ZachAttack's Build Thread - 2004 Sport Edition
- Thread starter ZachAttack
- Start date
ZachAttack
New member
Yeah, it was weird. It was definitely heat, though. Never any issues in the morning, always failed in the afternoon, except on the weekends when the car stayed in the garage.
Anyway, I'm in the market for a different model, but might just spend the money on some new shoes.
Anyway, I'm in the market for a different model, but might just spend the money on some new shoes.
ZachAttack
New member
Out Camping last weekend.
Man, I need some new tires.
Man, I need some new tires.
Last edited:
ZachAttack
New member
Painted the front calipers RED
I've had whatever red caliper paint Autozone has for a few months now.
I finally got around to jacking the front end up and getting the tires off.
Here's after pulling my masking back off.
After getting the wheel installed.
Big picture.
I like it, and definitely don't think it's too poser-ish. Need to do the rear wheels now.
I've had whatever red caliper paint Autozone has for a few months now.
I finally got around to jacking the front end up and getting the tires off.
Here's after pulling my masking back off.
After getting the wheel installed.
Big picture.
I like it, and definitely don't think it's too poser-ish. Need to do the rear wheels now.
Last edited:
ZachAttack
New member
Finally ordered some nerf bars. I spent a lot of time in the classifieds trying to see if I wanted the OEM charcoal ones from the later sport models, but I decided that for most people asking ~$100, what's another $60 for brand-spanking new ones.
Steelcraft 3" Round Step Nerf Bars, SKU#3622695, Part #233240
2004 Toyota 4Runner, Color, Black, $159.95, Free Fedex Delivery.
Ships between 02/02/2012 - 02/07/2012
2004 Toyota 4Runner Steelcraft Step Bars - 375+ Reviews on Steelcraft 3" Round Nerf Side Step Bars
I'll update when they get here and I get them installed.
Steelcraft 3" Round Step Nerf Bars, SKU#3622695, Part #233240
2004 Toyota 4Runner, Color, Black, $159.95, Free Fedex Delivery.
Ships between 02/02/2012 - 02/07/2012
2004 Toyota 4Runner Steelcraft Step Bars - 375+ Reviews on Steelcraft 3" Round Nerf Side Step Bars
I'll update when they get here and I get them installed.
ZachAttack
New member
Made it to Autozone today to pick up a Meguiar's Clay Bar Kit, Meguiar's Ultimate Compound, and the Turtle Wax headlight restoration kit. (The fiancee bought me a Mikita 7" polisher/sander for b-day/xmas).
I'll post pictures when I get to each project.
I'll post pictures when I get to each project.
B
BReardon21
Guest
You need a capacitor for the amp for your subs. This will store the power you need without over working your alternator. If not, you will be replacing alternators faster than normal.
Actually, Meguiar's has those products along with a couple microfibers and hand pads in one box.
Lucky... I just did both sides of my truck by hand yesterday. I really wish I had a DA or polisher. Still have the roof, hood, and tailgate to do.
ZachAttack
New member
:frisky:
Hmm. I dont have a sub. Also, I sold the head unit, so I'm back to stock. I'll keep it in mind for the future, though.
Hmm. I dont have a sub. Also, I sold the head unit, so I'm back to stock. I'll keep it in mind for the future, though.
ZachAttack
New member
Yeah, I already have the pads, microfiber, and some swirlx. After extensive Internet research, I figured out the the ultimate compound is really what I need. Polisher arrives Wednesday, so this weekend should be fun.
Also, having watched some YouTube videos on wad light restoration, the turtle wax one sounded like it it me the best. I'll let everyone know how it turns out.
ZachAttack
New member
Headlight Restoration Part I
Alright, fair warning. I did this headlight restoration in the garage tonight, and it really only got me 75% of where I wanted them to be (indistinguishable from new lenses), but it was well worth the $8. (It's a 5 step process. 4 sanding grits, then a "clarity compound" or something.)
Okay, first up is the original left lens. You can see a ton of oxidation on it.
