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Safari Top : Under Const

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by CM-LENNY, Jul 2, 2017.

  1. Jul 2, 2017 at 3:54 PM
    #1
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY [OP] No Complaints

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    As any of you that follow me, you are aware I like to be unique and different. I am in the process of a one-off safari top / shade cover. I have a ways to go, but this is the beginning. I bought a used solid side fiberglass shell from a 6.5' bed and cut it apart piece by piece. Some may think it's the ugliest thing I could have done to my truck, and some may think it's a great concept. Take it or leave it, we're all a little different. Here's some of the progress.....

    DSCN3555.jpg

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    Doing some mock-up with cpvc before I fab the pieces in steel.
    DSCN3562.jpg

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    Oh yah......I did a little rear fender chop too.

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    DSCN3555.jpg

    More to come............Need to have some fiberglass work done at the rear and incorporate a LED 3rd brake light too. Stay tuned...........
     
  2. Jul 2, 2017 at 4:18 PM
    #2
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Not ugly at all man. We all enjoy your creativity which is the essence of moding. Keep it up and can't wait to see final product.
     
  3. Jul 2, 2017 at 4:54 PM
    #3
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Needs an exoskeleton still :D
     
  4. Jul 2, 2017 at 5:31 PM
    #4
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY [OP] No Complaints

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    I sent my money for the exoskeleton and even sent an extra 3K for next day shipping and have not heard a word ! Should I be concerned and try calling. The business line seems to be disconnected ?
     
  5. Jul 2, 2017 at 5:34 PM
    #5
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Report the vendor to the moderators STAT!
     
    CM-LENNY[OP] and SouthBoundSteve like this.
  6. Jul 2, 2017 at 5:35 PM
    #6
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY [OP] No Complaints

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    Seems odd. I thought all those over seas purchases were 100% guaranteed ? :(:rofl:
     
  7. Jul 2, 2017 at 10:33 PM
    #7
    Spolar

    Spolar Going broke

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    I like it. Definitely unique and awesome that you have the skills to make it yourself.
     
  8. Jul 2, 2017 at 10:57 PM
    #8
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    If you see an LS3 in my Jeep soon, you know were than 8K of your hard earned money went.
     
    CM-LENNY[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  9. Jul 2, 2017 at 11:09 PM
    #9
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    The good thing about you and the CM mods are:

    -You do good work. So far everything has a purpose and is functional. It might not be like someone else does it, but that is what makes it unique.

    -No F's given if someone doesn't like it!:thumbsup:

    The fiberglass top is a good idea. Shade is so important in your area (hell, anywhere if you want my opinion). I will be interested on how it holds up over time, but don't see any issues with durability.

    Now for the bed cage. That is a nice piece of art there. What tubing bender do you use?
     
    CM-LENNY[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  10. Jul 3, 2017 at 5:14 AM
    #10
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I really like it. Looks great!
     
    CM-LENNY[OP] likes this.
  11. Jul 3, 2017 at 5:57 AM
    #11
    zcarpenter92

    zcarpenter92 Yotas and Yellow Jackets

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    I'm digging it Lenny. This is one of the more unique things I've ever seen on a Tundra!
     
    CM-LENNY[OP] likes this.
  12. Jul 3, 2017 at 8:15 AM
    #12
    Over the LINE

    Over the LINE New Member

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    More to come............Need to have some fiberglass work done at the rear and incorporate a LED 3rd brake light too. Stay tuned...........[/QUOTE]
    If you can fab metal like that you can do fiberglass.

    I really like the safari top. You going to include roll down canvas sides?
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  13. Jul 3, 2017 at 3:30 PM
    #13
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY [OP] No Complaints

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    I can only take credit for the design of the bed cage. The fabrication was done by a local fabrication shop. You may have heard of a little known guy named Ivan "Iron Man" Stewart, well the shop is Stewarts Race Works, one of Ivan's sons. I built a rack out of pvc to position the top, and they took it from there. I supplied the bed rails, and tie down rings and made sure they put all the tubes leaning forward with the rake of the cab and requested that the cross tubes had the bow of the cab/shell. I am working on adding a few extra diagonal braces. I do have a few design and fab skills, but this was out of my league.
     
  14. Jul 3, 2017 at 3:33 PM
    #14
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY [OP] No Complaints

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    Thanks Zac, but read the post about the fab shop that built it. I wish I could take all the credit.
     
