[Silverdevil]

Nice build!

 

[Monkey_Wrench]

Looking good!!!

 

[Briareos]

Nice build! I just ordered a magma last week, will be trading in my current FJ in about 4 weeks. Your build thread has really helped me visualize a lot of the color options I am considering (blackout vs silver, etc).

Like you, I will be going more conservative with my build. Seems kinda contradictory, considering magma is the least conservative color this year.

Keep up the good work, and the pics!
Good luck
Shawn

 

[ksfrogman]

How I made the Thule Evolution 1600 (L) fit the OEM roof rack with the Baja Rack drop-in basket in place:

I figured our stock roof rack was designed more for fashion than function when I realized the width of our rack varies from front to back. Since the OEM crossbars are made of aluminum (with plastic ends), I could easily trim the aluminum, re-drill and re-tap the new holes with threads. However, I already added a Baja Rack drop-in basket that would prevent me from mounting those modified crossbars. I did not want to remove the basket, so here was my solution...

I purchased a pair of Trail Gear steel Tube Clamps ($33.99 each x 2), painted them with Rust-Oleum, and replaced the allen bolts with stainless steel ones I purchased at Lowe's Hardware.

The outer diameter of the Baja Rack basket rail tube is much smaller than that of the OEM rack's. So these tube clamps allowed me to provide a mount for the OEM crossbars that I had to shorten.

 

[ksfrogman]

Talk about heavy metal. These powder-coated stainless steel Budbuilt skids have been sitting in my office since November of last year, but the upcoming Summit 8 compelled me to install them.

The fitment is perfect, and I didn't have to jimmy anything. I even got Bud on the phone this morning; what a nice guy.

I have yet to install the SS gas tank skid, but I'm sure that would be superfluous for the type of trails I'm planning to take.

 

[ksfrogman]

Well, I decided to put anti-seize on all the stainless steel bolts, and couldn't resist installing the last piece of the puzzle. The gas tank skid was a piece of cake. Mostly protected now.

 

[ksfrogman]

After the Imogene Pass Trail Run in CO I noticed the vehicle took a few significant, but innocuous hits underneath from large rocks on the road. I'm glad I had armor.

 

[ksfrogman]

Re: Boztec Skids

Out of the box, I noticed there was a bit of weld splatter, so I decided to knock it off.

I painted the skid fluorescent green, and applied the decal.

On goes the Hi-temp Rustoleum paint. I chose gloss to make it easier to wash mud off.

After peeling off the decal and installing the skid, Maynard's upright for the first time...

 

[ksfrogman]

Ok .. I saw an orange fj at the dealer and I wasn't too find if it. But now that I see yours. Wow.. U did a really good job in it. It looks great. Btw. How does the pastic dip hd up on trails?

Oops, I had been away for a few months and missed this post. The PlastiDip is only on the Toyota Emblem up front. I painted the bumper sides, and the door handles and mirrors are OEM black.

The PlastiDipped Toyota emblem is doing just fine without any peeling or damage sustained.

 

[ksfrogman]

Just received the sPod system, and await the Expedition rear bumper with swing out. I also attempted to change out the seal around the fake engine vent piece at the front of the hood, but need to replace the clips.

Today, I up-sized to the Nitto Terra Grappler A/T 285/70-17 tires.

For my own reference:

OEM (Wheel 1) vs Aftermarket (Wheel 2)...

Aftermarket (Wheel 1) vs Icon Recommended Wheel (Wheel 2)

 

[BikeNuke]

Re: ksfrogman's magma build: Orange Crush

I didn't think those 265's would last long.

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Wikid]

Really nice rig. I really like your signature pic. The water pouring out the holes is a bonus :bigthumb:

 

[ksfrogman]

Reedicure for FJ.

Imogene Pass left a few souvenirs in the form of gouges on 3 of my wheels. So I decided to get them fixed today.

Really nice rig. I really like your signature pic. The water pouring out the holes is a bonus :bigthumb:

Thanks. Your older A.D.D. Stealth bumper has me thinking, hmm.

 

[ice-breaker-ab]

Hey ksfrogman, I think that I saw you camped out at Dead Horse Point State Park in July. We were there for 3 days with my brick colored FJ and our Escape trailer, and I am sure that I recognized your orange FJ with the signature license plate. Small world.

 

[ksfrogman]

Hey ksfrogman, I think that I saw you camped out at Dead Horse Point State Park in July. We were there for 3 days with my brick colored FJ and our Escape trailer, and I am sure that I recognized your orange FJ with the signature license plate. Small world.

Wow. I don't recall seeing another FJ there, but we arrived late, and I was probably so focused on getting that tent up and eating. The next day, we headed to Durango where we stayed for two more days before heading to Telluride then Ouray. Did you go to the Summit?

 

[ice-breaker-ab]

Wow. I don't recall seeing another FJ there, but we arrived late, and I was probably so focused on getting that tent up and eating. The next day, we headed to Durango where we stayed for two more days before heading to Telluride then Ouray. Did you go to the Summit?

No, didn't get to the summit. We spent about 3 weeks touring the SW USA. I did walk past you in the campground on the way to the washrooms, and you (and your friend) appeared to be very engrossed in the instructions for setting up your tent. So I past by instead of chatting. LOL.

 

[ksfrogman]

No, didn't get to the summit. We spent about 3 weeks touring the SW USA. I did walk past you in the campground on the way to the washrooms, and you (and your friend) appeared to be very engrossed in the instructions for setting up your tent. So I past by instead of chatting. LOL.

Aw, you should have said hi. My wife and I were hustling, because at that time I set my GoPro (in the FJ) to time-lapse mode to film us putting up the tent. I didn't realize the video would take all but 8 seconds.

Do you see yourself in the video?

 

[ice-breaker-ab]

Aw, you should have said hi. My wife and I were hustling, because at that time I set my GoPro (in the FJ) to time-lapse mode to film us putting up the tent. I didn't realize the video would take all but 8 seconds.

Do you see yourself in the video?

G0012236 - YouTube

I could very well be that white blob walking past, but is very hard to say. Lol

 

[ksfrogman]

This FJ has become a labor of love. Just wish I had more time to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Await the Expedition One rear bumper w/ S.O., new rear camera bracket, windshield washer fluid reservoir kit, air pump relocate kit, and Stage 2 Coil-over Suspension with Billet Upper Control Arm Kit.

Time permitting, at last the ride will soon become Iconic.


Link to self: Expedition One Trail Series Rear Bumper Review | Expeditionr

 

[ksfrogman]

These arrived, and I had them installed at Demello OffRoad. I wasn't in the mood to work with this in my cramped, hot garage.

I was so excited, I arrived in Riverside just before sunrise after only 4 hours of sleep. The install took only a few hours, and the wheels were then aligned.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

The front end appears a bit higher than the rear at this time, which will be worsened by the addition of this to the rear:

...so I ordered a spanner wrench to level the ride after it settles.