San Diego BS Thread.

Try Tesla, we got our 18 panel system 8 years ago...one of the best decisions we ever made. Look at the options available from Tesla. I picked the Lease option and then bought out the Lease. Tesla still owns the panels and inverter so they have to take care of any repairs. Our Inverter crapped out, Tesla replaced that on their dime. We had an issue with the panels, Tesla replaced the entire system, again on their dime. Anything to stick it to SDGE! If you do an install with Tesla, add a Powerwall. We have a 2018 Tesla Model 3 which we recharge at home off of our system. It's a win-win!

 

Does anyone know a local automotive upholster in North County SD? I’m looking to replace the seat covers on my 2009 DC since they’re pretty worn, but I’m hesitant to DIY b/c of the seat airbag.

 

I just did my dad's '06 with Katzkin (skipped the hog rings b/c he didn't want me spending time on that, though in hindsight they wouldn't have been much more work.

Clazzios go over the top so they are super straightforward to DIY.

I wouldn't hesitate to do this yourself if you want to try, lots of good info in various threads here, just a matter of whether or not the foam is in good shape.

The airbag is no concern, all auto seat cover manufacturers have taken that into account and the airbag doesn't go off when the truck is off. Totally OK to disconnect the airbag and remove the seats if you want to work on them on a bench which makes things easier (except for the headrests which I think are easier when on the seats while bolted in so I tend to do headrests first, at least to get the covers off and the new ones on, then buckle them with headrests removed.)

 

Hog rings aren't a lot more work, but they are annoying and if you're clumsy like me you will prick yourself a few times.

 

@TripleThreat Jason does solid work but he isn't the greatest with DMs on this board. Send him a text at 760-560-7779. Much more likely to get a response. He is not a daily visitor to TW, but is really good at responding to texts.

 

@Bishop2Queens6 I've replaced my seat covers twice and both times I removed the seats out of the truck. I think there are two switches to disconnect on the passenger side and one on the driver side, or is that three and two, I forget ... one on pass side was a little tricky but got it done, and, no, I did not disconnect the battery, but car was off. This last time I added a cheap seat organizer behind driver seat that has become more useful than I thought it would be.

 

@Bishop2Queens6 There are also seat cover manufacturers that account for openings where the airbags are if you simply want to cover the worn seat upholstery. I did that on a 2004 vehicle (not a Tacoma).

 

I went with Marathon Seat Covers on my 2010, easy install. I did remove the 4 bolts holding each front seat down so I could lean them back for the install, no problems whatsoever and the seat covers still look like new.

 

Anyone have recommendations for a shop near Pacific Beach that can do a cab mount chop? I think my next go around on tires I’ll be going up to 285’s and know that’s a necessity. Unfortunately I don’t 1. Time, 2. Welding skills, 3. A cutting wheel

 

Are there any electricians on here familiar with panel replacements/upgrades in SDG&E service territory? I'm getting some conflicting information from solar estimators. I want to replace the panel prior to the solar installation, and I got a quote from an electrician, but the solar companies are telling me not to update it because they are worried about sdge permits and time frames (to get in NEM2.0). It's underground service to the panel, which is currently 125amp, with a newer subpanel in the garage feeding the AC and a few other things. The panel is within 3' of the gas meter. This seems to be the issue according to the solar people- They say the permit will take longer and require trenching. The lines are already underground, so I'm not sure if they are just working off an assumption, or if I am just missing information. The electrician seems to think he can knock the panel out no problem, and the solar installation is a few months out because of lead times, so I'm just trying to get all the information so I can make the right decision.

 

I don't have a phone number but reach out to FabZoneArmor (Instagram link below). The make some aftermarket stuff but believe they also do things like the CMC. Never used them so can't speak for the quality of their work but I haven't heard anything bad about them either.

They are on Coronado Island I believe.

https://www.instagram.com/fabzonearmor/?hl=en

Jason (Speed Freak above) is in Vista, also does great work, has an awesome shop setup at his home, but might be a bit of a drive for you compared to Coronado).

 

Both dudes do solid quality work. And both are worth the drive and time. Neither will dissapoint.
Fabzone is more inland off the 94.

 

Get your solar plans/ Panel upgrade permit into the que before April 13th and you're supposed to have 3 years to complete the project and get NM2. My cousin whos an electrical contractor told me this.

 

I am aware of the April 13th deadline. I am getting conflicting info on what it takes to upgrade the main panel, and if that will take us beyond the NEM2 deadline.

 

hopefully its a reputable company. You have to be 3' away from any gas line. Easier to move the Electrical panel than a gas line. Not sure why they are worried about upgrading the panel, maybe because its really back logged for inspection times and they can get solar in faster opposed to moving it the panel. If you submit you should have plenty of time to get NET2 is what Ive been told.

 

It is within 3' and that's the bit I am trying to clear up. I think it depends on who you ask. The electricians say it's easier to move the gas, and the plumbers say it's easier to move the electric panel. Always easier when it's not your problem.

 

Depends on layout and accessibility for installers. Solar doesn't want to deal with upgrade for that reason is my assumption. Get quotes to move gas and get quote from separate electrician to move panel, go from there. Regardless get the request in sooner than later so you can get that NET2. I'm doing the same thing myself.

 

awesome thanks for the replies!

 

I have a noise I cannot find. a hard "clunk" coming from in front of passenger seat, in/under engine bay. occasionally when shifting into drive, always when off-road due to rocks etc rocking the truck.
I checked motor and trans mounts, no movement, checked right side suspension, found nothing.


So, who is good at diagnosing these things?

 

Anyone have tire chains that will fit a 35" tire? Heading to the mountains this weekend and want to at least have a set on hand. Have no intention on using them.