gfxcruncher's build/adventures
- Thread starter gfxcruncher
- Start date
gfxcruncher
Member
Thanks man! It's kinda like therapy for me, I'm on the computer all day.
same, surf/wheeling/outdoors counter the current burning of my eyes from living the accounting life
gfxcruncher
Member
So this happened…
Mid way through making the swing outs I was headed out for some camping and wheeling with friends. It was the first cold snap, twilight, perfect time to meet up with a deer 10 minutes from camp… Perfect.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49468879261/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_3315"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49468879261_4fc571ee72_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_3315"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I think the winch mount saved the truck from more damage to the rad support and inner fender skirt, walked away with 1,200 after my deductible. Found a sport hood in gray, (blends in ok until I get around to getting the hood painted) took a heat gun to the bumper cover and got it back together with some zip ties for now and put an order in for a Coastal Offroad front bumper.
Had to bang the rad support around some as well as the latch assembly, but got everything lined back up.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49468390178/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_3348"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49468390178_6f10bd5af9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_3348"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Mid way through making the swing outs I was headed out for some camping and wheeling with friends. It was the first cold snap, twilight, perfect time to meet up with a deer 10 minutes from camp… Perfect.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49468879261/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_3315"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49468879261_4fc571ee72_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_3315"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I think the winch mount saved the truck from more damage to the rad support and inner fender skirt, walked away with 1,200 after my deductible. Found a sport hood in gray, (blends in ok until I get around to getting the hood painted) took a heat gun to the bumper cover and got it back together with some zip ties for now and put an order in for a Coastal Offroad front bumper.
Had to bang the rad support around some as well as the latch assembly, but got everything lined back up.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49468390178/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_3348"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49468390178_6f10bd5af9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_3348"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
gfxcruncher
Member
Coastal Offroad Front Bumper
Been working on this lately… Pretty happy with it, I like that you can get customizations to make it your own. Got circular light cutouts for the BD Squadrons I already have, omitted the other light cutouts and had custom tubes bent. Brandon was really helpful with all my questions and generally being a pain in his ass.
The laser cutting is really nice..
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49469107252/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3448"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49469107252_11c85dd4aa_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_3448"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
So after tacking the initial pieces in place I didn’t have any gap at the headlight, seems like the consensus is to space the mounting plate at the top with washers. which also helps lining the ends up at the fenders. I tried it but wasn’t really a fan, it wound up opening a gap when looking down from the top where I could see the ground below.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49469107017/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3521"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49469107017_06b91735c8_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_3521"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49468389313/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3529"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49468389313_4c84049675_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_3529"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I wound up slotting the holes for the rad support vertically and then dropping the vertical supports down on the mounting plate to get a pretty consistent gap.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49513429593/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_3614"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49513429593_cf8a7e4314_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_3614"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49469106817/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3551"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49469106817_8beec64fdc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_3551"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49469225097/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="60074580796__5E1AF20C-2288-4724-925E-490B11E28CBB"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49469225097_99d840036a_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="60074580796__5E1AF20C-2288-4724-925E-490B11E28CBB"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Been working on this lately… Pretty happy with it, I like that you can get customizations to make it your own. Got circular light cutouts for the BD Squadrons I already have, omitted the other light cutouts and had custom tubes bent. Brandon was really helpful with all my questions and generally being a pain in his ass.
The laser cutting is really nice..
