ROTW: kevinmrowland

takeitforgranite · 02-02-08, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinmrowland

Which hatch? The one between the seats? That one is a marine hatch I found online, hard to find in black.

I've found those online... I was wondering more about the tailgate hatch and the rear over-fender hatches.... plywood?

RockDoc · 02-02-08, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takeitforgranite

I've found those online... I was wondering more about the tailgate hatch and the rear over-fender hatches.... plywood?

Check the links in post 5.

kevinmrowland · 02-02-08, 12:14 PM

Ah, those hatches. Yup, I made those.

Side panels
Tailgate

canadianmedic2 · 02-02-08, 12:19 PM

Someday, I want my truck to be a fraction of yours. Sick ride.

wyomingben · 02-04-08, 09:24 PM

If you don't mind I have a few questions.

1. The door weather seal, where did you source that and how can I get some. On mine any kind of a cross wind blows right in.

2. Can you explain the cargo net on the head liner, where did you get it and how did you attach it.

3. The expanded metal on your front bumper, what size is it and does it effect the brightness of your lights.

4. Why do you use a clevis instead of a hook on your winch?

5. I like your seat on seat sleeping idea, did you modify the hold down straps so you don't need a socket and ratchet to change from upright to sleeping? and in sleeping mode does it just sit on the bottom seat or do you secure it somehow for traveling.

Thanks!
-Wyo

kevinmrowland · 02-05-08, 07:10 AM

I had the same issue, wind gusts from the side were so loud, it was ruining the driving experience.
I had the trim custom made by a company we use at work. Since it was a custom run I actually had to have an entire roll made.

(yeah, the noise pissed me off that much)
I have a bunch left if you need some. I would have to look at the invoice, but I think it was under $2 a foot.

The cargo net is actually half of an elastic cargo net that McmasterCarr sells. The eyelets are actually drilled-tapped-lock nutted into place. The structural metal ribs are surprisingly thick, just enough metal to thread. I have since added more eyebolts and just used nutserts (did not have the tool when I first installed the net) but the original eyebolts are still holding after many thousands of miles.

The expanded metal is not actually expanded metal, it is a square pattern of rods, welded together and dipped in plastic. Just about perfect for the use, I think it was originally industrial shelving base, I found it in a dumpster. They do block some of the light, but I travel a lot of gravel roads and having headlights not get broken is worth the compromise to me. I used to just have a piece of expanded metal zip-tied behind the grill to help protect the radiator from flying rocks, that worked well, but this is lighter and covers the lights as well.

The clevis is just personal preference. I find that the clevis makes you slow down and do things right, make sure things fit, is inherently stronger and safer than a hook and it stands no chance of disconnecting when the line is slack. I just don't like hooks.

The lower brackets for the seat have simply been removed, when the seat is up it is wedged in place between the seat base and the cargo boxes. Originally I planned to run a turnbuckle or strap to the floor for the seat down position, but since the top pins are set back from the top it locks itself in that position by way of the two extra latches and leverage. Even if I pull up on the front of the seat (when folded flat) It will not go anywhere since the back (top) levers down against the wheel wells.

wyomingben · 02-05-08, 08:07 AM

Kevin,

I would definitely be interested enough of the that weather seal to do my 60 if you have some to spare. About that cargo net, see those big red topo maps you have behind the seat, I was thinking of some way to store them overhead with bungees or net, ever consider that? Thanks for all the other tips as well.

-Wyo

kevinmrowland · 02-05-08, 08:15 AM

Sure, I looked up the invoice, just a tad under $2foot, I'll call it 2 for simplicity.
I don't know exactly how much I used, but I will measure it tonight.

Ducks · 02-05-08, 10:50 AM

I'd also be interested in the weather seal if there is any left over.

kevinmrowland · 02-05-08, 02:45 PM

I'll measure the stuff tonight, probably getting pretty close to the end of the roll with the folks who just PMed me as well.

ColoradoLC · 02-05-08, 03:07 PM

Hey Kevin, great writeup. I remembered chatting with you shortly after your Artic Circle trip. Your rig was inspirational to me at the time even before I knew about all of he mods you have done. Well done. I have a buddy that organizes everything he owns just like you do. He lived out of his Isuzu Trooper for months at a time near Jackson WY when working there.

You have further inspired me past the point where I was already inspired. Thanks!

kevinmrowland · 02-06-08, 08:08 AM

Thanks Colorado, did you make it up the Dalton yet?

