TacoSTIG: PNW MT Build

And... another project that's been taking shape in the living room.

1. ARB Dual Compressor
2. ARB Locker Solonoid
3. ARB Locker Manifold
4. ARB Hose kit
5. Powertank HD digital inflator w/6' lead.
6. Slee Offroad Compressor Mount Kit

 

You still haven't wired up your front locker??

 

I just went out and checked it and its down to 50% (well hard ot say exactly the 50% light is on). Thats with it just sitting in there for a few months.

Its easy to charge since it uses the same cable as my phone its just a matter of remembering to do it. But i usually do it when going out camping/wheeling.

 

Haha first things first, I'm still roadblocked by establishing a solid wiring system for the compressor and well, everything.

That said...

Layout planning...

 

Can't wait to see this...mine should be ordered here soon

 

Switch-Pro mounting: Location 1

Where to put those buttons?! I wanted them to be easy to reach, visible, and most of all I wanted them to look as stock as possible. So! I decided to use the factory location and was able to turn three button blanks into eight.



I measured, eyeballed, and measured again,


Then the rotary tool came out,


Blanks cut out,


Then the files came out,


Almost there,


Closer...


After some slow work with a bit of sandpaper it fit like a glove.


The painful part:
After these photos were taken I had to cut the left mounting ear off the switch-pro unit. (above) As you can see it sticks out too far and is in the way of the mirror controller, I initially considered relocating it... but decided against it and made the cut.

Mounting:
The unit fits very tight without anything but I decided to future proof it by going overkill. I epoxied one of the supplied mounting nuts to the plastic panel. Then ran a bolt through the remaining mounting ear with a washer.

Looking forward to put it in the truck tomorrow, more pics to come.

 

dude that came out awesome!!! no need for the flush mount now!! lol im jealous

 

Thanks man, I'm really happy with how it turned out. Wasn't fun hacking the side off the switch unit but it was worth it. I'm still surprised I've yet to see anyone else go this route. Now to figure out where to mount the second one.

The sun came out which is rare around here so it's time to get off my duff root and finish mounting the Prinsu!

 

Went to re-install the interior plastic today and ran into another small issue.

These two rectangular sections needed to be trimmed off.


With those out of the way, it fits perfectly snug.

 

Picked these Relentless Fabrication quickfist mounts up from @Pyrite Mica last week. Decided having a rouge axe and shovel kicking around the bed wasn't the smartest idea. Thanks again Steve!

 

Prinsu Install: Part 1
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacostig-pnw-mt-build.359720/page-36#post-12549612

Prinsu Install: Part 2
After a rough failed first attempt I wasn't too optimistic that round two would be any easier.

To fix the issues encountered in Part 1 it was necessary to remove the headliner... one thing led to another, and all the panels ended up coming out.
(It's not necessary to remove it all but I decided to take advantage of the situation for another project)

(reinstalled the visors, oh shit handles, and ram mount for temporary use being that the interior will be out for a few weeks)

With the interior removed it was easy to address the three stubborn plusnut installs on the driver side. The broken bolt was easily threaded out using some vice grips from inside, as well as holding the other free spinning plusnut to enable removal of my makeshift tool/bolt.

This is one of them from the center section on the rack that mounts right over door latch hook. When compressing the plusnut on an uneven surface it does the inevitable. I had this happen to both sides but was able to solve it with some light work with a rotary tool.


With fresh hardware from Zack and the proper tool I was ready to get back on track!


Removing the headliner dumped metal shavings from my first pass everywhere, with it out now I approached this issue with a plastic bag and magnets.


Another thing that makes any drilling into metal job cleaner and easier on your drill bits is the use of cutting fluid. I prefer the foam because it sticks to everything, including vertical surfaces, and even overhead.



Everything was going great, almost too easy I said to myself... of course moments later things took a turn. A cross threaded plusnut and another sheered bolt! I'm still unsure how I'm doing this, this isn't my first rodeo in diy land, heck I used to be a grease monkey wrenching on sports cars, but I digress. I had plenty of extra bolts and plusnuts this round with time on my side. Plus, my awesome lady was at my side to offer a hand while I wrenched from above. With positive thoughts, and a fresh cup of coffee, we finished all 12.



I already covered the weatherstripping work in Part 1 so lets skip ahead! All that's left is to install the air dam edge seal, and do something about that 40" gap...

 

Found something in the living room to fill that 40" void in the wind deflector.

 

All this hard work will soon pay off!! Truck is gonna look even better dude.

 

put in some work!! looks good man!

 

That's what I keep telling myself, finally have some good momentum with a pretty aggressive hit list. Looking forward to spend less time wrenching and more time on the trail. Soon!

Thanks man!

 

Snorkel time now

 

Actually.... I've been thinking more about it and think I figured out what I'm going to do. But, that project is low on the hit list.

 

So you're doing a SC?

 

It's in the cards... but sticks and knobs come first.