Bandit Runner's Build Thread

[TJM]

Sweet build!

Im fascinated with what you've got going there. I hope you don't mind if I steal one or two of your ideas

Do you have plans for that storage area? I want to get something done like that - I don't want it to take up the whole back, and yours looked ideal.

I have been using the search function for storage solutions (on many forums, this one included) but theres a lot to go through and I haven't seen a better one than yours yet.

Cheers

Tom

 

[codyjh]

I dig creativity. Nice work!

 

[1985taylor1925]

Any more progress on the light guards? Im curious to see the finished look.

 

[Bandit Runner]

Im fascinated with what you've got going there. I hope you don't mind if I steal one or two of your ideas

Do you have plans for that storage area? I want to get something done like that - I don't want it to take up the whole back, and yours looked ideal.

I have been using the search function for storage solutions (on many forums, this one included) but theres a lot to go through and I haven't seen a better one than yours yet.

Cheers

Tom

Thanks, steal away. I do have plans for the storage area, but its easy enough to make your own too. Let me know if you need some dimensions.

 

[Bandit Runner]

I dig creativity. Nice work!

Thanks, much appreciated.

 

[Bandit Runner]

Any more progress on the light guards? Im curious to see the finished look.

Progress - yes, Pictures - no.

They're coming along nicely. I'll try to get some pics up this weekend.

 

[Bandit Runner]

Here's an update on the tail light guards. I have completed all the fabrication work on them. In addition to adding the circular rings, I also rounded the upper corner to better match the profile of the tailgate. I just got finished cleaning up all the welds and sanding them down. Here's how they sit now:

Here's how they look on the truck:

You can see how the rings line up with the circular light sections:

And another view:

Now I just have to clean them up, and paint them black.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Here's an update on the tail light guards. I have completed all the fabrication work on them. In addition to adding the circular rings, I also rounded the upper corner to better match the profile of the tailgate. I just got finished cleaning up all the welds and sanding them down. Here's how they sit now:

Here's how they look on the truck:

You can see how the rings line up with the circular light sections:

And another view:

Now I just have to clean them up, and paint them black.

Its definately unique. I think its pretty cool. You think the bottom inside corner would look better with a bit of a radius rather that being pointed? The sharp corner kinda stands out to me. I know thats how it came from the factory.

Edit: Nice work by the way! Your custom circles appear to line up perfectly with the lights.

 

[Bandit Runner]

Thanks, I like unique.

I kept the bottom inside corner sharp, because that corner on the taillights is also sharp. It is the only corner on the taillights that is not rounded.

 

[Bandit Runner]

I finally got the taillight guards finished. I think they turned out pretty good.

Just painted:

Installed:

Thanks for looking. On to the next project...

 

[bak3rme]

thats production line quality work...u got some killer projects sir

 

[4Running Daily]

Only makes me wonder what the next project could possibly be?

 

[4ever4running]

Hey Bandit, I've been following your build over on YotaTech but I thought I would drop you a line here.

The custom snorkel came out amazing! How did you even go about designing and making it? I have wanted a snorkel for a while, but I can't justify spending close to $500 on one when it isn't really a priority.

As always, your attention to detail and fab skills are nothing short of awesome. Keep up the nice work!

 

[Bandit Runner]

thats production line quality work...u got some killer projects sir

Thanks, Much appreciated.

Only makes me wonder what the next project could possibly be?

Flat belly skidplate. I've actually already been working on it. Its about half done. I'll get some pics up soon.

Hey Bandit, I've been following your build over on YotaTech but I thought I would drop you a line here.

The custom snorkel came out amazing! How did you even go about designing and making it? I have wanted a snorkel for a while, but I can't justify spending close to $500 on one when it isn't really a priority.

As always, your attention to detail and fab skills are nothing short of awesome. Keep up the nice work!

Thanks! Yeah, I don't post too much on YT anymore. Pretty dead over there. As for the snorkel design, you can read how I designed and built it in the snorkel build thread here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/109438-bandit-runners-custom-snorkel-build.html

 

[4ever4running]

Man what an absolutely incredible build, very impressive! Its just too bad you're not going to build and sell any, I would definitely be first in line!

 

[tinman]

Bandit-

Very nice build. I like the thought you've put into everything you've done...it all flows together very well. Good job getting the circles on the tail light guards perfect! Can't wait to see the flat belly skid! :hungry:

 

[4Running Daily]

Are you keeping IFS?

 

[Bandit Runner]

Man what an absolutely incredible build, very impressive! Its just too bad you're not going to build and sell any, I would definitely be first in line!

Thanks man.

Bandit-

Very nice build. I like the thought you've put into everything you've done...it all flows together very well. Good job getting the circles on the tail light guards perfect! Can't wait to see the flat belly skid! :hungry:

Thanks, I do put a lot of thought into everything, before I do it.

Are you keeping IFS?

Yes, Why do you ask?

 

[4Running Daily]

]
Yes, Why do you ask?

This rig just seems to have it all. Didn't know if IFS was enough for you.

 

[Bandit Runner]

OK, so here is the flat belly skid. Like everything, I first designed it in CAD. Then I built a wooden prototype to make sure everything fit like I wanted it. I designed it to be light, yet strong. To do this I started with a 1/8" thick plate, and added several attachment points and strengthening ribs.

Here are a few pics of the prototype:

The large openings are there just so I could see if anything was interfering on the inside. Here it is on the truck:

Once I had everthing the way I wanted it, I started to build the real thing. Starting out:

After adding some of the ribs and attachment points:

That's where it stands right now, probably about half done.

Thanks for looking.