My slow slow build...

[Torsion]

Had a look at ya rig while in @Matts last month mate, tidy.

[where'smycat]

Cheers Torsion!

Had a few spare minutes this weekend, so bolted some chain to the mudguards to keep them from getting ripped off on the tracks and made up a divider for the canopy drawer. Keeping the space at the back for some soft shackles and a recovery ring I have ordered.....should weigh a buttload less than the metal shackles and snatch block

[where'smycat]

Took it out for it's maiden voyage today. And safe to say the only really limiting factor was the idiot behind the steering wheel.
Missed a line I was aiming for by about 2' and managed to put a back wheel straight into a hole on a climb. Got myself on an ugly angle but drove out fine. It's a bit of a weapon.

[where'smycat]

Mounted a couple of tie down rails in the canopy and cut out holes for them in the rubber mat.

When I was originally getting the canopy built I was toying with the idea of drawers and more shelves, but wasn't sure what I wanted (and it was MORE money on top of the build) so figured I'd wait and drive it for a while before I made any decisions. After having it for a bit I like the flexibility of being able to still have all my space if I need it and I save a heap of weight by using plastic cases and ratchet strapping them down rather than filling the void with drawer/shelve setup.

We have 2 kids so the plan (eventually) is to keep it as light as possible and tow.

[hiluxxury]

I need/want a tray like that!

[m sciffer]

hi there
the rig looks great, but keep the weight forwards you are risking bending the chassis, just do a search on bent chassis and read about it before doing more work unless you have had the chassis strengthen to support the weight rear of the axal . all duel cabs have a problem with bending the chassis just forward of the rear wheels, and cost heaps to repair or write off.

[where'smycat]

Cheers hiluxxury! I'm pretty happy with it.

m sciffer, the bulk of the weight is in front or above the rear axle and the canopy weighs less that the tub and fibreglass canopy it replaced. Tare weight is only 250kg above a bone stock SR. That includes bull bar, driving lights, winch, 2 aux batteries, fridge, long range tank, the extra weight of the SAS and heavy duty components, reinforced front diff, larger rear diff, upgraded rear springs and 35's on each corner.

I don't overload it and it's not a triton

[m sciffer]

yes you are right but the two spares on the back do not help and would be more beneficial on top of the tub forward ,and have you looked at bent chassis on the internet very good information I did and open up my eyes about duel cabs faults and the flexing between the cab and tray with loads .Aim not picking you but a lot of owners are not aware of this problem that duel cabs have . hope you have a great time with your rig .it looks great

[where'smycat]

Small update.

Did a bit of a road trip with the family over a couple of weeks(Sydney to Adelaide.Then Kangaroo Island for a week and home via Great Ocean Rd and Melbourne) and turns out the canopy is VERY well insulated. Opening it up on a hot day, it stays a lot cooler than the cab!!

[TOYZX]

Nice mate! I've been meaning to ask ya about the heat in the thing. How is it insulated? Am looking at options for when I do mine cos it gets bloody hot out here!

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

[where'smycat]

Apparently there is foam insulation in the roof and walls (the doors are optional) and there is a venting system built in above the door hinges. Really thought it was just sales guys talking it up, but it's pretty impressive to be honest.
Here's the link.

https://www.alloycanopy.com.au/performance/

You raptored your ute yet mate?

[TOYZX]

Cool will give it a look. I'll be building my own so was thinking about some of that thin shed insulation. No movement on the raptor coat yet, too broke lol. Will leave it till I get the canopy built, then go nuts.

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

[where'smycat]

My headlights were looking a bit worse for wear, and as much as I want to go down the route of projectors, I also want to make a couple of other changes and the money will be better spent on other things. So picked up a headlight restoration kit, and got to work.

Before.


About 10 minutes later...


Pretty happy for the coin and effort involved
Hopefully I can finally get the engine bay wiring sorted soon.....

[where'smycat]

Obviously can't go anywhere at the moment, and the plans I had for the next bits of the build have been put on hold for now, so I've been going back through some photos and found a bunch I took after sunset one night at Emu Bay on Kangaroo Island. We were there Oct last year....

[hiluxxury]

That is a nice looking hilux

[Caleebra]

Thats one beautiful looking rig mate!

[where'smycat]

Cheers guys! It's getting there....

It's bloody capable too, despite the driver.

[where'smycat]

Finally pulled the trigger on a 30 Second awning last week.



Went to mount it up and found out that the supplied brackets don't reach the second channel in a pioneer tray, which seems like an odd decision on their part

Ute was back at Kinselas for some love, so got him to extend the brackets. All good now



I've talked to a few people with these awnings and I've been really impressed.


Also got him to cut a hole in the interior wall of the canopy so I can easily access the battery without pulling the fridge. Installed a bluetooth battery monitor (about $30 on eBay, or twice the price for the exact same unit with iDrive printed on it if you want), figured it was easier than running wire from the battery in the canopy to the cab. Am really impressed with it!



Just have to paint the replacement panel he made and bolt it back in place.

[where'smycat]

Got the awning out today. It's awesome!

[Caleebra]

That awning looks really sturdy!
Nice buy!