Doc's Build
- Thread starter Doc_Fry
- Start date
Doc_Fry
New member
After rying to sort out the issue with Gobi we narowed own the issue when I took off the bracket to measure and it was found that the bracket was installed per instructions but was mislabeled and installed uoside down. I should receive another screw since the one that came with the rack was damaged due to improper installation. Soemthin about it being done well is a theme here. I wish I could take perfection yet I am not that talented.
I also fixed the issue with my lightbar. Gobi even with me sending them the dimension of my curved lightbar in there wisdom decided to give me a Rigid E series bracket. Which umfortunately would not fit the lightbar. I had to redrill the bracket enlongating the pill shaped hole they provided on the bracket and mounted it at an angle. I did get two point of contact one with the rack and second with the fairing offering a pretty sturdy mounting solution. I also got the light mounted as close as possible to the fairing. Almost nullifying any issue with windnoise I was experiencing. I plan on testing out this mounting system for longetivity and will keep other updated to what I decide. I am looking into antitheft solutions for the lightbar also.
RCi Metalworks, I received all of the skidplates and gas tak plate. I did install most of it except the gas tank skid. I am waiting on a filler plate before posting more on this install. Overall I am fairly impressed with wha they offer. Though, i am not sure I am a complete fan of how they stack upon each other instead of a seamless transition of other skidplates.
Talking with Skygear from the tacoma forums, my circuit/relay box is coming along. I hope to have it by the end lf the month so I can finish the wiring of all my accessories. A note to the hearsayers patience, qaulity products sometimes take time. I like supporting hardworking americans with my buisness and custom parts. I will post uo the installation when I have everything avaialable. I have been videoing some content for my wifes youtube and putting together more stock footage of firearms and the such for when we release our trust
channel. It dies eat into the mod time with the vehicle but great on a rainy day.
I also fixed the issue with my lightbar. Gobi even with me sending them the dimension of my curved lightbar in there wisdom decided to give me a Rigid E series bracket. Which umfortunately would not fit the lightbar. I had to redrill the bracket enlongating the pill shaped hole they provided on the bracket and mounted it at an angle. I did get two point of contact one with the rack and second with the fairing offering a pretty sturdy mounting solution. I also got the light mounted as close as possible to the fairing. Almost nullifying any issue with windnoise I was experiencing. I plan on testing out this mounting system for longetivity and will keep other updated to what I decide. I am looking into antitheft solutions for the lightbar also.
RCi Metalworks, I received all of the skidplates and gas tak plate. I did install most of it except the gas tank skid. I am waiting on a filler plate before posting more on this install. Overall I am fairly impressed with wha they offer. Though, i am not sure I am a complete fan of how they stack upon each other instead of a seamless transition of other skidplates.
Talking with Skygear from the tacoma forums, my circuit/relay box is coming along. I hope to have it by the end lf the month so I can finish the wiring of all my accessories. A note to the hearsayers patience, qaulity products sometimes take time. I like supporting hardworking americans with my buisness and custom parts. I will post uo the installation when I have everything avaialable. I have been videoing some content for my wifes youtube and putting together more stock footage of firearms and the such for when we release our trust
channel. It dies eat into the mod time with the vehicle but great on a rainy day.
Doc_Fry
New member
Gas Tank Skid Plate
Front skid plate will get better pictures when I am finished.
Front with rack and lightbar. I could put a small amount of rubber molding between the lightbar and the fairing to make the tiny little gap dissapear.
Side picture. Installed.
Other side
rear with ladder
I will take some pictures with my dlsr when it is nicer or at a better location maybe tomorrow depending on the weather and our drive up to chatanooga.
Doc_Fry
New member
Gobi Install breakdown. I didn't take a whole bunch of photos as I was by myself. I did see recently that there was a post about the install of the rack. It covers everything that I ran into and in more detail than I did during the install. I did use invisible bra used for the door frames to protect the paint under the fairing and ladder. I highly recommend this over any other method, it is removable easy to do and provides the most protection. The install turned out well for having to do it by myself except for my wife helping to lift it into place. I cut up cardboard from the packaging as seen below to help protect the paint. I had an issue with a bracket being upside down due to the bracket being mislabeled, just paying closer attention could have prevented this issue.
