Finally got some bed tie downs added

Awhile back, I was asking if there was an easy way to add bed anchor points for tie down straps. I figured surely there must be some Jiffy-Ajax, after market stuff developed for this very often needed issue,......... Nope
There were a few responses here using the factory installed pieces back at the tailgate, but those are very expensive from Toyota. I found the cargo rings at McMaster Carr to be inexpensive, and work very well. You do need to have some shop capability, but not out of range for most folks. The parts need to have the existing hole enlarged to 1/2" dia, and holding them while using a drill press is a bit tricky. I found 15/32" actually works best, as then the bolt is driven into the hole, and it's almost like the factory put them on. Take a look:

 

Did you mount them in the drain holes in the bed?

 

Looks nice.

 

No, I removed all the bed bolts, one at a time, and put the flange of the ring assy between the bolt head and the original washer. This worked out perfectly with the bolt head just touching the ring swivel part. The info from this site helped. you need a T-55 Torx bit for the bolts. Mine came out easy, but others have had problems with them rusted in place. Grainger sells the individual bit for about $14 in the 3/8" impact drive. The rings were from McMaster Carr, something like $1.15 ea.
I tried to post photos, but the size limits here stopped that at 1 shot. Here's 1 more. This shows the hole enlarged in the part on the right. Ring assy not drilled, on the left. I used a 15/32" drill, just an RCH under 1/2" to make it a drive fit. The bolts have ridges on the shaft near the head to hold the washer in place. That's why the 32oz ball peen hammer is in the shot.

 

Nice!
Just a suggestion - dab a little anti-seize on the bolts and then the next time you need to get them off...bango.

 

Good job ! Thanks for sharing .

 

Yep, C-5 anti-seize on all of them. But always be careful tightening when lube torqued, as they can be stripped easier than you might expect. No impact !!

 

One last shot, 1 / post........

 

Anyone know of any stainless ones?

 

Not sure how you missed this thread from 2009 onwards, which did the same thing you did.

 

So, is there a thread on access to the combination meter, before you ask me howI missed it? Still waiting for some help on that issue.
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How do I get to the Combination Meter ? (posted 8/8)
If there is a thread on that subject, I have been looking and not finding it.
I need to add the wire for the Cruise light at connector C9, pin 24.

 

Great point.