[Barney_Fife]

Aight guys. Been little bit busy for the last few days.

I know some people swear by buying only things with big brand names on them for alot of money. Personally, if i can get the same look for less, then I am fine. So here goes...


DVD players.

From Ebay, 7 inch TFT screens, dual DVD players, zip up security covers, came complete with wireless remotes, infrared headphones, game discs and wireless came controllers. Super simple to install, the tan is a very close match in color and texture. We drove around with them on for two days and no skipping or anything. the FM transmitter to play it through the stereo lacks a little bit, but thats not a suprise. The built in speakers work fine as do the wireless headphones. Also I wired up an extension into the audio cables to just plug into the aux input on the dash if i so desire.

also, they are all wired together. We can watch one DVD on both monitors or each monitor can play their own DVD, or one play games while a DVD plays on the other etc. Wireless headphones and game controllers all have 2ch to choose from so it works great for two kids (once they are old enough to figure them all out ahaha)
Anyway, less than $240 shipped, sure they are made in China, but have Sony lasers inside and the seller i bought from was actually in Austin Texas and has a 1 year warranty.

Backup Camera

We know the Toyota one is no longer available. I have been looking around and found one cheap on ebay. The seller has alot of them (search for Rostra Tundra or Rostra Sequoia and they will pull up). He had the old style fixed monitor and an universal camera. Was asking 199.95 buy it now. I did the make an offer deal and he accepted $100 even. Looking in his feedback , he has sold more of them for less than that, so if anyone wants to try it, they can offer less than I did to see how low he will go. Anyway, Its the fixed monitor, and a universal Camera. The monitor does plug into the stock prewired plug OR if you dont have that plug, he sends lots of wiring harnesses etc to get power to it. Since its an aftermarket cam, you do have to run the video cable to it, but just wire the camera to the reverse light circuit and all is well. Really easy and lots better than spending 600 bucks or more IMO. I really like the fixed monitor better than the flip down newer one anyway, although it could be angled differently so i dont have to move my head as much to see it clearly but for me, it works just fine.

ignore my ugly plate, i took the dealership frame off it finally (i know i know) and its really aged...but i have new plates coming -same number and all just new screen printed flat ones instead of stamped ones. i have had these plates since 1999 on a ton of different vehicles haha.

Lift/Level kit

I know, alot of you guys swear by one or two makers of these things, but really, its just metal and welding. So its no biggie. I bought the 3'' no name lift from ebay for 69.99 shipped. cant beat that. There were no instructions shipped with it, but hey, theres plenty of them on the internet. Also, there was no diff drop or skid plate spacers so you guys with 4x4s might need to source some thick washers or whatever and longer bolts if need be from home depot etc. Thats really all they are anyway. Installation on this was actually pretty easy. And I got a full 3 inches from it. But that may be from me having a 4.7. Doing some research, on other forums, other 4.7 guys and some of the V6 guys have said they got higher results from these types of lifts...one manufacturers site says the new 4.6 trucks will need a lift block in rear to achieve level stance. I think it may have to do with less weight on the front suspension is why we get a little more lift. I may be wrong though.

bull bar.
its not a westin, and its polished stainless. No it wont provide any crash protection etc. Not a good idea anyway. Those big bulky ones negate all the manufacturers crash zones and crumple zones and just transfer energy in the wrong places. This is simply for looks. $175 shipped.

oh and the 6'' off road lights. Cheap lights, mainly for looks but they do light up the darkness well. 130 watts a piece, came with wiring harness with relay, switch (PIAA style push button) and extra bulbs. $30 bucks shipped.

also, in the side and front pics, you can see the chrome tow mirror covers and the chrome door handle covers.

tow mirror covers, $53 shipped.
door handle covers $19.95 shipped.

and this isnt the place to start the controversial HID retrofit argument, this is simply saying what i did and what others who wish to do this mod can do....if you want more details on light pattern cut off, lack of blinding others etc, theres plenty of thread on here about HIDs recently, so put those comments in there, not here.

HID 5000k low beams, $45 shipped.

There are cheaper alternatives to lots of mods out there. Yes, some will say they will only put XXX brand name on there but for the rest of us on a budget, I hope this helps a little in case anyone is interested in doing stuff cheaper. I like it so thats really all that matters.

(oh yeah, and the bolt over grille is an ebay item too but from back in 07, and it was 75 bucks shipped then).



Comments, questions? (and no, not HID retrofit comments please)


-the truck that ebay built-





PS sorry for the dirty truck pics, havent had a chance to wash it and its gonna rain anyway....

