics. No fair waxing the nice black frame rails first before you go either. :wink2:

I enjoy this thread getting bumped for updates. However, I would suggest changing it up and getting this thing dirty, run some trails already. HAHA! j/k

lol...you're all so right! My travel schedule has kept me away from any real weekend excursions recently; okay, I am making excuses...lol. But I will be going back to southern CO later this month so definitely get to do some trailing, and then back again in August. So I will be taking some "dirty" pics soon (that doesn't sound so good)...lol. If I can schedule it, I am really hoping to do the Sedonafest in September!

Welcome | sedonafest.com​

 

[Desert Dawg]

Desert Dawg, love the build, and I will most likely go this route in August/September, if and only if the new trd pro doesn't come with a supercharger option. if it does, then I'll be trading in and going that route. thanks for all of the sweet pics!

Thanks T4Ranger; if TRD does come out with the supercharger option, I am going to be first in line at the local dealership...lol.

A pair of gorgeous trucks. Great work

Mucho gracias!

Sometimes I wonder had I not purchased my kid's 4th Gen first and started modding it if I would have even purchased the 5th Gen I have now. But we just had so much fun modding his and gave me the opportunity to realize how versatile and well made these vehicles are. Test driving it sealed the deal for me. I was seriously thinking of a FJ since my brother has had a couple and loves them (he has a 2013 TRD Trail Teams Special Edition), but the 4Runner is just a lot more useable yet still very competent across the board. It's been fun!

 

[Gabex35]

Sweet, hopefully I'll see your rig at Sedonafest.

 

[Desert Dawg]

Sweet, hopefully I'll see your rig at Sedonafest.

Thanks Gabe....really hoping to get there; that would be cool to be able to catch up with you there and have some off-road fun!

 

[oscarr]

great rig ! did you do the front vinyl yourself ?

 

[Desert Dawg]

great rig ! did you do the front vinyl yourself ?

Thanks oscarr! No, I had a local shop install the wrap for me since I convinced myself that I would do a horrible job trying to stretch over the bumper mold while making the cuts. I am usually pretty good with things "mechanical", but I can totally screw up placing a simple sticker on the truck...lol.

 

[oscarr]

Thanks oscarr! No, I had a local shop install the wrap for me since I convinced myself that I would do a horrible job trying to stretch over the bumper mold while making the cuts. I am usually pretty good with things "mechanical", but I can totally screw up placing a simple sticker on the truck...lol.

thanks for the response. They did a great job. Vinyl is tuff to work with especially if you have curves and a uneven surface. I wrapped of few parts on my FJC. Pain in the butt. I will prob paint the front piece on my 4 runner rather than wrapping it.

 

[Desert Dawg]

thanks for the response. They did a great job. Vinyl is tuff to work with especially if you have curves and a uneven surface. I wrapped of few parts on my FJC. Pain in the butt. I will prob paint the front piece on my 4 runner rather than wrapping it.

At first, I thought I was going to "Linex" the lower bumper, so I went with the vinyl wrap first just to see how it would look before committing. Since I really like the look, I want to eventually go with a more permanent solution but not sure I would be happy with the "rough" bedliner texture; I am now thinking of painting the bumper too.

 

[oscarr]

At first, I thought I was going to "Linex" the lower bumper, so I went with the vinyl wrap first just to see how it would look before committing. Since I really like the look, I want to eventually go with a more permanent solution but not sure I would be happy with the "rough" bedliner texture; I am now thinking of painting the bumper too.

I used the dupli color bumper trim paint to black out my FJC. Mirrors, handles bumper end caps and middle bumper pieces. The paint adheres very well because of the adhesion promoter already in the paint.