Hi-desert Cheapskate build thread

[Hi-desertT4R]

Picked up this 3D printed drop in cup holder insert from member [MENTION=676688]circiondesigns[/MENTION] off of Etsy.

2003-2009 4runner Cupholder Insert Hydroflask/phone | Etsy

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Almost forgot about this easy addition. Lev-O-gage. This was something I kept when I sold my old square body GMC High Sierra. I sticky back hook and looped it on there. I’ve seen guys put em on the B-pillar too.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Kydex holster

Made a holster inside the center console a few years ago out of .95 Kydex plastic for my Springfield XD-S .45
It should go without saying. Be sure to check your local laws in regards to concealed carry of a firearm in your vehicle if doing a mod like this.

 

[chasrrr]

The lighting has gone through a few changes.

Currently I have Auxbeam FT-1 H11 low beams, Auxbeam FT-1 9005 high beams and Sealight 3000k 9006 fog lights.
I’m researching new H11 low beams as I found out that these H11 LEDs are not legal according to NHTSA. Fog lights are going away once my bumper kit arrives.

I mounted a 32” curved light bar to the top of the crash bar in the lower grille opening.

I bought the 40” light bar new in box from my buddy for forty bucks. I made brackets to mount it to the roof rack.

I bought these cheap GS Power ditch light brackets for a Tacoma off of Amazon along with some cheap Nilight light pods. The fit is decent.

You have any pictures of how you mounted the light bar to the front cross member? I've got a Stedi Light Bar and want to do the same!

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

You have any pictures of how you mounted the light bar to the front cross member? I've got a Stedi Light Bar and want to do the same!

I used a right angle drill, a uni-bit and some rivnuts or nutserts or whatever you prefer to call them (shown in previous post #32)into the top of the crossmember. Pretty straightforward if you have access to this type of hardware.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

True North Fabrication DIY kit

Started my True North bumper build.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

More angles.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Nice build! I especially like that True North bumper and definitely like their slim rear bumper!

On the cowl snorkel, might try spraying some dry graphite lube on it to quiet it down.

 

[onthompson]

This looks great! Inspiration after I get my preventative maintenance all knocked out!

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Nice build! I especially like that True North bumper and definitely like their slim rear bumper!

On the cowl snorkel, might try spraying some dry graphite lube on it to quiet it down.

Thanks man, yeah I love how the bumper turned out. I do like the rear bumper kit they make but I’m gonna go in a different direction out back. Seeing the minimalist bumpers some of the other members on here have made lately has me inspired. Both [MENTION=83833]thegame7[/MENTION] and [MENTION=122249]originalg00kster[/MENTION] have built some awesome rear bumpers lately. I’m thinking something along those lines with a swing out similar to what @Porcupine82 had made. The wife informed me she wants her new kitchen before I get to do anything else besides maintenance to the T4R so it’ll be a while.

I’ll have to try some graphite for now but the real issue is that I’m a dumbass and used too large of a hole saw. Measure twice cut once as they say. If I can find a softer weatherstripping that’s thin enough to fill in the gap it’ll be ok.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

This looks great! Inspiration after I get my preventative maintenance all knocked out!

Thank you. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Thanks man, yeah I love how the bumper turned out. I do like the rear bumper kit they make but I’m gonna go in a different direction out back. Seeing the minimalist bumpers some of the other members on here have made lately has me inspired. Both [MENTION=83833]thegame7[/MENTION] and [MENTION=122249]originalg00kster[/MENTION] have built some awesome rear bumpers lately. I’m thinking something along those lines with a swing out similar to what @Porcupine82 had made. The wife informed me she wants her new kitchen before I get to do anything else besides maintenance to the T4R so it’ll be a while.

I’ll have to try some graphite for now but the real issue is that I’m a dumbass and used too large of a hole saw. Measure twice cut once as they say. If I can find a softer weatherstripping that’s thin enough to fill in the gap it’ll be ok.

I’ll have to check out those other bumpers. I prefer the minimalist but functional bumpers. I started building a Coastal WIY rear bumper but even without the tire and ladder swing outs, it’s very heavy. Decisions, decisions.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Added this tri-color badge in 2020. It took some modifications to fit. The color hasn’t held up well in the Mojave desert sun over the past year and a half.

Amazon.com: VZ4X4 Tri-color Grille Badge Emblem Decoration Accessories Car Truck Label Fit for Tacoma 4Runner Tundra Sequoia Rav4 Highlander : Automotive

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Found this weatherstripping at the Depot. It fills the gap that was left between the firewall and the pvc pipe I used for my intake. Yes, I cut the opening too large. Anyways this stuff holds tight due to ridges and is soft and pliable. No more squeaky intake on cold mornings.

 

[originalg00kster]

Found this weatherstripping at the Depot. It fills the gap that was left between the firewall and the pvc pipe I used for my intake. Yes, I cut the opening too large. Anyways this stuff holds tight due to ridges and is soft and pliable. No more squeaky intake on cold mornings.

use a heat gun to soften it up before you mold it into the hole. it'll help out a lot.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

use a heat gun to soften it up before you mold it into the hole. it'll help out a lot.

As soon as I replace my heat gun lol.
The stuff I used first was automotive door edge molding that had the adhesive in it. I got it warm with a Mapp gas torch and it molded ok. It just wasn’t thick enough to fill the gap.

The new weatherstripping is pliable and the barbs on the edge hold it nicely to the firewall. It’s a cheap temporary fix.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Made these a while back. Used 5minute epoxy to glue plastic valve stem caps into some spent .45 acp shells.

 

[metramm]

Great build so far and love the dark window tint.

Do you know what percentage tint you put on is? Did they tint over the existing factory tint?

Thinking of having mine re-tinted darker.

Thanks much.

metramm

 

[AuSeeker]

Great build so far and love the dark window tint.

Do you know what percentage tint you put on is? Did they tint over the existing factory tint?

Thinking of having mine re-tinted darker.

Thanks much.

metramm

You need to check the laws in your state for tinting windows, it varies from state to state, in my state it also varies for the rearward windows and the front driver's/passenger's windows.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Great build so far and love the dark window tint.

Do you know what percentage tint you put on is? Did they tint over the existing factory tint?

Thinking of having mine re-tinted darker.

Thanks much.

metramm

I’m sorry I don’t know the exact percentage. I had the tint done in 2008. It was what the legal limit in Las Vegas was. Maybe 30% IDK. They did tint over the factory rear tint. I also had a strip at the top of the windshield done too.

Edit: 35% is the limit for the front windows and no limit on rear window tint in NV. 35% is what all tint is.

Like [MENTION=149207]AuSeeker[/MENTION] mentioned, check your local laws.