That's right kids, it's time to lop 13 inches off my bus.:smokin:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0048.jpg



I have never done body work before, but I sort of have an idea of what I need to complete this.

1. body filler
2. glazing puddy
3. etching primer
4. sanding primer
5. tac cloths
6. matched paint from paint scratch
7. clear coat
8. sand paper, grits????
9. rubbing compound
10. a whole lot of patience and water as it is hotter than :mad3:

anything else, tips???

Thanks,
Tim

Edit: He are some pics of the cutting
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0091.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0093.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0089.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0099.jpg

If I can recommend something it is to use Rage body filler instead of bondo. I just did mine and used Rage after reading lots of reviews online and it was 100x better then any bondo I've ever used. It is also lightweight,flexible, and easy to sand. Just take your time w/everything. When you weld the bedsides back together weld on the backside (inside) of the bed so the outer edge stays clean. Also if you have any gaps it makes it a pita to weld cause it just burns through too easily. On the body filler do several light coats, not 1 heavy jobber.

anything else, tips???

A sanding block or two, one large, one small.

A P100 respirator is a damn nice thing to have.

If I can recommend something it is to use Rage body filler instead of bondo. I just did mine and used Rage after reading lots of reviews online and it was 100x better then any bondo I've ever used. It is also lightweight,flexible, and easy to sand. Just take your time w/everything. When you weld the bedsides back together weld on the backside (inside) of the bed so the outer edge stays clean. Also if you have any gaps it makes it a pita to weld cause it just burns through too easily. On the body filler do several light coats, not 1 heavy jobber.

If you are talking about glazing putty, that is not to be used in place of body filler, however, as it is designed to go on top of body filler. While it's easy to apply and sand, it's not a replacement.

If you are talking about glazing putty, that is not to be used in place of body filler, however, as it is designed to go on top of body filler. While it's easy to apply and sand, it's not a replacement.

I'm talking about "rage" made by evercoat, it is a body filler, not a glazing putty.

What are you planning on cutting it with, Tim? I used a 4" cut off wheel and had to do VERY minimal grinding to fit the 2 pieces back up. Guess it depends how accurate/comfortable you are with a certain tool.

The whole project didn't take very long at all. You'll enjoy it once it's shorter. These beds are WAY too long stock :laughing:

I haven't decided what to cut it with, but the 4 inch cut off wheel will be one of the tools I use. I can't wait. The only part I am nervous about is the body work. Conceptually, I know how its done and have seen how its done. The paint part scares the heck out of me.

tim

If I can recommend something it is to use Rage body filler instead of bondo. I just did mine and used Rage after reading lots of reviews online and it was 100x better then any bondo I've ever used. It is also lightweight,flexible, and easy to sand. Just take your time w/everything. When you weld the bedsides back together weld on the backside (inside) of the bed so the outer edge stays clean. Also if you have any gaps it makes it a pita to weld cause it just burns through too easily. On the body filler do several light coats, not 1 heavy jobber.

Thanks for the tip. I just need to find a dealer who sells Rage in my area.

Tim

I haven't decided what to cut it with, but the 4 inch cut off wheel will be one of the tools I use. I can't wait. The only part I am nervous about is the body work. Conceptually, I know how its done and have seen how its done. The paint part scares the heck out of me.

tim


Check a few of the automotive paint stores. You can pick up paint in rattle cans just bring your vin for the color I think.

I'm talking about "rage" made by evercoat, it is a body filler, not a glazing putty.

Just making sure. Got schooled in that in my body repair class and it was beat into our heads that they are not interchangeable. :D

Check a few of the automotive paint stores. You can pick up paint in rattle cans just bring your vin for the color I think.

Careful doing that. That is what I did and here is how close mine matches, you can definately tell a difference where I painted where I bobbed it but it's temporary until I actually get them sprayed:
http://www.mustangmods.com/ims/u/684/866/189683.jpg

I haven't decided what to cut it with, but the 4 inch cut off wheel will be one of the tools I use. I can't wait. The only part I am nervous about is the body work. Conceptually, I know how its done and have seen how its done. The paint part scares the heck out of me.

tim

Use a jigsaw for better control and a cleaner cut. Use masking tape as a guide as well as to keep from scratching your good paint. I've done multiple bed bobs and jigsaw is where it's at, just make sure you are using a brand new metal blade--it cuts like butter.

