Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[bat]

Does distributing the weight on the bumper come into play as to balance out the truck when building

 

[washington taco]

Your propane bottle holder looks a lot like the one I had fabricated. I like the layout, but can you carry a tire and propane?

 

[sasfrontier]

Loving the rear bumper design, one question.... where will the license plate mount and what kind of tag lights do you plan on using?

 

[Louisd75]

Next up will be a receiver on the swingout for attaching a Thule or Yakima bike rack, LED rear back up/camp light and fold down aluminum table.

Looking good Dave. Five quick questions:

Is there room to orient the shovel lock so that the key hole points downwards?

Will the receiver hitch for the bike rack be welded to the underside of the swingout (ie, is that why there's such a large gap between the swingout and bumper top?)

Got any pictures of the back side of the swingout with it open?

Will it swing 90 or 180 degrees at full open?

Bearings or bushings for the pivot?

Thanks!

 

[Dave Bennett]

Your propane bottle holder looks a lot like the one I had fabricated. I like the layout, but can you carry a tire and propane?

This system will be modular so potential buyers can add or delete options to the swingout at any time. Want to add a spare? Just add that option.

Loving the rear bumper design, one question.... where will the license plate mount and what kind of tag lights do you plan on using?

I have an LED license plate light mount that will be mounted to one of the can carriers like I had it before.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Is there room to orient the shovel lock so that the key hole points downwards? Yes

Will the receiver hitch for the bike rack be welded to the underside of the swingout (ie, is that why there's such a large gap between the swingout and bumper top?) YES

Got any pictures of the back side of the swingout with it open? Not yet...

Will it swing 90 or 180 degrees at full open? We'll see

Bearings or bushings for the pivot? Bearings

 

[Frostymug]

Bumper looks good. What modifications where needed to fit the 255/85-16 spare tire under the truck?

Cliff

 

[Dave Bennett]

Bumper looks good. What modifications where needed to fit the 255/85-16 spare tire under the truck?

Cliff

None, but it BARELY fits

 

[Dave Bennett]

Almost done...

Next up will be the rock light tabs, propane regulator hardmount underneath, aluminum fold down table, LED back up light and then it's off to powdercoat at last.

 

[Gear]

Next up will be the rock light tabs, propane regulator hardmount underneath, aluminum fold down table, LED back up light and then it's off to powdercoat at last.

Hi Dave,

I like the progress. Don't forget the tab for the 2m antenna. Hint, Hint.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Hi Dave,

I like the progress. Don't forget the tab for the 2m antenna. Hint, Hint.

Hmmmm... Wouldn't it have a better ground plane up front?

 

[4RunAmok]

There are ground neutral antennas that work great for mounting on tabs and roof racks. Comet has a good line, the downside is they tend to be more stout, or less flexible than the others.

The concern with mounting a ham antenna low and behind something/near something like a camper or swingout is reflection, and how your transmission will radiate. You may want to look into what Trump and I have done; high mounting easily removable via NMO mount.

 

[Dave Bennett]

You may want to look into what Trump and I have done; high mounting easily removable via NMO mount.

That is the plan.

 

[4RunAmok]

That is the plan.

I'll warm up my sheet metal drill!

 

[Borrego60]

Looking pretty sweet, almost makes me wish I had a Tacoma, Almost.