Weatherstrip:
Mud wouldn't let me log in last night, or this morning, so I just posted the pictures on my website (saves Woody some server space anyway).

wagongear.com

Rob Faucett · 02-06-08, 09:17 AM

Kevin - If you have dispersed all of your weatherstrip could you post the contact info for the company you used? I bet there are enough interested people that a group buy might be in the works.

kevinmrowland · 02-06-08, 11:04 AM

The company is Trim-Lok,very well known, make a lot of OE stuff.
The problem is that you need an account and a shipping account to be able to order from them.
I am pretty busy at the moment with the other WagonGear stuff, but if there is enough interest I will consider ordering another roll. I also might be able to get a lower price if I get a longer roll as well, since I conned them into running this for me as a "test".

woytovich · 02-06-08, 11:18 AM

KEVIN: I have a client that makes weatherstrip. If you get me the cross-section and specs I can see what he will do for me...

GLTHFJ60 · 02-06-08, 12:11 PM

If one of you guys can set that up, then I'm sure you could get many people to buy this upgraded weatherstripping. I know I would.

boots4 · 02-06-08, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GLTHFJ60

If one of you guys can set that up, then I'm sure you could get many people to buy this upgraded weatherstripping. I know I would.

Me too.

Rob Faucett · 02-06-08, 01:32 PM

Interested.

kevinmrowland · 02-06-08, 03:16 PM

I'll post the specs up, if your guy can get you a good deal that would be great, I certainly don't get any special pricing on the stuff.
I do know that the quality of the TrimLoc stuff is top-notch though.

Ideally the specs would be the same as an FJ62 front door weather strip, just with a larger foam-rubber bulb. The stuff that I have does not have as deep of a U as the OE stuff so it doesn't go on quite as far.

It is a huge upgrade though, especially now that my truck can go fast, no more wind whistling in my ear!

wyomingben · 02-06-08, 11:23 PM

Looking over your pics again, what do you use for a jack? If you tote a hi-Lift where do you stow it?

Thanks
-Wyo

Dave-T · 02-06-08, 11:58 PM

Simply an amazing truck. I really enjoyed reading the Toyota Trails article about one of your trips.

How much modification did it take to get the Impreza seats in there?

kevinmrowland · 02-07-08, 07:53 PM

For the folks who have weatherstrip coming, They are boxed up and will leave in the mail tomorrow.
I am pretty swamped right now, but if the people who get weatherstrip are as happy with it as I am then I can just order another roll since there seems to be plenty of interest.
Now, no more weather strip talk in my ROTW thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyomingben

Looking over your pics again, what do you use for a jack? If you tote a hi-Lift where do you stow it?

Thanks
-Wyo

I primarily use the OE bottle jack (which lives in the passenger quarter panel) since it is safer and easier to use. The high lift lives across the floor behind the seats when it is in the truck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave-T

Simply an amazing truck. I really enjoyed reading the Toyota Trails article about one of your trips.

How much modification did it take to get the Impreza seats in there?

The seats where originally mounted to the stock towers. The modification was not too bad, but I did have to make custom legs. Now with the underseat boxes the seats just bolt right to the lids.

Ducks · 02-07-08, 08:23 PM

In the Toyota Trails article, you mentioned that the rear was sagging. I can't remember, did you have more leafs added to the rear? Was it the OME heavies that you modified or are they new since the trip? Have you considered air bags?

kevinmrowland · 02-08-08, 07:27 PM

That trip was a pretty long time ago, I had some crappie springs that I paid WAAAY to much for from $OR.

(I have that reaction to everything I bought from $OR)
I had two heavy add-a-leafs made at a spring shop and went from there. As soon as we got back (and got money back in the bank) I ordered a set of OME and have never looked back. The OMEs seem to be built for my purpose, I haven't needed to think about air bags since.

cfdlighthouse · 02-08-08, 08:21 PM

great ride. i am interested on the shifter lock. where did you get it and how much did it cost?
Thanks
Dan

macneill · 02-08-08, 08:34 PM

Beautiful!

Thanks for the inspiration!

kevinmrowland · 02-09-08, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfdlighthouse

great ride. i am interested on the shifter lock. where did you get it and how much did it cost?
Thanks
Dan

Great product, got it here: http://simjack.com:8185/
$55, I was amazed at the quality of the product for the money, and being the constant cynic that I am, I figured the lock must not actually be hardened, took it to my metal band saw, and nothing, couldn't even scratch it.

sandcruiser · 02-09-08, 03:40 PM

I sense a group buy in the near future

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinmrowland

Great product, got it here: http://simjack.com:8185/
$55, I was amazed at the quality of the product for the money, and being the constant cynic that I am, I figured the lock must not actually be hardened, took it to my metal band saw, and nothing, couldn't even scratch it.

kevinmrowland · 02-09-08, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandcruiser

I sense a group buy in the near future

I thought it was your truck that I first saw the shift lock on?

woytovich · 02-09-08, 05:36 PM

Turns out these guys, simjack, are just a few miles from my house. I am going to contact them on Monday regarding a group buy/dealer pricing. If I get anywhere I'll post back here and start a new group buy thread. Probably can't save much but $5 or $10 off is better than full price...

I'm buying one in either case.