dtc81's '99 SR5 Build Thread
- Thread starter dtc81
- Start date
Got an opportunity to explore some land in my area, and ended up giving the 4runner some new character marks...:ybrick: Slid off my line and lost traction, ended up dragging it against some trees. That's life. It's time to get serious with a front bumper build. I am still leaning towards a very low profile plate/tube build, with a 2" receiver to accept a winch plate. I don't do enough wheeling to want to drive around with a winch on the front end daily. Open to suggestions on the idea though.
I recently decided it's time to add some lights to the 4Runner, as well as build a new roof rack. I'm going to build it full length with some material I have on hand. The rack is this weekend's task.
I purchased a 30" double row OKLED bar from Colton at Vivid Illumination and Performance. (viandp.com) His customer service was flat out awesome, and his prices are very competitive. Tonight I built a switch panel that mounts below my Pioneer radio, and will be painting it tomorrow.
I purchased a 30" double row OKLED bar from Colton at Vivid Illumination and Performance. (viandp.com) His customer service was flat out awesome, and his prices are very competitive. Tonight I built a switch panel that mounts below my Pioneer radio, and will be painting it tomorrow.
I used the weekend to get my roof rack built. I was aiming for something low profile, somewhat lightweight, and able to accommodate my light bar and back up light. I'm very happy how it turned out! I didn't take many pictures during the process, but you get the idea.
Tacking together the main structure.
Just after paint. Sprayed an epoxy primer for the time being. Not exactly sure if/what my topcoat is going to be.
I mounted the rack and lights on the truck, but it was getting dark, so the pictures of the finished product will have to wait until tomorrow. Hopefully I'll get all the wiring done tomorrow after work
Tacking together the main structure.
Just after paint. Sprayed an epoxy primer for the time being. Not exactly sure if/what my topcoat is going to be.
I mounted the rack and lights on the truck, but it was getting dark, so the pictures of the finished product will have to wait until tomorrow. Hopefully I'll get all the wiring done tomorrow after work
JWaldz
Moderator
My good friend Tyler is trying to get his vinyl lettering business started too, so I guinea pigged a hood wrap for him about 3 months ago. It turned out great!
I need to look into something like this soon. My LED bar up top creates a lot of glare on the hood.
Bumper Build
The bumper build was finished last week. It was definitely the biggest fabrication project I've taken on yet, and many thanks to my friend Carl for helping out!
The start of the main structure
Most of the 3/16" plate hung and tacked into place.
Carl got fancy with the TIG welder on the shackles and 2" receiver while I MIGed in all the 3/16 panels.
After a long time grinding and flap disking all the whole bumper. Decided to drill and sleeve the three holes in the main structure for a little additional air flow and aesthetics.
Two coats of PPG epoxy primer and two coats of SEM black.
Glamor shot to show off the completed project!
Bumped up to 285 duratracs as well.
The bumper build was finished last week. It was definitely the biggest fabrication project I've taken on yet, and many thanks to my friend Carl for helping out!
The start of the main structure
Most of the 3/16" plate hung and tacked into place.
Carl got fancy with the TIG welder on the shackles and 2" receiver while I MIGed in all the 3/16 panels.
After a long time grinding and flap disking all the whole bumper. Decided to drill and sleeve the three holes in the main structure for a little additional air flow and aesthetics.
Two coats of PPG epoxy primer and two coats of SEM black.
Glamor shot to show off the completed project!
Bumped up to 285 duratracs as well.
Jdog
Member
The window organizer business is so ingenious it's so cool. Truck looks good brother.
Thanks a lot! It's one of the more useful mods done yet!
Thanks!
A.Wilson013
New member
Woahhhh
Just saw your post w/ the picture of all of your bikes loaded up and needed to stop in to ask about your roof rack.
Couple questions...
What'd you make the legs out of?
How much does it weigh?
How did you make the contour to the body? It looks like Uni-Strut, so I'd think it would kink if bent...
How strong is it...? Can you walk around on top?
That thing is NASTY man... Very envious.
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Thanks, and you're 100% correct; it's Uni-Strut. The legs are made of square tube with a plate cap on the bottom. They sit on the factory roof rails, and have holes in the plate so I could use the stock mounting system. The front legs are just stainless threaded rod with 2" soft rubber bumpers on the bottom to disperse some of the rack weight on the roof. I tapped a hole where the rods are on the rack, and used lock nuts to adjust the height and tighten.
If I had to guess, it probably weighs somewhere around 60 pounds. The expanded metal is the heaviest part.
The contour to the body was actually a mistake that turned out cool. The 3/4" square tube crossmembers are notched into the bottom of the Uni-Strut, and when I welded them, it closed the gaps in the notches up a little, causing the whole rack to pull in that slight curve...I can't take credit for the idea, but I can for the mistake!
The rack is very strong. I've stood up there numerous times to load and unload things. It will flex a little if I'm standing in the middle, but not enough to touch the roof. I've had it loaded down with a 4x8' sheet of 3/16" steel with no issues!
A.Wilson013
New member
Very very very cool. Is there any way I could talk you into taking some detail shots of it? Especially where you notched the crossmembers to masterfully contour the rack, and the legs.
TrexRunnerGirl
New member
I have to do this to my truck. nice to see what it will look like eventually. The underbody rust proofing. that is. the whole thing looks awesome and I like the window organizer rack.
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