The Getaway...Crom's build and adventures

If you need to find some good oem rings I know a guy... cash deal of course. I got tired of giving all my money to the doctor - some good tutorials online these days - swapped out my old leak pack in 4 hours the other day. I'll post a write up in a few weeks after I make sure everything was installed correctly.

 

Yes to this. I did it the other way around. Now have temporary limiting straps until I get my extended brake lines installed.

 

The Crom knows!

 

Oops, forgot the multiquote:

I've got these waiting on my shelf...fronts and rears.

http://www.provendesignproducts.com/Pages/Truck Flap Pages/universal_classic.html
Classics, with custom art and color (just an extra $10).



Other member's inspiration:

 

Front hardlines are easy, once you pull the rubber splash guards back there's a fitting that the front line just unscrews from. then bend up new line to fit. hardest part is not losing all your brake fluid once you disconnect the hardline.

 

Those look nice.

I'm going full custom with rivnuts, fender washers, and a huge sheet of black HDPE that I'll cut to fit.

Yep. Tried once. I got the prebent hardline from Toyota for $5. I second the volume of fluid loss. When I saw the reservoir, I was like holy crap!!!

 

SO CROM!

These are actually cut/drill to fit, and I'll be using some big-ass fender washers too.

 

Rivnut's Are Cool !! My Riveter has come in handy more than once. The last time I broke it out was to permanently fix the nagging stripped license plate mounting screws. Pulled two rivnuts and problem solved! Thanks for the schooling on this awesome addition to the tool collection Nick.!

 

Hi Nick, when installing your bed supports to the rear corners did you use Rivnuts? Thanks.

 

Sounds even better.

Welcome. Looks good!

No, I pulled the taillights out to get to the backside. Total chaos supplies hardware. I think they were nylock grade 8.

 

Thanks - Very Good! Thank you.

 

So I spent the last 2 work weeks reading this whole thread from Page 1 to now.

I have to say Thank You @Crom for all the write-ups and trip reports.

I now have added many new changes to the list for the truck, and you have convinced me to check out DV, which I had previously no desire to visit.

 

Welcome. And congrats on reading all the way through, there is a lot in here. lol

 

Finally caught up with the last part of your trip report for DV. Made my wait in the Vegas airport much more enjoyable! Your last day was epic!

It's going to be a Daddy/Daughter trip with no Mommy for me over Easter long weekend and you've reminded me of some things to hit with the kiddo - temps permitting of course. Your report reminded me she's been begging to go to a sand dune so I'll try to fit one in. Good idea on compressed air for the sand.

Oh and BTW I think your photos keep getting better and better. Nice work in this report!

 

Hey @Crom. The GF and I are headed down south from BC to Indio, California from around Xmas to just after New Years. My Family has property in Indio and that is our ultimate destination. We're driving the Tacoma and I'll have all my camping gear with us. We are going to take our time driving down and back home, most likely taking the coast (101) on the way back home. We've got around 2-4 days that I'd like to dedicate to exploring the SoCal Desert, from around Dec 27-31st. I'm trying to decide on what exactly I'd like to see. I've seen all of your trip reports over the years and it isn't making the decision any easier. Some of the areas I've been considering checking out are Anza-Borrego, Joshua Tree, Mojave, and Death Valley. Obviously we can't see it all some I'm trying to decide where to focus our limited time. We'll be traveling alone unless anyone from here wants to meet up and show us around (which is why I'm posting this here rather than just messaging you). I'm not looking for anything too technical and I'm also not sure if any of these areas should be avoided during winter. So my question to you and other SoCal veterans if you only had a few days to explore what is your favorite go to place this time of year?

 

2 things -

A. If you're going to take 101 from San Francisco to LA I recommend that you leave some extra time in one direction and drive through Big Sur during the day. It will add some time onto your route between San Luis Obispo and SF. If you have the time it is beautiful. If the SLO area is a place where you consider stopping for a night then I recommend Morro Bay or Avila / Pismo Bay rather than staying in the city. The coastline in that area is picturesque and if you need a break from driving that day check out Montana D'Oro State Park - I recommend it over Hearst Castle or other more touristy attractions in that area. However I know you wanted to see the desert - I just mentioned this because you said you were planning on taking 101 and there's not much to see on it between SF and SLO - no offense Salinas Valley, King City & Gilroy lol. Onto my recommendations for the desert in part B.

B. My other recommendation is to take 395 from points south to Carson City or vice versa on your trip and make a loop. I love Lone Pine - there are many things to see in a short amount of time. The Alabama Hills, Mt. Whitney, the Manzanar Historic Site, and the Manzanar Reward Mine can all be visited (well you can at least see Mt. Whitney) in a day or day and a hal that won't include very much driving compared to the distances you'll probably covering. Weather permitting the drive through Owen's Valley to Reno on 395 is awe inspiring.

 

I would say Saline Valley. I'm hoping to get the time off work for a new years jaunt out that way.

 

Considering the distance you've got to cover not too many diversions will be possible it seems.
If you haven't seen Yosemite Valley before and you're coming down the 5 that would be #1 IMO. If you find yourself on the 395 then for sure Death Valley. Stay and play around Lone Pine and Alabama Hills too, But the high country of the 395 (N of Mammoth) could be dicey in winter (carry chains). While in Indio, Joshua Tree is right there and a great area of So Cal Desert. Heading home (as Delandser said) when you get to San Luis Obispo take the 1 up through Big Sir all the way up San Francisco and beyond if you can. If you do that you will have seen a lot of the beauty California has to offer. Have fun and safe travels.
BTW my wife is Canadian and grew up on the island in Victoria. A few years ago we toured around Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria ferrying back and forth. Then took a cruise to Alaska! Beautiful city and country you live in.

 

Yosemite can't be accessed from 395 in the winter. You'd have to enter from the west. 395 will be open with the exception of a major (multi-day) storm with a lot of accumulation. It would be easy to know if you can make it through from keeping an eye on local weather. If you want to see Yosemite you'll be in a another area by Fresno and have to take 58 to get through to the desert. So many options.