What have you done to your 1st gen Tundra today?

I will only run Toyota Coolant. First off it’s bright and easy to spot and track down a leak if it’s leaking... also Previous owner ran non-Toyota coolant (not sure which brand) and when I did the timing belt for the first time it didn’t look good. I did a flush and have only ran Toyota coolant since. I just did the timing belt for the 2nd time a few months ago and things looked way better. Everything is engineered together!

 

My understanding is that Toyota says we have to use their coolant, something in the recipe that makes it unique. Toyota Red for our trucks where the newer ones use the Pink. The price point makes that really tempting though.

Some folks say the Aisin brand is the same thing as Toyota's. Others disagree.

 

Yeah. I'm due for a flush even though the current coolant still looks good. I'm just hesitant to due it right now as I think a radiator replacement is wise. I'd rather not pay for coolant twice.

Anyways, is 2 gallons enough for a flush?

 

Not sure but I use Toyota coolant only. Mine is pink. I think the formula is made for aluminum heads and iron block, probably helps prevent electralysis buildup.

 

This looks awesome! Where did you get that roof wrap?

 

Man, that looks fun!

Bummer about that tire tho- Is that an STT Pro? What tore it, do you know?

* That wrap is awesome.

 

It was a blast! I had it custom cut at a local Vinyl shop in Phoenix. It’s 3M Vinyl

 

It was a blast! Great weather. Actually was very warm which was nice!

No, it’s not a STT Pro. It’s their Discoverer ATP. My next tires will be STT Pros or their ST MAXXs!! I sliced the sidewall. Not very tough on the ATPs. Im sure it wouldn’t have happened on the STT Pros / ST MAXX!

But no worries, I have discount tires warranty. Should replace for free

Are you still going long travel!?? Bruce helping you?

 

Yep, LOOOOOOOOONG travel! Bruce spec'd everything, I ordered, just waiting (and waiting!) for parts. I'm hoping stuff will start arriving this week. He said once he sees parts and trusts I've actually spent money (ha!), he'll start taking apart the truck. I'm very excited!!!

And I'm planning on STT Pro, so if you'd had a bad experience, I'd want to know. Glad those weren't what you were running.

Thanks for sharing the pics. Sucking up all the inspiration I can get. I'm feeling very grounded, waiting to get this build going (and done!), and I want to Fly!!

 

Niiiice! Can’t wait to see it.

Yeah the STT Pros are beasts of tired. One guy in our group this past trip to the ozarks has them and they did extremely well

 

Hood screen arrived. Feels solidly built. Glad to pay some else in this case to do the fab work (around $190 made in USA!). I’ll be doing the install soon, hopefully.

 

Awesome. I was just thinking about a buying a mesh grille.

 

Here is a link to the installation instructions. I went through the big A online site to purchase for around $20 less at the time plus free ship. They have silver and black. Also, billet style for much less.

https://www.grillcraft.com/installs/install_detail.aspx

 

They say they dont fit a 2003 which I have

 

Looks like only billet style for you then.

 

From Grillecraft, yes. But there are a few others out there that make 'em.

 

I updated my interior lighting with led bulbs. In the process I removed the metal spot plates behind the map lights to get full on brightness the light is blueish, but my phone wouldn't capture that. Next updates on interior illumination is the footwells!

 

Yesterday modified my map lights by removing the beam focuser and replaced all my lights minus the radio with LEDs definitely worth the price! Looks So good!

 

Gif
Nice!

 

Well, I know what my next project will be. What do you need to do as far as prep goes? Just wash it clean? Here's what mine looks like.

 

The prep consists of masking off the area you want to cover and then sand down the paint.

 

Gotcha. Just removing loose paint and rust or did you take all the paint off?

 

Does it count if I debated putting the SR5 flares back on, and thought about washing it for about 3 minutes.

 

Perfect day to throw on some wax

 

Kinda cool seeing a.white tundra with the chrome pieces on the grill. Mines all white.

 

If it's well maintained, I think a first gen amount of chrome looks good on white.

 

What's the best route to go on this? I assume the turkey baster method I used for the power steering will work for the brake fluid? Is there a preferred brake fluid to use?

thanks

 

Baster works pretty good to refresh the fluids. DOT 3 is whats recommended in our trucks.

You can fully bleed your system at the wheels if you want, but its a PITA. I’d pay a shop to do it to save aggravation.

 

I'm all for saving money. The fluid isn't in bad shape but could use a refresher. I'll probably start with the baster first and see how that goes.

 

Its just like the steering fluid concept. Do it a few times over the course of week on an annual basis. DOT3 is cheap. Just make sure its a fresh bottle every year you do it.