'97 tacoma build: Abner

[sixstringsteve]

I would just go buy a length of all thread and fab your own with a torch.

that's a great idea.

 

[mbryson]

This kind of thing is what I've used for my shells in the past. Not sure if they work with Toyotas or not?
http://www.amazon.com/API-AC101P4-Mounting-Clamps-Camper/dp/B002R7VP6M

I'd assume they would be readily available at your friendly neighborhood shell/topper dealer?

 

[sixstringsteve]

yeah, I had those on my last toyota. They kind of chewed up my shell though. The fiberglass starting getting worn where the clamps attach.

 

[airmanwilliams]

cant you put alittle bike tire rubber under the clamps to prevent wear?

 

[sixstringsteve]

I'm going to try some of these.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I found the hook bolts at lowes. They fit perfectly.

Thanks guys!

 

[864runner]

Paint that thing flat black!

 

[Marsh99]

I found the hook bolts at lowes. They fit perfectly.

Thanks guys!

Your truck looks like a 1st gen 4runner now. So you might aswell cut the back of the cab out and finish the job.

 

[ricsrx]

Steve that turned out very clean, I like it!!

 

[sixstringsteve]

Thanks Rick!

I got the pass inner fender in last night. It still needs a little massaging, but it's functional. Abner is finally ready to hit the trail!

There are plenty of things to do before hole in the rock, but it's wheelable now. Hopefully I can wire the elocker before tomorrow's trip, but if not, it's not the end of the world. If I can't make it through rattlesnake without a locker, I don't deserve to wheel in the first place.

One more pic from yesterday. It's not the best looking truck in the world, but I think it turned out pretty good.

I'd like to paint the wheels black (way too much bling right now), and probably paint the shell black someday, but those are not priorities at this point. I'm hoping to get back from the service project in time to build my sleeping platform this Saturday night.

 

[Cascadia]

Definitely too much bling. The wheels and the Toyota Tacoma emblem put it over the top.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Yeah, I'd like to lose the "totota tacoma" emblem, but I need to research the best way to do it.

 

[Jesser04]

Pliers and an eraser wheel and your good as new.

 

[Spork]

I like the bling :greg:

 

[skippy]

Definately an eraser wheel. works flawless every time

 

[OrvisKrawler]

Ive always removed emblems by sharpening the end of a wood paint stir stick like a chisel then get under the emblem and push, takes them off without scratches, then eraser wheel the leftover crap

 

[sixstringsteve]

I'm not familiar with an eraser wheel. Is it a gummy wheel for an angle grinder? kinda like a pencil eraser? Where do I get one?

 

[Gravy]

body shop

 

[WillyLin]

is the eraser wheel something like this??
http://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-400E-Pinstripe-Removal/dp/B000IHK2TY/

 

[sixstringsteve]

Time for another 1 AM update.

I got half the locker wiring done today. Lowrangeoffroad has a cool solution for elocker wiring. They have wiring that matches the toyota colors, which is really nice. They'll be selling entire plug and play kits eventually, but for now I just wanted the wiring and the ARB style switch.

they even got their name printed on the wires.

I doubt I'm going to have time to wire the locker before tomorrow's trip, but I'll do my best at lunch time.