2006 GMC Sierra Build
- Thread starter ZMagic97
- Start date
ZMagic97
Explorer
Thanks, and good point! :victory:
ZMagic97
Explorer
I was going to post these as I went over the last 5 days, but I wanted to see the result before doing so:
While messing around on Craigslist during my lunch break last week I came across a brush guard that would fit either my Silverado or my Sierra. I had been looking for some time and was excited to finally see one pop up.
It was on the other end of Phoenix and only $100 (unlike the ~$650 new ones I had been looking at) so I scurried over after work to get it. It was in pretty decent shape and had the brackets and hardware. I was happy.
Here it is the night I shoved it into the garage:
There was some paint chips on the backside on the upper bar, so I knew it would need some paint work. I figured it'd be quick and easy.
After getting the wire wheel out, I found out it was some rust, not just chipped paint:
The guard is still strong and stout, but I was concerned about someone getting cut on it. So I got the welder out:
After doing what I could (I'm no pro welder) I got some Bondo metal filler and spot putty. I applied a layer of each, did some sanding and cleaning, and was happy with the results.
I had to move the guard into my shed since it was about to rain, so sorry for the dark photos above.
I shot a few layers of paint between Sunday night and Monday day. Monday later afternoon I had to get the truck ready for install. I had to remove the tow hooks and surrounding "buckets" to do so. Each side takes 4 bolts.
Some before photos:
And after!
Unfortunately it got dark a bit sooner than I anticipated, so I once again apologize for the darker photos. I leave for work when it's dark and come home when it is dark, so I will try to get some better photos this coming weekend.
While messing around on Craigslist during my lunch break last week I came across a brush guard that would fit either my Silverado or my Sierra. I had been looking for some time and was excited to finally see one pop up.
It was on the other end of Phoenix and only $100 (unlike the ~$650 new ones I had been looking at) so I scurried over after work to get it. It was in pretty decent shape and had the brackets and hardware. I was happy.
Here it is the night I shoved it into the garage:
There was some paint chips on the backside on the upper bar, so I knew it would need some paint work. I figured it'd be quick and easy.
After getting the wire wheel out, I found out it was some rust, not just chipped paint:
The guard is still strong and stout, but I was concerned about someone getting cut on it. So I got the welder out:
After doing what I could (I'm no pro welder) I got some Bondo metal filler and spot putty. I applied a layer of each, did some sanding and cleaning, and was happy with the results.
I had to move the guard into my shed since it was about to rain, so sorry for the dark photos above.
I shot a few layers of paint between Sunday night and Monday day. Monday later afternoon I had to get the truck ready for install. I had to remove the tow hooks and surrounding "buckets" to do so. Each side takes 4 bolts.
Some before photos:
And after!
Unfortunately it got dark a bit sooner than I anticipated, so I once again apologize for the darker photos. I leave for work when it's dark and come home when it is dark, so I will try to get some better photos this coming weekend.
dsal_86yota
Observer
looks real good
Problem with this alot of times is the metal is already rusty whether it has dirty recycled content, or if the stock sits in a yard or warehouse subject to the elements. It's time consuming to get parts ready for powder, and alot of variables. One huge advantage to painting is having the ability to prime and corrosion protect metal, and alot of times to get a chip or scratch in something painted, there is usually further protection underneath.
I'm with you, usually with anything steel, I'd prefer paint over powdercoating.
ZMagic97
Explorer
Thanks for the comments everyone!
Living in Arizona, moisture and rust are rarely an issue, so I can only assume this guard originated and spent a good deal somewhere else. However, while living here I have had issues with powder coat peeling, so I often prefer primer and paint over coating.
Living in Arizona, moisture and rust are rarely an issue, so I can only assume this guard originated and spent a good deal somewhere else. However, while living here I have had issues with powder coat peeling, so I often prefer primer and paint over coating.
ZMagic97
Explorer
Thanks! I'll make sure to avoid those :wings:
ZMagic97
Explorer
So, yesterday we did a family trip going the back way to Crown King. I haven't done the route in almost 3 years, and the road has changed a lot!