Thanks Jorge. That is how I trimmed my fenders and it worked great. I will probably have to use a combination of the two for some of the harder to reach places.

Tim

Careful doing that. That is what I did and here is how close mine matches, you can definately tell a difference where I painted where I bobbed it but it's temporary until I actually get them sprayed:
http://www.mustangmods.com/ims/u/684/866/189683.jpg

Jamie, how the hell did you keep those bodylines so damn straight? I cut 9" out of mine and my body lines didn't match up anywhere near that nice.

Jamie, how the hell did you keep those bodylines so damn straight? I cut 9" out of mine and my body lines didn't match up anywhere near that nice.

I don't know, guess I'm pretty much just the shit lol :smokin:
Honestly though I just was really anal retentive about where I cut the bed material out and making everything perfect before I welded it all back up.

Looks sweet Tim! Reminds me of something :laughing:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c259/generalee7/Picture110.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c259/generalee7/Picture111.jpg

I think I got my body lines to line up OK. Just takes some time to measure everything out so it's straight really.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c259/generalee7/Picture123.jpg

I'll admit that not all of my cuts are as nice as I would like, but I have been spending time grinding, so that everything is square. I am having a heck of a time lining up the lower dimple lines. I guess when you bob 13 inches not everything is going to line up. I will post more pics when I get a chance.

Tim

Tim, I didn't think the dimple areas were gonna line up on mine either, but they line up nicely if you take your time seaming it back together. We started the spot welds at the dimples and were able to line the rest up as we went. The sheet metal was alot more forgiving than I anticipated.

Yeah, they are not lining up that well, but it's okay. I never thought I would be perfect as the bed had been in a accident before, plus body damage from Parker, AZ trip.

Tim

I wish bobbing a 3rd gen 4runner was this easy. Im scared to even start mine.

my wheelbase is only 109" though so in reality I could just cut the fenders back and stretch the wheelbase a bit. I like the wheelbase but I hate the departure angle. And I hate the damn chevys, they dont flex worth a damn and they always get hung up.

what is your wheelbase on the ext cab?

my wheelbase is only 109" though so in reality I could just cut the fenders back and stretch the wheelbase a bit. I like the wheelbase but I hate the departure angle. And I hate the damn chevys, they dont flex worth a damn and they always get hung up.

what is your wheelbase on the ext cab?

I think it's somewhere in the 125" range

my wheelbase is only 109" though so in reality I could just cut the fenders back and stretch the wheelbase a bit. I like the wheelbase but I hate the departure angle. And I hate the damn chevys, they dont flex worth a damn and they always get hung up.

what is your wheelbase on the ext cab?

I think it's somewhere in the 125" range

I am pretty sure it's 122" According to Edmunds it is 121.9. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=102944

I think when we measured mine over the weekend it was like 123" or 124"...so yeah, somewhere between 122" and 125". :D

that is long. screw bobbing the runner, I think Ill just ditch the chevys and pull the axle back a few inches. Maybe to 111" or 112" at the most.

so where are the pics of the finished bob job?

that is long. screw bobbing the runner, I think Ill just ditch the chevys and pull the axle back a few inches. Maybe to 111" or 112" at the most.

so where are the pics of the finished bob job?

x2

It's not done yet. I can only work on it at night since it is 115 degrees out here. :) I will post some progress pics today.

Tim

It's not done yet. I can only work on it at night since it is 115 degrees out here. :) I will post some progress pics today.

Tim


Well, the driver's side and most of the inside of the bed is done. The body lines didn't quite line up as I would have liked, but oh well.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0102.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0100.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0104.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0103.jpg

looks good enough to beat the shit out of it.

Tack welding it sucked. tack, tack, crap, I burned through, tack, tack, tack, tack. Am I done yet? Tack, tack, tack. Ah well, I know it will all be worth it in the end. Now on to the passenger side!!

Tim

yea I had the same feeling when I was welding up the flange on the top when I cut it off. pain in the ass.

