ARCHIVE LabRak - MetricTLc 80 Series Build Thread (1 Viewer)

[AATLAS1X]

Installed the snorkel tonight.


Don't trust the mounting holes on the template. You can see how far off the left side holes are to the right.

Tossed all the hardware in the trash and used my own. Also cut a piece of adhesive backed runner on the bracket.

Installed nurserts in the A puller and used SS hardware and a dab of sealant.

Heated the housing and used a glass to deform the housing and go around the antenna. Why glass? Abs doesn't stick to it and it leaves a smooth finish.

 

[1973Guppie]

Looks awesome Shane, I have a oem snorkel on stock ready to go on, wonder if that glass trick would work on the oem snorkel on a 96?

 

[taccruiser97]

Is that a factory electric antenna on your 80? If not, where did it come from?

 

[AATLAS1X]

Is that a factory electric antenna on your 80? If not, where did it come from?

Came with it, standard non retractable aftermarket antenna.

 

[AATLAS1X]

Looks awesome Shane, I have a oem snorkel on stock ready to go on, wonder if that glass trick would work on the oem snorkel on a 96?

Yes using a large beer glass or drinking is best!

Its a large radius and won't stress the plastic. Mark the location after you've drilled and fitted the snorkel. Mark the center of the antenna on a piece of tape. SLOWLY hear the top radius and back of your snorkel and while your wife holds it up right (this is important) and slowly press the glass into the plastic about 2" from the rim and slowly push and slide down at the same time. This prevents a lip being made by the melting ABS and will look OE.

Where my tow hook?

Do you have a nutsert tool?

 

[bmac1996acc]

Hey Shane, great thread and very inspiring! I've been reading through it and noticed your comments on "resurfacing" the center console using a torch. I am planning on doing it this weekend, but wondered if that same technique would work on the door threshold plates? Seems like they are the same plastic and mine are quite scuffed up.

Also, the plastic "hinge" on my center console is about to tear thru. I wonder why Mr. T didn't put in an actual mechanical hinge vs. a scored piece of plastic? Anyway, any thoughts on replacing/repairing that piece. I've considered just finding a small gauge piano style hinge to replace it with?

Thoughts?

We used to do this when I used to work as an installer. We just used a lighter though. Textured pieces will smooth out and get shiny if you heat them too much. Definitely make sure it's not vinyl covered or painted plastic.

...via IH8MUD app

 

[musthave]

Great tip on the center console, and the snorkel job looks great too.

 

[Weber Sarge]

That 80 is coming along very nice , amazing work as always . Love the rack design , tasteful and functional at the same time . Would like something like that for my 40 one of these days .
Plan on doing some sort of led conversion on the headlights ? Love mine and get a lot of compliments , thanks for that .
Sarge

 

[Aggiesdm]

We used to do this when I used to work as an installer. We just used a lighter though. Textured pieces will smooth out and get shiny if you heat them too much. Definitely make sure it's not vinyl covered or painted plastic. ...via IH8MUD app

Thanks for the tips. I'm gonna give it a shot.

 

[newtomelx]

HIJACK - Shane when do you expect the 1156 LED reverse light bulbs in, No word back from emailing MetricTLC or asking in the GB thread so I asked here! Whats the word m man!!

 

[AATLAS1X]

HIJACK - Shane when do you expect the 1156 LED reverse light bulbs in, No word back from emailing MetricTLC or asking in the GB thread so I asked here! Whats the word m man!!

Fighting with DHL as one of the boxes never landed. Read back in the thread a page, I posted up and what a huge pain it is to get anyone to admit fault or responsibility. Pulling another order together. Even my personal lights are lost :-( which I'm excited about. Did you get headlights as well? Holy smackers brights are amazing and I'm exited to see the difference from my PFran 1156 to these.

PM inbound. Reply with your last name please.

 

[AATLAS1X]

Thanks for the tips. I'm gonna give it a shot.

Be very careful and pull the pieces from the vehicle and keep flame away capers and anything else flammable.

 

[1973Guppie]

Yes using a large beer glass or drinking is best!

Its a large radius and won't stress the plastic. Mark the location after you've drilled and fitted the snorkel. Mark the center of the antenna on a piece of tape. SLOWLY hear the top radius and back of your snorkel and while your wife holds it up right (this is important) and slowly press the glass into the plastic about 2" from the rim and slowly push and slide down at the same time. This prevents a lip being made by the melting ABS and will look OE.

Where my tow hook?

Do you have a nutsert tool?

hey brother, I gotta dig the hooks up they are around here somewhere, I don't even know what a nutsert tool is? lol....

 

[Finnyfam60]

Shane, you looking for oem tow hooks?

 

[Corbet]

I probably have some tow hooks laying around too. But there is a better option out there. Some have ha the OEM's fail under load.

Typed poorly from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[AATLAS1X]

I'm looking for OE hooks only for measurements.

My shop stocks T1 Steel and that's stronger than anything out there. So I'm exploring the idea of another super high strength point to secure a line to or winch from.

 

[AATLAS1X]

hey brother, I gotta dig the hooks up they are around here somewhere, I don't even know what a nutsert tool is? lol....

See my snorkel install. How does yours attach to your A pillar?

 

[1973Guppie]

See my snorkel install. How does yours attach to your A pillar?

I think it calls for rivets to be used, not sure what I will use though? maybe something from the local hardware store, I know they have inserts and such that will accept a rounded ss bolt, which is what I will probably use.

 

[AATLAS1X]

I think it calls for rivets to be used, not sure what I will use though? maybe something from the local hardware store, I know they have inserts and such that will accept a rounded ss bolt, which is what I will probably use.

Don't put a rivet into your truck!

You can buy a small tool that crushes the nut sets. I can supply you with the nurserts for the snorkel or anyplace you need a nut, like your bracket for electrical in the rear.

 

[bmac1996acc]

my snorkle came with vinyl/plastic inserts that expand. Seems plenty sturdy to me.