KUMA.tactical

Roadwarrior

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
You should paint the walls with chalkboard paint, instead of white walls. Just write ideas on the wall, then wash them off later

Sent from my chariot to the interwebs
 

KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
Haha thanks guys and yeah we thought about the chalkboard on the walls but my dad is still trying to rent it out!

So I got some HUGE updates for the rack! :D So I picked up some 3/4 angle iron to weld in for the basket. Mocked up, my friend and I took our time wedging it in and giving about 4" of space between top and bottom.
srJfO3a.jpg


After that we laid 2 sections of expanded metal for the bottom and a thick 1/4 inch piece between to give it the support.
nD19iwf.jpg


Welded on the underside which hides how bad the welds are... The expanded metal just melted away like paper, I tried turning down the settings but ended up noticing it didn't grab to the main angle iron. Next up the drawer sliders, I bought a couple of 1 1/2" plate to drill some holes in a weld into place.
y3tqfQo.jpg


My best weld yet :p
F94v7pt.jpg


I drilled 3 holes rather then two to give me some good secure support
g7h5yBQ.jpg


Sliders in place :D
ISsEiT5.jpg


In...
FuOJeK7.jpg


Out...
oIH1Mj5.jpg


Testing to make sure it's strong enough! 157 lbs :p I know I am a bit light but I think thats plenty of strength right?
Vu25lz2.jpg


Next cut out some new feet because the previous one are wayyyyy too thick...
0HxlgcI.jpg


BloPZna.jpg


Next I taped all 4 together to drill threw them all at the same time...
i9SM2fi.jpg


Cleaned up
nNEenTO.jpg


Next had to test to see if I could get the tie downs in... It was a bit tricky but got it! After this I am planning to slot each one so you can just slide them in... Thats what she said :p
LBKQfZi.jpg


So I took it to our bandsaw, a bit hard to cut straight but I eventually got them all together!
YOAZefK.jpg


All 4 ready for welding up
NEdlWC8.jpg


This is probably the best one
NoWPb7w.jpg


Tacked
1yT7Ire.jpg


All done! :D
nbQG7rW.jpg


Testing the height...
2vaUUPF.jpg


None in the Xterra yet, it's in but no pics until tomorrow! I am going to take it in to get it sand blasted tomorrow, I still have a few things I am planning on welding on still but I can wait for those until later, those things will not have any rust or I will grind them prior. I am thinking about using an aluminum mesh on the front face and rear for looks to give it a tactical look. Also plan to add some tie down spots. I hope by saturday to start making the drawer and mounting it cut off the bolts and adding some aluminum plating for looks. Also got some other fun stuff to post up soon :p
 
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KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
Thanks! I forgot to mention what I got for christmas! I got a 75 Watt Ham Radio - Yaesu brand that needs to be mounted and I need to get my license. And some Lightforce 170 Striker lights that I will have pics of tomorrow!
 

KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
A few more of the rack in the X as promised!
KpymbKY.jpg


xoA4SqI.jpg


oVOzKSM.jpg


lWPYhtI.jpg


Right now its off at the sandblasters, while I was dropping it off I asked the guy what he would recommend for powdercoating the bumpers. I asked about the wrinkle coating but he wasn't too fond of it, I think I will talk to him again and see if he can get some samples of different kinds to use. I am looking for something durable but that is a flat black, he was telling me about all the different variations they can do.

While I am here I am going to post up some pics of the new lights :D

In Package!
dPjmJER.jpg


Out of package! These things are great! When I first picked them up I was shocked at how light weight they were... My dad was too but they are pretty nicely designed and much higher quality then those PIAA's The bolts come with Nylon threaded nuts which is awesome and true stainless steel hardware. They even came with some special locking nuts so someone can't steal my lights off the bumper without the key. And 2x sets of filters... I am not a fan of the yellow though
f5KfN0v.jpg


Out with the old
4a9blVG.jpg


Bare
65d2Nds.jpg


While I was looking at the quality difference I could even see it in the gauge of the wires and rubber that covers them
N0zQNsh.jpg


The two sets of nuts that come with it, the locking and the nylon threaded
6U8uc9H.jpg


Have to have a key like this
mURcnRC.jpg


And here they are mounted! But not wired... That will be a big huge project as I plan to get all my wires for even roof and backup lights all laid out at the same time with a setup for my switches and relay's and fuse box!
VuQPZq2.jpg


And while I am at it I will throw some more up this time of my Ham Radio
swEBNsT.jpg


This thing is a beast!
RZtctlN.jpg


I don't know where I am going to mount it yet
UZCiFZb.jpg


As you can see virtually all of the metal is a heat sync because it's 75 watts which is more power then I am sure I will ever need
LpIjNri.jpg


More to come later, maybe tonight!
 
