2021 DaddyYota Platinum Build Thread

Hey guys, really appreciate the support of this community. Felt like a build-thread would be a better way to chronicle my mods/experience with the truck than spamming the "what did you do..." thread.

Purchased a 2021 Platinum 4x4 used with just under 7k miles for TOO MUCH from CarMax in Jan, 2022. I traded in a 2020 4Runner TRD ORP with ~30k miles for more than I bought it for new so that made the higher Tundra price a little more digestible . Had modded the 4Runner pretty heavily before selling, so def caught the bug and wanted to build this truck as well!

Calling it DaddyYota (I have 3 kids under 3!!! )

Here is the size comparison and how the truck looked on purchase.

Definitely like the color-matched front/rear ends and convenience features of the Platinum, but still too much chrome!

Everything seemed to be in decent condition except for some damage to the center console panels from a previous adhesive phone mount. Oh well!

Have big plans for the truck, so will continue to update this thread!

 

Welcome sir.

 

Will Keep This Post with Current Set-up

• Suspension & Wheels
  • FRONT: Toytec 2.5 Series Front Aluma Coilovers
  • REAR: Toytec 2.0 aluma series IFP socks, custom Alcan leaf springs with 3" Coachbuilder shackles
  • Wheels: Power coated OEM TRD Off-Road Wheels
  • Tires: 295/70/18 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT
  • Misc: Front/Rear TRD sway bars, Coachbuilder carrier bearing drop kit, front differential drop, DuroBumps front/rear
• Armor & Exterior
  • Adhesive side window deflectors (removed)
  • Rear/Side Glass Tint to NC Legal limits
  • OEM Black Running Boards
  • Full LED conversion from Headlight Revolution and VLEDs
  • VLEDs LED puddle light upgrade
    
  • OEM black overlays + tailgate stamp insert
  • smoked wrap of 3rd brake light
  • Spyder xTune Smoked OEM-style tail lights
  • OEM Matte Black Smart Handle swap
  • Boost Auto Tow Mirrors with all OEM features + amber DRLs and sequential turn signal
  • Anytime Backup/Front Camera
  • TRD Skid Plate
  • ADD Automotive CAT Protection Plate
  • 1-step paint correction with Adams Graphene Pro Ceramic Coating
  • Red silicone tow hook covers
  • Diode Dynamics Elite Fog Lights
  • Diode Dynamics 30" combo bar with amber corners, custom hidden brackets
  • Color-matched bumper plugs for front license plate holes
  • Smoke/Tinted Front Headlights w/PPF
• Interior + Sound
  • Stock JBL System with 2020+ HU
  • GATOR floor mats front and rear
  • VLEDs Footwell Light kit
  • Dome and Map Light upgrades from CorsoMotion
  • Driver's Side Grab Handle
  • Carlinkit 3.0 Wireless Apple Carplay
  • OEM center console wireless charger
  • DIY center console wireless charger in Vehicle OCD storage tray/divider
  • ProClip magnetic phone mount
  • Vantrue N4 3 channel dash cam with hardwired parking mode
  • ESP rear underseat storage
  • Accessorides Rear window switch relocation
  • OEM Black TRD Shift Knob
  • OEM Tundra Bed Mat
  • OEM Power Tailgate lock kit
  • Rough Country Speedometer Calibration kit
  • Carhartt Rear Seat Protectors

 

Started pretty basic...

First up was some GATOR floor mats. Apparently these are made by Husky but are a cheaper option. Seem to have decent coverage once they settle from being all folded in the packaging.

Then I converted all the exterior and interior bulbs to LEDs. Went mainly with the pre-selected options from Headlight Revolution including front/rear turn signals. Ended up having to install a resistor to prevent hyperflash in the passenger front turn signal only but no issues after that. I included a potato-quality picture of the difference in intensity between LED and halogen on the front turn signals.

Used these mainly: https://youtu.be/vA4wGOUdlC8

Must have been too cold when removing the stock tail lights to access the bulbs because I broke a few clips. I've heard that the first time removing the tail lights can be tough. The tails still go back in, but have a little too much mobility for me. Might have to repair or replace in the future.

Installed side-marker LEDs, puddle light upgrade, and footwell light kit all from VLEDs.

Dome and map light upgrades from CorsoMotion, which seem pretty similar to the ones everyone runs from Meso but without the red light feature. Definitely bright, maybe too bright...

