Bigwapiti's 2011 Tundra build...'BIG NAMBE'

[bigwapitijohnny]

Here are the 33s...

​

All,

I just got the rig back with the 33s aligned. According to the tire calculator ~ http://ejelta.com/tiresize/, the 295/70 r17 is bigger by 1.69% than the 285/70 r17factory tires. I feel as though this tire size fills out the lifted 3/1 Tundra rather well. Alot different ~ AND BETTER than the stock wheel/tire combination.

Stock:

32s: Caveat ** These tires had 40% tread left on them...**

33s:

Stock:

32s:

33s:

Stock:

32s:

33s:

Enjoy!

Regards,

BWJ

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

SnugTOP SnugPRO is on...

All,

I just got the SnugPRO shell on today :wings:. I am very pleased with the fit and finish. I was not aware of all the small details that come with this shell. It is expensive, however, not too much more than the other commercial or lesser 'consumer' options. I won't bore you with the pics of the shell off the truck...Enjoy!

Finish is SPOT ON! From my understanding, SnugTOP has a very close working relationship with Toyota. The patterns for their fiberglass molds are digitized ensuring extact body contours. At one time, the SnugTOP shell was a factory option. Dealer warranty issues killed this though...This shell matches the lines of the Tundra perfectly, and the finish is exceptional. I could not be happier ~ Oh what a Marty McFly feeling!

Side profile:

Angle:

Front angle:

Yakima track system is installed at the factory. Roof weight capacity is 500 lbs. It is reinforced with wood, as well as, 2 honeycomb layers of fiberglass. Attachment points are rounded nylon nuts...I may scrub these and go with heavier duty hardware...

Solid fiberglass doors with locking T-handles.

Approximately 1" Fiberglass 'skirt' that overlaps the bed of the truck to minimize ingress of moisture.

Next up is custom wood shelves to hold my armamentarium...Off to the cabinet shop .

Regards,

BWJ

 

[Redline]

Wow, I've never been a truck shell fan but that does look great!

I like the built in Yakima system, and five hundred pounds of weight capacity sounds like a lot.

 

[keezer37]

Wow, I've never been a truck shell fan but that does look great!

x2. The line between the cab and bed looks good. I always did like the look of a shell on double cabs.

 

[clcoyle]

Who makes this bumper?

 

[Redline]

Who makes this bumper?

http://www.expeditionone.biz/joomla/

Looks like one of these.

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

Wow, I've never been a truck shell fan but that does look great!...**SNIP**

x2. The line between the cab and bed looks good...**SNIP**

Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it! :bike_rider:

Regards,

BWJ

 

[Redline]

I meant to ask, do the factory plastic bedrail caps get to stay when mounting this shell, or must they be removed?

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

I meant to ask, do the factory plastic bedrail caps get to stay when mounting this shell, or must they be removed?

The bedrail caps are not removed. There are two rows of rubber gasket material that is under the skirt. Every aspect of this shell is good. The value that you get for the price, in my opinion, is worth it.

Regards,

BWJ

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

Rack systems...

All,

I am currently considering options for racks on the SnugPRO shell. I have had a Bajarack on my 3rd generation 4runner, and it was great. I used to have a highlift jack and other implements on this rack, but I transferred this back onto the Sherpa II.

Initially, I was looking for a 'lower profile' rack than that of my original 3rd gen Bajarack. I was considering either the Frontrunner Windcheetah or the Rhino rack pioneer platform. However, after thinking about what my needs are going to be, I'm not sure if these systems are going to be the best option. I am going to utilize an awning and attach some longer logging implements on either side. Hmmmmmmm

After much thought, I am uneasy about having two awning brackets and the awning or logging tools serve as a 'wall' for the rack...Here is a pic of an expedition style Bajarack. As you can see, not much there in terms of a wall. I'm thinking a basket type configuration is going to be better. Perhaps the awning brackets for the Frontrunner and Rhino are more robust? I Don't know...

Update: I just got off the phone with Sergio at Bajarack, and he informed me that there are other offerings available that may suit my needs better. I'm going to send him the measurements of my shell / track system and we will go from there. Very pleased to be able to talk to Bajarack and let them know of my specific needs.