For a while we drove around thinking this was another road. Some cows kept us company though:
I wasn't even sure I was on the correct path until I saw the "CK rock"
The road seemed pretty much the same for a little while moving forward. Even the break spots with a good view were the same...
The kids had fun as well along with the Mrs.:
The "big meeting spot" about half way was no longer all on public lands. Apparently someone purchased a good deal of it and wanted to do something for themselves, therefore they routed the trail through the creek bed, which is usually dry. However, due to snow run-off, the water on this "detour" was about 50 years long, about 16-20" deep. I scoped out the water with a stick checking depth and the ground. It seemed decent enough, so we proceeded forward:
Happily, we got through it with success. We were traveling alone, and even though others are always on this trail, it was all RZRs and similar. I doubt they could pull the truck out in a worst case scenario.
And saw more water...
More of the detour:
In a few photos you can see the construction equipment on trailers in the background.
And again, more water. We usually never see anywhere near this much water if any. I was surprised.
As we headed to higher elevations, more creek were lively and snow started to appear.
The brush began to make the road more narrow as well:
Soon snow was getting more common:
At this point were beginning to hit ice:
Just before that photo was taken, the ice covered rocks just outside the creek beds made the truck slide around a lot. Enough to where I have to come at the inclines more than once, and almost sliding backwards at an angle into the creek. Luckily that didn't happen. The Mrs. was close to a heart attack, or so she says. :coffeedrink:
About 40 mins from town, we were seeing snow and ice everywhere. I loved it. It was a great escape and scenery change from the metro Phoenix area:
After a few hours, were finally in town. We were a bit tired, and the kids were very hungry. I told them the food was well worth the drive and wait!
Crown King was very wet and muddy. I'm glad I wore boots.
After a great meal, it was time to go home...
It was a great Saturday. Now to relax and watch the football game...
Thanks for reading!
For a while we drove around thinking this was another road. Some cows kept us company though:
I wasn't even sure I was on the correct path until I saw the "CK rock"
The road seemed pretty much the same for a little while moving forward. Even the break spots with a good view were the same...
The kids had fun as well along with the Mrs.:
The "big meeting spot" about half way was no longer all on public lands. Apparently someone purchased a good deal of it and wanted to do something for themselves, therefore they routed the trail through the creek bed, which is usually dry. However, due to snow run-off, the water on this "detour" was about 50 years long, about 16-20" deep. I scoped out the water with a stick checking depth and the ground. It seemed decent enough, so we proceeded forward:
Happily, we got through it with success. We were traveling alone, and even though others are always on this trail, it was all RZRs and similar. I doubt they could pull the truck out in a worst case scenario.
And saw more water...
More of the detour:
In a few photos you can see the construction equipment on trailers in the background.
And again, more water. We usually never see anywhere near this much water if any. I was surprised.
As we headed to higher elevations, more creek were lively and snow started to appear.
The brush began to make the road more narrow as well:
Soon snow was getting more common:
At this point were beginning to hit ice:
Just before that photo was taken, the ice covered rocks just outside the creek beds made the truck slide around a lot. Enough to where I have to come at the inclines more than once, and almost sliding backwards at an angle into the creek. Luckily that didn't happen. The Mrs. was close to a heart attack, or so she says. :coffeedrink:
About 40 mins from town, we were seeing snow and ice everywhere. I loved it. It was a great escape and scenery change from the metro Phoenix area:
After a few hours, were finally in town. We were a bit tired, and the kids were very hungry. I told them the food was well worth the drive and wait!
Crown King was very wet and muddy. I'm glad I wore boots.
After a great meal, it was time to go home...
It was a great Saturday. Now to relax and watch the football game...
Thanks for reading!
ZMagic97
Explorer
Thanks! And yeah they certainly did.
ZMagic97
Explorer
I agree with Bojak. Those are some really cool:drool: pics from your trip Zmagic! I love watching threads where there is a play by play pictoral of what someone is up to on their excursions. Too cool. Thanks for posting. Cheers, Chilli..
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the thread. :wings: