[Antman]

Originally Posted by Kraeken

This has to be real, it casts a shadow! I challenge any forensics lab to prove this fake.

Well Kraeken, you were warned(threatened actually)!

I can promise you that when (IF!) I come up to NY to install YOUR sub, it may not turn out so well...Damn NY'ers!

[Okki]

Originally Posted by Antman

Well Kraeken, you were warned(threatened actually)!

I can promise you that when (IF!) I come up to NY to install YOUR sub, it may not turn out so well...Damn NY'ers!

Next Antman Mod: A dashboard mounted dildo interface to operate NY based subs.. I'm guessing the volume is regulated by the .... vigorousness of the manipulation of the dildo shaped controller....

Hey Kraeken.. I hope for your sake he leaves out the "30 second active/15 minute recovery period" mod on that! **LMAO**


Okki

[4ShoreRunner]

Great minds think alike Jeff - I mounted my sub controller knob in the EXACT same position...I will post up a pic. Dremeling out that switch blank was such a pain in the a$$ to fit that chip in there too...you have to wonder why they use so much plastic for just a switch blank.

[Antman]

Originally Posted by 4ShoreRunner

Great minds think alike Jeff - I mounted my sub controller knob in the EXACT same position...I will post up a pic. Dremeling out that switch blank was such a pain in the a$$ to fit that chip in there too...you have to wonder why they use so much plastic for just a switch blank.

Ha! For those switch blanks it's easier to use a small Exacto knife. Heat the tip with a torch and it cuts/melts through the plastic with almost no effort. There is alot of plastic in there though!

[deekoi]

Ever thought about sound dampening?

I helped out a friend over the weekend sound dampen his car. In the process of researching for myself. I think Harper is the only one who has done it so far.

[Kraeken]

Using Antman's advice, I installed my subwoofer today. It works great! It makes a world of difference.

Mind you, I'm not an electrical person, but here are my lessons learned:

1- Make sure you place the wires where they're supposed to end up, ie., in the dash. I had half the thing wired when I realized the wires were sitting in my lap. Dammit.

2- But even before you run all your wires, make sure the item you bought is going to fit where you plan on putting it! After I had everything wired up, and gave it a test run, I went to put it under the seat, and it didn't fit. Dammit. After some fiddling around, I made it work, but lesson learned.

I'm not really this dumb, its just an off day I guess...

[Jtraskell]

Kraeken, it's always good to be reminded of the basics every once in a while.
Thank you. Be safe.

[Antman]

N-Fab side step install- Rocker panel trimmed: HOW-TO


Kraeken sold me his extra set of N-Fab bars for a crackin' deal (bad pun, I know) and I installed them today. Many members here on T4R have installed these and either cut the rockers, fabbed spacers, or painted the exposed area where the rockers were removed. After reviewing all the threads (I know how to use search) I still had some questions, and honestly it scared the heck out of me to think of cutting these rocker panels up! But, what the hell, I did it anyway.
I figured I would post a quick writeup for those on the fence...


Some background on the N-fabs. They are marketed as "TE Only", because the SR5/LE rocker panels get in the way. The spacers that are available from RiDE are nice, but the steps hang way too low for my tastes. I decided to mount them directly to the vehicle, and cut the rocker panel for a more finished look. They tuck up nicely under the doors. These steps are very high quality, and strong. They are NOT rockrails, but hey, if I ever decide to go offroad, 5 bolts per side and they are off...






On to the install:

First you gotta take off the rocker. Remove the hardware you see in the front wheelwell in this picture: 3- 10mm bolts, a phillips screw, and a pop-pin. The rear wheelwell has 1-10mm bolt to remove.



There are 2- stainless screws- one behind each door. Remove them.



There are 6 of these 13mm bolts under the door sills, on each side. Remove them.



Now you can pull your rocker off... Notice the ugly pink clip, and the unfinished area under the front fender. Yuk.





This is the back side of the panel being inspected by Eddie...




Eddie told me to remove the aluminum brace, so I did. Eddie rules! Crimp these white clips and lift up on the brace as you go.




The plastic bracing will stay in place- for now. It will be MUCH easier cutting the rocker with the bracing intact.



Time to measure. I found that 1-3/4" from the chrome strip is just about right. The end of the tape measure fits in the slot next to the chrome trim piece for an easy measurement. Note: The chrome trim angles upwards slightly on each end, so measure carefully. Make sure it's even by taping it up and viewing it from a distance...



Lay down another piece of tape about 1/16" from the first to protect your paint.





"Say hello to my little friend!!" Makita angle grinder+metal grinding wheel.



Take a deep breath, and carefully cut between the lines. Some of the plastic will melt, that's OK. It'll trim up nice and clean later. Once you cut the side, you will need to cut the ends as well. Take your time and make everything square and true...

The 2 halves won't separate due to these aluminum rivets holding the bracing in place. I used the grinder to "erase" the rivet heads- 4 on each side. Now you have 2 halves...




After grinding, the edges of the panel will have some melted plastic stuck to it. That's normal...



Carefully trim the back and the edge with a box cutter. DO NOT use a lot of pressure or you will dig into the "good" plastic. Rub the cut with your fingers. It will look perfect with a little work.

I also cut these trim pieces for a more finished look. They install in the front wheelwell. After pushing your rockers back on, hold this piece in place and mark both ends with a sharpie. Hit it with the grinder.



The rocker snaps back on.
Re-install the hardware in the wheelwells, and the screws behind each door. No more aluminum brace needed (it is still stout).

WITHOUT ROCKER:




WITH ROCKER:









I Love 'em!!!


Happy Modding- ANTMAN

[phillyd2]

Looks factory so I approve. But, where are the LED lights?

[Okki]

Originally Posted by Kraeken

Using Antman's advice, I installed my subwoofer today. It works great! It makes a world of difference.

Mind you, I'm not an electrical person, but here are my lessons learned:

1- Make sure you place the wires where they're supposed to end up, ie., in the dash. I had half the thing wired when I realized the wires were sitting in my lap. Dammit.

2- But even before you run all your wires, make sure the item you bought is going to fit where you plan on putting it! After I had everything wired up, and gave it a test run, I went to put it under the seat, and it didn't fit. Dammit. After some fiddling around, I made it work, but lesson learned.

I'm not really this dumb, its just an off day I guess...

Welcome to the club! LOL

Okki

[zidaro]

Very nice rocker trim How-to, thanks. Looks great.

[Kraeken]

That looks really good!

[SigSense]

Angle grinders are our friends. Great job and that rocker-ectomy.

[GrantK]

I normally don't like larger pieces of chrome on SUVs but that looks mighty fine!!!

Good job Antman.

[Mark86]

Kraeken, I deleted that pic you posted. This is a family site so please keep it G!