Hey Tim, I just found this post. Looks good my friend. I just trimmed some of the fiberglass on my fenders because the front was rubbing while turning tight and stuffing the right side. Not sure why only the right side did it but anyway. Can't wait to see the final result of your truck. Should look good knowing your work.

Thanks buddy. I am working on the bondo part right now, but it was 112 here yesterday, so working during the day was out of the quesiton. I cannot find anyone who carries Rage body filler as some have recommended, so I think I am going to go with a brand from Car Quest called Everclear or ever coat.

Tim

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=mds-fe106

The problem is that I need it today. Thanks for the link though. I will try calling auto body supply places around town.

EDIT: I found that CarQuest carries it!!!!! Thanks again I will post progress pics just as soon as I can. I really wanted to call in sick today to finish working on this thing. :)

Tim

Tim, it's gonna be great. I'm off to the Rubicon. I'l catch you later.:p

Tim, it's gonna be great. I'm off to the Rubicon. I'l catch you later.:p

Well its almost there. Watch, I get this thing all pretty and mess it up at the Hammers.:mad3:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0161.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0163.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0164.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0160.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0159.jpg

Tim,
Everything looks like it's turning out great! My joints didn't turn out quite as well as your's did. It looks like you're a little more flush right at the joint than mine is. Mine kinda caves in at the seam. Great job man!

lookin good.

Thanks guys. I'm almost there and then it is time for paint!!! :)

Tim

Quick question for those of you who have done this . .

How many coats of primer did you lay down before adding color?


Also, I have a metallic finish . . . do I wet sand the color before I clear it?

Thanks
Tim

Help . . . anyone??

that is long. screw bobbing the runner, I think Ill just ditch the chevys and pull the axle back a few inches. Maybe to 111" or 112" at the most.

so where are the pics of the finished bob job?

Or you could just move the spring hangers forward a tad.

For a trail rig one.
Apply body filler with a shovel, slop primer on with a broom and get yourself a garden sprayer to apply the color. Saran wrap would work well for clear coat because it's easy to replace.

For a mall runner at least two coats of primer. Prime then block sand and fine tune the body lines etc. the prime again and repeat until you get it perfect then shoot color, sand again, more color, more of the same then more sanding then clear coat sand with 1000 grit and buff then wax, buff, wax, buff, clay bar and so on. After that you get your lower lip all stuck out with every bug splat or finger print then it's more clay bar, wax and so on between polishing your rims.

With a trail truck all of that is a huge waste of time. Afterall, those rocks you're gonna be bashing it on ain't got any eyes and every one already knows that chicks dig body damage.

Thanks Dick. I like my rig to look good before I bash it. :)

Tim

well said dick.

If you don't guide coat the primer and then sand it, you'll never know where the low spots are, and no one else will, either.

Thanks guys. I'm almost there and then it is time for paint!!! :)

Tim

Quick question for those of you who have done this . .

How many coats of primer did you lay down before adding color?


Also, I have a metallic finish . . . do I wet sand the color before I clear it?

Thanks
Tim

2 light coats of primer, and you don't need to wetsand before clearing. i actually would discourage wetsanding basecoat. save wetsand for clear.,

Great, thanks.

Tim

More pics. Paint tomorrow!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0171.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0172.jpg

Tim

looks real good. Your gonna like it not being there.

Thanks. I can't wait to get it out on the rocks. Just parking it in the garage is a different experience. :)

The body lines look sharp and straight, nice.

Thank you. Appreciate the compliment. :)

Tim

Tim!!! You did an AWESOME Job. Nice work my friend. Can't wait to go wheeling with you again. It's been way too long.

Had a great time on the 'Con. Wish you were there.
Talk to you later my friend.

Wyatt

Glad to hear you guys had a good time. There is always the Hammers at the end of the month. :)

so uh......... when you gonna dovetail it :D

Hmmmm, I was just talking about that with my wife and she sported the serious eye role. I told here there wouldn't be much body work. :)

Tim

Thanks Dick. I like my rig to look good before I bash it. :)

Tim

LOL I'm sure the rock gods will appreciate the thought and maybe spare you. Just the same, don't hold your breath. They usually intrepred that kind of stuff as arrogance then they bitch slap you.

