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Greetings from Arizona!

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by NomadicFrog, May 6, 2018.

  1. May 6, 2018 at 10:11 AM
    #1
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

    Joined:
    May 5, 2018
    Member:
    #15048
    Messages:
    291
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    Flagstaff, Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tundra SR5 4x4 TRD Off-Road Access Cab
    First mod: Gaffer tape over door lock/unlock beeper
    IMG_9616.jpg

    My fiancee and I moved to Arizona from the east coast, and while I knew I loved the southwest, I wasn't really prepared for how completely addicted to the region I became. Can't spend enough time up in northern AZ and southern UT.

    More to the vehicular point, I drove a Ford Focus hatchback, which has the ground clearance of a skateboard. The fiancee is rocking a 2001 Ford Escape. Couple of things: it's a 17-year old Ford. It's the first year for the model. The only good news is that most of the major things that crap out on it already have and have been replaced, but short version, it isn't the thing to get me too far from civilization, or least not to rely on to get back alive.

    So I went shopping for a truck. Seemed like a Tundra was the way to go. I liked the idea of Tacomas, and most of my friends around here have them, but I have a lot of gear (like a portable darkroom I use for my photography work) and I want a space to live and not have to shuffle stuff around all the time.

    I was looking for a cheaper used one. My price range seemed to be early 2000s first gen, with around 200K miles. A dealer called me up and said I just had to see this one they got in, yes it was more than my budget, but omg you just have to see it. I made the mistake of going, just to prove to myself that I was right in looking at older higher-mileage Tundras. Ooops.

    Truck details: It's a pretty basic 2003 Tundra Access Cab SR5 TRD Off-Road, with the 4.7L V8, in Phantom Gray Pearl. Please correct me if I have the nomenclature wrong - seems like there are many different combinations, but at least I see those badges and stickers on the truck!

    The only thing that seems to be special about it, so far, is that it looks about the same as when it rolled off the assembly line in 2003 - the previous owner must have showered and put on clean clothes before ever getting in the truck, and I'm wondering if my trip out to Apache Junction to make those photos yesterday was the first time it was off pavement. And only 95K miles of pavement at that!

    My first purchase was a Hayne's Manual, then Jim Allen's Four-Wheeler's Bible. I have very little off road experience, and very tame at that, and I have much to learn. I think the price tags are going to get larger from here, though. Next up are Weathertech floormats and a rubber mat for the bed.

    First mod: put a piece of gaffer's tape over the damn beeping thing on the door lock system. Mutes it down quite nicely, but a pair of wirecutters may be in its future. Cost: < $0.01

    Unfortunately I stumbled on a massive Plastidip thread, and $8 for a can of gunmetal gray sounds like the cheapest way to have some fun - at a per square inch price, it may even be cheaper than the gaffer's tape! I've seen tons of ideas, but couldn't really find any pics of one thing I was considering: pding the fender flares. Maybe matte black? Maybe something else? Or maybe there is a reason there are no pics out there, which is that it's a dumb idea.

    Plans:

    As for more serious stuff, I've already started building a storage system to replace the access cab seats. If anyone's curious, I think they take up about 6.55 ft3 of cargo volume. Screw that. I'll post pics once there is something worth seeing.

    FOR SALE / TRADE! The first major change will be swapping the tonneau cover for a camper shell. I want to make a space to live in back there - it has been a day dream since before I got my driver's license. So, if anyone has a mid-rise or high-rise shell with screen windows (windoors would be ideal) and wants to sell or swap, get in touch!

    Once I have a shell then I am looking forward to building a bed platform / storage system. The idea is to have a space on one side where I can sleep, and a higher surface on the opposite side that I can use as a desk. The "foot well" down the middle could be covered to make a wider bed for, as somebody I saw put it, "romance mode" if I can get the fiancee to come along.

    Then of course I need the usual recovery gear: hi-lift, sand boards, onboard air, etc.

    I have already benefited greatly from the information and advice in this forum, and I look forward to contributing if I can.

    And in an effort to avoid as much noob hazing as possible, here are some pics to make this post not worthless! They are, of course, pretty much stock, nothing special. I'll post my projects as I get to them!
    IMG_9628.jpg

    IMG_9658.jpg

    IMG_9676.jpg
    IMG_9650.jpg

    IMG_9647.jpg
     
  2. May 6, 2018 at 10:25 AM
    #2
    HamHands

    HamHands Honey-Glazed Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2018
    Member:
    #14056
    Messages:
    475
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra DC MGM SR5 5.7 TRD 4x4
    That thing is absolutely gorgeous. I would have a hard time not babying it in the garage!
     