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49469107252/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3448"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49469107252_11c85dd4aa_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_3448"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
So after tacking the initial pieces in place I didn’t have any gap at the headlight, seems like the consensus is to space the mounting plate at the top with washers. which also helps lining the ends up at the fenders. I tried it but wasn’t really a fan, it wound up opening a gap when looking down from the top where I could see the ground below.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49469107017/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3521"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49469107017_06b91735c8_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_3521"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49468389313/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3529"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49468389313_4c84049675_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_3529"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I wound up slotting the holes for the rad support vertically and then dropping the vertical supports down on the mounting plate to get a pretty consistent gap.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49513429593/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_3614"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49513429593_cf8a7e4314_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_3614"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49469106817/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3551"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49469106817_8beec64fdc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_3551"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49469225097/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="60074580796__5E1AF20C-2288-4724-925E-490B11E28CBB"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49469225097_99d840036a_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="60074580796__5E1AF20C-2288-4724-925E-490B11E28CBB"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
gfxcruncher
Member
Coastal Offroad Front Bumper (continued)
Skipping the picks of the bumper tacked up… Got the finish welding and grinding on the bumper done last weekend. This weekend, got the tubes on. What a monumental time consuming pain getting them cut to length and notched (my notches totally suck) BUT, I love the way it’s turning out. Pretty soon it’ll be paint prep.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49513429753/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3612"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49513429753_18fb0a9857_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_3612"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49514169417/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3609"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49514169417_46e8585d5b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="1023" alt="IMG_3609"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49514169282/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3611"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49514169282_e40a8f6363_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_3611"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Skipping the picks of the bumper tacked up… Got the finish welding and grinding on the bumper done last weekend. This weekend, got the tubes on. What a monumental time consuming pain getting them cut to length and notched (my notches totally suck) BUT, I love the way it’s turning out. Pretty soon it’ll be paint prep.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49513429753/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3612"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49513429753_18fb0a9857_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_3612"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49514169417/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3609"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49514169417_46e8585d5b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="1023" alt="IMG_3609"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49514169282/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="IMG_3611"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49514169282_e40a8f6363_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_3611"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
xtremewlr
Member
Bumper is coming out very nice, good work! I remember doing mine for the Tacoma. Lots of work welding and then grinding to get it looking good but so wort it in the end. I've also got the rear bumper on the Tacoma and plan on doing front and rear on the 4runner eventually.
gfxcruncher
Member
Thanks man! :cheers:
Yeah, it's a lot of work, but I've been enjoying it (so far).
Looking forward to seeing yours done up!
xtremewlr
Member
Gunna be a minute still but it will happen!
gfxcruncher
Member
Thanks man!
Your headlight retros turned out awesome! Those Profile Hi-Lens LED's in the high beam spot is sick! :wow2:
Hopefully at some point i'll get around to doing something with mine.
apohl17
New member
Thanks dude! Im a big fan. If I'm going all out, might as well go nuts. My highs are insane...
I actually finally got around to wiring in a feature of my retros that I built in and never wired up until over the weekend! Stay tuned :cheers:
gfxcruncher
Member
Man, I hate paint prep!
Blasted the inside of the bumper with one of those cheap gravity fed media blasters from HF. Basically, hitting the spots I couldn't reach with the angle grinder. Hopefully this is cleaned up enough, cause I'm over it. If this doesn't hold up over time, I'll have it sandblasted and paint the whole thing with steel-it!
Plan on shooting the inside of it this weekend, paper thin coat of etch primer, 2-3 coats of 2 part epoxy primer and a quick topcoat of rustoleum or whatever I have lying around that's flat/satin black. Let it cure up good and then flip it over and start on the outside...
This is starting to drag on, and on, too long.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49567251756/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49567251756_12654afe1f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Welded some round stock in various places for zip ties to secure the electric wiring.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49567251791/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49567251791_99b8f81316_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
And yeah, I know, my welds aren't pretty...
Blasted the inside of the bumper with one of those cheap gravity fed media blasters from HF. Basically, hitting the spots I couldn't reach with the angle grinder. Hopefully this is cleaned up enough, cause I'm over it. If this doesn't hold up over time, I'll have it sandblasted and paint the whole thing with steel-it!
Plan on shooting the inside of it this weekend, paper thin coat of etch primer, 2-3 coats of 2 part epoxy primer and a quick topcoat of rustoleum or whatever I have lying around that's flat/satin black. Let it cure up good and then flip it over and start on the outside...
This is starting to drag on, and on, too long.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49567251756/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49567251756_12654afe1f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Welded some round stock in various places for zip ties to secure the electric wiring.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49567251791/in/album-72157712963731232/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49567251791_99b8f81316_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
And yeah, I know, my welds aren't pretty...
gfxcruncher
Member
Had to put the bumper on hold for a bit to take care of some problems that popped up...