I'll keep you all posted...

Regards,

BWJ

 

[quicksilvr]

The Tundra looks great! I really like the topper, and the wheel/tire combo. Looking forward to seeing what's next...and next...and next.

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

Cabinet system done...for now

All,

I just completed my cabinet project for the most part. I ended up doing it myself after I talked to the cabinet maker. Albeit it took me about 5x longer...I found that woodworking is somewhat 'therapeutic' and relaxing. The price of the overall project was about the same as the cabinet shop quote, but this also included me buying a router :wings:. I got these coated with Ameraguard, and with QuickFist clamps, I think it turned out well...

There are two shelves that make up this system. One opens to the bed, the other opens to the side access doors.

Anyway, onto the pics. Sorry about the phone pics, they look alot better on my phone.

I wanted something that I can remove if I had too. These can be removed by simply loosening several turnbuckles. The cargo openings are going to be 'covered' with Powertye cargo nets. I chose this net due to the openings being 2x2 inch squares as opposed to the usual 3x3 inch squares. Hooks and other hardware is going to the powdercoater and will be gloss black...

I found a Quikfist mini holder to mount a cheap Costco Tactical flashlight above the first aid kit.

Driverside tool shelf - I chose to mount my various camping armamentarium here...SORRY FOR THE POOR EXPOSURE!

I used both the QuickFist Mini 'Old style' / Mini / Original clamps. These are the bomb...

Passenger side tool shelf - I have my wrenches and other hand tools here. The depth of the shelves are about 13" at the base and then 5" at the crest. I found a tool bag at Home Depot that fits this to a tee. Also, my Pelican 1450 case is a perfect fit as well. Cam buckle straps will be ordered on Monday, and I'll cinch these down with 1" footman loops...

I had some time on my hands and mild weather so I knocked out some other projects as well. I'll post pics of this next...To be continued.

Regards,

BWJ

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

Tools and more tools...

All,

I knocked out some smaller tool projects that I had in the works along with my cabinet project. Mild midwestern weather (Upper 60's) in early November, I'll take it!...**If you have any additional suggestions for tools, please let me know!**

As stated earlier, my tool shelves are such that they are 13" at the base and 5" at the crest. I found a tool bag from Home Depot and a Pelican 1450 case that fits this shelf to a tee. I also have enough room to mount my level / wrenches behind this bag ~ bonus. My planning did not account for this, it was blind luck and coincidence...:bike_rider: It pays to be lucky at times...

Home Depot bag ~ This is the hanging tool bag. It is made with 1600 weight Cordura, and has a 5 year warranty. Here it is opened up...Plenty of slots and pockets for everything.

Pelican case ~ I made a divider and added some 'Old Style Mini QuickFists' to hold my wrenches. The divider is 1/8" masonite material sprayed with anti-skid coating...

I considered some Knipex wrenches however, I think these Irwin Groove lock wrenches are going to be just fine (and cheaper too)...

I also found these new Craftsman 'universal' wrenches / sockets that will grip six different types of nuts and bolts (Hex 6pt, Square 4pt, Hex 12pt, External Torx®, Spline, and partially rounded hex 6pt). I bought both metric and SAE sockets. These are also the max axxess design so I supposedly don't need shallow and deep sockets. I got some ratcheting wrenches in metric as well...

Plano hard case ~ I picked this XL Plano gun case up at the Bass Pro Outlet for $50! (Kicking myself that I did not pick any more...) This case is ideal to use for my recovery gear. Pick'n'pluck foam is great!...Not bad for a Cheap solution, and it fits just inside my shelf...

Soooo, this is the fruit of my labor for last 1 1/2 months.

Enjoy!

Regards,

BWJ

Next up: Custom Baja Rack / ShadyBoy awning / Stihl Cant hook...:Wow1:

 

[zidaro]

seriously organized tools ya got there!

cabinets look great and fits all your stuff exactly the way you like. Did you add lighting? tough to find all your stuff in the dark surrounded in black?

 

[Derek24]

I feel like a slob after seeing how organized you are lol. Looks great! I love those Costco flashlights, I bought me two packages last time!