Mirrors - Chrome or Color Keyed ?

[gunner]

I've recently become the proud owner of an '06 SR5 4x4 (my 1st 4R). Found this site, joined up, and I now have the mod fever.

The SR5 is bone stock. I want to swap out the mirrors. Can't decide if I want chrome to match the grill / door handles or color keyed? I want to get OEM parts w/ the pillars so it looks like a factory option. Anybody know where to go for these parts w/out spending a fortune?

I also want to get a hood protector, sunroof, and a chrome exhaust tip. Is the Valor the way to go or is there a better aftermarket option for the tip? Anybody have advice for a good aftermarket sunroof for the '06 4R?

Eventually I want to upsize the wheels and tires, but thats gonna be awhile.

TIA for any advice. This site is awesome!

-Gunner

 

[KnightFire]

IMHO color keyed is by FAR better looking.

As is said on many 4x4 forums...Chrome don't get ya home. Chrome should be used VERY VERY sparingly on trucks and 4x4s...again MHO.

The more important question is, what do YOU prefer?

 

[bsl888]

Definitely colored keyed mirrors, and Valor tip. Not sure about aftermarket sunroof, why didn't you get a SR5 with sunroof?

Try Partznet for OEM parts.

 

[RamThis]

Careful where you go for a sunroof. I just gone one put in my SR5 a month ago or so. The company that did it, put in the wrong one, it leaked, the formed my headliner wrong, they ruined my upper console, and stole a CD out of the stereo.

Yeah. You got that right, that's what I said too!!! :bash:

Another company, who is actually half owner of the original install shop, heard wind of what happened through me contacting Webasto about their crappy dealer that I went to. Webasto forwarded my nasty message to him, and he could not believe his sister store did this. So he came and picked up my 4Runner, and fixed it for me to my satisfaction. And he was so much easier to deal with than the rude assholes at the first place.

So, yeah, I'm still a bit sore about aftermarket sunroofs, when all this was going on I swore I'd never suggest an aftermarket unit, but since finding a reputable shop, and having the shoddy work fixed, I really do enjoy it, and it's a very nice functioning sunroof.

I can explain more of the differences and such of the Webasto line of sunroofs to you if you wish. I learned A LOT about them during my ordeal with the first installer, and the subsequent second shop who fixed it all lol.

 

[Jacobzky]

Color keyed.

 

[alpha]

It may be cheaper to have the mirrors painted, or if you are willing to paint them yourself, it definitely will be cheaper. You can find factory match paint as well.

IMO, color keyed mirrors look better than chrome. I like the Canadian version of the hood protector better than the US version.

 

[Uneek]

Don't think there is an actual chrome mirror for 4th gen 4Runners, only just a stick on chrome shell. I prefer color key over chrome plastic. The chrome plastic will eventually haze a bit and lose it's luster. We had chrome mirrors from Toyota on our '90 truck, could never get them shiny. Just my opinion.

But since you have a SR5 with chrome handles, it's a toss up. Ultimately go with you like, it's your truck after all.

 

[tkr128]

Definitely color-keyed.

 

[Falls]

Color keyed mirrors and grill IMO

 

[Koz]

Painted looks the best but with all the chrome you have, the chrome covers may look better. You may want to look at the chrome piece that goes over the rear license plate, also. The Valor tip is the best stainless tip available for the 4Runner and is high quality and worth the extra cash.

Koz

 

[BuckyBadger]

Color keyed mirrors and grill IMO

I second Falls on this, go for the color keyed mirrors and grill, but your call in the end.

 

[dingo]

First off, Congratulations and welcome to the fam!

Color keyed everything. I know you can order the grill and rear license plate garnish from the stealer to match your paint. Some people have their SR5 mirror housings painted. Don't know of you can just order them painted OEM without having to pay for the mirror, motors, etc. As for the door handles, I haven't seen anyone yet replace them with a color keyed set. I don't even know how you would swap them out if possible. OR if you like bling, go the other way.

As for the hood protector, get the Canadian version. I think it looks better and covers more area.

Sunroof? Your call. I don't like the idea of anyone cutting a hole in the sheet metal. Just scary. They can either do a great job or a horrible one. RamThis' sunroof ordeal was enough to steer me far away from the whole thought (my SR5 is sunroof-less and will forever be that way).

Valor tip? Good quick mod. Adds visual beef to the boring stock pipe. Quick and painless install. All bling. There are other good exhaust tips that look even better than the Valor. Or if you have the cash, swap out your entire exhaust. I would do it in a heartbeat, but I have two trucks to pay for and my little 3 year-old's obsession with stickers and crayons come first.

Wheels and Tires? The Search button is your new best friend. There are TONS of threads on this. Tires, lifts, and suspension mods. Since you don't have X-REAS, you have the fortunate ability to do whatever you feel.

Anybody know where to go for these parts w/out spending a fortune?

Are you kidding me? Feel that burning sensation on the surface of your ass cheek? That's your wallet going up in flames. It happens often when you hang out here. Whatever you do, it's YOUR truck. Do whatever you want, HOWEVER, if you put those foofy frilly doilies on your headrests we will hunt you down and give you hell. Happy modding.

 

[gunner]

Thanks for all the replies.

I'll be going w/ the color keyed mirrors and Valor tip. Can't find the mirrors on any parts sites, so I sent an email to the local Toy dealer to see what they can do. I actually like the chrome grill / door handles with the Titanium body. If it were another color, I might feel differently.

Also - is the rear spoiler a factory option only or is it possible to install one after the fact? I've found that I like 4R's better with it than w/out it. But I'm thinking thats probably not an option after the fact.

Not sure about aftermarket sunroof, why didn't you get a SR5 with sunroof?

I didn't order a new 4R. I spent 2 months looking for a certified used in my area. My main concerns were mileage & price at the time I bought. Cert. used 4R's are like gold around here. They get snatched quickly. Of the few I checked out, none had a sunroof. I ended up driving 200 miles to buy my SR5.

Careful where you go for a sunroof. I just gone one put in my SR5 a month ago or so. The company that did it, put in the wrong one, it leaked, the formed my headliner wrong, they ruined my upper console, and stole a CD out of the stereo.

This is just why I asked. Heard lots of horror stories about aftermarket sunroofs. And I wondered how they would make it work with the curved molding and upper console. So are you finally happy with the end result? Or would you choose not to install it given the choice now?