Crossroads - 2017 Toyota Hilux build

nuclear_jk

Member
...and I’m just over here like “hur hur I spray painted my wheels hur hur”

Cool build!
That's still something awesome to do. I'm tossing up whether to paint these stock rims or buy some aftermarket ones.

I wish I had the time to work on the build more. I feel like all I do is dream and spend time on Ebay once the kids are asleep!

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thezentree

pretend redneck
That's still something awesome to do. I'm tossing up whether to paint these stock rims or buy some aftermarket ones.

I wish I had the time to work on the build more. I feel like all I do is dream and spend time on Ebay once the kids are asleep!

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Haha I hear ya. I'm still doing a lot of window shopping too.

On the wheels, if you are actually considering painting yours - don't. Take them to someone who can media blast and powder coat them. Having done two sets of wheels for my 4Runner, it's waaaay more work than its's worth to do it yourself.
 

nuclear_jk

Member
Its true that hilux's are indestructible. I just got off the plane in Bangkok and am seeing a tonne of HUGE canopies and modifications.

Whilst I'm counting every kilogram to make sure I don't exceed GVM in Australia apparently people in Thailand don't have the same concerns.

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I'm going to go parts shopping whilst I'm here as all the Aussie hilux's are built here in Thailand. I'm hoping genuine accessories are cheaper here.

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nuclear_jk

Member
Mission accomplished! I just spent 30 minutes browsing genuine Toyota accessories at Bangkok Toyota. Super friendly staff and the best bit... parts are 1/3 the price! I pick up my goody bag tomorrow afternoon.

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It's pretty cool to see dealers building their own 'specials'. They had this "Godzilla" and another called "Monster" on display.

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nuclear_jk

Member
The day finally came! INSTALLS!!!

The catch can. The kit was super easy to install but the hose lengths were off, requiring trimming, and it was missing some nuts. Luckily I had some in my left over box.

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I'm not totally convinced about where the drain is zip-tied off but I'll revisit later.

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Next cab off the rank: the GME antenna

The antenna is awesome quality and looks brilliant. I have run trailer 5 core wire into the cabin to connect up accessories alongside the coaxial cable making a clean install.
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Onto some of the Thai parts - weather shields

First I needed to clean the windows off. Being in an apartment building I have been using this.
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A great cleaner!

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Lastly for today the install of the GME UHF and the control for the tpms. Both went super easy.

I hid the uhf under the centre console and used the two spare switch positions to mount the uhf blank and TPMS face.
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I now just need to work out where I'll hang the mic bracket.

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nuclear_jk

Member
Happy Father's Day! I got a morning pass to spend a few minutes in the hilux

I had a few wires to connect up to complete the installs over the past few weeks. The hilux, at least in sr5 spec, comes with an accessory fuse box which is awesome. I did make the mistake of not checking whether it was switched with the ignition. It isn't. It's direct from the battery. This is a good thing for the uhf as power direct from the battery is cleaner and I can leave the uhf on when at camp. In the event I forget about it and it stays on for a couple of days it won't be an issue as it draws bugger all power.

It is a pain for the TPMS. I'll need to rewire it as it alarms when it doesn't detect motion for a while and the screen remains on all the time. I might plug in a secondary fuse block into the accessories fuse panel to take powered items that only should work when the vehicle is on.

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I used trailer wiring as this was the cleanest way to pull multiple wires into the cabin. Future proof.

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Wires joined and using the toyota wiring clips installed into the fuse box.
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And I'm really happy with the TPMS colour! It'll match really well with the dash and instruments.
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nuclear_jk

Member
I'm sure many out there can sympathize with this problem; you love having a ute (or pick up in American) but it sucks having to tie everything down all the time. Or perhaps its the bigger pain of having your gear get wet and dusty all the time.

In my case the really practical issue of not having enough space to put all my kids gear on a daily basis has become a problem. I've been searching for a canopy for a few weeks now and have not been super excited by the quality of the gear on the market. But I've
needed to take the plunge.