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KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
Surfers X found some kind of flat black powder coat. I can't recall the name of it though.

Do you know what it is that he is using? The guy I was talking to said there is all kind of different ones like poly something or other and rubberized kind and even hybrid's that he has used. I didn't get to talk to him for long but I think I am going to do some research to find the most durable and best look before I pull the trigger and thinking about doing some modifying to the bumpers and sliders this spring when it starts to warm up and I got some cash. I will also recoat the wheels too.

Thanks Kevin, I sure like them! I want to get another set of the 170's for the roof and the smaller 140's.
 

drbandkgb

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Hahaha.. I know that feeling.. Glad to have the Big K in the nation


Sent from the satellite of love..
 

KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
:D well I got some more updates! Also got from OTRATTW my new fuse box and Amber switches - Driving Lights, Roof Lights and Backup Lights! I will get pics of those when I start the wiring probably next weekend...

As for the rack yesterday got it out of the X, now that is all sand blasted!
dh0Xt2a.jpg


So I knew my plan was to do the drawer out of something light... I first was going to do fiberglass but where my dad was busy painting the new shop and didn't have time to help me I grabbed my friend, we soon realized fiberglass would just take too much time... So then I thought about aluminum that will be bolted together... I wanted 3" tall angle pieces but found they only had 2" and it was $45 for 1x 8' long piece. So while we are the depot we took a walk and I started thinking why not use the shelves we use for the lobo rack mod?! And here we are cut to length!
7DAOvJj.jpg


I used the wire wheel on the grinder to remove some of the coating, though later I will try to remove all the coating...
gEM2a3B.jpg


Next up the sides, I realized 2" deep drawer with about an inch of space above it will be plenty!
y4wwb5S.jpg


I know I wanted to have an aluminum face so I welded on some tabs
z8BgmI9.jpg


First side tacked in :D
A83382j.jpg


I then screwed up when I welded the other tab on and put it at the top rather then the bottom, but thats actually a good thing.... I will be later taking two long pieces to each side and welding it in to give it support... That will come next week
HRCuzt9.jpg


Only problem right now is that the holes don't line up which is okay because I will fix it later by either filling it in or drilling new holes...
D4NxO3k.jpg


So I had some scrap aluminum laying around which I used here but will replace later with a taller 3" piece, thus why I wasn't worried the holes don't match up!
tZFgXfL.jpg


The drawer is actually very very very light which is nice because it's going to get heavier with the hardware I am going to be adding. I am ordering some various parts from McMaster Carr next weekend, I will have a handle with a lock to keep the drawer in and 2 small turning style latches on top to keep the lid closed when I put the foam in... If you can't picture it dont worry I will show you later.
wetwrqa.jpg


First test in the X at it's lowest level
Zpd4tkQ.jpg


It's just the perfect height to even double as a work bench! Which is part of the reason it will have a lid on top.
ySylfqM.jpg


The shelf I bought was only 20" deep which means there is a 3" gap between the front of the drawer and the floor which may double for some other stuff later wink wink**
ii3XJAu.jpg


Next testing to see how the space under works at it's lowest level, notice the foam on top is a sample piece that I got from lights package it is 2.5" tall which a little much but it might work, I am going to play with it and use my dremel and other things to see the best way to cut it for each tool but most likely I will be getting a special foam that comes in 3x pieces, a bottom later which will be black a middle layer will be red and top layer black. Middle layer is the only layer that gets cut for tools (or my AR-15 wink wink)
rMQqHS4.jpg


I asked my friend Alik to hold up the trunk lid to show their still plenty of space to get underneath and get to anything you keep in there
XnY5gQK.jpg


Also when you pull out the lid it still works
VqOHNix.jpg


So next to show it at it's lowest then raised up for something taller like a cooler underneath
EMDVW0U.jpg


This isn't the max height not even close actually but this shows their is plenty of space and it barely is as tall as the back of the seats at this height
liMkPwY.jpg


Drawer out, still easy to access and really isn't that tall when your standing next to it. I should have taken a picture of me standing by it but maybe next time
yvkhqeT.jpg


So far I am extremely pleased with it, next weekend I will weld on the support structure for the front of the drawer and fill the holes then get some new aluminum I will order my handle which will be attached to the face, and some other various stuff and I will start painting the rack and basket it's self but will wait to finish the drawer until the following week when I start laying the foam. I may also be adding a second drawer underneath since we found the sliders are easily removable by two little plastic latches on the sides, the second drawer will hold my AR-15 when I go offroading/shooting but normally would not be in the X all the time... I may just leave that idea for future fun :D
 
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KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
Be careful with that HAM...the FCC monitors HAM channels closely. They aren't afraid to fine the unlicensed.