The lightbar install was the most difficult. Gobi did build the rack with my lightbar in mind but did not give me the correct brackets. I had to drill and repaint the brackets to allow it to fit as tightly as possible to the fairing. As I said before I need to work on antitheft for the lightbar. Will look at EE to find some antitheft nuts and bolts that fit and install them at a later date.
The rack came packaged very well. Probably one of the best packaging jobs I have seen with a product. Most companies don't take the time nor care enough and often overlook this critical step. Communication was great with both Trail Duty and Gobi. Everything came as needed in the box. The instructions are a bit lacking, especially as I have a hard time following instructions that are just written. This is one area they could improve with a step by step with photos. I am still waiting on a tool box from them that came with the rack. I did get a full flooring rack since I do not have the sunroof at no extra charge and made to fit the lightbar without cost. The only issue was the mislabeled bracket, that I am sure after communication with Gobi that they will address it. The lightbar bracket could have been better especially with me sending them the dimensions of the lightbar. The lightbar is not wired yet, i will do a complete write up when I install my circuit/breaker box. Now onto some photos:
Packaged Rack done very well.
Here is the rack after the install. Still some things to do.
Rack is complete with Lightbar installed
Front View
Close up view, might also add some rubber striping between the light and the rack.
Rear View
let me know what everyone thinks. I am always open to suggestions. I enjoy the feedback. The more I get the more notivated I become at sharing these type of things.
And this is what I picked up today from the store.
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/35386325@N03/16955447107" title="Glock G43 by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7695/16955447107_b2fb11ccb0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="Glock G43"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/35386325@N03/17161223772" title="Glock G43 by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8776/17161223772_254dceb386_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="Glock G43"></a>
The lightbar install was the most difficult. Gobi did build the rack with my lightbar in mind but did not give me the correct brackets. I had to drill and repaint the brackets to allow it to fit as tightly as possible to the fairing. As I said before I need to work on antitheft for the lightbar. Will look at EE to find some antitheft nuts and bolts that fit and install them at a later date.
The rack came packaged very well. Probably one of the best packaging jobs I have seen with a product. Most companies don't take the time nor care enough and often overlook this critical step. Communication was great with both Trail Duty and Gobi. Everything came as needed in the box. The instructions are a bit lacking, especially as I have a hard time following instructions that are just written. This is one area they could improve with a step by step with photos. I am still waiting on a tool box from them that came with the rack. I did get a full flooring rack since I do not have the sunroof at no extra charge and made to fit the lightbar without cost. The only issue was the mislabeled bracket, that I am sure after communication with Gobi that they will address it. The lightbar bracket could have been better especially with me sending them the dimensions of the lightbar. The lightbar is not wired yet, i will do a complete write up when I install my circuit/breaker box. Now onto some photos:
Packaged Rack done very well.
Here is the rack after the install. Still some things to do.
Rack is complete with Lightbar installed
Front View
Close up view, might also add some rubber striping between the light and the rack.
Rear View
let me know what everyone thinks. I am always open to suggestions. I enjoy the feedback. The more I get the more notivated I become at sharing these type of things.
And this is what I picked up today from the store.
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/35386325@N03/16955447107" title="Glock G43 by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7695/16955447107_b2fb11ccb0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="Glock G43"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/35386325@N03/17161223772" title="Glock G43 by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8776/17161223772_254dceb386_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="Glock G43"></a>
Hellamatic
New member
Man, I'm usually not one to like colored vehicles, but that Inferno orange looks great!
I like the contrast between the orange and the black trim/rack/ladder - she's looking good!
I like the contrast between the orange and the black trim/rack/ladder - she's looking good!
ColoradoFrosty
New member
Oh man, I just realized that was the new G43! I cant find one available yet but really looking forward to getting one myself. It should be a good addition with my G19 & G26.
