KneeCaps build thread/DIY/Vehicle story/Lots of Pics

[ADK Explorer]

Lots of questions about my front grill piece and light bar.
Here's a down and dirty.

I don't know if this bar will work with a trd grill for obvious reasons

Why do you think not? (Evidently not so obvious. lol)

 

[Apex Overland]

Thank you so much!! This is my next project. Just had 2. Quick question, What resin did you work with and where did you order the light?

Resin was just the stuff you can buy from any auto parts store. Nothing fancy.

The light is from Auxbeam their website is auxbeam.com I think. Just look for the 26" bar, it's the only one. Be prepared to cut and cut and cut, can't say that enough haha.

 

[Apex Overland]

Why do you think not? (Evidently not so obvious. lol)

I made my front grill piece, it's a different shape completely. Also my upper bumper/mesh grill piece isn't a trd piece, so I don't know how the back bracing is formed, I had to trim a lot of it off to clear the bar.

 

[16Runnerguy]

Great thread

Been going over this thread since I got my SR5.. I'm going to start my roof rack build tomorrow as one of my first mods thanks to your help. Hope to follow suit with a lift and wheel sometime soon. I'm headed to camp lejune for training in December, are there any off road spots in that area you would recommend?

 

[Jhalko]

AO,
Aren't you able to edit the name of your thread by editing your first post? Just wondering since it still says Kneecaps.... I could be wrong about that though as when I went to the first page you had already done some editing.

 

[16Runnerguy]

Wind fairing

[MENTION=115941]Apex Overland[/MENTION] , what did you make the wind faring out of?

 

[007Tacoma]

Lots of questions about my front grill piece and light bar...

Yep. I was definitely one of those people on Instagram (trail_or_sail). As soon as my father shows me all his tricks with fiberglass on my sailboat, this is the next project.

Thanks for being braver than I! :thumb:

Cheers!

 

[Apex Overland]

Been going over this thread since I got my SR5.. I'm going to start my roof rack build tomorrow as one of my first mods thanks to your help. Hope to follow suit with a lift and wheel sometime soon. I'm headed to camp lejune for training in December, are there any off road spots in that area you would recommend?

Nothing around lejune I know of. Uwharrie is my go to for just off reading

 

[Apex Overland]

AO,
Aren't you able to edit the name of your thread by editing your first post? Just wondering since it still says Kneecaps.... I could be wrong about that though as when I went to the first page you had already done some editing.

No, I tried to edit the title and it won't let me. Only the post it's self... :-(

 

[Apex Overland]

[MENTION=115941]Apex Overland[/MENTION] , what did you make the wind faring out of?

Polycarbonate

Aka- lexan

 

[Cozen89]

I made my front grill piece, it's a different shape completely. Also my upper bumper/mesh grill piece isn't a trd piece, so I don't know how the back bracing is formed, I had to trim a lot of it off to clear the bar.

I like your upper grill light bar. So much that I just ordered the same one.

I have a trail, and I just ordered the TRD Pro garnish, but not the upper grille replacement. I'm assuming you trimmed your stock upper grill to remove the emblem mount. Could you just have removed the upper grill completely?

I haven't taken my grill apart and looked yet, so I'm not sure if I have to have some part of the grill still installed once it's all put back together.

 

[Apex Overland]

I like your upper grill light bar. So much that I just ordered the same one.

I have a trail, and I just ordered the TRD Pro garnish, but not the upper grille replacement. I'm assuming you trimmed your stock upper grill to remove the emblem mount. Could you just have removed the upper grill completely?

I haven't taken my grill apart and looked yet, so I'm not sure if I have to have some part of the grill still installed once it's all put back together.

You will have to cut the upper grill off the garnish. YOu will see why when you take it apart.

 

[Cozen89]

You will have to cut the upper grill off the garnish. YOu will see why when you take it apart.

Hmmm, I'm not sure I understand what you mean. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Can you share how you mounted the light bar? Did you use existing holes and the brackets that came with the light bar or did you have to fab stuff?

 

[Apex Overland]

Hmmm, I'm not sure I understand what you mean. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Can you share how you mounted the light bar? Did you use existing holes and the brackets that came with the light bar or did you have to fab stuff?

The mesh part is also the same plastic that is used to hold it on.

I used the upper bumper support and had to drill two holes in it. I was able to use the brackets that came with the light, but had to weld a little longer tab on them to get them to work. probably could have just made new brackes in the same amount of time.

 

[Cozen89]

I was hoping I would be able to use existing holes and not have to fab anything. Oh well, this should be fun. Thanks for the insight.

 

[Cozen89]

One last question [MENTION=115941]Apex Overland[/MENTION] are you using the switch that came with the light bar or did you purchase a new button?

 

[Apex Overland]

One last question [MENTION=115941]Apex Overland[/MENTION] are you using the switch that came with the light bar or did you purchase a new button?

I've got it wired up so the high beams are the trigger for the relay to the light bar. Pretty much cut the harness that came with it up for parts lol

 

[Magnetic4R]

I've got it wired up so the high beams are the trigger for the relay to the light bar. Pretty much cut the harness that came with it up for parts lol

Been wanting to do this, any insight on how to get it done?

 

[Apex Overland]

Been wanting to do this, any insight on how to get it done?

Wire the trigger wire for relay into positive for highbeam lights.

 

[Apex Overland]

Media dump time from the last trip of the year.