Squeaky Penguin's (Trip Reports) Build Thread

Bed and camper back on, still need to get all my shit back in the bed. That was a bigger project than anticipated - three pretty solid weekends and lots of evening time too. Added another tie in plate, painted all sorts of stuff, raptor lined the bed, tossed in a new carrier bearing (old one was shot!), and probably some other stuff. Fingers crossed I can start getting out for the summer without too many more headaches.

 

Looking good! Would you go with raptor liner again? The Chevy needs a new liner

 

I'm very impressed with how it came out. We'll have to see how it holds up though.

 

I can attest that raptor liner gets a 10 out of 10. It looks good and tough.

 

I'm guessing you sprayed it on? Been thinking about doing the lower quarter of my truck since the paint is starting to flake. Not worth buying a compressor just for that though.

 

Id bet an electric gun would do it, might have to thin it a bit but should work.

 

Sprayed. It wouldn't take that big of a compressor to make it work.

I think a lot of the reason it comes out well is the spray gun included with the kit. Plus you could probably get a compressor cheaper than an electric spray gun.

 

I think you got your money's worth out of the factory paint.

 

That raptor liner came out great. Looks like a brand new bed.

 

Mr Penquin , how many miles does your ride have on it now ?

 

297k

Engine has like 65k less though.

 

The raptor liner is nice but don’t be surprised if it chips. It will eventually will. But for the most part it holds up bud.

 

Who makes those bed stiffeners? I'm noticing some less than square line up along my tailgate these days.

 

I believe in you... (to clone this or just give up an buy it)

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2003-sas-tacoma-extended-cab-flatbed-arbs-37s-trd-sc.671970/

 

For 1st gens, one option is

@ greengaint97 installed them last June. Looks like you have to drill 10 holes through the bed to bolt them on and there's no backing plates, just washers that aren't that large. They may help, but how many 1st gen beds have cracked (unlike the 2nd gens, which is pretty much guaranteed with a RTT/top/camper and driving off road)...

 

Lots of 1st Gen beds are cracked.

 

Yeah mine is torn on both sides just past the tail lights on the bed rails.

 

Why do they cost so much. Just make some.

 

I did, I have a couple of uncoated sets if your interested.

 

I’m interested, Tim. My bed isn’t splitting or tearing in the back yet, but maybe this would help prevent or delay it for awhile.