[GSPRunner]

Just make sure it looks exactly like your last truck and we'll all be good

[JWaldz]

You definitely got some catching up to do but I know it's all in due time. I think you sold your black one as I was first starting my build. I've changed my name on the forum since then. Use to be ARKRWLR. Your old runner was definitely one of the inspirations for my build.

[MillerPKA]

Originally Posted by JWaldz

You definitely got some catching up to do but I know it's all in due time. I think you sold your black one as I was first starting my build. I've changed my name on the forum since then. Use to be ARKRWLR. Your old runner was definitely one of the inspirations for my build.

The name definitely sounds familiar. And I'm glad to hear! Just wait until the interior phase begins.

[MillerPKA]

Well a timeline for most of this stuff is fleshing out pretty well. Today Bushwacker officially approved the sponsorship for this build - one more thing to cross off the list and I couldn't be happier to run those flares again.

I will probably have the suspension and armor in about 6 weeks, and hopefully in that time I can gather the other parts (sport hood, etc.) and have the flares painted and installed. My uncle has a house in Ramona, definitely out in the boonies, that has an air compressor and most all of the tools needed. I know a lot of the friends I've made on here are now local to me, and seeing how the last build was shaped with the help of this community, I wanted to see if you guys wanted to have a personal hand in this one taking off.

So, unless someone in San Diego or Orange County has a garage or house they'd like to offer up, I would love to have you guys up to Ramona for a redemption makeover party. I'm thinking I can get the snorkel, suspension lift, body lift, and ARB done in a day with a couple extra pair of hands. I think it'd be cool to film the whole thing and put together a time lapse of the day. If you're interested let me know on here, Facebook or pm and I'll keep in touch as plans become solidified.

Also, it was recommended that I create a fan page on Facebook to track the build. the page is at http://www.facebook.com/millerpka

I'm not much for self-promotion and I intend on keeping this thread focused on the build, but I do want to give my sponsors the exposure they deserve, as well as an easy way for people outside of the forums to be able to follow along.

Thanks and looking forward to meeting all of you guys out here!

[SCRunner12]

Sounds like a sweet plan. What are you doing for suspension? Are you going with a rear bumper this time around?

If you don't mind me asking, how are you getting these sponsorships? Is is due to your previous vehicle and the reputation/sponsorship you had before? Do you have to do anything for them (shows or photo shoots)? I've always wondered how that whole thing works. No worries if you can't answer those questions.

[MillerPKA]

Originally Posted by SCRunner12

Sounds like a sweet plan. What are you doing for suspension? Are you going with a rear bumper this time around?

If you don't mind me asking, how are you getting these sponsorships? Is is due to your previous vehicle and the reputation/sponsorship you had before? Do you have to do anything for them (shows or photo shoots)? I've always wondered how that whole thing works. No worries if you can't answer those questions.

No problem, the question comes up a lot but it's not a very easy one to answer. Right now, yeah the past relationships and reputation are a huge help. I did bust my ass when I had the last rig to make sure I gave sponsors great exposure, whether that was product shoots or community engagement. I was seriously motivated to get those sponsors and didn't mind spending for them to take notice. I am a marketing and sales person by trade and it definitely helps when communicating with these companies. Talking to them in a language that they understand, because you may be passionate about what you're doing, but unless you can effectively communicate how it can benefit them that passion will get lost in translation. So really it comes down to money, networking, communication skills and a commitment to your rig.

I don't think what I did is a viable blueprint for others, so I don't offer up my story thinking it's advice. But people do come to me when they are working on proposals, etc. and I have no problem giving them my .02. So my advice would be find an opportunity that you think sounds like a win-win for both you and the company, and get in touch when you have a plan.

[BrianSD_42]

Congrats on closing the sponsorship! You can have your coffee now.

I was seriously motivated to get those sponsors and didn't mind spending for them to take notice. I am a marketing and sales person by trade and it definitely helps when communicating with these companies.

[MillerPKA]

Originally Posted by BrianSD_42

Congrats on closing the sponsorship! You can have your coffee now.

Haha you have no idea how relevant a Glengarry quote is right now but thank you! Working on something huge tomorrow aside from the 4Runner and really am hoping to report some good news here soon enough.

