There is an often overlooked way to get that brand spanking new look out of your old-school mini. The task we're talking about is a bolt-on front end swap. With this beat-down, old-school Taco front end ready for the scrap heap, along comes Cal Mini Truck, Perma Cool, Dan's Hoods, and S&S Motorworks to make some magic happen and update the old front end for late-model flavor.
Starting with an outdated '97 Tacoma front-end we can greatly increase the aesthetics by updating the front end with brand new '04 Tacoma parts from the pros at California Mini-Truck Dismantler. With parts in hand all we needed was a reliable shop to make the transformation. With the right tools this swap can be accomplished in your own garage in a matter of a day. So what are you waiting for, get on the phone now!
1.With the front end pulled...
1.With the front end pulled apart, the Taco is ready for a fresh new look
2.Using a spot-weld remover,...
2.Using a spot-weld remover, the core support is untacked from the inner fenderwells.
3.All of the plastic clips...
3.All of the plastic clips are carefully removed for reinstallation at a later time. If you break some, don't worry. Your local dealer is your best friend.
4.Here is the front of the...
4.Here is the front of the truck in all of its naked glory. We would leave it if we were going for the rat-rod look, but we think we'll continue to spice it up.
5.The brand new front fascia...
5.The brand new front fascia is ready to be bolted on to our monster mini.
6.The new core support is...
6.The new core support is lined up with the inner fenders via the mounting holes and is retacked into place.
7.With the core support welded...
7.With the core support welded into place, now the fun begins: dressing up the Taco with shinies.
8.The bumper will be the first...
8.The bumper will be the first piece on to line everything up off of. The bumper brackets are tightly secured.
9.The bumper and valance are...
9.The bumper and valance are secured tightly, as to not be lost while dragging.
10a.The bumper is installed...
10a.The bumper is installed via the factory push-clips. Then the bumper is flipped over and all necessary clips are put into their perspective areas to keep our beautiful bumper in one piece.
10b.
11a.The foglights are installed...
11a.The foglights are installed with two screws, one on each end. The wire harnesses are retained and reused from the last debacle.
11b.
12.Here's a look with the...
12.Here's a look with the fog lights freshly installed. Not bad not bad at all.
13.The new fenders are put...
13.The new fenders are put in place and bolted on with all of the factory mounting holes.