Doc_Fry
New member
I will mount uo my Thuke box on top this week as I want to any ways for a test fit to give you anidea of mounting capability. Im also going to run my Thule bike setup to give you even more ideas to make sure it doesnt interfere with the ladder. i just need a few sunny days so I can finish a few shooting vids for youtube and can take the pics.
Doc_Fry
New member
GT Distributors has them for preorder. perhaps your dealer will too. i also picked up a preorder holster from Phlster. great kydex holsters from Philly.. I carried today in a shield holster from McCabes Leather it did well carries well forgot it was there in appendix and hides well. just a tucked in button up at church would make an excellent backuo gun, ankle holster. i am torn with the ahield due to the size being almost exact and an extra round. yet, i am using it mostly bow in my truck with a 10-8 trigger guard holster invetween the console and the seat. so i can get to it quickly ib the vehicle while appendixing my G19 or M&P9c. then locking up in the safe when leaving the vehicle.
Doc_Fry
New member
Thabjs, this was the intention all along. keep an eye out it will only get better. i have bever had so many people stop to me and ask about a truck and I have had some wikd trucks and Ducatis.
steve
Doc_Fry
New member
L
I put on the RCI Metalworks. The transmission and trasfer plate in 3/16 stee and the gas tank skid is 10 ga. I ended up getting hese cause of the group buy or else I would have gone Bud Built. Talked to RCI there are coming put with a filler plate for the stock front aluminum plate. For now there is a section that is left unprotected. I have no real quams over the RCi vs Bud built just some tings that I liked better with the buds like the brackets being welded on insteal of bolted on. The RCI provide lots of coverage I dont think there will be any issues at all with them. In the end it is up to you, these are the first that I did get powdered coated. i highly recommend it. Plus the RCI packages them better than I have seen the Buds done previously on my last truck.
Take your time and do it little a little by litle before you know it you wil be done. I most likely would have ben done by now if I where no savin up to get a Carolina Skiff boat.
Lexusbstrdchild
New member
Sort of off subject, but have you shot the G43 yet? I have a gen 2 G19 that I carry, but just wondering what thoughts you have on your new Glock?
Doc_Fry
New member
Shoukd finish shootng thevideo review weekend depending on the weather and a couple of days to put it all together post production. Will post a link to it when I do. I poted up some picks on Instgram comparing the size to the sheld, G19, G42 [MENTION=23437]Red[/MENTION]fernsoljah if you want to take a look.
ColoradoFrosty
New member
Looking forward to your review. So far reviews are mixed it seems. The thing over the Shield and similar guns or me is the ease of transition between the other 9mm Glocks when switching out.
Oh and the way, your 4Runner looks fantastic!
Doc_Fry
New member
Sorry I havent had time to do any reviews. I have too much going on to go through production and post production of video. Though I did shoot some footage. I just need more video stock and time to complete the review
Anyways, I did get my replacement Light Bar in from Desert Rat . I am still upset having to pay a fee for a warranty item. I am just glad that I got it back new and that it is an upgrade. It does look as if the reflectors are of a much higher quality than the proviso light bar. I will see over time if it holds up and doesn't allow water into the bar. I also ended up hooking up my lightbar to use it until I am able to fully wire up the whole truck with my relay/bussman box that is being built. There has been a delay in getting the box completed. I do not have a time line at this time, fingers are crossed it will not take all year. I will document this, not that I didnt do all my connections and wiring of a marine quality. I ended up not using relays and reused some Rogid harnesses and cutomized them to fit for now. I did also hook up a pair of Rigid SRQs for the rear of the rack. I do have 2 pairs of SRMs for the side yet I will wait to install them once I get some brackets and the fuse/relay box. I did also start to work out my rock light layout and rough wiring. I still need to work out the front and rear of the truck. In front of the tires, as what I had planned did not work out like I wanted to for those areas. I will have to take some pictures of this.
