831Tun How'd I get here build?

Ummmm. Just wanna make sure you know Big Bear is not next weekend.

 

did you keep running into the same issue or you built it for other people as well ?
will it pass CA SMOG ?
thanks !

 

Ummm, yeah, I knew that. LOL

I built a bunch for other people. I haven't had any issues with any of them but mine and it's an easy fix, just add a clamp. I don't know about any smog issues, the AIP is only for cold starting as far as I know. It's pretty well covered up by the wheel well liners for those that still have 'em.

 

Technically it could fail visual but it would have to be a really picky smog tech to even look for it. As long as there isnt a check engine light on, no engine control unit faults stored, and the OBDII monitors are set you should have no issues with smog.

 

Installing the fiberglass bedside is a major PITA only because they don't fit worth sh##. But did some interesting, fun and different stuff today making the struts/supports for the bedsides. While waiting for epoxy to cure I riveted in I a piece of PVC conduit for wiring lights in the rear.

But, first thing this morning I cut a bunch of pieces of 4"x4" chopped strand glass, a bunch of 17-08 (biaxial weave w/.75 oz. mat) glass, and a couple pieces of carbon fiber.





First I wet out the 10 mil plastic then add alternating pieces of 17-08 and chopped strand, wetting out each piece. Then, after the glass is all wetted out and stacked, I topped it with a piece of carbon fiber and finally peel ply. With 10 mil plastic on top and bottom of the stack I clamped the whole thing together between 2x4s. This is what it looked like after unclamping and a little trimming.



These are the pads for the strut/supports, then I just needed the actual support material. So, I took 2 pieces of Divinycell foam and laminated them together with a piece of biaxial carbon fiber tape between them.



After curing and a little shaping I epoxied a carbon fiber sleeve over the foam.....



I wet this out with epoxy and quickly wrapped it with plastic wrap borrowed from the kitchen. End result is the supports glassed to the bedside and to the mounting pads mounted on the truck.

 

Nice work Warren

 

That's fuckin Cool Warren - very creative. Any pics of how the truck looks overall now?

 

Are you running LT in the front or do you just have spacers/ rims with offset?

 

Sorry, that was for @831Tun

 

John Bull Gatekeeper

 

Beast !

 

Yes it's LT in front. It's the TC kit with King 2.5 c/o and bypass.

Hey Kev, Thanks. Here's a little more info on the bedsides:

First I cut the angle I wanted. Then created a "return lip" behind the cut to stiffen the edge. Then filled the molded area so the panel and bumper will look like they're intended to go together instead of looking like someone hacked off the panel. I used bondo to adhere Divinycell foam and after shaping/ fairing put a layer of 4 oz. glass over it make it sincere (boat building term).

Took this panel on and off at least 30 times fitting it. The glass doesn't fit worth sh--.

Immediately after removing the peel ply. Peel ply is applied to the surface while the epoxy is still wet. A squeegee is used to smooth and cause any excess resin to rise to the peel ply. With a lot of luck (I only had a little) the peel ply will take on a uniform wet look w/o being too wet, too wet and the epoxy will actually push the carbon fiber away the surface that you're trying to bond to. If you don't have enough epoxy for a uniform wet look you'll end with a bumpy VERY hard to repair surface. Touchy stuff to be sure and I'm just learning about it. After removing the peel ply and assuming you had uniform wetness, it's time to sand it w/o sanding into the carbon, then apply an automotive clear coat. I didn't have time before the trip and still haven't done it. Lucky too, I'll get to sand out the gouges from the "car wash" we drove thru. You can see the peel ply still stuck to the fuel door. And, one more pic w/o the peel ply on the fuel door.

 

still have your little trailer ?

 

Yeah, it's great for family camping. We just used it last month up at Lake Edison.

 

That’s awesome. I love that you have the skills and spirit to lay that stuff up yourself. And I like hearing about the process behind it instead of just ‘I put some glass and carbon on it.’

Looks pretty sick in action too.

Can’t wait to wheel together again! I’m living vicariously through you guys for the time being.

 

Thanks Andy, @Challenger1 for the console badge.
I never thought of this and probably wouldn't have gotten one if I had thought of it. But, I'm stoked, I really like it. Thanks brotha .

 

Shit, I have to find mine. I'm gonna have a center console to stick it on soon.

 

I'm Glad you like it Warren!

I "MIGHT" have an extra one for you sir! lmk if you cant find it.

 

Do I need 2.5 in the rear and to not go under 95 on flat dirt to get one of these ?

 

Under 95 is totally acceptable. 2.5 is a suggested minimum....LOL
Honestly, we've had all kinds of setups out there. Stuff like full size spare, sliders, your own tools etc. are usually mandatory though.

 

Sorry @Challenger1 , meant to thank you also, so awesome! Next time I see my truck I’ll grab a pic..

 

You already thanked me when. I handed it to ya.
Just glad you guys liked them. And didn't just toss it lol.

Me and Warren went and installed his right away! Haha

 

Yeah, I thought it was lame at first. That lasted 1.3 seconds then I was like, "hell yeah!"

 

I usually just ask that guys have tools and the ability to change a tire... youd be surprised who cant meet that criteria

 

Andy originally had the stripes diagonally. I made him change it.

 

That looks really good. Bay Area dealers should offer this as an option.

 

TRD BASTRDs edition.

 

haha. I was running ideas by Joon. For approval lol.

 

Well he's good at keeping a secret cause I had no idea.