RuggedBound
Supporting Vendor
All right folks, we have had a number of enquiries for Gull Wings on our channels and the answer is: Big Country 4x4 will make them, but need a local tester for the first install & measurements (they are developing on Prado 150 platform).
Tester/prototype candidate: Must live in Houston-area. Must sign NDA. Must be reasonably available for measurements, test fitting and final fitting at various stages of the process. You will get a set for free for your troubles. Retail: Targeting $1100 for a set. Send me a PM if interested to be a tester!
Some FAQ's to get out the way:
1. Yes, this kit does require drilling to the vehicle. Mounting is via hinges set on tracks which are mounted to the body. This has several advantages and we understand that may be a non-starter for some owners. That is OK - we are making a product for a specific need.
2. Yes, they are 'sided". Passenger fits passenger side, driver fits driver side. They are double-skinned aluminum with a sided design.
3. They have gas struts
4. You can mount small items to them - you can drill through the panels and bolt MOLLE panels to them (not yet supplied, but watch this space) or just bolt up fire extinguishers, flashlight clamps, first aid kits etc directly to them. The hinges and structural connection mean they can handle small loads reliably.
5. typically you do need to trim the interior moldling slightly to make space for the gas strut connection to the vehicle. We try to avoid this in the design if possible - just depends what we have to work with re: OEM mounting options.
6. Any color as long as it is black. Kidding. If you want hot orange, we can do it at a surcharge (and a wait time - these are made in South Africa)
7. All the tracks and mounting hardware is custom made. The only off-the-shelf items are the locks, struts and the pinchweld rubber (obviously). . Everything else is fabricated.
I am attaching the Land Cruiser 80, 100 and GX 470 gull wing pictures to give you an idea.
Here is one of our dealers, Jason Harris from Ozark Overland Outfitters in Missouri walking through the 80 series version:
Tester/prototype candidate: Must live in Houston-area. Must sign NDA. Must be reasonably available for measurements, test fitting and final fitting at various stages of the process. You will get a set for free for your troubles. Retail: Targeting $1100 for a set. Send me a PM if interested to be a tester!
Some FAQ's to get out the way:
1. Yes, this kit does require drilling to the vehicle. Mounting is via hinges set on tracks which are mounted to the body. This has several advantages and we understand that may be a non-starter for some owners. That is OK - we are making a product for a specific need.
2. Yes, they are 'sided". Passenger fits passenger side, driver fits driver side. They are double-skinned aluminum with a sided design.
3. They have gas struts
4. You can mount small items to them - you can drill through the panels and bolt MOLLE panels to them (not yet supplied, but watch this space) or just bolt up fire extinguishers, flashlight clamps, first aid kits etc directly to them. The hinges and structural connection mean they can handle small loads reliably.
5. typically you do need to trim the interior moldling slightly to make space for the gas strut connection to the vehicle. We try to avoid this in the design if possible - just depends what we have to work with re: OEM mounting options.
6. Any color as long as it is black. Kidding. If you want hot orange, we can do it at a surcharge (and a wait time - these are made in South Africa)
7. All the tracks and mounting hardware is custom made. The only off-the-shelf items are the locks, struts and the pinchweld rubber (obviously). . Everything else is fabricated.
I am attaching the Land Cruiser 80, 100 and GX 470 gull wing pictures to give you an idea.
Here is one of our dealers, Jason Harris from Ozark Overland Outfitters in Missouri walking through the 80 series version:
