New Member from CA- Before/After Pics from Detail + More Photos

[Hepar]

hepar, just go to toyota and get some touch up paint, its like $6-8 and will make your rig look like new(sorta). but no seriously it will look 10x better, mine is sunfire red and wow i woulda paid $20 for that stuff it looks so good. from 3-5' away you will never notice anyone did touch up to it, its only when you get up close to it and inspect the paint that you see the spots, and if you do get it cut n buffed after that it will look even better!

Yep, did that. Just waiting for a stretch of good weather to do some touch ups. It all really happened on these dirt roads down in Bishop. Plan on being back on roads like that, so figured I might put a deflector on for some preventative protection.

Yeah I saw his sweet build. I check the build thread almost daily hoping for some new inspiration.

Things preventing me from modding:
1. I don't see myself offroading often, but I like the idea. Most of my mountain bike rides cross over fire roads and I know there are trails for 4x4.
2. Decrease in MPG
3. $$$ spent
4. Once I mod, I have a feeling I wont stop (happened to me with my MR2 and s2k)
5. I am a State Farm Agent, not sure the image I would portray visiting my clients in a murdered out lifted black 4runner. smh.
6. I do not have enough knowledge to complete to work my car. I would have to pay $$$ for most mods and labor.

1. I don't offroad much myself. I like to have fun on trails, but I mainly use it to get to the places where I play.
2. Meh, it's already an SUV.
3. Think of all the other stuff we waste money on! Booze, coffee, etc etc. At least this has some rewards.
4. Ok, can't help you there. That one is true.
5. I think as long as you keep your mods clean and tasteful, you'll be ok.
6. There are plenty of us on here to walk you through most things. And I also bet there are people in your area who would totally lend a hand over a weekend for payment in beers and pizza.

Any more reasons? :naughty:

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

6. There are plenty of us on here to walk you through most things. And I also bet there are people in your area who would totally lend a hand over a weekend for payment in beers and pizza.

BTW, if the mod bug bites you (it will ), I would not mind helping you with mods like lifts, etc. There are other members here who do such help in the area. In the last month alone, I've installed clear corners, a K&N Intake, OEM Fog lights, done an oil change (5VZ guys have it bad! lol), installed 2 lifts, replaced an IAC Valve, cleaned 2 MAF's, fixed christmas tree lights (VSC, TRAC OFF, and CEL), all on other peoples 4Runners, not mine. I enjoy it.

For mine alone... well geez... I just installed my own lift, replaced the steering rack, did the steering rack bushings, an oil change, changed my emblems, painted my front emblem, and I'm about to install some KM2's using a tire mounting machine at work. Spacers, too, if those count

Also, within the last month, I've installed 2 aftermarket radios w/ ipod, one in a 1999 Civic (PITA), one in a 2000 Corolla. Also did an oil change, trans fluid change, and soon to be a cam gear replacement on that same Corolla.

And if there's still something you need done that I can't help you with, there's still members like driffter33 who know how to do everything in the world, plus weld, etc. Still, if all else fails (which is unlikely at this point), I can refer you to the absolute best Toyota mechanic in the area, located right here in good ol' Mission Viejo.

 

[JadatheRottweiler]

Hepar- good points all around. You are right its already SUV, gas should not be factor. We will see if I cave in.

James- let me know when you guys meet up next would love to pick your brain.

If I were to do any mods, thats if, I would probably get some type of lift and wheels/tires.

I have read a few threads on ways to get a lift, the prices, and the costs. Given my situation, what is the ideal way to get my car lifted? and the cost?

What are you guys' advice?