Yeah don't worry I will only monitor until I have my license. My dad and brother will use it if they are in my truck though since they have their license and call signs.

Correction. Mini Tex two words.
Thanks I am going to check it out... I am planning on using tax returns to recoat my bumpers and wheels so I have until probably sometime in february to find one I like.
 

KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
Actually thinking about it but I would have to try and figure out how to build a jig and make it a little quicker work... Probably use new steel and got to figure out something better for the legs, also wouldn't be able to grind the welds down because I would need to make it pretty fast to sell a few of these and make some money. My dad decided to keep the big shop so we may move in sometime this month so if thats the case I need to help pay him some how so I might produce a few small things like these racks, a custom lobo rack and maybe a gas can holder for the shrock :p
 

NismoFire

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Smyrna, TN
Actually thinking about it but I would have to try and figure out how to build a jig and make it a little quicker work... Probably use new steel and got to figure out something better for the legs, also wouldn't be able to grind the welds down because I would need to make it pretty fast to sell a few of these and make some money. My dad decided to keep the big shop so we may move in sometime this month so if thats the case I need to help pay him some how so I might produce a few small things like these racks, a custom lobo rack and maybe a gas can holder for the shrock :p



WIN.



I wish the 1st Gen had the tracks like the 2nd does..Dave! Let's put our heads together on this one, see if we can come up with something..
 

KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
FYI it's official we are going to start building something soon for sell... I can't tell what yet but we are starting with something easy that I have not seen any other X owners build. My dad wants to start producing something and trying to make some money so we can afford to keep the big shop for ourselves! I suggested the idea at dinner today and he loved it! I will start taking measurements and pictures soon and my brother is going to bring over his solidworks and CAD programs over to run on my quadcore computer (he's a mechanical engineer) so we are going to design it on the computer. We will hope to be in the new shop for building a prototype on my X first and then if we like the design will begin production and selling! We are hoping to get it off the ground shipping by the end of the month! Also this idea is universal and can be used on first and second gens...

Also debating on names for the new business, I am considering using something that I came up with a long time ago for a club but now will be my new business which is United-Echo however my dad's existing business will be the primary company with UE being an subsiding company... If things goes well and just to let you know we are pulling our resources and will also be using "brand new steel" not scrap metal that I buy currently for cheaper then we hope to make a few bucks and start building other various things. The rack wont come along for sale unless we do well with the first product so just an FYI... But to also let you know if I do sell the rack I have a new idea for legs that will make the whole rack more functional and lighter, I will also redesign the feet and may or may not have the drawer system (may be an optional extra) :D
 

Macland

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
FYI it's official we are going to start building something soon for sell... I can't tell what yet but we are starting with something easy that I have not seen any other X owners build. My dad wants to start producing something and trying to make some money so we can afford to keep the big shop for ourselves! I suggested the idea at dinner today and he loved it! I will start taking measurements and pictures soon and my brother is going to bring over his solidworks and CAD programs over to run on my quadcore computer (he's a mechanical engineer) so we are going to design it on the computer. We will hope to be in the new shop for building a prototype on my X first and then if we like the design will begin production and selling! We are hoping to get it off the ground shipping by the end of the month! Also this idea is universal and can be used on first and second gens...

Also debating on names for the new business, I am considering using something that I came up with a long time ago for a club but now will be my new business which is United-Echo however my dad's existing business will be the primary company with UE being an subsiding company... If things goes well and just to let you know we are pulling our resources and will also be using "brand new steel" not scrap metal that I buy currently for cheaper then we hope to make a few bucks and start building other various things. The rack wont come along for sale unless we do well with the first product so just an FYI... But to also let you know if I do sell the rack I have a new idea for legs that will make the whole rack more functional and lighter, I will also redesign the feet and may or may not have the drawer system (may be an optional extra) :D

Freaking Epic man! I've always enjoyed your work and now to see you guys go into business for yourselves is just icing on the cake. I'm looking forward to seeing it!
 