With the budget being stretched recently I have chosen a pretty cheap 1800x1000x860 canopy. It looks pretty watertight though they have installed the pinchweld on with the joint at the wrong place... The welds are average to OK and it seems largely square.

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This will be a great day to day storage solution for crossroads.

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The profile is pretty close to the tray.

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Now I need to mount it. Whilst I'd love to do this without drilling any holes in the tray I don't think that's feasible. I need to be able to take it off easily to put the slide-on camper on so I imagine I'll end up with two bolt holes above the wheels.

I also am tossing up what colour to paint it. I'm thinking of raptor-lining the tray deck, the bare aluminum bits and maybe the canopy as well. I'd like to tint the liner to the same as the body. Any one with experience with this?

Also need to get power in there for lights and maybe even the fridge. Any recommendations for led strip lighting?

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chunko

Observer
Now I need to mount it. Whilst I'd love to do this without drilling any holes in the tray I don't think that's feasible. I need to be able to take it off easily to put the slide-on camper on so I imagine I'll end up with two bolt holes above the wheels.

Nice Hilux!

Are you able to weld on some tabs at each corner of the box so you can have exterior screws only? That way you don't have to get into the box to remove any screws.
 

nuclear_jk

Member
Nice Hilux!

Are you able to weld on some tabs at each corner of the box so you can have exterior screws only? That way you don't have to get into the box to remove any screws.

Cheers mate!

I've been tossing that idea up for sure. The slide on camper that's coming will use turn buckles on each corner for lashing down through the manufacturer recommends bolting it on for offroad use. You can see them in the corner:

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If I can work out where I need to bolt the camper on and drill my holes in the same place that'd be a great solution.

Still checking out wiring ideas.

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nuclear_jk

Member
Needs must when the devil drives.

I got sometime on crossroads this afternoon to get the canopy bolted down. Whilst I would have loved to have the time to weld on tabs time got away from me.

Job one: Move the canopy out of the way. Super happy with how light this thing is. It'll be a breeze to lift on and off in the future.
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Job two: Measure twice, drill once. I'm reasonably happy with how well this worked out and don't think it will be a detractor from the tray moving forward.

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Step Three: cut the rubber mat to size that'll go under the box. I wanted to insulate the tray from the canopy to prevent rattles and scratches.

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Step five: run out of time and have a delicious local IPA.

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Tune in soon for the rattle can paint job.

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nuclear_jk

Member
Sneaking another 20 minutes in this morning made a difference. I managed to get the canopy positioned and bolted down.

While I was at the rubber shop the other day I picked up some toolbox matting. Some quick love from a knife and it fits nicely! Its pretty sticky stuff so should stop gear flying around.

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nuclear_jk

Member
I am pretty keen to get offroad and do some serious wheeling and camping. To get there and back I've just booked in a full BP-51 kit that I can use to upgrade the GVM.

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The Safari ARMAX snorkel

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And 140L frontier tank

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Soooo excited!

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nuclear_jk

Member
I hate leaving my car with workshops... Inevitably they do 90% of the job well and 10% utterly ********. Nicely done @arb.

It's little things, like the "fitted with ARB Frontier tank" decal being applied on an angle (looks slapped on and ********) right through to bigger things such as moving the rear drawer, complaining about having to do so and ultimately bolting back in a position that means I have no number plate light. Blantantly illegal. The reps firstly tried to tell me it wasn't a problem as they'd been driving around for years without a plate light and secondly that it would be a cheap thing for me to fix. FFS.

Before I end my rant they also didn't refit the trim panels on the tray. Looks unfinished and ********. I'll likely fix the light myself because I don't trust them.

The after pic is on top and before below.
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/rant

Onto happier things. The snorkel sounds brilliant and it looks like they've sealed it properly.
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The tank sits well and has a huge capacity! In removing and sticking the decal back on the hoses and fittings on the tank look good.
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The BP51s are SWEET! the ride quality is brilliant given they've got constant 600kg leaves in the back.
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Bring on a trip!

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