 

[Fragman]

Nice post! I could use the DVD and the backup camera for sure. STILL won't let me send you points (whats with that anyway? I can understand it not letting you 'point' someone 10 times, but 2-3 times could be deserved?). Bull bar looks nice too. Thought they were way more than that.

 

[ThirdHorseman]

Wow, I really like those headrest monitors for their zip up covers! What a great idea...really does cut down on unwanted attention, and why display the screen if no one is watching it?

Love the Toyota backup camera too, even though I don't use the one in my TL. Just more comfortable with turning around, it's hard for me to watch a screen while backing up

Only qualm I have is the cheapy spacer lift. Not all spacers are even close to being created equal. You say it's just metal and welding, but that is completely incorrect. The more expensive kinds are SOLID billet, not a hollow welded spacer like the ones you bought. Toytec and Revtek aren't charging more because they feel like ripping people off...the materials and process simply cost more. They are crafted from one solid piece start to finish, that's where it pulls its strength.

People don't buy the more expensive lifts because everyone else is doing it and we want to be cool, we buy it because skimping on a part that goes on your front suspension is not a good idea. We pay tens of thousands of dollars for these trucks plus interest, and the drivetrain is not the place I want to cut corners.

Otherwise, nice job! :first: Can you take more pictures of the monitors? I'd like to see how close the tan is, colorwise. I am interested in getting these.

 

[Barney_Fife]

Wow, I really like those headrest monitors for their zip up covers! What a great idea...really does cut down on unwanted attention, and why display the screen if no one is watching it?

Love the Toyota backup camera too, even though I don't use the one in my TL. Just more comfortable with turning around, it's hard for me to watch a screen while backing up

Only qualm I have is the cheapy spacer lift. Not all spacers are even close to being created equal. You say it's just metal and welding, but that is completely incorrect. The more expensive kinds are SOLID billet, not a hollow welded spacer like the ones you bought. Toytec and Revtek aren't charging more because they feel like ripping people off...the materials and process simply cost more. They are crafted from one solid piece start to finish, that's where it pulls its strength.

People don't buy the more expensive lifts because everyone else is doing it and we want to be cool, we buy it because skimping on a part that goes on your front suspension is not a good idea. We pay tens of thousands of dollars for these trucks plus interest, and the drivetrain is not the place I want to cut corners.

Otherwise, nice job! :first: Can you take more pictures of the monitors? I'd like to see how close the tan is, colorwise. I am interested in getting these.

third, i was referring to the people that buy the lift kit likt the one advertised

<--------------------------- right there. dont wanna knock brand names but it starts with ready.....and ends in lift.

but ebay does have the billet versions too. that would have been a whole 5 bucks more with a lifetime warranty. so........my point still stands.


i'll see if i can get the pics. as picky as you are, im sure the color isnt going to work for you, there is a slight difference, but 90 percent of the people wont be able to notice it. also, dont expect theater quality sound from the built in speakers, but its plenty loud for the boys to watch while driving down the road, even with my flowmasters. but when i get some time, ill take a few more pics...the bigger issue is the fact with the flash it exaggerates it....also, i dont know if there is any difference in color or not, there is in texture, between OEM leather and the port installed leather in my SR5...the limited Tundras have softer leather, while mine is stiffer more like our mercedes. but again, i'll get more pics up here but i will say i cannot guarantee my leather is the same exact color as factory installed...even though it is toyota leather and is installed by toyota at the port...

 

[Fragman]

Love the Toyota backup camera too, even though I don't use the one in my TL. Just more comfortable with turning around, it's hard for me to watch a screen while backing up

I understand, but turning around doesn't suddenly reveal what is in that massive blind spot behind any truck. It's exagerated by the fact that our driveway starts to slope down after a short while, so something the height of a small child can be completely invisible.

 

[tigerking]

Yeah! Looks GREAT! I love the zip-up covers for the DVD Players. You did a fantastic job bargain shopping! Looks like you had some time and spent it well.......

 

[RONE]

Well done.

 

[Barney_Fife]

I understand, but turning around doesn't suddenly reveal what is in that massive blind spot behind any truck. It's exagerated by the fact that our driveway starts to slope down after a short while, so something the height of a small child can be completely invisible.

oh and i rarely turn around...i cant see much more behind my truck than my mirrors show me...if its blocked its blocked. the main reason i wanted it was for the trailer hooking up...i can do it easily at the house but some of our vacation spots and regular places where we leave the boat in the parking lot to go eat dinner or something are on slopes so if u dont get it lined up just right u cant "fudge" it by movin the trailer very easily. the depth perception thing is a little different and im sure ill get used to it but man my boat looks friggin huge in the monitor hahahaha.

