Build Thread: Sixstringsteve's 2002 Tacoma double cab: Carlos

[frieed]

Sorry blznnp, the bs comment was not directed at you....

 

[sixstringsteve]

I do like the way the speedglass covers your neck and the peripheral vision is cool, but I'm just fine with my cheap $40 auto-darkening helmet.

 

[blznnp]

Sorry blznnp, the bs comment was not directed at you....

oh no worries, I knew that.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I got some work done on the front bumper today.

We cut these old, bulging caps out, welded the nuts, cleaned up the threads, then capped them.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Then we cut the t-handle off the spool/free lever and welded on an old socket. Now I just need a 1/2" extension to activate it. That saved me at least an inch of approach angle.

Then Kyle, Rosa, Brandon, and I mocked the front plate up with cardboard. It turns out that cardboard is a lot tougher to cut straight than steel. After some measurements and eyeballing it, I had what I needed to get started with the steel.

It's a tight fit.

Ok, maybe I do miss Eric's gas welder just a little bit, especially when mine shut down 4 times when I maxxed out the duty cycle.

I doubt this will stick out much farther than the stock bumper.

 

[blznnp]

Looks good Steve, I might have to do the same or something similar with my winch on the handle.

 

[jentzschman]

Lookin' sexy steve.

 

[STAG]

Lookin nice! Love the socket idea

 

[sixstringsteve]

I know, its such a good idea. I can't remember if it was Erics idea or Kyle's
It definitely wasn't mine.

 

[kellerexpress]

It's turning out sweet, love the low profile and hidden winch.

 

[frieed]

Lookin good Steve.

Just my luck you get to the fun stuff after a have to leave....

How did the flux core do welding those paint stirrers on?
You'll have to trim the ends with a grinder cause Plasma won't work on wood.

 

[Spork]

Just so I'm understanding the setup, is the welded piece I see where the extension is going to fit into? Basically just requiring a small hole in the bumper that lines up?

 

[sixstringsteve]

You are correct spork. However, I think I'm going.to rotate the lever straight down so you access it from the bottom of the bumper.

 

[frieed]

You are correct spork. However, I think I'm going.to rotate the lever straight down so you access it from the bottom of the bumper.

I'd worry about sticking the nose dropping off a ledge (remember muddy creek?) and not being able to get at the port to free spool the winch. I would rotate it up, ideally into the 45* angled section.

 

[Spork]

I'd worry about sticking the nose dropping off a ledge (remember muddy creek?) and not being able to get at the port to free spool the winch. I would rotate it up, ideally into the 45* angled section.

I agree, easier to see the hole and get the extension in so you don't have to stoop down to see where it is.

 

[Kevin B.]

Thirded. Maybe make a hinged cover plate to keep road spray and such out, though?

 

[sixstringsteve]

Good ideas. Maybe I'll rotate it straight up. Currently it sticks out a bit past the bumper. I'd hate to have it be the first thing that comes in contact with a rock, instead of the bumper.

 

[glockman]

Bumper looks awesome Steve. You are becoming quite the fabricator. I love how tucked that winch is.

As far as welding helmets go, I have a $59 auto darkening helmet from Northern tool. I saw it on Weldingtipsandtricks.com. It is hands down better than the HF and only slightly more expensive. Just a thought for inquiring minds.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Thanks. I have that same mask. I sure like it.

 

[Marsh99]

Steve, your truck is so sexy I burned my eyes just looking at it last night. It might have also been my eyes were unprotected while you were welding, but my bet it was from the truck.