I AM BRUTICUS (build thread)

Ok, had to redo the bed lights. The drawback in the placement under the rails and running the wire prevented me from installing the Hi-lift mount. Basically, I couldn't get anything into the rails. Also, the light output wasn't that great being that low in the bed. So here is the new version.

Decided to mount the lights to the roof of the camper. I wanted something solid up there so velcro was not an option for me. I made some brackets out of aluminum and mounted them to the underside of the Thule rack bolts. Then use some body molding tape to mount the lights to the brackets. Light output is better but not a fan of the purplish light color from these new LED lights (maybe I will change them out later). I went with these "black" LED strips cause I wanted to blend the lights more into the surrounding carpet. They are hooked up to my Spod so they can be controlled via Bluetooth.

 

Custom TRED Pro mounting rack

Modified some Maxtrax mounting pins and attached it to a Starboard shaped to match the TRED Pro profile.

 

@ this build!!!!

 

Camper shell dust seal

Added a expanding 1" foam strip to the back of the shell rear door where it meets the top of the tailgate to keep dust out.

 

What is that board? Starboard?

 

I got it from TAPs Plastic. it comes in a variety of colors, thickness, and finishes. They will cut to size for you or shape it (for a fee). If you have a Jig saw and a sander it is pretty easy to cut it yourself.

From Google:
"King Starboard is an extremely popular marine grade polymer (plastic) material used for fabricating hatches, doors, rails, handles, cup holders, fishing rod holders, counters, chairs, tables, frames and other boat trim.Starboard does not rot, swell, splinter or delaminate when exposed to humidity or water."

 

How did mount the starboard to the rack?

 

I haven't mounted it yet but was gonna use

8020, 3675, 10 Series Stainless Steel SS 1/4-20 Centered Slide in Economy T Nuts Hardware Nuts for 10 Series Aluminum Extrusions (15)

T-nuts,

$8 Hillman 830502 SAE Fine Threaded Stainless Steel 1/4" Flat Washers, 100per Pack

washers and

$9 Fastenere Button Head Socket Cap Screws - 1/4-20 x 1/2" (25 Pack) Stainless Steel 18-8, Full Thread, Bright Plain Finish, Corrosion-Resistant, Machine Thread, Easy to Install w/Allen Socket Drive

button head screws. Still gotta drill a few more holes.

 

Gotcha! Looks good can't wait to see the finished product.

 

Here it is mounted.

 

That came out awesome! Looks clean like a factory job.

 

Shell Windows tinted 5%
So much better looking and would be thieves can't see what is being carried in the camper.


Before:

 

Who did your tints? How much you pay

 

I may have to do that as well.

 

Professional Film installations in Oakland did it. Was one of the few shops that would tint a shell. He had to make a custom template for the tint. Came out to $250, took about 4 hours.

 

$250 for just the shell?

 

Yep, $250 seems to be the going price. Asked a couple of places and they all quoted me $250. Of course, the shops I went to were 5-star shops.

 

CH4x4 switches

Now I just need to wire them up.

 

Got some goodies today for my next stage of a suspension upgrade.

700lb springs


Braided brake lines extended 2 inches

 

I tried using an extractor to get the oil out but it left about 1 liter of oil in the pan still so I decided to Install the

$33 Fumoto F-103 Engine Oil Drain Valve

Fumoto F-103 valve. Unfortunately, I bought the non-flush version so had to alter it a bit. Cut off the extra spout and sanded it down smooth. Looks almost like the correct one I was supposed to buy. Changed to Royal Purple as well.