A note for posterity when hooking up the Switches that I got from OTRATTW Carling Switches. When hooking up the dimmer function for the switch you must hook up the pos and neg from the vehicle for it to work properly. In my truck I ended up splicing in the harness that goes to the air conditioner controls. The green wire is the pos, and the grey wire is the neg. Use your wiring diagram to figure out the correct post to hook up too. I just dont remember exactly which ones to do so. This area is a great place to splice into as it can be reintegrated into the vehicle with how it is bundled and look as if it has not been touched. Also when wiring up the rear lights with the Gobi. If you use marine grade butt connectors that are heat shrinkable and solder you can end up wrapping them in electrical tape for extra rub protection and pulling the wire into the rack itself, make sure it is solidly connected before hand though. It would be a pain to have it come apart in the rack or ground out in the rack tube. I put the connectors indie of the tubing to help protect it from all the elements and make the install look that much neater. Using marine grade connectors and full copper wire is a great way to prevent corrosion! I still need to get some split loom to cover the wires to complete the install. Anyways enough talking and here are some pictures!!!
Front Direct: I have reaimed them a little. Will have to redo when I add the under grill light bar as well:
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr
Front at a distance:
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr
Another angle:Isn't that a great sunset!
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr
Daylight down my driveway: Mind you if I turn off the lights it is pitch dark like no hand 4 feet from your face can be seen! We also where able to see a good bit to the left and the right of the side mirrors enough to spot about 5 deer we would not have seen otherwise driving down the drive.
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr
Current Configuration of the roof rack carrying my Thule roof top box:
Light bar 42" Curved ready to go. by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr
Rigid SRQ LEDS Back I changed the abgle they are at outwards I need to take a nighttime photo Using the diffused lens does well for the complete area. Though under the bumper I need to add something to light up the immediate area as these are blocked by the rear spoiler.
Light bar 42" Curved ready to go. by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr
The Rock Lights in twilight:
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr
The rock lights in total darkness: the lights in the background are solar lights and to the right is my flag light.
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on FlickrUntitled by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr
Note: There is not any time exposed photos here. I used my iPhone 6 to take these. Those things are bright! When I am done with the rock lights I will do a full install writeup on what I ended up using. and how I did it.
Anyways, I did get my replacement Light Bar in from Desert Rat . I am still upset having to pay a fee for a warranty item. I am just glad that I got it back new and that it is an upgrade. It does look as if the reflectors are of a much higher quality than the proviso light bar. I will see over time if it holds up and doesn't allow water into the bar. I also ended up hooking up my lightbar to use it until I am able to fully wire up the whole truck with my relay/bussman box that is being built. There has been a delay in getting the box completed. I do not have a time line at this time, fingers are crossed it will not take all year. I will document this, not that I didnt do all my connections and wiring of a marine quality. I ended up not using relays and reused some Rogid harnesses and cutomized them to fit for now. I did also hook up a pair of Rigid SRQs for the rear of the rack. I do have 2 pairs of SRMs for the side yet I will wait to install them once I get some brackets and the fuse/relay box. I did also start to work out my rock light layout and rough wiring. I still need to work out the front and rear of the truck. In front of the tires, as what I had planned did not work out like I wanted to for those areas. I will have to take some pictures of this.
A note for posterity when hooking up the Switches that I got from OTRATTW Carling Switches. When hooking up the dimmer function for the switch you must hook up the pos and neg from the vehicle for it to work properly. In my truck I ended up splicing in the harness that goes to the air conditioner controls. The green wire is the pos, and the grey wire is the neg. Use your wiring diagram to figure out the correct post to hook up too. I just dont remember exactly which ones to do so. This area is a great place to splice into as it can be reintegrated into the vehicle with how it is bundled and look as if it has not been touched. Also when wiring up the rear lights with the Gobi. If you use marine grade butt connectors that are heat shrinkable and solder you can end up wrapping them in electrical tape for extra rub protection and pulling the wire into the rack itself, make sure it is solidly connected before hand though. It would be a pain to have it come apart in the rack or ground out in the rack tube. I put the connectors indie of the tubing to help protect it from all the elements and make the install look that much neater. Using marine grade connectors and full copper wire is a great way to prevent corrosion! I still need to get some split loom to cover the wires to complete the install. Anyways enough talking and here are some pictures!!!