Jmac289gt

Sliders
Founding Member
Location
Dickinson, TX
Good luck Kuma. Don't you think maybe you could share the idea first and see if there is an interest for this product before making them?
I know everyone would be interested in bumpers and roof rack systems if the price is right and the style of course, sliders too. Heck, you guys could just do it all if this thing takes off, skids too. Well maybe im getting a little ahead of myself now...sorry.
 

civicjoe

lone wolf mod
Founding Member
Location
Nevada
FYI it's official we are going to start building something soon for sell... I can't tell what yet but we are starting with something easy that I have not seen any other X owners build. My dad wants to start producing something and trying to make some money so we can afford to keep the big shop for ourselves! I suggested the idea at dinner today and he loved it! I will start taking measurements and pictures soon and my brother is going to bring over his solidworks and CAD programs over to run on my quadcore computer (he's a mechanical engineer) so we are going to design it on the computer. We will hope to be in the new shop for building a prototype on my X first and then if we like the design will begin production and selling! We are hoping to get it off the ground shipping by the end of the month! Also this idea is universal and can be used on first and second gens...

Also debating on names for the new business, I am considering using something that I came up with a long time ago for a club but now will be my new business which is United-Echo however my dad's existing business will be the primary company with UE being an subsiding company... If things goes well and just to let you know we are pulling our resources and will also be using "brand new steel" not scrap metal that I buy currently for cheaper then we hope to make a few bucks and start building other various things. The rack wont come along for sale unless we do well with the first product so just an FYI... But to also let you know if I do sell the rack I have a new idea for legs that will make the whole rack more functional and lighter, I will also redesign the feet and may or may not have the drawer system (may be an optional extra) :D

Dude we want to know what it IS!
A rear hatch tire swing out?
New Front Tube Bumpers? :) The market is so small on these.
I do agree on the start of a feeler thread. Id hate to see you guys go thru this and end up empty handed. I cant really foresee that seeings how there are plenty of people would buy your rear shelf if you could make it shippable.
Anyways Keep us posted man.
 

KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
I will let you guys know soon enough... We got internet in the shop today and next saturday I will be taking down my laptop and shoot pictures of the plans throw them in photoshop and give you guys an idea ;) Just gotta get some pics photoshopped for miss swift before I do anything else!
 

KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
No if this was Shadow Ops I wouldn't have told you I was building something... Then sometime down the road one of you might have thought you saw something on my truck and asked what it is, and I would deny it's existence.
 

KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
Yeah I have heard of kickstarter before it's great! But at this point we gotta get a design together and trust me we are on it! I will start a thread when I start gathering idea's and plans. I got a lot of project's on my plate right now :p Lights, Rack, Radio, some graphics I was hoping to have ready for moab but things keep me with drawer's block, and much more :p

However this last saturday I got something I have been needing to do finally done! I added a lock to my drawer so it will stop flying out and hitting the back hatch when I am driving. I also need to give the face of the drawer something a little more sturdy, so I went over to lowes and picked up some 1/2 inch tall and 3 feet pieces and welded them into place
fEE48KG.jpg


I did it like this to give a little support on each end with a little flexibility incase the drawer gets weighed down it can bend and flex rather then breaking the rails
QXlTLvI.jpg


Looks mighty nice I think!
MHedXco.jpg


Filled in the holes that were way off center too, my welds are starting to get better
ewmrtdi.jpg


Next up was making a lock, so I picked up a little piece like this after getting my Cam Lock from Home Depot
hZJbNnD.jpg


I didn't have any drill bits big enough so I had to use my dad's die grinder with a metal boring tool which worked well except our small compressor only lets it go for maybe 30 seconds at a time then you have to wait about 2 minutes. Once we get the new shop we will have the big one and that will be nice!
AxINSyJ.jpg


Here is a demonstration of the lock in place
7V6ZFTV.jpg


Obviously it's pretty simple and most of the day took trying to get that hole big enough next time I will just get a bigger bit
3gWHAr8.jpg


Finally welded in place
PtgFcEe.jpg


Next to prepare the aluminum, I chose the side that has the sticker on it because it looked better but either way I will be sanding or using steel wool on the aluminum to give it a brushed look, may even use the sand blaster lightly on it.
oap6XRx.jpg


Test fitting everything
6QAF7gv.jpg


It works like a charm!
jrLjLMd.jpg


Got my new aluminum piece ready, still thinking about buying a 3 or 4" tall piece to replace this one
pvNInrn.jpg


