Mason's Build Thread

[MasonT4R]

1999 4Runner Limited 4WD with Locker Overland Build.

Now called the Godzilla Build after a particularly noisy hill decent while wheeling with dirty brakes.

Right after I got it:

Current Photo:

Updates:
Maglite Mount, ISR, Removed Running Boards Post #6
Footwell Lighting Post #9
Head Unit Post #10
Satoshi Mod Begins Post #11
Satoshi Finished Post #16
Hidden Hella 500 Black Magics (since removed) Post #22 and Post #27
ScanGauge Post #37
Duratracs 265/75/R16 Post #38
iPad Mount for Navigation Post #38
Blue Sea Fuse Block Post #58
CB, Tundra Brakes, Rally Armour Mud Flaps Post #59
Lift! Post #63
ITRE, OTRE, LBJ, Flex Test Post #65
Maintenance and Painting Post #69
MStudt End Links Post #71
Savage Rear Bumper w/ Swing Out Post #76
4xInnovations Sliders w/ Kickout Post #77
Staun Tire Deflators Review Post #79
Swing Out Wiring Post #81
Hilux Surf Snorkel Post #85
Roof Rack, Rotopax, Tacoma Antenna, Maintenance, New Spare Post #87
Addicted Offroad Front Bumper Post #89
New Carpet Post #98
CBI Ditch Lights Post #106
Superwinch Tiger Shark 9.5 Post #111
Final Winch and Savage Front Skid Post #123
Rock Lights Post #127
Storage and Slide Post #130 and Post #135

Trips:
Ozark National Forest with Central Overland Post #29 and Post #32
Buckhorn Post #50
Ozark National Forest with Central Overland #2 Post #54 and Post #56
K-Trail Post #57
Gruber Post #62
Keystone Post #67
Disney Oklahoma Offroad Post #121
Buckhorn 2.0 Post#84
High Water Mark Arkansas Post #92 and Post #93 and Post #116
10th Lone Star Toyota Jamboree Post #134

 

[pbcolt]

lookin good man. I personally really like the 2 tone limited cladding.

 

[fightman80]

very nice man!

 

[Hepar]

Looking good! Any other plans?

 

[KellyJ]

Dude, nice start! If you ever get around to it, I feel like there'd be more than just me who'd be interested in a write-up on how you wired those footwell lights -- did you tap into the little rubber button in the driver door frame?

 

[MasonT4R]

Mods begin:

Maglite mounted below passenger seat:

Deckplate:

Removed the running boards of course:

 

[NorcalChris]

Whats up with the mag light holder, where's you get it... I'll be lookin for the post when you've finished everything.

 

[codyjh]

Nice attention to detail!

You just brought up one of the two things I didnt transfer over from my old Tacoma, the 4D maglight with the mounts you have and the fire extinguisher.

Thank you!

 

[MasonT4R]

Finally got the footwells working! I ran into problems left and right trying to work with the factory ground switches. I tried wiring them in series, and then into a relay but they are simply too vulnerable to tampering. I had given up on them until it hit me. I simply would provide 12v to the lights and ground them on the same switch. Bingo, they work perfectly.

Honestly I only did this project because I was ordering LEDs anyways and think its pretty ricey most of the time, but in plain white and switching with the doors, its actually a nice touch and helpful when I drop my phone at my feet (which I do a lot)

 

[MasonT4R]

New head unit today!

Clarion VX401

 

[MasonT4R]

Another something new in the works... Picked it up for $20!

I got a little carried away peeling off the chrome and now my fingers hurt and I still haven't gotten all the chrome off...

I really really really hope this turns out the way I have it pictured in my head. :bash:

 

[blcktpgsr]

I agree....sometimes it's those simple and small details that we tend to overlook that makes difference.

Hey how did you remove the chrome plating on the grill? you seem to be getting successful at it. Last time I tried doing mine, I ended up with some warped plastic because of using some heat gun I tried to use that I though would help...What's the trick here?

 

[MasonT4R]

Honstly? So far just a knife and several hours of TV watching while peeling it. I'm obviously staying away from any deep gouges but it does take some digging to get a good piece of chrome to pull at, then it usually takes a couple inch section before you have to start over.

The horizontal top section has been the easiest, the sides are what have given me the biggest problems and sore fingers.

After I'm done peeling the chrome, sanding, primer, paint, and clearcoat should cover up any small imperfections I'm causing in the plastic underneath.

 

[blcktpgsr]

I heard the use of some bbq grill item such as "easy off" spray to be effective in removing chrome on plastic and such, I thought you were using this method.

Apparently you're a lot more patient than I was.

 

[MasonT4R]

A bit of a teaser picture... Lots of work to go yet!

 

[MasonT4R]

Finished the grill!

There is a slight problem with it that needs fixed yet... But that'll come later.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Ooh very nice. It's green right? Kinda hard to see in the shade.

Where did you manage to find an earlier style grille for $20? I want one.

 

[MasonT4R]

Yeah it matches the paint pretty well! If it weren't for the million rock chips in the front of the hood I would be much happier. The bottom part of it is black however.

I found it at a local junkyard. The bottom support is broken off, but for $20 I figured I could make it work!

 

[fightman80]

Looks good man! As for the hood chips...I had many, so I touched them up with touchup paint. To prevent more, and kinda hide the old ones.....I bought a Hood deflector.

 

[SleekRunner]

Yeah it matches the paint pretty well! If it weren't for the million rock chips in the front of the hood I would be much happier. The bottom part of it is black however.

I found it at a local junkyard. The bottom support is broken off, but for $20 I figured I could make it work!

Was that hard to find at a junkyard or did you just get lucky? Usually most yards i figure would have jacked up grills since they are usually wrecked w/ front end damage even though you did say the bottom support was broken still nice find! I like it!