Nice "anti-janky" solution.
As for the stripes Dan...here ya go, order up whatever year/style you like:
Toyota Stripes and Decals - Discontinued factory stripe kits, logos, graphics and decals.
James is in Arizona, you're New mexico, so you might consider visiting him and trying out different kits, see what fits, if any cut/modding to the decals is needed and have at it.
Me, I'm liking the old school kits myself.
Nice catch Matt! Keep up with the progress and pics!