Front Direct: I have reaimed them a little. Will have to redo when I add the under grill light bar as well:
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on FlickrFront at a distance:
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on FlickrAnother angle:Isn't that a great sunset!
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on FlickrDaylight down my driveway: Mind you if I turn off the lights it is pitch dark like no hand 4 feet from your face can be seen! We also where able to see a good bit to the left and the right of the side mirrors enough to spot about 5 deer we would not have seen otherwise driving down the drive.
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on FlickrCurrent Configuration of the roof rack carrying my Thule roof top box:
Light bar 42" Curved ready to go. by crazyaboutbflys, on FlickrRigid SRQ LEDS Back I changed the abgle they are at outwards I need to take a nighttime photo Using the diffused lens does well for the complete area. Though under the bumper I need to add something to light up the immediate area as these are blocked by the rear spoiler.
Light bar 42" Curved ready to go. by crazyaboutbflys, on FlickrThe Rock Lights in twilight:
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on FlickrThe rock lights in total darkness: the lights in the background are solar lights and to the right is my flag light.
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on FlickrUntitled by crazyaboutbflys, on FlickrNote: There is not any time exposed photos here. I used my iPhone 6 to take these. Those things are bright! When I am done with the rock lights I will do a full install writeup on what I ended up using. and how I did it.
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Doc_Fry
New member
Yesterday I ended up getting in the Shroxworks Step Sliders that I ordered during one of the group buys. The box was pretty beat up and there was no cushion in the middle of the box, hopefully Shroxworks will fix this as I got mine powder coated and this was the only area of wear. Its the little stuff that in the end affect an overall customer experience and a little more care would have prevented any issues at all.
Other than the packaging problem the sliders arrived pretty quickly after getting my shipping notice. The Install instructions are a bit hard to follow and could be another area improved upon greatly. Maybe they can do year specific installs and when you order for a year include those in the box. The install is not overly difficult once you figure out how to insert the nuts in the frame behind the screw hole while holding up the slider/step, ok it is a pain in the butt! I found out that a cut to length 4x4 x 2 helped greatly as an extra set of hands holding up the slider allowing me an extra hand less fumbling and alot less cramps of bumprs and bruises and ohh shits, ouch, damnit. I ended getting everything tightened down and the fit was good.
The build quality is very good. The welds look well done. Power coating is applied well and even. The overall design makes the slider stick out as far as my rear tire allow a decent kick out from the body. And the step is well integrated into the slider and looks beefy and nice. The step is made of another piece of sheet steel with holes stamped in into it for drainage and grip. I found the powder coat to help with grip offering a slight sand like texture to it. Overall I would recommend them to anyone looking for a high quality slider. But be aware of the issues you may have. There are other manufactures in this price range that have a bit more time building these and have solved these issues with packaging and installation instructions.
Here are some pictures.
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr
Other than the packaging problem the sliders arrived pretty quickly after getting my shipping notice. The Install instructions are a bit hard to follow and could be another area improved upon greatly. Maybe they can do year specific installs and when you order for a year include those in the box. The install is not overly difficult once you figure out how to insert the nuts in the frame behind the screw hole while holding up the slider/step, ok it is a pain in the butt! I found out that a cut to length 4x4 x 2 helped greatly as an extra set of hands holding up the slider allowing me an extra hand less fumbling and alot less cramps of bumprs and bruises and ohh shits, ouch, damnit. I ended getting everything tightened down and the fit was good.
The build quality is very good. The welds look well done. Power coating is applied well and even. The overall design makes the slider stick out as far as my rear tire allow a decent kick out from the body. And the step is well integrated into the slider and looks beefy and nice. The step is made of another piece of sheet steel with holes stamped in into it for drainage and grip. I found the powder coat to help with grip offering a slight sand like texture to it. Overall I would recommend them to anyone looking for a high quality slider. But be aware of the issues you may have. There are other manufactures in this price range that have a bit more time building these and have solved these issues with packaging and installation instructions.
Here are some pictures.
Untitled by crazyaboutbflys, on FlickrUntitled by crazyaboutbflys, on Flickr
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