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My 96 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 (Before and After Pics)

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  • My 96 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 (Before and After Pics)

    So I recently purchased a 96 Toyota Tacoma. Felt like I got a great deal on it, came with built 2.7L motor, forged pistons, intake, exhaust, mild headwork, heavy duty clutch, clean interior and exterior that badly needed attention. In addition, oem fans were removed in favor of electric fans to help with fuel economy and power. Truck also has new KYB rear shocks and a helper spring. Soon, I'll be replacing the OEM springs with a set of slightly stiffer stock height springs...to up the towing capacity a bit.


    Currently it gets 22-24mpg as it sits.


    Paint needed attention as it had been neglected for quite some time. In addition, I decided to get rid of the FJ wheels in favor of the stock alloys.


    Process for the paint was a bit time consuming and is the culmination of several stages of polishing. After the polishing, I've added several coats of sealant and wax. In many ways, the truck has served as a test mule for new sealants and waxes that I've acquired as part of a new detailing business I've started.

    I apologize for not having more pictures...but I didn't think to document the changes at the time...as it was my own vehicle and not a customers.


    When I first got it.





    And how it sits today.








  • #2
    Re: My 96 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 (Before and After Pics)

    Yeah funny, not the same truck. No seriously what did you with that first truck?

    Well if you insist it's the same truck, amazing job!!!

    "fishing for swirls in a sea of black"
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    David

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    • #3
      Re: My 96 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 (Before and After Pics)

      How did you shine up the chrome Tacoma emblem?

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      • #4
        That's an amazing job! Good stuff!!

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        • #5
          Re: My 96 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 (Before and After Pics)

          Originally posted by wifpd4 View Post
          Yeah funny, not the same truck. No seriously what did you with that first truck?

          Well if you insist it's the same truck, amazing job!!!
          It's the same truck, I promise!

          Haha.

          I should post a few more details about the truck...and its paint condition when I purchased it.

          Previous owner was (and still is) in the military and didn't have time to maintain it. When he was home several years ago he built/installed the motor and then left again for afghanistan.

          Over the years the truck sat outside and NEVER received any type of attention...besides motor and interior work. Its also worth noting that the truck has been repainted by someone who did a fair job using average materials. If the clear coat were not maintained in the future...I'm guessing it was haze again pretty quickly in the florida sun.

          As far as the emblems, everything has basically been hit with m105 and m205...along with a host of other polishes that I'd rather not mention from detail king...since I think their products aren't that great besides a polish that I use on fleet vehicles. (can get the name later...if you'd like)

          I am inline to get another Toyota Truck that is nearly identical to this one in condition with OEM Toyota Paint.

          When that happens I'll do a more complete review on how I restore the paint to better condition.

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          • #6
            Re: My 96 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 (Before and After Pics)

            Assuming the previous owner sorted the drivetrain properly your truck should last you as long as you want to keep driving it. Very nice turnaround on the paint, thanks for sharing!

            Tacos are one of my favorite vehicles, and this is coming from someone who isn't a fan of trucks in general. I have been looking at buying a new regular cab Taco for the past few years...these trucks hold their value so well that finding one used for cheap is near impossible. As if Toyota sensed my indecision they began offering one of my favorite colors on the 2012 model, Spruce Mica (metallic green). I am running out of excuses!
            Last edited by Shawn Devlin; Oct 15, 2011, 05:08 AM. Reason: removed duplicate words

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            • #7
              Re: My 96 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 (Before and After Pics)

              Nice work

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              • #8
                Re: My 96 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 (Before and After Pics)

                Wow. Extreme makeover no doubt. I bet it's a blast to drive.
                -James
                2012 Chevy Silverado ECSB. Z71 4x4. 5.3


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                • #9
                  Re: My 96 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 (Before and After Pics)

                  I hope to see your next correction/restoration write up. That truck looks awesome

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