IG: ProjectTRDPro

Hello Everyone. My name is Mike and here is my build. If you want, you can follow the build on Instagram @ProjectTRDPro. That’s where I post most of the progress at least a day after it happens.

I never meant to build my truck to this extent, but about 3 months prior to this years SEMA, I was asked to have my truck used as a Feature Car.

This is where the truck was at when I was asked to show.



I was totally content at where it was at... but SEMA though! A pretty darn big stage. I had to step it up. Here is the render I did on photoshop to show my vision.



First Westin Automotive came through with the Outlaw front and rear bumpers and LED lights. I also installed a Trigger Wireless controll system to fire the lights.



Next on the install list was the Gibson Black Dual Sport Exhaust, Volant Intake and Mishimoto Radiator Hoses. The intake and exhaust did combine for a really snappy throttle response and the sound was loud and deep but tame which is what I was hoping for.



At about 3 weeks (2 build weekends left) until SEMA, wheels and tires came in. I went with Black Rhino 18x9.5 +12 Bronze/matte black Barstow wheels. The tires are Tri-Ace 35x12.5 Black Bear M/T.



This gave a pretty mean poke, but I had plans to make it a little more flush.



In the mean time, Rhino Rack parts came in which included their new Backbone Roof Rack. I needed to do some drilling and the rivnuts were a b*tch to pinch with my hand rivnuts tool, but I got it on and I think it’s sick! Nice and low profile.



Now to address the poke and how I made it flush. I got in touch with an old friend who is now the head of Air Design. I drove down to their headquarters and picked up a set of their fender flares. These are really nicely designed, use great material and are easy, but time consuming to put on. I also installed an AVS hood protector.



With one week to go before I had to drive the truck to SEMA from SoCal, the AMP Research PowerStep Xtreme and the Roll-N-Lock Tonneau cover came in.

The tonneau is nice because of the locking mechanism, it makes it harder for someone to jack your tailgate.



You can’t show at SEMA without a your rollcall. I installed the decals the night before we headed out to Vegas. I think the truck turned out pretty close to the render.



I did update the render to have the correct wheels.

So here it is as it sits today 11/11/18.



Up next is to finish the Rhino Rack bed rack that works with the tonneau. I already added the tracks to the outside of the tonneau. All I need are 71” rails and I’m set.



With the tires I’m running, I am rubbing a little at full lock so I’ll be doing a BMC and installing shims and shackles soon.

Other future additions:
Audio
Roof LED lightbar
Bed Work lights
RTT
hopefully a supercharger.

 

Sick build!

 

Thank you @BlueBottle !

 

Nice. I would paint match the fender flares. Looks a little unfinished. Awesome otherwise tho

 

@TunderStorm i was thinking about it but I got the fenders a little over a week before the show. I did all the install myself so I didn’t have the time to get them painted. Maybe in the future. I actually like it black after I got them on. I’m just going to anodize the rivets.

 

Very sharp lookin ride @mjime714. Are you sitting on completely stock Pro suspension? Just curious since it seems like everyone's doing CB shims to help fit 35's. No plans for sliders?

 

Hellafied Rig build! Sound clip of exhaust?

 

Currently on completely stock Pro suspension.

I will be doing the CB thing. I like the fact there is no cutting and you retain the Pro suspension.

I do plan on going sliders. My wife just likes the ease of getting in the truck with the power steps.

 

Thank you!!! The exhaust setup is fairly quiet but you can really hear it on cold starts. Overall, not really worth a sound clip if you ask me. Lol.

 

Looks awesome: tough and very professional. Will you leave all the logos on the truck long-term? Seems like that was just for the show..

 

I really want those flares....
What made them so difficult to install?

 

very cool build. any pictures on the SEMA showroom floor ?

 

They were not difficult to install, just a little time consuming.

- You have to mount the flair on the truck
- Mark the position and placement of the flair and rivets with a grease pen
- take off the flair and clean the surface then apply the adhesive promoter at the rivet points
-remove the backing on the rivet nuts (not sure what they are called but these are what stick to the body for the rivets to mount on) and mount the flair on the truck again making sure to line up the marks for the edge of the flair and rivets
- Remove the rivet bolts and dismount the flair again
- The rivet nuts will now be stuck on the body. You now have to apply pressure to each nut to ensure adhesion.
- Remount the flair for the last time and screw in all the rivets
- Clean up all the grease pen marks.
- Repleat 3 more times

Lol

 

I was in a terrible feature spot outside of the convention.



At least I was with the right kinds of vehicles.

 

I’ll leave them on. It looked a little naked without them.

Here is a picture of it before the decals.

 

Nice truck!!

 

THANKS!

 

Great build!

 

I like it with the black and cement theme going on.

 

Loving the look of your truck! I need to stop looking at all y'alls builds. Every time I change my mind on what bumpers to get.

 

very nice ! similar look I'm chasing with mine.

Thanks for the head on photos with stock body ! Gives me a good idea what 18x9.5 +12 and a 35" looks like. Still trying to figure out what wheels I want for mine.

 

Thanks!!

Thanks!! So do I!!

I was in the same boat and could not decide on a way to go. Just go with your gut and build it for yourself. Who cares what anyone else says. You will always get a person who will criticize.

 

Thank you!! if I were to do it over, I would probably go 34’s. Although the rubbing isn’t bad, it does make you drive different to minimize it when in parking lots.

 

Great looking truck man. I have a 18 cement TRD Off-road and am liking your front and rear bumper. Threads like this is why I’m spending money I shouldn’t be lol.

 

Hahaha that’s part of the fun. The dream, the possibilities are all part of the game. Once you achieve it, it’s that much more rewarding because you finally realized it.

 

I've never seen that front bumper before. Does it accept a winch?

 

I think @831Tun runs their rear bumper.

 

I'm running the rear Outlaw bumper.......for now.

 

Unfortunately it does not.

 

Haaa. Thanks!! What’s your IG name?