The Getaway...Crom's build and adventures

See above.

Thanks man. I'm so stoked. It's been seven (7) years and one (1) month since I first saw a HC bumper and remarked that I wanted one.

Once it's mounted up I plan on testing hitch pin access, I'll let you know my thoughts.

 

subd

 

Not sure how much you tow but this item might make it easier to insert the hitch pin, rather than a traditional cotter pin>>

https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Accessories/Master-Lock/ML1465DAT.html

 

That's a very clever invention! I like it a lot. Thanks. My cumulative towing experience is zero! lol When going aftermarket bumper, I wanted to make sure that whatever I chose retained the ability to tow, at least as much as the stock hitch.

 

I suppose since you have built in recovery points on the new bumper, you might choose to leave the heavy solid metal hitch mounted recovery point at home. This will reduce your total laden weight post bumper install.

 

I eagerly look forward to your copiously photographed and thoughtful post.

 

Woe unto the poor s.o.b. that rear ends that damn thing.

 

If California is a "cross your safety chains" state then odds are he will need to make sure they are long enough. And since I mentioned it, do cross your chains Nick, when crossed and run under the tongue they cradle it if your hitch disconnects from the ball preventing the tongue from dropping to the road.

Bumper looks great, looking forward to seeing it on the truck.

 

It will go up for sale. I believe it was made by Warn. It's surprisingly very heavy!

lol Yep. One of my greatest fears was being rear ended by a brain dead driver, potentially totaling out the Tacoma, that has consumed so much of my time.

Much appreciated! I'll take notes, and be sure to ask 20+ questions when tow time comes.

 

Bumper now has three (3) coats of paint.

 

How many coats is it going to get??

 

It's done.

Bumper got this treatment:

• Wiped with acetone, twice
• One light coat of Dupli-color Self Etching primer
• Two light coats of VHT Roll Bar Chassis Epoxy paint.
• One medium coat of VHT Roll Bar Chassis Epoxy paint.

I probably should have lightly sanded the metal between acetone treatments, but I forgot. I think it will be okay though.

The first two coats of paint were pretty good. The last medium one I went a little too heavy in a spot or two, but that's okay. It's not for a show room.

I still have to paint the supplied bedside supports, swing gate, tire carrier, and other misc stuff. I'll probably do that tomorrow if I have time.

 

Good work man!

 

My first toyota P/U came with the an especially beefy rear tube bumper. Ever since that truck I've always wanted a plate bumper for my tacomas. I was so happy when circumstances brought me to mine. Just wish I had gone HC when I had the chance.

 

Regarding 2nd battery setup, I used the house battery to jump start the truck for the first time this morning, so easy, < 5 seconds to adjust connectors and start the engine. I'm testing my starter battery now...

 

Is this bumper on yet!!!!!! We are waiting @Crom!!

 

Awesome! Strong bumpers are a good thing! You could always list yours and get HC, plenty of folks out there that want standard plate.

Very good! Glad to hear it!

I have no report for the bumper yet. My weekend was packed with family activities.

This weekend I found many interesting things, including a dinosaur, an extinct shark, and a massive pendulum

Albertosaurus


A megladon shark.


And a Foucault Pendulum


I did receive the following items:

• all-steel ebay lug nuts.,
  
• new OEM brake pad kit,
• OEM rotors also arrived.

Only parts I'm waiting on are Bama Hubs, then front end work can be scheduled.

 

@Crom the fire pit showed up last week WAY ahead of the 2-3 months lol

 

Its not as bad as you think but you will need to get under the first few times to see what youre doing. I'm usually able to just reach under and feel my way through it. There is just enough room to use a boltlock hitch lock and get your key in the lock to unlock it. Its tight but can be done without too trouble.

 

Enjoy the hub replacement. Total bitch getting the hub body off. I highly recommend a air chisel if u have a compressor or a 4lb sledge and a couple flat head screw drivers u don't care about