Polishing a "TuRD"

@SwampYota encouraged me create a thread on my ocd cleaning & polishing of my '03 PreRunner.
Also, Thank you to @Gen1FTMFW for coming up with the creative thread title.

Purpose of this thread is to not only show cleaned up shiny parts, but maybe provide those who have acquired a used Tacoma help identify parts that may be rusted over.
I'm also a Tacoma Nerd and find it interesting identifying numbers on the engine and transmission.
I'll also provide information on what products I use, etc.

Brief History -
2003 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner / 3.4L, Auto. Current Miles: 151,000
Purchased new, and I'm trying to keep her looking new, and unmolested as much as possible.
I'm well aware she's a garage queen, and I'm okay with that.

....and I get it, this isn't for everyone, but it makes me
Enjoy!

In case your interested....Toyota Tacoma Sales Brochures from 2001 to 2004 PDF

 

Polishing up the right side of the Transmission...




Got to work on the neutral safety switch some more

 

I am the same way with my truck. Stock as fuck, clean and unmolested...

 

oooooo..damit. That is beautiful. I bet you get your share of people wanting to buy it.
Good to see that I'm not alone!!!

 

I posted this a couple of weeks ago in "What have you done to your Tacoma Today?" and found it interesting that some people didn't have this heat shield anymore because a previous owner cut it off.

 

Engine Bay

 

Another Picture of the Engine Bay.........

 

Left side of the transmission

 

Nice looking trucks. I unfortunately live in the mountains and use 4x4 just to get up my own driveway. No keeping it clean here.

 

What do you use to clean the nooks and crannies of different components? I recently picked up a bulk container of toothbrushes, and have been using them to clean some hard to reach areas on my truck. Was curious what approach you have been taking.

 

I wish I had your spare time. Geeeeeeezus

 

I'm following to find out what products and tools you use. I'll probably never get or keep mine this clean, because I take it off road and on snowy roads and such, so keeping it this clean is not worth the time and energy to me. But fuck me does that look SO good all cleaned up like that!

 

Below are some pics and links to some of the goodies I use.
I'm in no way saying these are better than what someone else is using. This is what works for me. Don't won't this turning into an oil thread!

Gotta have a Dremel! The "Buff Bobs" you see for the drill can be acquired at Harbor Freight.

This inexpensive 2" sander is awesome! I use the 2" wool pads (velcro attachment).

I've been using Flitz for years and it's great for plastics, glass, and any metal. I use it to clean the bore of my Glock 17. You can even use it to remove fine scratches or bugs in paint.
If you have any doubts about using a polish on something due to harming the finish, I'd use Flitz. It's not as aggressive as some other polishes.
My next choice is White Diamond Metal Polish...and it smells good to! Again, great when using with the 2" polisher or the attachments for the dremel or drill.
(available at Walmart)
........and of course there's old faithful...Mothers...also available at Walmart.



Variety of attachments for the dremel

$10 FPPO 1" Polishing Buffing Wheel Set,Wool Felt Cotton Mounted 3mm Shank for Rotary Tool Accessories,Mini Brush Polishing Kit for Watch and Jewelry 50 Pieces

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QTWXF97/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The abrasive buffing wheels don't last long, but they do an excellent job of removing rust from bolt heads, bolt threads, and for getting in small areas to remove debris, etc. I now only order the green ones. For me they work the best.
Tip: Use the low or med speed on your dremel for these or they don't last but about 15 seconds!

$10 Rocaris 40 Pack 1" Abrasive Wheel Buffing Polishing Wheel Set for Rotary Tool - 25mm…

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075C72PG...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

 

https://youtu.be/vaEdU9JRKi0

 

A couple of weeks ago I installed a carrier bearing drop kit. I don't like the bolts and small washers that came with it so I'm going to be reinstalling the OEM bolts I removed. So, thought this would be a good opportunity to show how well the abrasive wheels work.
I should have mentioned above that these abrasive wheels are also great for removing "fipg" on the transmission and oil pan.
From Start to Finish......

 

Nice, What is FLTZ? and FIPG?

 

Hey, I appreciate it. I'll start in reverse....
FIPG...Form In Place Gasket (stuff you see squeezed out in-between the oil and transmission pan)
FLITZ...It's a polish that can be used on most everything. ....link below

$13 Flitz Metal Polish and Cleaner Paste, Also Works on Plastic, Fiberglass, Aluminum, Jewelry, Sterling Silver - Headlight Restoration and Rust Remover - Made in the USA - 1.76 OZ

https://www.amazon.com/Flitz-limpiador-multiusos-restauración-eliminador/dp/B000MUSOW4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&hvadid=78615123934300&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=flitz&qid=1598486197&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMElMWkVLUVEyWTMyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjIyNjk0Mks3QklVRU1VSk9DQyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTcwODU3MVEyNkpBNlQ3MzVCJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ%3D%3D

 

Flitz is metal polish as shown in one of the previous pics...



FIPG is

Form
In
Place
Gasket

 

Beat me to it by 10 seconds...

 

OCD is a disease...............I am jealous. looks great.