Ugly sticker but I counter sunk the hole so the screw will sit flush on the face
VCQimyi.jpg


Finally back together and testing!
CY7lOiR.jpg


It works fantastic
frHGjNg.jpg


Next saturday I am going to add some tie downs on each of the two short sides and maybe something smaller on the front and back then a few supports on the basket and will call it good for a while. Which means paint will follow that!
c87WQqZ.jpg


So hopefully I can do all that quickly next saturday so I can get started on my lights and radio! Waiting now for a new dome light assembly w/ a sunglass holder and it's from the tech package so I will be using that to mount my new switches
Mt7KP24.jpg
 
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KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
Thanks guys, I got a little more to do but you can plan on this rack changing and evolving. I may even sell it and restart later, if I do then I will making one that is a little wider but as of now I am planning on adding some stuff to the sides of it that can be changed out at anytime for example an air compressor on one side and a place to put some oil, brake fluid and steering fluid something you might need on the trail and so forth :p
 

civicjoe

lone wolf mod
Founding Member
Location
Nevada
Yeah I have heard of kickstarter before it's great! But at this point we gotta get a design together and trust me we are on it! I will start a thread when I start gathering idea's and plans. I got a lot of project's on my plate right now :p Lights, Rack, Radio, some graphics I was hoping to have ready for moab but things keep me with drawer's block, and much more :p

However this last saturday I got something I have been needing to do finally done! I added a lock to my drawer so it will stop flying out and hitting the back hatch when I am driving. I also need to give the face of the drawer something a little more sturdy, so I went over to lowes and picked up some 1/2 inch tall and 3 feet pieces and welded them into place
DSC_0001-1.jpg


I did it like this to give a little support on each end with a little flexibility incase the drawer gets weighed down it can bend and flex rather then breaking the rails
DSC_0003-2.jpg


Looks mighty nice I think!
DSC_0004-2.jpg


Filled in the holes that were way off center too, my welds are starting to get better
DSC_0005-1.jpg


Next up was making a lock, so I picked up a little piece like this after getting my Cam Lock from Home Depot
DSC_0008-1.jpg


I didn't have any drill bits big enough so I had to use my dad's die grinder with a metal boring tool which worked well except our small compressor only lets it go for maybe 30 seconds at a time then you have to wait about 2 minutes. Once we get the new shop we will have the big one and that will be nice!
DSC_0017-1.jpg


Here is a demonstration of the lock in place
DSC_0024-1.jpg


Obviously it's pretty simple and most of the day took trying to get that hole big enough next time I will just get a bigger bit
DSC_0022-1.jpg


Finally welded in place
DSC_0025-1.jpg


Next to prepare the aluminum, I chose the side that has the sticker on it because it looked better but either way I will be sanding or using steel wool on the aluminum to give it a brushed look, may even use the sand blaster lightly on it.
DSC_0027-1.jpg


Test fitting everything
DSC_0031-1.jpg


It works like a charm!
DSC_0034-1.jpg


Got my new aluminum piece ready, still thinking about buying a 3 or 4" tall piece to replace this one
DSC_0037-1.jpg


Ugly sticker but I counter sunk the hole so the screw will sit flush on the face
DSC_0039-1.jpg


Finally back together and testing!
DSC_0043-1.jpg


It works fantastic
DSC_0046-1.jpg


Next saturday I am going to add some tie downs on each of the two short sides and maybe something smaller on the front and back then a few supports on the basket and will call it good for a while. Which means paint will follow that!
DSC_0047-1.jpg


So hopefully I can do all that quickly next saturday so I can get started on my lights and radio! Waiting now for a new dome light assembly w/ a sunglass holder and it's from the tech package so I will be using that to mount my new switches
DSC_0048-1.jpg
Dude that turned out great, If I didnt have a raingler shelf and dogs I'd probably be hounding you to make me one, It looks great. But i'd hate to have something i have to pull out when i have large items to put in, the raingler is nice cause i can just drop the ties and its down. but yours is really great, excited to hear whats coming next.
 

KUMA

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Location
Murray, UT
Haha yeah I like the raingler nets and thought about doing one but wanted something to really be able to take out and add at anytime, problem is mine isn't nearly compact as I wanted. If I do sell this one and make a new one the legs will be removable and so I could collapse it down to minimal size :D But I kind of want to get a raingler to over this as a way to tie things down!
 
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