Some info from my experience putting together the Reef drawers and wings and customizing for my use. Hope it helps someone out with their build.
Drawer and wing build are fairly straightforward. Read the entire directions as stated. There are a few graphics that require your imagination, but I’d grade it like a 16+ LEGO set. Feel free to message me if you have a specific question.
**HAVE IN MIND HOW YOU INTEND TO FINISH AND IT’LL SAVE YOU TIME LATER ON**.
Finishes - I chose to do a combination of spray paint (charcoal gray satin), Raptor bed liner (basalt grey), and rattle can poly (semi-gloss was what I had around). I did NOT finish where the drawers slide on bottom or top edge due to the expected friction, or the bottom of drawers or the outer sides of the main base (inside wing). I used Raptor on entire top, inside drawers, and the front. I painted the outside of drawers and some other edges where I didn’t want the bumpiness of the Raptor to have an impact. Also Raptor is expensive and you don’t need to Raptor every aspect.
If you’re just going to use spray paint - paint everything (except the “dado” - slot where drawer bottom fits) before assembly and you won’t have to use painters tape or stickers to cover screw heads or the slides or whatever else after assembly. The tolerances are tight, but not THAT tight to worry about a couple coats of spray paint. If it isn’t fitting, sand it a little.
Other advice -
1. Definitely use the little angle adjustment piece if you have carpet on tailgate.
2. I also bought the solid fronts with the plan for locking paddle latches - haven’t found any that I think will be good with the 1/2” ply. If you have, let me know please.
3. IF you wait to paint until after assembly, painters tape and a razor blade are your friend. I had an unused package of assorted size fuzzy stickers for under furniture legs that I used to cover the heads of bolts; worked well. If you want to paint them, not necessary.
4. The wings when opened can go all the way to horizontal over the main base which is nice. Also they leave about a 1” gap when open above the main base which is great - where I plan to install some L-track.
5. Definitely only screw on the T-nuts one thread. Will make a lot of instal significantly easier.
6. 9mm govt ammo cans fit inside nicely.
7. I used wood filler to fill in the excess top holes prior to bed liner. Just put painters tape underneath and then fill in from top. Remove tape once dry. Worked out well.
Holler if you have any other questions.
Drawer and wing build are fairly straightforward. Read the entire directions as stated. There are a few graphics that require your imagination, but I’d grade it like a 16+ LEGO set. Feel free to message me if you have a specific question.
**HAVE IN MIND HOW YOU INTEND TO FINISH AND IT’LL SAVE YOU TIME LATER ON**.
Finishes - I chose to do a combination of spray paint (charcoal gray satin), Raptor bed liner (basalt grey), and rattle can poly (semi-gloss was what I had around). I did NOT finish where the drawers slide on bottom or top edge due to the expected friction, or the bottom of drawers or the outer sides of the main base (inside wing). I used Raptor on entire top, inside drawers, and the front. I painted the outside of drawers and some other edges where I didn’t want the bumpiness of the Raptor to have an impact. Also Raptor is expensive and you don’t need to Raptor every aspect.
If you’re just going to use spray paint - paint everything (except the “dado” - slot where drawer bottom fits) before assembly and you won’t have to use painters tape or stickers to cover screw heads or the slides or whatever else after assembly. The tolerances are tight, but not THAT tight to worry about a couple coats of spray paint. If it isn’t fitting, sand it a little.
Other advice -
1. Definitely use the little angle adjustment piece if you have carpet on tailgate.
2. I also bought the solid fronts with the plan for locking paddle latches - haven’t found any that I think will be good with the 1/2” ply. If you have, let me know please.
3. IF you wait to paint until after assembly, painters tape and a razor blade are your friend. I had an unused package of assorted size fuzzy stickers for under furniture legs that I used to cover the heads of bolts; worked well. If you want to paint them, not necessary.
4. The wings when opened can go all the way to horizontal over the main base which is nice. Also they leave about a 1” gap when open above the main base which is great - where I plan to install some L-track.
5. Definitely only screw on the T-nuts one thread. Will make a lot of instal significantly easier.
6. 9mm govt ammo cans fit inside nicely.
7. I used wood filler to fill in the excess top holes prior to bed liner. Just put painters tape underneath and then fill in from top. Remove tape once dry. Worked out well.
Holler if you have any other questions.