"El Guapo" - MooseKnuckle's TRDOR DCLB quicksand build

Finally got around to plasti-dipping my emblems (and removing the V-6 tailgate emblem entirely.) Never having worked with plasti-dip before (besides doing my grille) I considered removing then re-attaching the emblems to do this. Glad I didn't, as after seeing how easy/fun this was that would have been a lot of extra pain. And it's really satisfying to get to peel it off around the emblem.

Step 1: Heat garage (plasti-dip doesn't like the cold)



Step 2: Mask. I was worried that this might not be enough to protect from overspray (and it wasn't)...but it was super-easy to remove the small droplets of plasti-dip that landed outside of the mask with a microfiber cloth.



Step 3: Spray (I used about 6 coats)




Step 4: Remove mask



Step 5: Peel and trim



Step 6: Disco

 

Added a Flatlink-E from the folks at Factor-55. I liked the idea of not having any of my synthetic line flapping out in the breeze and also that it makes it really easy to do a closed link double line pull. Really a nicely-engineered piece of kit.

 

Beautiful truck. I have the 2016 same color and love it. Plasti dipped the grill as well and also the all the badges. Next thing for me are the wheels. Love yours and cant wait. Thank you for your service. USMC vet here. On a side note. Have you heard of the problem with the transmissions not having enough fluid in them? Also they had a software update as well. Not sure if yours being a 2017 needs either but worth checking out.

 

Actually, I haven't - will put that on the to-do list.

Semper fi brother.

 

Semper Fi!

 

Mine was low a full quart and others as much as two.

 

Like the build. Great details in the steps you've taken.

 

I waited two moths for a long bed in Quicksand. I took the badges off for dipping, a bit more work than yours. Like the way your rig looks though. Nice work.

 

We seem to be on the same lines of thinking with all your installs. And yes your right the Hondo garage radio knobs are worth their weight in gold. Who would have thought that 20 bucks would bring so much joy.

I'm still stuck on the bumper though, I really like the low profile bumpers and they look sharp and probably are better suited towards my needs. I am just finding myself leaning more and more towards the ARB bumper for the added protection/aggressive look. Its not something I need thought and sticking on 200+ lbs of bumper/winch/lights up front is not my idea of making the truck more functional off-road, but I keep myself going back to it all the time.

Keep up the posting of mods, I love reading what others are doing, I should probably have done the same with my build so others could get ideas/etc. I think sometimes i Love modding the truck more then i love driving it. With my ADV moto, I think I had that in pieces more then I rode it, with adding on new kit/protection/lights/etc. That thing was a blast never should have sold it, never I repeat never put something up on a whim just to see what someone will offer you. Guy offered me 3k over what i paid for it with all the farkles added on, an hour later, I was like what did I just do. Haven't bought another since, hopefully that will change this spring!!

Steve

 

Looks great Charlie! I've got the SSO bumper next in my list. You should really look at the OEM Audio Plus system for your truck since you didn't get the JBL system. It's a fantastic upgrade.

Enjoyed your pics and, I especially liked seeing pics of your helpers!

 

Love what you've done with the truck so far. Sub'd

 

Finally given a name by my son this morning. "El Guapo."

 

Totally agree...I'm going to end up wearing down the ridges on them from tweaking the volume so much.

 

Oh buddy....I've been drooling over that system. I'm a music nut and that setup looks awesome. Am going to have to do some major psychological warfare on my significant other if I want to pull it off though. Nice new bits like winches and bumpers I can [almost] justify as "protection/recovery" gear...but a ripping out the factory stereo of a brand new truck.....that will really take some convincing.

 

Hey brother im looking to purchase the same TRD wheels and tires that you have but I have a couple questions if you dont mind. First, How do they fit? Im assuming you went from a 16"stock to 17". Did you have to do any modifications? Second, what are the tires brand and size and do you like them? Ride and noise? Third, did you sell the stock and how much for and where? And lastly, where did you purchase the tires and wheels and how much? Thanks brother.

 

They fit well - no rubbing to speak of. Those are the 17-inch TRD SEMA wheels on 275/70/17 BFG KO2s...the only mod I did to accommodate them was lift the truck. I have not noticed any difference in noise from the tires, but obviously the ride is stiffer now that I'm on Icons. I sold my stock wheels/tires on Craigslist ($850) and my suspension in the forums here ($325).

I purchased both the wheels and tires from Amazon. See links previously in this thread and in "products discussed in this thread" below.

 

Thanks. Semper Fi

 

Do you have any more details on what this upgrade is / costs. . . etc etc? I'm stuck with the next level system down from you.

 

Runs about $1500 - although I believe you can find some discounts around though.

http://oemaudioplus.com/toyota/tcd1600/