I would agree that cheaper braces are available. I wanted all trd parts on my 05 so I paid the price for the parts I wanted. Header was pretty hard to find along with good sportiva struts.Car is finished and I even have the trd stage 2 bumper. I think one of the best cars in the US.
Ah - that was just my $.02 in response to "asking for a friend," for the RSTB. Crazy pricing on the pre-owned TRDs (think I got my '03's FSTB just before stuff totally skyrocketed) when I've gone window shopping, so I'd not even want to see what new old stock is right now.
I thought about finding another TRD RSTB, but they're too pricey for me these days. I did get lucky with my current 2000 already having both braces, and a full Sportivo set.
I did also have a Sportivo suspension (minus tower braces) installed on my original car at one point - however, I'd had a mechanic friend (former now - but not due to this) install the struts and springs. Something hadn't been done correctly, and the center of the mounting points ended up eating into the top of the piston rod. Very unhappy. I swapped to KWs after that.
Anyway - no such bad luck with the current one!
On a TRD header - yup, that's some dedication. Again, too rich for my blood on either of mine! 😅
I'd still probably pay dearly to have my full Corky's setup and some other bits back, mind you (R.I.P Percy).
Lovely car as always, though, Lee - I can understand why you'd want to keep it in theme.
/digression
GLWS!