I was able to install my new BudBuilt Sliders last weekend.
I have spoken to Bud a few times prior to ordering my sliders and, like all who have contacted him, was impressed by his knowledge and genuine likeability. He’s open and friendly and must clearly love what he does. When I placed my order in early August, I never anticipated the sliders being delivered to my door by Bud’s son, Chip. But as luck would have it – I happen to live reasonably close to Bud’s shop and Chip was planning to attend a function that was within 2 miles of my house. Bud also asked if my LC could be used as a model for another set of sliders he had custom fabricated for another client. Naturally I obliged. Free delivery, got to meet Chip and my rig will be a world-famous model! (I hear the plus-size gals are getting a lot more press lately!)
First impressions:
Holy cow - these are beefy! I mean beefy with an extra side of beef to go with that beef. And they’re HUGE! After a few quick measurements, I was beginning to get worried they might actually stick out too far…
Installation:
Final Thoughts:
Thanks Bud and Chip (and Rob @Taco2Cruiser for being involved in product development and testing)!
I have spoken to Bud a few times prior to ordering my sliders and, like all who have contacted him, was impressed by his knowledge and genuine likeability. He’s open and friendly and must clearly love what he does. When I placed my order in early August, I never anticipated the sliders being delivered to my door by Bud’s son, Chip. But as luck would have it – I happen to live reasonably close to Bud’s shop and Chip was planning to attend a function that was within 2 miles of my house. Bud also asked if my LC could be used as a model for another set of sliders he had custom fabricated for another client. Naturally I obliged. Free delivery, got to meet Chip and my rig will be a world-famous model! (I hear the plus-size gals are getting a lot more press lately!)
First impressions:
Holy cow - these are beefy!
I mean beefy with an extra side of beef to go with that beef. And they’re HUGE! After a few quick measurements, I was beginning to get worried they might actually stick out too far… - Chip pointed out a few imperfections in the powder-coating and even said that he would return them and have them redone if I wasn’t happy with them. I’ll admit I was initially tempted, but I couldn’t wait any longer and I figured I’m only going to make them more imperfect on the trails anyway. It was refreshing for him to point these things out instead of leaving me to find them.
- There are additional grinding marks and a wavy top plate that I would have rather not been there, but understanding the fact that Bud’s shop is not a mass-production facility & that they have moved locations – I’d still keep them as I plan to use them. I had to remind myself that these products are about protection and functionality, not mall-cruising pretty designs…one could argue that these concepts don’t have to be mutually exclusive – but when I go into that rock-garden part of a really tight trail – I won’t be thinking about the mall! (well, maybe the food-court…) I will be thinking about how glad I am to have these sliders on my rig!
- No physical installation instructions. I see this as a temporary issue - as I'm sure some good instructions will be forthcoming. Chip did forward me some written notes in an email with some photos – and @Taco2Cruiser did as well. These were invaluable as there are some unique looking lollipop nuts and several different length bolts etc… These were clearly purposely made to fit in exact locations – so knowing where those locations were, was imperative…there were also some tips and tricks required. Chip offered to walk me through any areas I needed help with and he even offered to come by again on Sunday! Chip answered his phone 3 times for me Saturday and clarified a few questions. Chip is his father’s son – as his patience, politeness and knowledge are unwavering.
Installation:
- I essentially installed these on my own with minor assistance by my son….so it took me 9 hours total. I used a jack and stands to get, and hold them in place….you must have these at your disposal if attempting solo.
- Without instructions, there was a fair amount of time spent trying to figure out the right order of things. Having done it once I’m sure I could do the next set in half the time (maybe)…..I’m typing up a rough set of instructions that I’ll share with Bud if he is interested in them.
- I did run to the hardware store for 2 longer 5/8” bolts for the more difficult lollipop nuts (fastener #2) on both sides as well as some short 12mm long M8-1.25 bolts for the parking brake cable brackets – as getting the longer, provided fasteners through the threaded part of the slider and into the threaded hole on the frame was not possible for me.
Final Thoughts:
- The company. Dealing with people like Bud and his family make you feel good. There is a special personal touch you get from dealing with a local business that engineers and manufactures everything domestically….I like this and want to support it.
- Fit/Size – the fit is very nice. I think its tucked up as well as it could be. Having gotten used to the clean look of no sliders or steps for a while, these sliders do seem to stick out quite a bit – and some could argue they could actually introduce contact with rocks whereas you might have avoided contact with a slimmer design. That being said – with larger obstacles and trees abound in my area, if you draw a line from the side of the body down, these don’t stick out that far and I’m certain the width was deliberately designed for protection against large and small items. After living with them for a few days – I’m used to the width.
- I can’t wait to get out and go wheelin’!
Thanks Bud and Chip (and Rob @Taco2Cruiser for being involved in product development and testing)!
