2001 SR5 Build Thread!

[RMGulchin1]

Rear bumper

Recently finished removing the entire rear bumper assembly, side bumper panels, and everything pertaining to the spare tire rack under the rear.

A couple busted knuckles and about 20 seized bolt extractions later and everything was apart.

I gave all the metal a good wire brushing, and sprayed everything with undercoating spray (including the insides of the bumpers which were the worst). Outside of the bumpers sprayed with around 6 coats of plasti-dip.

Not bad! I don't love it, but it will suffice until I can get an aftermarket replacement (and it was CHEAP).

Next step I guess I'll be slowly moving back to front, removing all seized bolts and replacing them (builds character), and brushing/undercoating all the metal I can get to.

 

[RMGulchin1]

Roof box

Other thing I did was went ahead and mounted a roof box onto the "stock" roof rack.

Used this as a guide: Using a Gun Case as a Cargo Box for Recovery Gear on Roof Rack

Basically I only need this for light duty (some tools, recovery stuff, random cargo). It's only 36". I've got a sleeping platform and other things inside I need to save room for.

Got the 36" Plano box on amazon: Amazon.com : Plano All Weather Tactical Gun Case, 36-Inch : Sports & Outdoors

Must have got a deal because it was about $60 when I ordered.

Instead of drilling holes through the bottom, I drilled through the sides and fixed some U-bolts around the crossbars. Sealed with silicon sealant and used anti-seize lube on the hardware. Some cut up pool noodles between the hardware and crossbars. A waterproof test during yesterday's thunderstorms tells me that this thing holds up well (time will tell though).

Good enough for me for this summer. Eventually will want to build a low-profile rack to replace the stock one altogether.

 

[RMGulchin1]

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