After the first grit of sanding...
After the second grit of sanding...
This is after the 3rd and 4th grits, plus some rubbing of the compound. (Drying, not buffed out yet.)
Here's the first time I buffed the final compound. Not perfect, but definitely clearer than before.
A closeup (compare this to the first picture. Pretty good, right?)
Here's where I hesitate. You can clearly see the diagonal and up and down scratches I made with the grits. That means I didn't spend enough time with each successive grit.
After another round of the final compound, it's looking a little better. Keep in mind that this is just by hand. The directions even say that you'll get better results with a D/A or polisher.
On the left side, here's a before shot.
And an after shot. It's 100 times better, but not perfect. I'll probably try the whole system again, but this time with a polisher, then see where they are. Maybe it's worth it just to replace the lenses. (anyone know the costs?)
Finally, I snapped a picture in the dark. Yuk. Better, but not by much.
Yikes.
Again, I definitely got $8 worth from it, and I'll probably have more success the second time around, but I was expecting perfection.
Anyway, I'm still happy, and my lenses at least aren't horrific anymore.
Alright, fair warning. I did this headlight restoration in the garage tonight, and it really only got me 75% of where I wanted them to be (indistinguishable from new lenses), but it was well worth the $8. (It's a 5 step process. 4 sanding grits, then a "clarity compound" or something.)
Okay, first up is the original left lens. You can see a ton of oxidation on it.
After the first grit of sanding...
After the second grit of sanding...
This is after the 3rd and 4th grits, plus some rubbing of the compound. (Drying, not buffed out yet.)
Here's the first time I buffed the final compound. Not perfect, but definitely clearer than before.
A closeup (compare this to the first picture. Pretty good, right?)
Here's where I hesitate. You can clearly see the diagonal and up and down scratches I made with the grits. That means I didn't spend enough time with each successive grit.
After another round of the final compound, it's looking a little better. Keep in mind that this is just by hand. The directions even say that you'll get better results with a D/A or polisher.
On the left side, here's a before shot.
And an after shot. It's 100 times better, but not perfect. I'll probably try the whole system again, but this time with a polisher, then see where they are. Maybe it's worth it just to replace the lenses. (anyone know the costs?)
Finally, I snapped a picture in the dark. Yuk. Better, but not by much.
Yikes.
Again, I definitely got $8 worth from it, and I'll probably have more success the second time around, but I was expecting perfection.
Anyway, I'm still happy, and my lenses at least aren't horrific anymore.
Last edited:
ZachAttack
New member
Fiamm El Grande Horns
I finally got around to installing the horns I got from Amazon.
They are the Fiamm El Grande...
They come with a relay, but it's a 10 amp relay, and the horn circuit on the 4Runner is already 10 amps. Time to plug them in!
In terms of decibels and sound, I think they are slightly louder. The frequencies are 500 Hz and 400 Hz. I don't remember what the stock ones were, but I'm going to call these a slight improvement (not dramatic, but they're red, so I'm going to put it in the win column.)
(I wish I could have mounted them with the red grills facing forward.)
I finally got around to installing the horns I got from Amazon.
They are the Fiamm El Grande...
They come with a relay, but it's a 10 amp relay, and the horn circuit on the 4Runner is already 10 amps. Time to plug them in!
In terms of decibels and sound, I think they are slightly louder. The frequencies are 500 Hz and 400 Hz. I don't remember what the stock ones were, but I'm going to call these a slight improvement (not dramatic, but they're red, so I'm going to put it in the win column.)
(I wish I could have mounted them with the red grills facing forward.)
Last edited:
ZachAttack
New member
Removal of the Stock Running Boards.
Well, since I put an order in for the Steelcraft 3" Round Step Nerf Bars, I decided to go ahead and remove my stock running boards to see how I like it with no running boards for a few days.
Besides the impending amusement of my finacee trying to climb in the Runner, I think I like it.
Here's stock.
Here's the left one removed...
