The Getaway...Crom's build and adventures

I need to find a squad in sd to do this stuff

 

There's a ocotillo run the weekend of 22Oct

 

oh yeah? Ill pm you as not to cluster the thread

 

oh snap!

 

Dam thats a list!
I have tc spindle gussets on mine but not bed stiffeners. How long have you had the shell on and do you notice the bedsides getting stretched out?

 

last question for tonight, what break lines in rear are you going with to accommodate for the lift and all?

 

Awesome reports as always. Your second and third pictures look like Maxfield Parish paintings. You have a tremendous eye for color and subject. Thank you kind sir for the reports.

 

The Crazy Joker Quick Release hitch pins for rear seats mod is done.

This mod has been on my list since June of 2015. Finally got around to executing. It involves replacing a factory seat bottom cushion hinge pin with a quick release hitch pin. I simply followed @crazy joker 's instructions (linked in title) and it worked superbly.

I performed the mod on all four hinges, passenger and driver, now I can pull my seat bottom cushions out about as fast as pulling a rip cord on a parachute! lol

Everbilt 1/4" x 3" Zinc-Plated Cotterless Hitch Pin

 

Longer Yakima bars installed (58")

I had these at my disposal, so I upgraded to the longer bars. It added 10" of load space, 5" longer on each side than older shorter 48" bars.

The 48" bars have worked well for me over the last four years. However, there are a few times where I wished they were just a tad longer. Now I have that option and allows me to do a little bit more in the future.

 

Do the pins/rings rattle? It looks like you ran a ziptie through them to prevent that though.

 

Nick, the only issue I found with having u-bolts made here locally is that they are 100% raw steel and rust before you can get them on the truck. For the price All Pro charges for their grade 8 zinc coated u-bolts they really are a good deal. They ship them with mechanical lock nuts which I hate though so I always swapped out for nylocks.

 

Total Chaos Bedside Stiffeners (Special / Custom)

I was very fortunate to have these made specially for my truck. The strength gusset inside the 90* bend on the brace, was moved at fabrication time from the inside edge to the outside edge, so these are one of a kind. These stiffeners strengthen the bedside uprights, and I don't loose 1" of load space due the brace design.

Also, the braces are not symmetrical, so they are side specific, which is why I had to go custom. I still had to grind some to clearance for the top bolt and drill all my own holes on the vertical side of the brace, but that was easy in comparison to what I was getting in return.

I had read two reports of people snapping the top factory retention bolt when installing. The reason for this is because of the install directions. If you follow them, yeah it's a real risk! When you install you'll understand, I'm not going to repost them here but hearing that report, here is how I went about doing mine.

Threaded the provided 7/16" corner bolt into the brace and started it in the hole. Then re-positioned the brace to get the top most factory bolt going. I put the top bolt in as far as it would go, snug. Then I used my l-track and ratchet strap to pull the bed sides in just a little bit. I then returned to the 7/16" bolt and snugged it down. Then drilled the first lowest hole in the bedside, spray painted hole, installed fastener, torqued it solid, repeated for second and third fasteners. Then reinstalled installed bed bolt as directions said to do.

Pretty easy install. I only had to move one 2" section of l-track out of the way.

My opinion on this mod is that, not every truck is going to need it. However for those that have truck shells, or shells with with roof racks, RTT's, flippacs, etc., this is probably very good insurance!

Post install, the stiffeners shored up the gap in the top of the tailgate a few centimeters. I will measure and
update this post at a later time.

Overall I am very pleased.

Total Chaos was exceptional to work with.

Stiffeners weight 4.08 lbs each.

 

You're welcome.

I read up on Mr. Maxfield Parrish

Maxfield Parrish (July 25, 1870 – March 30, 1966) was an American painter and illustrator active in the first half of the 20th century. He is known for his distinctive saturated hues and idealized neo-classical imagery.​

I sincerely appreciate the comment. Those two photos I took do resemble his work somewhat. As I recall those photos were taken at dusk and the peculiar lighting conditions greatly helped contribute to their outcome.

And Big thank you for your contribution to my mini education on Mr. Parrish.

I'll pass the comment through pants, and see if she can appreciate it like I do.

Yes. Zip ties are in full effect. No noises are allowed. @crazy joker had discovered they rattled, and pulled the rings and just use ties. I'm gonna try them as pictured in the first pic.

Thanks for looking out. I'll make sure that if I do go local that the details are nailed up in advance on the phone, so they don't waste my time. I think I was working with North County Spring in Esco. for local quotes.

 

I'm glad the quick release rear seats worked out.

 

What is the goal for the longer bars? More to strap stuff to up top or some Crom invention?

 

4 years. Yes bedside supports appear to spread a little bit at tailgate. All fixed up now.

The OCTaco ones sold here on TW.

Thanks a million for your Sept update post in your build. That gave me the final motivation to get it done. Much appreciated.

Nothing too original.

After a little more work, the longer bars allow me to safely stow a spare wheel up there, in the event I had to, not planning it.

Also makes tarp deployment better

And gives me option for integrated storage (inside the Yakima bars), of 1/2" bent up EMT for an extendable shower curtain rod. Not sure when or ever that might happen, however with the longer bars it's a possibility.

Also in the future, I might pick up some unistrut to cut up and build a super low profile basket.

And if It that happens, I'll probably just finally buy a TIG welder and some aluminum and really have some fun.

Okay. Back to my 101 other projects, and tasks

 

So when I call TC I should just ask for "Nick's gussets?"

 

lol. Try it! Pat Hanson is your man. He'll remember. His customer service was outstanding.

 

Here's me trying to remember what do...

 

Amazing write up as usual! I definitely have this on the list a year or two down the road. Thanks and might have to hit you up for some help later on haha