1st Gen Wrap or Repaint?

Hey Guys!

My Tacoma’s starting to fade. Do you think it’d look cool to wrap it? The whole thing or just the faded spots? What color scheme?

or

Should I just repaint it?

I got a quote to wrap the whole truck for $3000. No quotes on paint though.

 

If you plan to prep for paint yourself you can get good results from a cheap Maaco job. It's all in the prep work. Maaco themselves aren't going to do the best prep work so it's better to do all the leg work yourself. Cheaper than a wrap and you still need to prep for wrap as well.

 

I’m in the same boat. I can’t justify spending that amount of cash on paint/wrap. I’ll either be spraying it myself, or more than likely, raptor lining it with a hvlp.

 

Are you anywhere near the southern border? great painters and prices in Mexico.

 

"cool" is in the eye of the beholder. Wrapping it isn't the issue, it's what you'd wrap it WITH. You can get wraps that look however you want, and they can most assuredly look cool, or stupid.


It all depends on your budget, what you use the truck for, and your personal preferences.

The clear coat is coming off on my truck, and I thought about a wrap, the problem being that with all the chipping, it probably wouldn't be smooth. Since my truck is a trail-only truck (not a daily driver) I really don't care if it has that "show room shine" lol.

At first, I didn't really like the idea, but this is kinda growing on me: for 1/10th that cost of that wrap job you were quoted, you can raptor line the whole truck. And honestly, with the right prep work (which would be the same for paint), it doesn't look half bad.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-diy-whole-truck-raptor-liner.530616/

 

like this?



Wait, maybe like this?

 

Oh, these are gems:

marvel at the awesome:
https://expressdigest.com/ugly-car-wraps-and-car-paint-jobs/

 

My 97 is wrapped. It's been on for about 5 years and still looks pretty good. The only problem I have with it is that I believe the wrap is not only concealing some rust issues, but may also be contributing to rust. I could be wrong, but it's coming off to do some body work and I think that I am just going to paint it this time. Good luck!!

 

I would have it painted. If you plan to keep it for the long run, its the way to go.

 

Raptor requires a different style gun, like the ones for undercoating. Raptor is a cost effective way, if you like the end result. I love mine!!!

 

I’ve seen some videos of guys thinning it and spraying it with a hvlp so that it lays much flatter.

 

Do you know people who have gone to Tijuana to do this? I’m in Orange County and I’ve thought about this.

 

can you get the wrap in a Diamondback rattlesnake pattern

 

Have you considered AstroTurf? Ehhhhh

 

There’s a TW member that Plasti-dipped his whole truck. Twice. Just another low-cost option to consider.

 

Yes. I go there 4-6 times a year. I have not personally had a vehicle done but I have seen a couple. I would think it could be done for $800 even with some minor body work. I have had plenty of mechanical work done there. If I am feeling lazy and it is not urgent I bring parts and get it done there, I had a new cv shafts installed on a tracker for $90, in tank fuel pump on an old ford done for $40. Don't get me wrong, there are as many bad shops there as there is in the US. My pastor friend hooks me up with people he has known for decades. PM me if you need more info, I am heading there in March.

 

Good to know

 

Sorry I took so long posting this. This shop was recommended by a friend in TJ. The shop location and appearance is a little sketchy by US standards but I saw some of their work and it is good. I had them give me an estimate for body and paint for my truck for reference, My truck has 20 or so dings but nothing major. They quoted me $1200 for the body work and factory color match paint. Repainting the whole truck. They speak English and were super helpful.

 

Did they mention what type of paint they are using?

 

no. What is the best?