[quote=snowshredder555;51849516]Nice...For the hoop side of things...cause it looks like you're using 1.75" tubing. Go 46" and cut then measure 12" in from each end and start the bend. Go to 60 deg. from the outside to inside for the notch at 30deg. That should be the perfect height to fit 6" lights from just about any supplier. Light tabs on top in the rear of the hoop or on the main cross bar in the front. Looking good. Is there a reason you didn't want to do a bolt on style? Blind side nuts could've easily been welded in place before the cross member support was firmed up. And what kind of bender is your buddy using? I've seen a couple that look similar...also, what's the wall thickness and is that a 110v flux core? Nice progress in a short time span.

-Ted[/quote

Not sure what brand, it's a manual bottle jack bender though....pretty handy for the shade-tree mechanic.

I do believe it is a 110v flux core. (only because we just plugged it in to a regular extension cord....)

I forget what size steel we got. Have to ask or find the receipt.

We originally planned on bolt-on, but when we got going, it was just easier to tack and go. When we build the bumper for the SC'd truck we'll go bolt-on.

 

that bumpers gonna be sweet! im not a big fan of tube bumpers, but homemade is sweet i love home made, and i like some of the things youve done

 

thanks, The Kid!

Snowshredder .120 wall...

 

Well, got a few new things done and in the works. Had a Flowmaster installed the other day to let 'er breathe a bit better. $80 installed at one of those old-school "muffeleros" shops. Sounds a bit better, next is getting rid of the airbox and all that plastic crap that goes from the MAF to the TB.


Also bought the last of the tubing and tabs I needed to finish the bumper. Decided to jettison the winch-mount and just do pre-runner style. I've had 6 4runners over the years and haven't needed a winch yet....I fear having a winch now would only embolden me to do things I probably shouldn't!

Oh, also ordered the Coilover set for the SC'd truck so I can swap the kit from the SC'd truck over to this one.

 

Made a little progress on the bumper last night...got the hoop knocked out and set 4 tabs for 6" Hellas.

Ended up @ 60 degrees and 24" of flat on the top.

 

*voting time*
Thinking of sanding down and flat-black painting my hood until I can get some $$$ to have it "pro" painted....already sick of the faded clear coat peeling look.

Any opinions for or against?

 

As to the bumper...did the degree/ measurements I gave you help out in any way? Hoping they did.

To the hood: If you sand the hood and take away any of the sealing property of the paint already on it, you'll put the base metal at risk for corrosion. If it's already painted why make extra work for your self that's just going to be undone when it's gonna get taken off any way?

My hood is doing the same thing. If the undercoat's of paint are salvageable, I'm thinking of just having it re-clear coated....if possible. Either way, the D-side fender paint is peeling (think the PO spilled brake fluid) and need to get that resprayed as well. OH decision's.

-Ted

 

they did, thanks...
probably right about just waiting to do the hood right....just hate the way it looks!

 

Found a cool design for a storage box on yotatech and made one for both of the trucks...no more tools/water/coats etc floating around! Only gave up about an inch of floor space.

 

Got rid of the Winch-mount and just went pre-runner style. I like it. Gonna spend some quality time with the grinder tomorrow and clean things up, a few more tabs for the skid-plate and shorten the ends/cap 'em off.

Next up: LIGHTS! (and suspension....eagerly awaiting the big brown truck)

 

Did a little shake-down run Sunday for no real reason other than the price of gas is pissing me off and the SC'd truck drinks too much of the premium stuff.

Headed up toward Wickenburg, cut West and checked out a few dirt roads. Nothing big at all as my suspension is DEAD and my new stuff is evidently being hand-carried from Alabama to here.

Truck ran well, felt great on the freeways. Now if only the crap I ordered on the 1st would get here. 3 days my ass!

 

Yikes!!! Hope u didnt pay extra for faster shipping!! Nice build so far!

 

Yep. My fault. Due to splitting up the payments like we did and not running it directly through the website I forgot all about it it seems.

I'll get it on the way and send you some free stuff.

:wabbit2:

 

Hey buddy...I ordered my springs on Nov. 3rd or 4th, some where around there. After waiting till he reopened after thanksgiving it was shipped 2-day from Colorado. I don't understand the long wait times recently. At least it was free shipping at the time for me...and there were multiple emails to inquire....it should all work out for you...take a deep breath and count to 10 by .10th's and you'll be ok. Just curious, what'd you order?

-Ted

 

Wow, sorry guys, just saw both above posts...I'm glad people like Wabbit are in business, mistakes happen but small business is the American way and I will always go with the "little guy" over a bigger company.
Ordered adjustable coilovers with billsteins. They got here on Tuesday and we installed 'em last night on the SC'd truck and swapped the old adjustable coilovers onto the Anthracite truck. Not bad if I do say so myself....we started at 6pm and were done in 2.5 hours! Both trucks!
Still need to figure out what shocks are in this thing so I can replace 'em, but for now it has some clearance and definitely rides better than stock!

Stripped from the SC'd truck


Old and "new"


Bit of a rake...rear coils are next. (after a clutch)

 

Sir you have a saggy butt

Thanks Pete.

Swag on the way!

:wabbit2:

 

The family

 

Scored a set of 3 gently used Dick Cepeck RT II's from a buddy of mine for....a 12 pack! Can't beat that with a stick, still have 80% tread on 'em. Have to buy the 4th new for $240, but still well worth it.

 

Got some rear spacers to cure the saggy butt until I can get some $ for OME's and 5125's. Puttin' them in tonight.

Also had a boat given to me (yea, friggin sweet, I know....runs and everything!) and talked a friend of mine into partnering with me on the boat for a set of BFG 255/75/16 MT's. Still waiting on him to pony up, but that'll be pretty close to it for this trucks mods. (yea, right)

 

Lol nice score on boat