Because We're Not North Enough To Be NOVA, We're Just Stuck Between the North and the True South

I know I've been MIA lately, hope you guys are all doing well. Had to cut back on a lot of extra curricular stuff while I've been dealing with some personal issues. BUT, today is my 3 year "Taco-versary". Crazy how far it's come.

 

welcome back on!

 

Had a very productive day with @Casper66 adding some custom made rear-light brackets, installing LED rear-light pods, running the wires from the battery to the back and he even hooked me up with a custom relay shelf so I can add additional lights later on.

I plan on installing at least four more lights in the front with some great ideas from @Casper66. Thanks Chris! It was fun hanging out.

Drivers side, whichis longer because I want to mount a CB antenna right behind it with a quick disconnect. I should point out these were already painted, and use existing hardware, so great investment.


Passenger side. We removed the rear brake lights so we could run the wires and give it a really clean look. The tailgate closed with almost no issue.


@Casper66 down under my truck running the wires, splicing together using heat shrink wrapped butt connectors. I felt privileged to have him helping me, or more accurately doing90% of the install.


Custom shelf for relays or other wiring stuff.


Top-down view of the finished project. @Casper66 even went the extra mile by using wiring loom (now I know what the hell that is) to give it a very clean install look.


Running the wires for the switch. The wires were spliced to get them through the firewall, and then connected again using the heat shrinked wrapped butt connector and then covered in electrical tape for additional protection.


This is the switch that came with the wiring harness. I originally wanted to replace with a push-button switch that fits the opening, but I accidentally bought a switch that fits on the left side of the steering wheel, but again @Casper66 was able to use what I had and make it look good! If you are looking really close, I am the one that messed up the plastic under the dash whentaking the blanks out.

 

Looks good @Choco_Taco @Casper66 is a helpful guy and knows his stuff. The wire loom definitely cleans things up, and helps protect from the elements. I always used it on any wiring that was going to be in the engine bay, along the frame, or anywhere else it may be at higher risk of damage.

 

Anyone going to the Brewfest in Fredericksburg tomorrow? My buddy from Culpepper and I are meeting at 1130 to check it out.

 

We need to do a guys-only Hooters meet.

 

I bought some after market headlights and everyone discusses sealing them with silicone before using to keep moisture out. Okay that sounds reasonable.

Does anyone know specifically what kind of silicone to use for this application? I will be going to Lowes soon and was hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

 

If you haven’t installed the lights I would make sure you have all the sealable grommets in place and tape up any remaining holes and stick them in the shower. Let them sit for about 20 min and see if they start to fog. If they do then you could get some silicone sealant at Home Depot for outdoor weather/water. You might find that your lights are already good to go.

 

Damn I didn’t even know about this and today is packed for me. Hope you are able to try all the refreshments and if there are any cool patches pick me up some and I’ll pay you back!!

 

Haha. Just got home from the Brewfest. It was a great time. I didn't see any patches, but I wasn't looking either. I didn't see this until just now and patches aren't my thing.

 

Hey as long as you had fun. I guess I will have to keep my eyes open for the next one and hope my wife hasn't already planned something.

 

It looks like the BrewFest is twice a year. The next one is in October. I also noticed that there's a cider festival at the fairgrounds in September.

 

Regular clear silicone. I forgot what brand I used, it was something I had laying around from something I did to the boat. Just the stuff in the metal toothpaste style tube.

I did it to my second pair of Depo lights. The first ones filled up with water. Second ones never had an issue. Cheap insurance to save the hassle.

 

Thanks guys. I bought some GE weatherproof / waterproof silicone and when I took a closer look at the headlights they already had a layer of silicone, but since I already bought it, I went ahead and put a coat of sealant on there. I am going to let it dry and set for a couple of days since I won’t have time to install today. Should seriously change the look of the front end!

 

Mine had some silicone too. But all it takes is a little gap. Water always finds a way. My fist set were ok in the rain, but the first time I washed the truck and hit them with the water hose one leaked. The other was fine. So the second pair got a bead of silicone as soon as they came out of the box.

 

Damn that sucks! Glad the second pair worked out for you. Hoping this will save me from having to get a second pair.

 

Anybody interested in attending this?

https://atlantatakeover.co

 

looks like it would be fun, but a bit far for my liking. I lived in Augusta, GA for a few years, so that's about an 8-9 hour drive, just fyi.

 

I'm aware of that and ordinarily I wouldn't drive so far for a small event, but this is a big event. And if I can drag the wife along, we can switch off driving to make the trip easier.

 

This morning. The Wawa on Rt. 3 in Fredericksburg; about 4:45am.

Dark Gray 2-gen, Double Cab, had a lift and a winch, and T-Tags from Sheehy Toyota.

Anyone we know?