[rickashay]

Originally Posted by downpour11

Definite OG status in this thread except for pikeman, drifter33, and brian2sun lol Good to see everyone still hanging around!

Originally Posted by GSPRunner

Most popular build thread ever without an actual mod done yet. lol.

I LOL'd on both of these.

While we are on the sponsorship topic, who do you have behind you for this build? Stoked to see the results.

[downpour11]

Originally Posted by MillerPKA

Working on something huge tomorrow aside from the 4Runner and really am hoping to report some good news here soon enough.

Sweet! So you were able to get my Publisher's Clearing House check to go through? Dick Clark has been giving me the run-around for years, he's such an *******.

******* got asterisked?!? lol

[MillerPKA]

Originally Posted by rickashay

I LOL'd on both of these.

While we are on the sponsorship topic, who do you have behind you for this build? Stoked to see the results.

Right now Continental/General and Bushwacker are my only official sponsors

Originally Posted by downpour11

Sweet! So you were able to get my Publisher's Clearing House check to go through? Dick Clark has been giving me the run-around for years, he's such an *******.

******* got asterisked?!? lol

Haha family friendly site they've always been strict around here. I'm trying to make my own checks haha that's what this is about

[Troybylt]

Great to see all the big names in here from the good old days. Long before I could even think about buying a 3rd (before I even had a DL HA!) I always wanted to make a Rig half as nice as everyone posting in this thread. I think Miller's Original Rig was the final inspiration for me to go "yep definitely gotta get me one of those 3rd gen's one day" back in '06/'07. Finally came to a point in my life where I could pick one up a few months ago! Been saving and browsing looking for how to get it where I want it. Was sad to see Miller go but now he's back!

Definitely subscribing and may even follow this thread as a "How to" if you don't mind Miller. Have to say I had to get a black one because yours look so damn good!

Welcome back!

[downpour11]

Originally Posted by BrianSD_42

The admin removed a lot of restrictions on speech (the automatic *****) but there are still some words that will get caught by the algorithm. Most of us self censor (#@$%) just to keep it classy but no one makes a big deal out of it.

lol i know i'm just joking

[MillerPKA]

Still a few weeks out on getting the rest of the goodies. Bushwackers came in last week so need to find the time to get those painted. My driver rear door is damaged in the corner and it's tough to say if the flare will fit correctly as is. I have another door ready for repainting but I'm not rushing to take off original parts.

We did clay, compound, polish and wax it this weekend and the paint is in fantastic condition minus the existing damage. The finish is already nicer than I was ever able to get the last one. Really can't wait to get this assembled and in action!

Did anyone else in the SD area want to come to the build day? You can lend a hand or just watch the madness unfold. I'll provide the beer and foods. We'll be working on it in Ramona, unless someone else has a better spot we can use.

Originally Posted by Troybylt

Great to see all the big names in here from the good old days. Long before I could even think about buying a 3rd (before I even had a DL HA!) I always wanted to make a Rig half as nice as everyone posting in this thread. I think Miller's Original Rig was the final inspiration for me to go "yep definitely gotta get me one of those 3rd gen's one day" back in '06/'07. Finally came to a point in my life where I could pick one up a few months ago! Been saving and browsing looking for how to get it where I want it. Was sad to see Miller go but now he's back!

Definitely subscribing and may even follow this thread as a "How to" if you don't mind Miller. Have to say I had to get a black one because yours look so damn good!

Welcome back!

Thanks man and by all means come along for the ride. Let me know if you have any questions!

[MillerPKA]

Hey guys, build is on temporary hold for personal reasons, so in the meantime I am planning for the next mods. Last week someone keyed the truck the right side already had significant deep scratches along the whole side from trails, and now this wonderful person took a key to the good side so I have two bad sides.

After enough quoting of paint jobs, we started thinking about vinyl wrapping. I'd never considered it before because I have always been partial to black...until the idea came up of a flat/satin Sandstorm as kind of an ode to the FJs. The more I think about it the more I like it, but with me being so committed to the black I wanted some opinions from you fine folk. If I did the wrap the entire truck and bushwackers would be sandstorm, then the snorkel and probably arb would be black. It may look pretty badass to color match the bumper as well.

I'm all ears!