GHOST SHIP: Custom Chingaderas

I shoulda updated but again, forgot to take pictures.

built RTT bed bars for a third gen (no pictures)

finished a set of sliders for a first gen (installation pending).

 

Well here’s the RTT Bed Bars. Just ordered the tent. Looking forward to installing it so I can do some fly fishing. Perfect fit, STURDY STEEL, no flimsy cheap aluminum. I like the simple look without all the advertising bells and whistles. Thanks again Sergio! Oh yeah, I have a new/used tailgate now to replace my stolen one. I’ll have to tell you the story, you’ll never believe it.

 

oh....I bet we will.

 

This was only going to be meant for Sergio but I guess I’ll let you all in on it. Friday morning I’m standing in front of my house and a (Traveling Tailgate Salesman) pulls up next to me and says “Hey are you looking for a tailgate? My cousin runs a wrecking yard in Los Angeles and I can get them cheap.” I not wanting to seem overzealous tell him “Whatever man, if you can get one I’ll take a look at it.” The next morning I’m going to a body shop to get a quote for my tailgate through insurance and as I’m getting out to talk to the body shop worker I surprisingly have a new tailgate installed. The worker tells me “If the Cholo is going to sell it for less than your deductible, just do it, you’re gonna save a lot of money in the long run with insurance rates, rental, and deductibles.” I get home and who comes to the door, the (Traveling Tailgate Salesman). He tells me “How do you like the tailgate I installed for you this morning while you were asleep?” I told him he’s lucky I didn’t shoot his ars since I had him on my camera and already had gun in hand.” I had to scare him a little. He ends up selling my the tailgate for a extremely good price. My Brother in law is local PD so I had him run his plates and I have pictures of him and his buddy on my security camera. Turns out he does not have a record “yet” but at least he’s on record with local PD since he’s probably getting these tailgates in a way that’s not legal. I’m willing to take the hit on the tailgate if he gets caught. Just changed the lock on the tailgate and ordered an anti-theft device. What kind of person just goes on your property and installs a semi new tailgate on your truck??? Kids was crazy dumb and could have lost his life over a tailgate.

 

That is a good one.
Traveling Tailgate Salesman. hmmmmm
Could be my new retirement fall back.

 

That’s pretty shady though. I’d keep an eye on your surveillance video for a bit. What are the chances that dude now knows he can come back and mess with your truck while you’re sleeping and you won’t wake up. If anything I’d take the tailgate off and store it until you can get the lock and the locking device installed.
The good news is that tweakers scare off easy. They don’t want a fight, they want to sneak in and out unnoticed like rats.

 

I already have a motion sensor with a flood light and more cameras on order. My dog usually scares the SH!T out of most people who come close, but I’ve been bringing him inside since it’s been cold lately.

 

About what area do you live? That way I know how worried I should be about this “salesman”

 

San Gabriel Valley

 

Perfect me too! I am in Pasadena. I got to keep an eye out now

 

Installed some sliders on @chojin ’s first gen today. 15 degree standard width with a kick out.

 

Thanks Sergio! I’m still smiling nonstop looking at my sliders. Things could not have gone any smoother! Communication was quick and transparent and your concern with customer service and satisfaction was absolutely gratifying. I can’t wait to get more mods done!

 

Right on man! I really enjoy building things for first gens. Their no frills design makes them so easy to work on and modify. Every generation Tacoma gets a few more details that need to be worked around.

 

So uh, might as well update here. I’ve been dipping my feet into leather crafting for a bit and have a few projects completed. The latest is a sleeve/organizer for a notebook I carry with me.
Beautiful hide that I’m working with.


The notebook:


Hand skiving the edges:




just a teaser but I completed it tonight and will post pictures once the edge coat dries completely.

 

Would be coolio with the EGA on the front cover.

 

Might make one for my little bro like that actually. Gotta get a new hide soon that’ll take to embossing better than this one.

 

Would love to see pics and perhaps an order form......black leather, though.
I am too sexy for Brown leather.

 

Sliders look great!! That’s how Sergio rolls. I feel the same every time I open my door and see my sliders.

 

Sergio, thanks again for the RTT Bars. The vision is getting closer to fruition. Just received my RTT yesterday and installed it late last night. Perfect fit! I love the clean lines of the bars and easy attachment to my bed. Super simple to take off and on. For those of you out there who are deciding to get a RTT, I am impressed with the quality and comfort of the Smittybilt for the price ($800). Easy set up, and I was able to lift and install it on my own. Thx Sergio