I got the impression Phil wanted to start a new thread for his product so if that's the case, my apologies for jumping the gun (I searched, couldn't find a dedicated thread although the soap opera over here was mildly entertaining - I digress). I purchased a set from Phil yesterday and found myself in dire need to install them this afternoon/evening and wanted to share how things turned out.
First, one of the understated advantages of the Rock Rails (I dig the product name) is the "stealth" attribute which I immediately ignored and painted mine orange.....yup. I originally thought the same red color in the 'TRD' lettering of my wheels was the way to go but found it difficult to match with the selection at my local Home Depot. A closely-matched orange to the side markers on the truck won me over. My wife even exclaimed she really likes the installed/painted product but I'm jumping ahead. However, I will tell you that the Rustoleum product I selected isn't one I'd go with again.....stick with Phil's recommended Krylon if you can find it as the Rusto really chips/scratches easily (I mean EASILY.....).
Aside from time invested painting and trying to protect (a protective clear coat), the install isn't too bad for the average Joe. Marking the drill locations vs. measuring is KEY (thx Phil!). You need to also be sure you get your center-punches centered vertically in the pinch seam since the nuts (12mm, nice touch) rest right inside the lip of the pinch seam you're trying to protect with this product. I had to rubber-mallet my way in for both sides (not a big deal) but it was really fairly straightforward. Speaking of the drilling, first center-punch after you've marked off your bolt locations (as noted above), go with an 1/8" starter, followed by a 3/8" and then clean up with a rat-tail file.
Before actually getting the rails attached to the body, I used some leftover rubber material (same stuff I used on the interior in a few spots) to help avoid direct Rock Rail/pinch seam connections. I just felt some buffer was needed (pics below help illustrate better than I'm able to describe....). I haven't yet cut the front-wheel mud-flaps to accommodate the rails - will get to that tomorrow.
As I just installed, I can't yet speak to the protective aspect of the product but can tell that there's some legitimate insurance I just added down below. All told, I'd strongly recommend if you're in the market for some protection here without the expense of the more aggressive products from the "big boys".
All told....I'm stoked!!! Nice product Phil.
First, one of the understated advantages of the Rock Rails (I dig the product name) is the "stealth" attribute which I immediately ignored and painted mine orange.....yup. I originally thought the same red color in the 'TRD' lettering of my wheels was the way to go but found it difficult to match with the selection at my local Home Depot. A closely-matched orange to the side markers on the truck won me over. My wife even exclaimed she really likes the installed/painted product but I'm jumping ahead. However, I will tell you that the Rustoleum product I selected isn't one I'd go with again.....stick with Phil's recommended Krylon if you can find it as the Rusto really chips/scratches easily (I mean EASILY.....).
Aside from time invested painting and trying to protect (a protective clear coat), the install isn't too bad for the average Joe. Marking the drill locations vs. measuring is KEY (thx Phil!). You need to also be sure you get your center-punches centered vertically in the pinch seam since the nuts (12mm, nice touch) rest right inside the lip of the pinch seam you're trying to protect with this product. I had to rubber-mallet my way in for both sides (not a big deal) but it was really fairly straightforward. Speaking of the drilling, first center-punch after you've marked off your bolt locations (as noted above), go with an 1/8" starter, followed by a 3/8" and then clean up with a rat-tail file.
Before actually getting the rails attached to the body, I used some leftover rubber material (same stuff I used on the interior in a few spots) to help avoid direct Rock Rail/pinch seam connections. I just felt some buffer was needed (pics below help illustrate better than I'm able to describe....). I haven't yet cut the front-wheel mud-flaps to accommodate the rails - will get to that tomorrow.
As I just installed, I can't yet speak to the protective aspect of the product but can tell that there's some legitimate insurance I just added down below. All told, I'd strongly recommend if you're in the market for some protection here without the expense of the more aggressive products from the "big boys".
All told....I'm stoked!!! Nice product Phil.
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