All were pretty simple and easy enough to do with the only casualty being some brittle tail light clips. Just brings this dinosaur of a truck into a slightly more modern/comfortable era

 

Next up was a trip to the tint shop for side/rear glass. They were kind enough to rip off those nasty rain guards/window vents from the previous owner. I also had these guys wrap my 3rd brake light, tails, and chrome handles. Honestly, don't think they did a great job with the tail light wrap as pretty significant bubbles and voids are there. Seems like a tough job based on the shape of the lights. Will likely have to figure out something different here.

I also stuck on the OEM emblem overlays/tailgate stamp. Pretty interesting the Platinums don't have the "TUNDRA" emblem on sides like the other trims. Unfortunately, they don't make anything for the big chrome "Platinum" badge.

 

Quality of life improvements continue with the commonly done driver’s side grab handle install. Shout out to Sparks Parts for a great kit and easy install.

 

After struggling to find a good place to keep my phone plugged in, I was very interested in adding wireless Apple CarPlay. I ended up getting the

Carlinkit 2023 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Dongle Adapter U2W (Type C Design) for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars, Wireless CarPlay Adapter for iOS Version, Fit for Car from 2024

CarLinkit 3.0 and have had minimal issues. Very polarizing set of reviews on the earlier systems, but it seems like they are starting to work the kinks out of it. I have been pretty amazed with the fast boot up/connection. It’s definitely not perfect though: There is slight response lag when using the infotainment touch screen, and I have noticed that the system tends to crash/reconnect if the phone is plugged into a charger which is not ideal. Followed the advice of some other members and hid the module in the center console. Still, just super convenient to not have to plug in my phone. The system usually connects by the time I put my seatbelt on and back out of the driveway.

 

Without the need to be wired in for carplay, I experimented with several different wireless charging/phone mounting options. Eventually, I settled on the ProClip system. My phone has a pretty strong magnet on its Rokform case which works well with the Proclip.

 

Shout out to Sparks Parts again for the OEM center console wireless charger. Easy install and looks great, but really does not charge the phone at all. This seems to be a pretty wide-spread issue with newer phones. I think the iPhone 11 models and later have a larger camera “bump” that prevents intimate contact between the phone and the wireless charging coil. The charger is constantly cycling between charging and not charging due to this and seemz to just prevent loss of battery rather than any gain. Looks nice though and I don’t feel like uninstalling. Hopefully future iPhones will work better.

 

Also, went for a homemade wireless charging set-up in the Vehicle OCD center

$40 Vehicle OCD - Center Console Divider and Tray Organizer for Toyota Tundra (2014-2021) - Made in USA

console tray/organizer. This uses an Apple MagSafe charger and is more reliable, but still pretty slow.

 

Took my

$260 Vantrue N4 3 Channel Dash Cam, 4K+1080P Front and Rear, 1440P+1440P Front and Inside, 1440P+1440P+1080P Three Way Triple Car Camera, IR Night Vision, 24 Hours Parking Mode, Support 256GB Max

Vantrue N4 3 channel dash cam from the 4Runner and hardwired it up for parking mode. As with most Toyota trucks/SUVs with the sliding rear window, you have to get creative with the rear cam mount. Luckily, the Dashcam Store now has a great bracket that allows for a pretty stable mount. The dash cam does not have the greatest UI but is reliable and the hardwire kit with auto cut-off has not yet caused my battery to die after several months of use. Highly recommend!

 

And finished things off with the ESP Rear Seat storage bins. Very common mod and not too challenging, but was definitely tough to cut through that foam. Had to also cut through my new gator mats for a clean install. Happy with the added storage that really should have been there from factory.

 

Continued chrome delete by swapping the mirror covers for color matched (from Sparks parts). Pretty easy mod, good paint match.

 

lots of good mods here I'm noting down for my 2021 Platinum, once I get the damned Jeep out of my garage space!

 

Next up was the Anytime Front/Back Camera. Had this installed on my 4Runner and loved it. Back then it seemed like a daunting install, but now there are plenty of videos online that do a good job of explaining it. I know a lot of people on this forum have used this product or the "FRAC harness." My kit I purchased with some pre-wiring done from Trail Grid Pro and he has a great install video.

To mount the camera on my platinum grill, I purchased this bracket. Not a perfect fit in the grille, but pretty sturdy with a large washer behind it and NO DRILLING!! Did have to get the camera wiring through the firewall, but used the "nipple" in the passenger side grommet without too much issue.

Happy with my placement here and the view. The rear anytime camera is the most valuable when the cab is loaded up with car seats and I can't see out the back window . The pic shows the front view before I snipped the camera wire to flip the image.

The platinum trim doesn't have any blank switch spots, so I popped out the OEM glass breakage alarm and tucked behind dash still connected to make room for the ABC switch.