...and here's the right one removed...
and outside.
I was thinking of putting these in the classified section, to see if they would sell. What are they worth?
Well, since I put an order in for the Steelcraft 3" Round Step Nerf Bars, I decided to go ahead and remove my stock running boards to see how I like it with no running boards for a few days.
Besides the impending amusement of my finacee trying to climb in the Runner, I think I like it.
Here's stock.
Here's the left one removed...
...and here's the right one removed...
and outside.
I was thinking of putting these in the classified section, to see if they would sell. What are they worth?
Last edited:
Ledvette77
New member
Looks great
Looks great man, just went through you're entire thread and you've done a lot of the things I'm planning on doing. Got me much more excited about mine. I'm about to have quite a bit to invest in it from parting out my old truck. Will start a build thread for mine soon since I've already done 1 mod, map lights on with domes.
Great info though!! Very helpful to a ton of people I'm sure, and specific. I'm definitely bookmarking it! THANKS!! :cheers:
Looks great man, just went through you're entire thread and you've done a lot of the things I'm planning on doing. Got me much more excited about mine. I'm about to have quite a bit to invest in it from parting out my old truck. Will start a build thread for mine soon since I've already done 1 mod, map lights on with domes.
Great info though!! Very helpful to a ton of people I'm sure, and specific. I'm definitely bookmarking it! THANKS!! :cheers:
ZachAttack
New member
Just a note for the future. I'm thinking about getting the FJ Cruiser lighted switch for future fog lights.
Here's the harness pinouts:
P1: Illumination Power for Switch Light ON (+12V) - (Red w/Blue on Harness)
P2: Ground for Illumination (Black)
P3: +12V Power (Green w/ Purple)
P4: Out to Relay (Red w/ Green)
P5: Backlight Ground (Brown)
P6: BackLight Power (Purple)
Just pushed the "purchase" button on ebay. Total $75.80. Should be part numbers PT297-35070-AS, AUXILLARY SWITCH FJ and PT297-35070-SH, SWITCH WIRE HARNESS. Now I need a bull bar and some lights.
Here's the harness pinouts:
P1: Illumination Power for Switch Light ON (+12V) - (Red w/Blue on Harness)
P2: Ground for Illumination (Black)
P3: +12V Power (Green w/ Purple)
P4: Out to Relay (Red w/ Green)
P5: Backlight Ground (Brown)
P6: BackLight Power (Purple)
Just pushed the "purchase" button on ebay. Total $75.80. Should be part numbers PT297-35070-AS, AUXILLARY SWITCH FJ and PT297-35070-SH, SWITCH WIRE HARNESS. Now I need a bull bar and some lights.
Last edited:
ZachAttack
New member
Steelcraft Nerf Bars
My Steelcraft Nerf Bars arrived yesterday. I had them bolted on the Runner in less than an hour.
I still need to actually grab a picture after I took off the plastic. I'll try to snag one today.
(Today is my first time claying the car. We'll see how that goes.)
My Steelcraft Nerf Bars arrived yesterday. I had them bolted on the Runner in less than an hour.
I still need to actually grab a picture after I took off the plastic. I'll try to snag one today.
(Today is my first time claying the car. We'll see how that goes.)
Last edited:
ZachAttack
New member
LED Tail lights.
I'm adding the LED tail lights to my to-do list.
Part # 81551-35320, From 06-09 4Runner are supposed to be direct plug-n-play for the 2004. Right now, I can find them as cheap as $175.
I'm adding the LED tail lights to my to-do list.
Part # 81551-35320, From 06-09 4Runner are supposed to be direct plug-n-play for the 2004. Right now, I can find them as cheap as $175.
krupnation
New member
One of the best looking mods in my opinion. It was the first thing I did to my truck when I bought it. I went OEM and they weren't cheap (I think I paid like $335 from partznet.com for a pair) but they look awesome. I hated the "pinkish" look of the '03-'05 tails.
When can we see a pic of your nerf bars without the plastic? :banana:
