Blue Ribbon 4x4 Build Thread

Getting the jack painted. Got started and found that I only have a small amount of Blue Ribbon. Hopefully it makes it.

 

Had enough paint to finish the job, then sprayed the 2k clear. Blue Ribbon is a bummer without that 2k.

 

FFS man! Your jack has a better paint job than 90% of the vehicles driving on the road.

 

Yo thanks Adam!

 

Last weekend I took Zach up to Rowher Flats for his first full day offroad run. At the same time tested the jack mount on some really rocky stuff. Zach had a blast, the jack mount is a success!

 

Zach looks absolutely stoked!

 

He freakin loved it!

 

Couple things. The old Grabbers were 5 years old, and really starting to show their age. Also a little gift from the wifey for my Bday. A little upgrade from just a hand held Baofeng.

 

Stealthy Midland install.
I decided to install the Midland radio in the center console. That way I can still control it and hide it. I really like the interior to be clean of wires and clutter. So no Rago mount or charging cables or phone mounts. I modified the center console organizer to fit the radio, and passed the antenna and power cable through to under the cup holder panels. The antenna cable goes under the carpet, and through an oem grommet under the truck, to the bed, where I mounted the antenna behind the Rotopax. Then I ordered a mic extension and mounted it in front of the console. So while off-road all I need to do is plug the mic into the center console and turn on the radio. The radio has auto on-off, but I’ve yet to experiment too much with it. I just sent my wife off with my handheld to check the mileage. Got about 4 miles crystal clear with houses and such blocking.

 

I like the way you setup your cab radio. I’ll have to remember that.

 

Thanks!

 

Looks good. Nobody would ever know it was there.

Question; is the antenna being down inside the bed going to reduce your clarity or range? Obviously 4 miles is pretty damn good as is, but I still wonder.

 

Yes it does. I’ll test it again offroad, but if it was higher I really should have more range. But the balance of hidden tools and functionality always has some consequences.

 

@BlueRibbon4x4 I don’t even own a Tundra anymore, but I just read all 34 pages of your build, and enjoyed every bit of it. Love your can-do attitude and ingenuity when tackling new projects.

 

Dang, thanks Lou! What a great compliment, I appreciate it very much.

 

Just got back from Valley of Fire, north of Vegas. Awesome red rock formations in the middle of the desert, our annual trip. Had a few Tundras, couple Tacos, 4Runners, and a Montero that left early without returning my damn fire extinguisher.

 

I mean... its a Mitsubishi, odds are it will catch fire before your Tundra


Sorry they took your stuff, this is why I don't trust people. Especially folks who don't drive Toyota's lol

 

Everyone smelled gas around the Montero. So they needed one.

 

The antenna mount in the bed is kinda hindering my reception. Traveling along the mountains gave me a good idea of how far it travels. Especially with other trucks having good radios. I’ve seen some position the antenna next to the ditch light mount on the driver side. Honestly I don’t like that position since it’s an eyesore. I have two different ideas, one is to mount it behind the back window, using a bracket mounting to the bed rail. The second is also an eyesore, mounting it on the third brake light. I’ve seen the third brake lights that include this feature, but I don’t think I’d have any problem getting that mount in there.
I think I like the idea of mounting it behind the rear window, so I’m going to have to upgrade the antenna to a 6 db.


Midland – MXTA26 MicroMobile 6DB Gain Whip Antenna – Quadruple Signal Output – 32” Antenna

$60 Midland – MXTA26 MicroMobile® 6DB Gain Whip Antenna – Quadruple Signal Output – 32” Antenna

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084BPXNC5

 

I was wondering why it wasn't just mounted to a bed rail in the first place, but didn't want to be a dick.

 

I'm still trying to figure out why is not blue or at least its mounting hardware.

 

He's getting the bat stencil ready first.

 

Nah, you’re never a dick. I figured the difference in height wouldn’t be much from bed rail to the side if the bed. Plus after all that install, I wanted to avoid making a bracket that goes from the bed rail, out the bed cover, and how to keep it somewhat hidden.

 

Oooooh. I missed that you had a cover. That makes way more sense.

 

For the radio antenna, I shaped a simple piece of metal with a couple holes to mount behind the driver’s side ditch light. I tested the hood up and it clears. All I have to do now is run the line back from the bed to up front. I think this spot requires color match as well..
Just getting ready for Pismo in two weeks Looks like everything is a go this time and hopefully won’t get rescheduled again. If y’all are free, I’d love to meet some new Tundra folks.

 

More Pismo prep. This mod won’t be installed while on the dunes, but removed at base camp prior. While on so many trips, we never have a bbq. I’ve actually never owned one until recently. I wanted something removable but sleek enough that this bbq brace can be left in the bed if needed. Just a chunk of plywood and strategically placed braces, two button head screws into rivet nuts, a ratchet strap and we’re in business.

For the OCD guys, the brace for the propane is not centered on purpose to allow room for the regulator on the rear of the bbq.

 

Couple shots from Pismo. They’re really cutting this place down. Rumors still running that they’ll close it next year. But I hear that every year.

 

Swung the antenna around the outside of the ditch light. The windshield wiper hit it while it was behind the light. There was an incident that one of us was separated quite far, and someone else had a powerful handheld that got reception and mine didn’t. One of the dudes told me he had to put the antenna to the outside of the ditch light to get max reception. I may just have to upgrade to a 6db antenna. So that’s where we are. Not happy with it, maybe it will grow on me, who knows.

 

Just a thought; if you don't actually listen to the radio much, would it be possible to get a more powerful whip antenna and replace the radio antenna? It'd kind of be a stealth mod as it wouldn't stand out to the average passerby. I personally never use the radio. I'll stream music, so I'd be for using that spot for your comms if possible.

 

I was thinking of that too, I never use the radio. The mount is pretty large for gmrs (1-1/2”) while the stock antenna mount is a little under an inch (15/16”). I thought about bodyworking the whole assembly smooth, but I think it would be bulky. I seriously appreciate your input, Adam! I’m always open to ideas, and taking others’ ideas (ask @RobertD).
I really think the main issue is where it’s mounted. The cab is still blocking the reception, and maybe on top of the brake light would be the best. I’m all scatter brained right now. I’d hate to just throw money at a new antenna and not get the reception that the radio should be receiving. I also would like to fit in SOME parking garages. Valet in Vegas gets damn expensive.