While I had the dash apart, I decided to relocate the rear window button as others have done with the accessorides kit. Purchased an OEM Tacoma switch bank and installed. I was pretty sloppy with my cuts/silicone so may want to clean it up in the future. I know there are other pre-fab dash panel replacement options that are much cleaner, but this is working (i.e., cheaper!) for me now.

Everything was working well at first, but suddenly my rear camera was not showing up on the headunit screen...but the front cam still worked. I reached out to Trail Grid Pro and they suggested that maybe my switch ground was bad. Beefed up my ground connection there, but recently experienced the same issue. Took everything apart, and re-installed and now working again. Will keep my fingers crossed for no more issues!

 

Replace that panel and get the switch mount from @abomb60 that goes in the card holder between the shifter and center console.

 

Hey man, Love the build. Just picked up a blk 2021 platinum and was wondering if the chrome deleting on the smart key handles was easy? Also does sparks make a color match for black side mirrors and smart door handles kit? Thanks!

 

I'm not sure what solution there is for the door handles, but we carry gloss black mirror covers here
And these guys are just full-on replacements, not overlays

 

Hey, originally I got my chrome handles wrapped by a shop and this did not turn out well (likely due to poor installation). Since the front 2 handles are "smart," there weren't any overlay options available. I have not put up a post about this yet, but I did recently install the OEM black handles that I purchased from a guy on facebook named "Joe Joe." He is pretty well known in the Toyota Facebook world and claims to be some sort of parts wholesaler. He can basically beat any price, and so far I trust the products. I ordered the "Textured black" option which may be standard on SR/SR5 trims and is the cheapest because there is no painting. Sparks parts sells the 2020+ door handle kit, but it is way more expensive (and involved) to swap than the pre-2020 door handles. Don't be afraid though, there are some good videos out there that make it pretty simple!

I know other people have painted/plastidipped them, but I wanted something OEM quality in such a high traffic part of the truck. Even the wrap was peeling after a couple months.

For the mirror covers, these are pre-painted by Sparks Parts as well and turned out awesome. I wanted color-matched, so I didn't go for any overlays.

 

Hey was curious if you happened to find a solution to the door handles? I too have a 21 Plat Black and looking to get rid of the chrome burden!

 

@Townwilder i ended up ordering them from sparksparts - they are expensive but I think worth it if you want take the chrome off. I am installing mine in a few weeks, I’ll let you know how it goes.

 

Looking forward to your results. May do the same thing. good luck and enjoy!

 

As suggested by others, I wanted a cleaner/more convenient option for the rear window switch relocation, so I hit up @abomb60 for his panel and bought an OEM SR5/Limited shift surround. And before everyone tells me to flip the switch 180 degrees, I don't think I could handle the upside down letters

 

You could always remove the letters or re label it. Just an idea.

 

I am looking to do this on my 2020 Platinum and can't seem to find the part number for the SR5/Limited shifter surround. Do you happen to have the part number for that piece still or where you got it from?

 

58805-0C090-C0 Console Trim Panel - Lewis Toyota - https://parts.lewistoyota.com/p/63190669/58805-0C090-C0.html

 

BTW - I note that you are replacing the expensive leather high class platinum console piece for the cheaper low life pedestrian piece - but it has the cardholder! I suppose you could cover it with leather but no one notices.
I have replaced many of my platinum specials with lower end parts - this console, the U-shape silver with the low end black, the chrome door handles with the low end black, etc.

 

Just a little update to this. I recently noticed that the OEM microphone stopped working, all audio severely distorted on the receiver’s end.

Tried a bunch of the solutions I could find online, but none of them worked.

Took it to the dealership and they replaced the microphone under warranty but that didn’t solve the issue.

When I brought it back, they pulled the headunit and determined that my grounding location (side of headunit) for the ABC harness was causing interference with the OEM microphone. When they disconnected the ground, the microphone worked. So I extended the ground wire and bolted it to the frame behind the front passenger dash to make the ABC functional again. Crossing fingers that this fixes my issue!

 

Couldn’t stand this crappy wrap job and life got in the way of me returning to the shop for them to fix. So I purchased these. Seems like these may be a little hard to find now. Pretty good quality/fitment and no issues with install. May not be able to tell in pic, but the brake light LEDs are still easily seen, and I don’t mind the cut out for the reverse bulb reflector for better vision.

 

And I never really liked the 2-tone look of the wrapped door handles, and those started to peel as well.

So I bit the bullet and ordered the expensive kit from Sparks Parts. Due to my ‘21 having a smart key, the parts are more expensive and the door cards need to be removed for the front doors.

Followed this video from @memario1214 which made the install much easier