  15. Jul 3, 2017 at 3:37 PM
    #15
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY [OP] No Complaints

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    If you can fab metal like that you can do fiberglass.

    Thanks for all the kind words guys. This truck has become my passion, as is most projects I tackle. It means the world to have people admire something you have worked hard at, and being my daily driver makes it that much more special.
    I really like the safari top. You going to include roll down canvas sides?[/QUOTE]
     
    JBSTOY likes this.
  16. Jul 3, 2017 at 3:39 PM
    #16
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    At my age... Ivan Stewart is a legend in off road racing now. It's good to see his kids carrying the tradition their father started. Ivan was an off road racing pioneer.
     
  17. Jul 3, 2017 at 3:49 PM
    #17
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY [OP] No Complaints

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    Yes he is a legend. I believe 15 championships. He lives out in Alpine, only 20 min from where I am. Only minutes from my house, the off-road industry is flooded. Lots of choices out this way.
     
  18. Jul 3, 2017 at 4:38 PM
    #18
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Who is this Mr. Stewart fellow?


    :D
     
    lionix likes this.
  19. Jul 3, 2017 at 4:43 PM
    #19
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY [OP] No Complaints

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    I think he dabbled in off road racing once or twice. Maybe in a Toyota ?
     
    ColoradoTJ[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Jul 3, 2017 at 4:53 PM
    #20
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Never heard of her.

    Lmao. One of the all time greats for sure.
     
    lionix and CM-LENNY[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  21. Jul 3, 2017 at 6:20 PM
    #21
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    You may be a reincarnation by the way. You have to be nuts and very good. Pretty much got that covered. My DOC told me to be very active during my recovery. Thinking it's time to head your way. I know I'll most likely have to help flip over something. Don't worry..I'll keep my arms inside.
     
  22. Jul 3, 2017 at 6:26 PM
    #22
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    All kinds of off road vehicles.
     
  23. Jul 4, 2017 at 10:24 AM
    #23
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY [OP] No Complaints

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    Went down to my work to use the work bench this AM before heading to friends for BBQ/pool party. Worked on fabricating the diagonal braces on the bed cage. Lot of thought process going into these 2 pieces. They look simple enough, but the lower cut is a 57 degree on the chop saw, followed by a 22 degree with the tube notcher, followed by a 22 degree notch on the top. All of these angles are on a skew and nothing is parallel or perpendicular. When you don't do this stuff every day it takes a little brain power and vision to make things fit. Fortunately I nailed it on the first shot on all 4 ends.

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    My work station with few of my tools, 18V kit, 18V vac, 18V blower etc.

    DSCN3579.jpg

    Overall a productive morning. Now time to head to the pool party for a cold beer or two. Happy 4th everyone !
     
    Pudge likes this.
  24. Sep 4, 2017 at 7:10 PM
    #24
    Help

    Help New Member

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    Brilliant build thus far! I really like the look of the bed cage.
     
    CM-LENNY[OP] likes this.
  25. Sep 4, 2017 at 7:28 PM
    #25
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY [OP] No Complaints

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    Thanks Ryan, appreciate that. If you go to my 4x4 CM build thread in my signature, you can see some of the lower bed cage I worked on over the weekend.
     
    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  26. Sep 4, 2017 at 8:06 PM
    #26
    JBSTOY

    JBSTOY Was tired, so I woke up.

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    [/QUOTE]
    Hi Lenny,
    I'm kind of coming into this build a little late, but I have a question. Are you going to make it so the fiberglass roof can pull out and provide shade on the sides or back? That would be pretty cool if you did. Thanks for sharing this project.
     
  27. Sep 5, 2017 at 4:33 PM
    #27
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY [OP] No Complaints

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    Hi Lenny,
    I'm kind of coming into this build a little late, but I have a question. Are you going to make it so the fiberglass roof can pull out and provide shade on the sides or back? That would be pretty cool if you did. Thanks for sharing this project.[/QUOTE]
    The fiberglass top is going to be rigid mounted to the cage. I do some off-roading and need to keep everything fixed pretty secure. With my design the slide thing would not work, but nice thought on your end Jack. :thumbsup:
     
  28. Sep 5, 2017 at 7:16 PM
    #28
    Help

    Help New Member

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    I stopped by there shortly after finishing this thread. Your lower cage gave me some ideas for mine! I'm designing something like this, but with a complete canvas top.
     
    CM-LENNY[QUOTED][OP] likes this.

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