The Lair

Is your truck wrapped Nick?

 

Ahhhh, that's a game changer then

Zoinks! Those are serious shackle mounts!

Hey, where you going to mount the license plate? You'll need lights for it too.

 

There are bolts that double as little led lights. I will use those to bolt it/light it up. Undecided if I will bolt it to the bumper and let the license plate overhang a little, or just bolt it right to the tailgate. Probably the latter.

I’d considering this, where you build it into the tailgate but I don’t want to do more sheet metal work.

 

This actually looks pretty clean just bolted right to the tailgate. My bumper will (hopefully) look very similar to that too. Very simple, yet effective.

 

Yea, recessed is the cleanest look for sure. It would be super easy to frame that with a single flexible led strip too. Hide everything. It would be a lot of extra work though. On the upside, you have the spare metal to do this.

It's not a bad look at all. However, two things, not a fan of it not being in the middle. Offset like that bugs the architect in me. Under the door handle would be my choice.

With that said

$7 OTOW Steel License Plate Holder Bracket and Light Mount for Trailers, Trucks, Cars, Certain Motorcycles

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WK6NKXD/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_Uv0KEbNC7J8G6

This bracket is designed to keep the plate off the vehicle a little to allow for the plate mounting hardware.

Speaking of which

$8 CZC AUTO 2PCS License Plate Light, License Tag Screw Bolt Lamp, 12V White LED Bulb, Waterproof/Rainproof, Black Aluminium Light Holder, Legal for Car Motorcycle Truck RV ATV Bike

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077Z6WQ6Q/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_GF0KEb517X0P1

But here's what I'd do. I'd mount that bracket up side down. That way you will be hiding how the bracket is mounted to the tailgate. You could even add a plate frame to dress it all up.

 

I aint no welder, but if you going to weld those thick anchor to your truck, be sure to heat them with a torch first, so your welds will be deep in it. No heating will make a good visual result, but won't be as tough as if you heat it first. By heating, I mean, like red hot steel

 

I'm going to be talking to Joe throughout the process on what the best way to do it. I plan on running flux wire since it penetrates better, and making multiple passes on everything on the main tube. Mounting plates, hitch, recovery points.

 

I know you smart, won't put anyone in danger with bad welds. Kudos!

I may be wrong, but I heard that using Argon develops better heat tho, but I don't want to talk through my hat

 

Anyone in the Lair running a DCC wedge shell (or similar)?



I have a chance to get this one, but I'm not a huge fan of the barn door or that it's about 5" taller than the cab.

 

Then you'll really be an old man, riding around with that thing. If you can get it super cheap, try it out and sell it if you don't like it.

 

I was thinking I'd look like a bad ass MF'er with world cap carpentry skills.

 

Hey whatever helps you sleep at night. I think a cab height black one would look sweet, but those are less common.

 

Yea. I haven't seen one in the last year of searching. Short bed aluminum contractor caps are pretty rare. Cab height in black for under $500 is a damn unicorn.

 

Personally, I think you'll appreciate the extra height, and that full rear door. Especially if you have things on the cab rack to even it out. I hate having to deal with a tailgate. My arms are short though, like me.

 

It is in averys satin khaki green. AND its about to be wrapped in something much cooler imo

 

Could you magnet it on? That way no permanent holes?

 

I could, but that’s not the randyfab way. Besides, I would need to drill a hole to run the light wiring for it. I just cut 14” out of my bed so I’m not too worried about a couple holes in the tailgate

 

In doing some thinking and research, I’ve listed my welder for sale. I would like to get it’s 240v bigger brother before welding this bumper together. Would just give me more piece of mind, mainly with the 1” thick recovery points and the hitch. If I can sell it for what I’m asking, it’ll only be $100 out of pocket for the new welder and another $100 for the extension cord to run it from my laundry room where I’d pull power from my dryer.

 

What was I thinking. Just tek screw that sucker on there then!

 

How much more would it be to run an outlet to the garage vs $100 extension cord?