There seems to be a correlation between a fresh bling bling paint job and major body damage. For example, a friend of mine put one of the most bling paint jobs you can imagine on a Bronco, hidden skulls in the clear coat and all that stuff. No expense was spared he spent almost two grand in just the paint. As soon as the paint was cured, he promptly went out and rolled it busting up his hand in the process. Then there was Mike and Dean, soon after a new paint job came a roll over. I'm still afraid to even repair my body damage must less bling it out and make it suitable for mall running. They don't seem to mind gold though.

Looks good.

LOL I'm sure the rock gods will appreciate the thought and maybe spare you. Just the same, don't hold your breath. They usually intrepred that kind of stuff as arrogance then they bitch slap you.

There seems to be a correlation between a fresh bling bling paint job and major body damage. For example, a friend of mine put one of the most bling paint jobs you can imagine on a Bronco, hidden skulls in the clear coat and all that stuff. No expense was spared he spent almost two grand in just the paint. As soon as the paint was cured, he promptly went out and rolled it busting up his hand in the process. Then there was Mike and Dean, soon after a new paint job came a roll over. I'm still afraid to even repair my body damage must less bling it out and make it suitable for mall running. They don't seem to mind gold though.


Dick . . you were right . . ..:mad3::mad3::mad3:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0296.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0295.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0288.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0293.jpg

DAMN!!! Nice job Tim. What did the other "guy" look like? :D Seriously, what the hell did you hit?

Nice job. See now you can give a good reason to your wife to dove tail it. Or its just time for a flatbed.

LOL I'm sure the rock gods will appreciate the thought and maybe spare you. Just the same, don't hold your breath. They usually intrepred that kind of stuff as arrogance then they bitch slap you.

There seems to be a correlation between a fresh bling bling paint job and major body damage. For example, a friend of mine put one of the most bling paint jobs you can imagine on a Bronco, hidden skulls in the clear coat and all that stuff. No expense was spared he spent almost two grand in just the paint. As soon as the paint was cured, he promptly went out and rolled it busting up his hand in the process. Then there was Mike and Dean, soon after a new paint job came a roll over. I'm still afraid to even repair my body damage must less bling it out and make it suitable for mall running. They don't seem to mind gold though.

Dean actually rolled it, then painted it :D

Tim, your truck looks great! Body damage gives it character :laughing:

DAMN!!! Nice job Tim. What did the other "guy" look like? :D Seriously, what the hell did you hit?

We were running a trail at the Hammers known as Outer Limits and it just flat out kicked our butts. It was by far the hardest trail we have ever run and pretty crazy in terms of how intense it was. It took us 15 hours to get through it. Now, I'm trying to get my replacement tail lights to go in. :shaking:

Tim

Look at this way it would been more damage if you had not bobbed it first.:D

Wow Tim. Your right. You did do some damage.

Had a good time last night with your jeep buddies. Seems like a good bunch of people.

More pics. Paint tomorrow!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0171.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Tacomatim16/IMG_0172.jpg

Tim

NICE! come do mine:D

Just don't let him drive it afterwards:flipoff2:

Seriously!!! Just picked up the double cab bed. :)

tim

Damn Tim,I had to dig this thread up :D .My brother wanted to see wich one your truck was.

No worries. Good talking to you. You should join Sue, Davey and the rest of us at Truckhaven for New Years. It should be a great time.

Tim

Tim, long time no wheel.. since catching pneumonia at the Hammers! Thats a fine looking ass if you ask me! Im still being idle, with my second son, helping out the wife with these crazy boys. Still have to do the same repairs, new motor mounts, new front shackles, and am planning to dovetail my bobbed bed. All in due time when the little crap factory hits 1 year, coming up this March. Just in time for bonuses and tax returns!
Bob came out great and looks much better with the damage. Just dont go primer, thats my scheme!
Merry Christmas to you and you family.

got to say your rig looks bad ass and the body damage dont worry i'm sure you'll gets lots more from the Hammers :p

Where did you git the hi-lift mounting bar from? I like that design. Does it have a light tab?

DeMello Offroad and yes, it has two light tabs.

Thanks. I always needed a place to put the hi-lift other than the bed floor.

I actually sold it. If you are handy with a bender, you could make one very easily.

Tim