  3. May 6, 2018 at 10:29 AM
    #3
    porkitt

    porkitt New Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2017
    Member:
    #7948
    Messages:
    2,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ian
    Vehicle:
    Tundra Pro Cement
    DAP Tune ESP Storage RCI Skids Icon Rebound ABS Guards AVS Vent Visor FRAC Harness 50 Cal/Antenna X BFG KO2 HID Extra Light Bar White Knuckle Off Road Sliders BAK Industries Revolver X2 Oh Shit Handles Pop and Lock LED Internal and Reverse Lights LED Footwell lights Tuffy Storage Console organizers Viper Alarm and Remote Start
    Welcome from SoCal. That looks like a well maintained truck overall. Best of all, the truck is far more reliable than any other brands.
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  4. May 6, 2018 at 10:31 AM
    #4
    seniramsu

    seniramsu Pro Runnin

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2018
    Member:
    #11903
    Messages:
    1,058
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nate
    VA
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD Pro Tundra Wht
    Welcome from NC
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  5. May 6, 2018 at 10:33 AM
    #5
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

    Joined:
    May 5, 2018
    Member:
    #15048
    Messages:
    291
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    Flagstaff, Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tundra SR5 4x4 TRD Off-Road Access Cab
    First mod: Gaffer tape over door lock/unlock beeper
    Yeah, I definitely would have had fewer reservations about messing up some of the beat-up 230K mile trucks I was looking at, but I just have to remember: I bought this to get out there and so I just need to do it. After it gets a little bit of desert pinstriping I'll probably relax a little.
     
    Sunnier and HamHands[QUOTED] like this.
  6. May 6, 2018 at 10:38 AM
    #6
    HamHands

    HamHands Honey-Glazed Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2018
    Member:
    #14056
    Messages:
    475
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra DC MGM SR5 5.7 TRD 4x4
    Well said. Use it for what it was meant for. You can make some good memories with that truck.
     
  7. May 6, 2018 at 10:39 AM
    #7
    Ely010606

    Ely010606 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2017
    Member:
    #9286
    Messages:
    4,031
    Gender:
    Male
    SPARKS, NV
    Vehicle:
    2017 QS SR5 CM TRD 4x4
    Welcome from Nevada, wow that looks great, my first Tundra was a 2002, and it sure didnt look like that. Awesome buy.
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  8. May 6, 2018 at 12:28 PM
    #8
    Darth Tundra

    Darth Tundra I AM....YOUR FATHER

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2017
    Member:
    #6994
    Messages:
    11,950
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Curt
    Vehicle:
    17 CM TRD Black
    Revtek 2.5 level kit, 295/70/18 on stock rims..no rear mods
    One word.........SCORE !!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup:....Welcome to the forum !!
     
  9. May 6, 2018 at 12:42 PM
    #9
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14878
    Messages:
    15,007
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fred
    ‘Somewhere’... a State of Mind
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra SR5 4WD 4.7L AC Silver Metallica
    Hand Protectors
    She is spic and span clean. You scored. Welcome and enjoy your outings!
     
    Sunnier and NomadicFrog[OP] like this.
  10. May 6, 2018 at 1:47 PM
    #10
    Larmand

    Larmand SSEM #6

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2017
    Member:
    #11835
    Messages:
    4,160
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lucas
    Fort Worth, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 SLIGHTLY MODIFIED SR5 TRD CM 4x4-CEMENT
    Welcome to the party!! CONGRATS!!!
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  11. May 6, 2018 at 1:49 PM
    #11
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

    Joined:
    May 30, 2016
    Member:
    #3487
    Messages:
    50,312
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    The 956, TEXAS
    None yet
    Welcome from Texas
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  12. May 6, 2018 at 1:51 PM
    #12
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2014
    Member:
    #6
    Messages:
    155,878
    Gender:
    Male
    Welcome from CO!
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  13. May 6, 2018 at 2:31 PM
    #13
    drhntr

    drhntr New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2017
    Member:
    #7193
    Messages:
    985
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Derrick
    New Hampshire
    Vehicle:
    2017 Cement Pro DC
    GoRhino 2.0 MX4 295/70/18 TOYO AT3 TRD CAI Window Tint
    Welcome from NH
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  14. May 6, 2018 at 2:33 PM
    #14
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2015
    Member:
    #2160
    Messages:
    25,307
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jose
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Crew Max TRD
    TRD Pro Grille, ESP Storage, Tailgate Inserts, Line-X Bedliner, Weathertech Floorliners, Wet Okole Seat Covers, 5" Shorty Antenna, Mickey Thompson MM-366 Wheels, ToyTec Boss, 35" BFG KO2 to name a few.
    Nice find. Welcome from Colorado.
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  15. May 6, 2018 at 6:30 PM
    #15
    Bappa

    Bappa Off the grid

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2018
    Member:
    #13393
    Messages:
    310
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bo
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra CrewMax
    Coil overs (3”) and 295 tires, ESP storage, grab bar; RCI skids; tinted windows; rear air bags
    Welcome from Mesa, AZ
    Nice truck!
     
  16. May 6, 2018 at 6:31 PM
    #16
    Grumpy Uncle

    Grumpy Uncle Pushing string down the hall SSEM #10

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2017
    Member:
    #8801
    Messages:
    12,888
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Pat
    CO
    Vehicle:
    2016 Black CM Tundra TRD Off Road
    4:88s and Auburn LSD, dealership faux Pro, 35" BFGs on XD wheels, OME Lift with Dakars
    Welcome from CO.
     