So I bought these front hub assemblies off eBay, "assembled by a Toyota tech" and using "Koyo" bearings. Well, they lasted all of 15k miles. They sound like shit and the right side has play in it when holding it at 12 and 6 and rocking it back and forth.
Wish I would have seen the thread on here where there was back and forth about counterfeit bearings from China before they went in... (I looked for it again but can't find it)
Been a big fan of McGeorge Toyota for online pricing, and living in the same state, they come quick. I'm also taking the opportunity to address the aftermarket axels currently in there and replacing them with some CJV remans.
I know there's probably an easier way to do this, but this is what I came up with:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49620532562/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49620532562_42ca3d1f59_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
So I bought these front hub assemblies off eBay, "assembled by a Toyota tech" and using "Koyo" bearings. Well, they lasted all of 15k miles. They sound like shit and the right side has play in it when holding it at 12 and 6 and rocking it back and forth.
Wish I would have seen the thread on here where there was back and forth about counterfeit bearings from China before they went in... (I looked for it again but can't find it)
Been a big fan of McGeorge Toyota for online pricing, and living in the same state, they come quick. I'm also taking the opportunity to address the aftermarket axels currently in there and replacing them with some CJV remans.
I know there's probably an easier way to do this, but this is what I came up with:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49620532562/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49620532562_42ca3d1f59_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
gfxcruncher
Member
Thanks man! :cheers:
Gotta get this thing wrapped up, wheeling/camping season is here!
gfxcruncher
Member
While waiting for the axels to come in, took some time to check out these bearings. I'm no pro, but there are some minor differences that make me think the old bearings may be fakes. On the fake bearing the font is different (The "C" in "HC" is a giveaway), the engraving depth is shallower and the face(?) of the bearing is narrower.
The top pic is the suspect counterfeit one.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49648404257/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49648404257_2b2b97a681_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49648118781/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49648118781_a35bb4d122_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The top pic is the suspect counterfeit one.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49648404257/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49648404257_2b2b97a681_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49648118781/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49648118781_a35bb4d122_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
gfxcruncher
Member
Coastal Offroad Front Bumper (update)
Fun update...
Pulled a few late nights and got the bumper painted! Crossed my fingers and tried out a 2 part system (SprayMax) you can get in rattle cans on amazon.
Note: The base coat is done by batch and it looks like it was mixed at the time of order. I ordered 2 cans and really could have used 3.
Monday got the bare metal prepped, did a little body filler on some weld voids, etched and primed it.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49647686208/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49647686208_7a252b6dcf_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Tuesday got it wet sanded and painted. (pics taken after 1st coat of clear)
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49647686218/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49647686218_da83db3b61_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49648217946/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49648217946_df6e683925_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
For a garage job, really pumped over how well it turned out! Still have to clean up and touch up the backside a little for looks and then it goes on, hopefully next week, going camping this weekend.
Fun update...
Pulled a few late nights and got the bumper painted! Crossed my fingers and tried out a 2 part system (SprayMax) you can get in rattle cans on amazon.
- SEM Self Etch Primer Paper thin coat
- 2 Part epoxy primer (3 coats)
- Prematched base coat (2 coats)
- Clear coat (2 heavy coats)
Note: The base coat is done by batch and it looks like it was mixed at the time of order. I ordered 2 cans and really could have used 3.
Monday got the bare metal prepped, did a little body filler on some weld voids, etched and primed it.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49647686208/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49647686208_7a252b6dcf_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Tuesday got it wet sanded and painted. (pics taken after 1st coat of clear)
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49647686218/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49647686218_da83db3b61_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/186714437@N07/49648217946/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49648217946_df6e683925_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
For a garage job, really pumped over how well it turned out! Still have to clean up and touch up the backside a little for looks and then it goes on, hopefully next week, going camping this weekend.
steezy
That_Titanium_4RNR
New member
You've got skillz bro. Great work, as usual!
