GeoYota - Sold to a good dude in the AZ desert

Nice truck

Where did you get new $50 headlights ?

 

The Ama-Zone:

Clicky for clear lenses

 

Nice build, what vendor for your upcoming rear bumper?
Does the VeePeak VP 01 display oil pressure on your rig? Oh , I guess it doesn't, just checked their site. They talk about switching it on/off, is the button eay to access?
Thanks

 

Thanks, a work in progress. My goal is to approach utility and efficiency the way @Crom did and just keep refining.

I'm looking at several rear bumper options...as it seems the options for Gen 1 Tacos are a bit limited...unless you go spec fab $$$$$.

CBI and AP Off Road are the front runners for now...I'll gladly take suggestions. Still not sure if I am going to pull the trigger on a tire swing out, or just a utility (Hi Lift, propane, Max Traxx storage) swing out. I had a tire carrier swing out on a previous rig, and it put a lot of weight way out over the rear end.

Right now my armor priority is a set of sliders (Stubbs HD-KO's) and completing my BudBuilt skid plate set (need the mid plate).

The VeePak unit is very easy...I don't remember an on/off switch on the unit I selected linky . I don't use mine for constant monitoring, as it transmits BT wifi constantly (maybe the newer units DO feature on/off because of this) and it messed with my BT phone connection.

I simply used mine as a diagnostic tool and then unplugged it and put it back in my tool bag.

 

Following @Crom 's lead...ordering a set of Stubb's HD-SKO sliders for the Taco.

 

Heading to the salvage yard monday to hopefully snag a 4 runner roof rack. Any particular years that won't work? They all seem to be 2000 or before

 

I didn't do a whole lot of research...I just looked for the lines that would potentially fit my Tacoma's roof. But yes, the 1999-2000 4 Runner racks seem to be the most compatible.

 

Every single 4runner was stripped of the rack...guess Ill be waiting a few months

 

Keep trying...I found mine on a local (San Diego) FB groups for sale section.

 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/pts/6014418608.html

 

Found one on craigslist for $75, I'd rather wait until the scrapyard has one for $10.

And any new pics of the roof rack install finished? How durable is it since its only sheet metal, any bending or warping if pressure is applied? I assume the frame wasn't drilled into

 

I'll snap a couple of shots and post up for ya'.

No issues with the mounts at all, but I haven't mounted anything on it for cargo/bike rack yet to fully test it. No discernable wind noise (the tires and stereo take care of that) at speed.

 

Here's a few pics I just snapped...

 

Looks great, gonna add the three crossrails that came with it or leave it that way?

 

I like the cleaner lines with the current install. If I were to use this rack as a stand alone for cargo carry, then yes, I would add the addl' cross bars for roof protection.

Plan is to save and purchase a roof basket for additional gas/water storage during long trips. Sliders have been on the armor list for over a year, so those come first.

I did research on the Yakima and Thule models, but am leaning towards the aesthetics of the Rhino Rack. I realize that you lose a little of the interior space for the more aerodynamic/modular looks, but I prefer that over the boxy Yakima Loadwarrior product.

This is the unit I am targeting right now:

 

Looks good, I will probably only use mine for spotlights and looks, but a kayak for sure if I feel it will hold up well. (Just something I'll have to try for myself once I have mine on.) I think I will also cut mine down before installing depending on how it will look. I don't want it to look too short for the roof, really looking for an OEM look.

Maybe Ill luck out and find a one in a million Tacoma rack at a junkyard

 

Lol...the veritable unicorn of the Toyota world!

Ya' know...when I step back, I can't even tell that I added the little spacers underneath the front of the rack. Yeah, my hardcore overland buddies who paid upwards of $1K for theirs will probably scoff at my $75 roof rack...but who cares?

When I'm done I'll have spent about $700 less...at least my wallet isn't scoffing.

 

Progress continues...I have been doing research on which sliders to put on my Tacoma for awhile now.

Finally pulled the trigger on a set of Stubb's Welding HD-SKO's, recommended by @Crom (thanks Nick, even tho we've never met, love your build man!! )...and I am glad I did.

After a few emails back and forth about shipping quotes and steel orders, I got my tracking # this morning, along with a really cool set of instructions and information on "How To" prep, paint, and install my sliders once they arrive. I haven't decided if I'm gonna install them myself or pay someone to professionally install them yet...

Nonetheless...this post is intened to throw some props at Stubb's Welding for their great customer service. Keep in mind that he is a small shop out of Susanville, CA. Visit his website and you'll discover that he is a devoted family man cutting, bending, and welding quality products made in the good ole U.S. of A, with a handcrafted spirit (he dimples each HD-SKO with punch marks to differentiate the FR from R for proper mounting) that is rare in this instant gratification world.

One of the biggest reasons I sold my Nissan Xterra and returned to the Tacoma fold was availability of quality aftermarket products, and timing of delivery. I was used to waiting six months for Shrockworks skid plates or plate bumpers, or vendors like Xoskel who took almost a year to handcraft a roof rack because of demand and poor customer service.

It states on Stubb's Welding's website that their products ship within 3 to 5 days of an order...mine took a little longer than that at 12 days, but I am patient and honestly there was no rush on my part. Richard communicated on an almost daily basis, keeping me in the loop as there was a delay when steel had to ship from his supplier. He also let me know that he has been so busy, working 12 hour days to keep up with the demand around tax time, that often his replies came late after a long work day.

From a guy who is used to waiting months for a quality product, this was refreshing and a serious tip of my hat to Richard and his family.

Final note, and yes I will post up some photos when the sliders officially arrive, but the instructions on the paint and install had these really striking words that sealed the deal for me as far as ordering confidence...

Very cool indeed.

 

Stubb's Welding HD-SKO sliders were delivered, I gave them a quick spray and wipe with some carb cleaner, and let the priming commence.

As they arrived on my doorstep, thank you Mr. Brown.





Rust O'Leum priming in progress



More...

 

Getting hammered today...