  17. May 6, 2018 at 6:46 PM
    #17
    nk1794

    nk1794 Always torque to spec

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2018
    Member:
    #12420
    Messages:
    3,755
    Gender:
    Male
    San Jose, CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 1794
    SnugTop, TRD Catback, DECKed Storage, TRD Sway Bar, ESP Under Seat Storage, Blackvue DR750S-2CH Dashcam
    Welcome from CA
     
  18. May 6, 2018 at 7:07 PM
    #18
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    Welcome from Tucson! Man, that's a super nice 1st Gen. :thumbsup:
     
    Sunnier and NomadicFrog[OP] like this.
  19. May 6, 2018 at 7:11 PM
    #19
    Bprose

    Bprose Old member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2017
    Member:
    #5955
    Messages:
    1,311
    Gender:
    Male
    VA
    Vehicle:
    17 Tundra CM TRD
    Wow, very clean. Welcome
     
  20. May 6, 2018 at 7:18 PM
    #20
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog [OP] Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

    Joined:
    May 5, 2018
    Member:
    #15048
    Messages:
    291
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    Flagstaff, Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tundra SR5 4x4 TRD Off-Road Access Cab
    First mod: Gaffer tape over door lock/unlock beeper
    Howdy neighbor! I live in the little corner of Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, and bought the truck at Earnhardt there in Mesa.
     
  21. May 6, 2018 at 7:21 PM
    #21
    SuperECR33

    SuperECR33 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2018
    Member:
    #14807
    Messages:
    15
    Vehicle:
    2018 Blazing Blue TRD Sport
    - TRD Dual exhaust with black chrome tips - TRD Badging - Black out emblems - Toyota Tri-Fold tonneau cover - Power Tailgate lock - Center Console Vault - Toyota Black housing Fog lights - Toyota bed lamps
    Welcome from Texas!

    Great looking Tundra. No doubt youre gonna love those adventures.
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  22. May 6, 2018 at 8:58 PM
    #22
    Sunnier

    Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2017
    Member:
    #9171
    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Wow, what a great score! Welcome from SoCal!!
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  23. May 6, 2018 at 9:03 PM
    #23
    Tracker

    Tracker New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2016
    Member:
    #2424
    Messages:
    1,658
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Shane
    Colorado, Denver Burbs
    Vehicle:
    2016 Silver Tundra SR5 Lifted
    Pro Comp Lift, towing mirrors, Fuel rims, Toyo A/T, Nav, Viper remote start
    Welcome from Colorado
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  24. May 6, 2018 at 9:05 PM
    #24
    Nickhood23

    Nickhood23 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2018
    Member:
    #14662
    Messages:
    515
    Gender:
    Male
    Murfreesboro, TN
    Vehicle:
    2012 SR5 CM SUPER WHITE
    Welcome from Nashville Tennessee
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  25. May 6, 2018 at 9:09 PM
    #25
    az chip

    az chip New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2018
    Member:
    #14658
    Messages:
    89
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Craig
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tundra TRD
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  26. May 6, 2018 at 9:19 PM
    #26
    Y0TA PR0

    Y0TA PR0 Dirt biking & fishing

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2519
    Messages:
    22,331
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rafael
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD PRO
    WELCOME!
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  27. May 6, 2018 at 9:37 PM
    #27
    Bappa

    Bappa Off the grid

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2018
    Member:
    #13393
    Messages:
    310
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bo
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra CrewMax
    Coil overs (3”) and 295 tires, ESP storage, grab bar; RCI skids; tinted windows; rear air bags
    I’m on Dobson, when I’m in the valley. We built a cabin outside of Seligman where we spend most of our time.
    I bought mine at Earnhardt in Mesa too (Superstition Springs)
     
  28. May 6, 2018 at 10:03 PM
    #28
    zcarpenter92

    zcarpenter92 Yotas and Yellow Jackets

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2015
    Member:
    #973
    Messages:
    5,255
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zach
    NE Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2008 Desert Sand 5.7L DC
    In sig
    Welcome from eastern CO!
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  29. May 6, 2018 at 10:35 PM
    #29
    4x4_Angel

    4x4_Angel Perfectly Imperfect Tomboy....TTC #132

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2017
    Member:
    #8830
    Messages:
    24,213
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Bree
    Funky Town, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 CM Silver Sky
    ToyTec BOSS Lift, FRAC, 18" Fuel Pump wheels, Nitto Ridge Grapplers
    Nice ride!!! Welcome from Texas!
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.
  30. May 7, 2018 at 2:46 AM
    #30
    Prostar 190

    Prostar 190 SSEM #9 I would rather be water skiing

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2017
    Member:
    #9912
    Messages:
    69,374
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    OH
    Vehicle:
    2010 CrewMax limited 4X4
    6" lift 35" Toyo M/T
    Welcome from Ohio!
     
    NomadicFrog[OP] likes this.

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