 

[Barney_Fife]

ok i was gonna take the pics for 3rd but then i felt bad about it being dirty so i washed it and now its raining. and the digital camera battery is dead, and i dont think the cell phone will take pics good enough for what 3rd wants.... so i'll try those pics later hahaha.

 

[PowerHogger]

Ebay is awesome. The products aren't great but gets the job done plus you just can't beat the prices. Good job man

 

[WT]

Good job on the DVD purchase, I was considering upgrading my older 7" ones the other week looking on ebay for some 9" units same setup as your cause I wanted to be able to play back DIVX/MP4 movies that I can burn on a DVD. I think I could get maybe get 9-10 DIVX movies onto a double layer disc. Let me know if you have tried playing back a DIVX movie via DVD or one from the USB port see they have that too. I was htinking I could plug in my external HD too and that has several 100 movies on it that I can choose from without even swaping DVD's.

Good job on the otehr mods too.

 

[Tundra Tin Man]

I like it, I like it............

 

[Barney_Fife]

Good job on the DVD purchase, I was considering upgrading my older 7" ones the other week looking on ebay for some 9" units same setup as your cause I wanted to be able to play back DIVX/MP4 movies that I can burn on a DVD. I think I could get maybe get 9-10 DIVX movies onto a double layer disc. Let me know if you have tried playing back a DIVX movie via DVD or one from the USB port see they have that too. I was htinking I could plug in my external HD too and that has several 100 movies on it that I can choose from without even swaping DVD's.

Good job on the otehr mods too.

well to be honest your older thread on your headrests is one of the reasons i really went with these. the pics helped tremendously. i did see they have a newer version out with the wireless game controller and the wireless remote all into one unit now instead of two seperate ones...although im not a gamer and doubt we'll ever even use them.

i'd try a burned DVD but i dont have any nor do i even know how to do it hahaha. we just do the store bought ones. but we'll play with the usb port and stuff to see what all we can figure out. heck, with a 1 year warranty thats the same as some of the more expensive ones, and if they break in a year, i can buy 4 or 5 sets for what it costs to buy the invision ones from the dealer. plus im just cheap. obviously.

 

[WT]

well to be honest your older thread on your headrests is one of the reasons i really went with these. the pics helped tremendously. i did see they have a newer version out with the wireless game controller and the wireless remote all into one unit now instead of two seperate ones...although im not a gamer and doubt we'll ever even use them.

i'd try a burned DVD but i dont have any nor do i even know how to do it hahaha. we just do the store bought ones. but we'll play with the usb port and stuff to see what all we can figure out. heck, with a 1 year warranty thats the same as some of the more expensive ones, and if they break in a year, i can buy 4 or 5 sets for what it costs to buy the invision ones from the dealer. plus im just cheap. obviously.

Yeah one of the reasons why I went with the low cost units heck if mine broke I just get new ones that are larger and newer. I do on occasion get PM about how my units have been doing and I got to be honest I don't use them that much but they work great when I need them, well someone riding in the back wants to use them.

Now how can I justfy buying new ones anyone want to buy my old ones

 

[ThirdHorseman]

How well do yours match?

 

[DaYooper]

Nice job. Who says you have to pay a ton of money? Interesting you posted this today I just got done doing my own exhaust for under $50. It drones like crazy around 1700rpm, but oh well for now.

 

[Barney_Fife]

How well do yours match?

third, he should have his in one of the threads in his signature i think, but his being the same color interior is one of the reasons i went ahead and got mine. i'll see what i can do about getting some pics tomorrow, im running over to NTB for an alignment but other than that i should be bored enough to take some. the texture on mine matches almost exactly, its just the color thats a smidge off, and if you have it opened up in bright sunlight u notice it more but with the windows up and the dark tint they have, its not detectible in there..but i'll do my best.

oh and if u do this, theres a few sellers on ebay that have them and ship them from the US. one of them doesnt warranty his, so you have to ship back to china if they break. the one i got from is even in my own state so its not an issue to ship them back during the warranty period if something goes wrong.

oh and i played the games this afternoon...they are cheesy 80s chinese knock off of mario bros etc haha fun but oh well.

 

[helzbelz]

just goes to show that with a little ingenuity and perserverance you can create a great looking truck without taking out a second mortgage.

 

[Tundradrenalin]

Great thread Tinkerbell :tu:
ebay does have some great deals. Sometimes you really have to dig for them though. The posting titles aren't accurate and when yuo search, you miss a few steals. Steals because the seller doesn't describe them correctly and no one has found them.

I got a really nice steal two days ago off ebay. You'll see it later Waiting for Brown to deliver it next week.

 

[WT]

How well do yours match?

If your asking me its about the same its a shade in color off I think most people don't even notice it but I do.