MSA's 2013 SEMA Project: Black Rhino > Dropping The Front

The largest dilemma in any bagged setup is to make sure when the bags are deflated, the vehicle rests where the builder wants it. When researching, DJM and a few other companies created lowering kits for these trucks...BUT only in 2WD. There were no 2WD kits, and with my unfortunate luck, there were only 4WD vehicles in a 100 dealership radius.  So the challenge of actually bagging a 4WD F350 was presented to us. Good thing we aren't strangers of challenges nor are we scared of them.

The largest challenege: the transfer case. After removing the suspension, bump stops, bump stop brackets, and a few other components, we were left with the transfer case touching the cross member. That was our lowest point and we still had a few inches to go.  So we had to make a few...adjustments.  The I beams were shaved down. The top of the transfer case was shaved down. And...we cut out a hole in the cross member for the transfer case to fit perfectly inside.

MSA's 2013 SEMA Project: Black Rhino > Suicide Doors, the beginning

Inside Panoramic Image

Suicide Door Hinges

As we tore down everything, we wanted to make sure that the interior was safe. While installing and suicide door kit, the carpeting, plastics, and rubber seals are all subject to damage from the welding and grinding that has to be done. We chose this specific kit because we were told it was a bolt on kit and the installation was very simple (for someone with technical knowledge). Brackets, cups, hinges...everything would be sent and ready to go. However, as you can see to the left, the only parts we received were hinges. After a call, we were disappointed to have been told we received everything we were supposed to receive.

That catches you up to where we are now (although not the most recent photos). We've cut out the passenger factory hinge, door handle, and latch to relocate them to the front of the doors.  The door has been shaved and pocket created for the hinges to sit.  Keep in mind, these plates have to hold the entire weight of a door, so there are several plates welded together to retain rigidity and strength.  This vehicle isn't just going to be a show vehicle.  It will be our tow pig to our drift events and a daily driver.  These doors have to hold up to the abuse.  I've been very reluctant in doing a suicide door kit because of the many I have seen sag when the doors are opened.  We are hoping that the plates we've added coupled with the strength of these hinges will keep these going for a long time.

The metal isn't the prettiest, but it never is when you're bending and shaping it.  Once the body work is complete, it will look like we never touched the doors.  Special care will be taken where it will look as if Ford manufactured the doors themselves.

MSA's 2013 SEMA Project: Black Rhino > Ram Mounts and Bushwackers Arrive

As more parts come in, we prepare to schedule mounting them into the vehicle.  Our Ram Mounts and Bushwacker Extend-A-Fenders came in this last week.  It was definitely an exciting moment.

RAM-B-166-UN8U

Ram Mounts:
The Ram Mounts are an incredible mount.  They are so incredibly versatile, I don't think there's another company that's out there which offers more mounting options than Ram Mounts.  I'm talking strollers, bikes, wrists, and even straps to hold an iPad to your thigh.  Ram Mounts provided us with two solutions.  One is the window/suction cup method.  It's a common one, but man is this beefy.  It's a very simple twist lock action.  I'm talking 2 year old easy.



Bushwacker
The Bushwackers are definitely an exciting addition.  The F450 models on up have large fenders, but they come completely down from the fender into the bumper.  For our design there wasn't a need for the fenders to go into the front bumper.  At at more the half the cost, these Bushwacker Extend-A-Fenders are just at a hard price to beat.  We've installed so many of these in the pocket style and fitments were perfect.  We are definitely excited to get this addition to the truck.  The front of the truck is accented, yet it still remains different enough that you won't confuse it with an F450.

Bushwacker Extend-A-Fenders

Bushwacker Extend-A-Fenders

MSA's 2013 SEMA Project: Black Rhino > Teardown time

MSA SEMA 2013 Project: Black Rhino - 2014 Ford F350 Dually

Well...the time has come. We have finally completed our customer projects, and it's time to dedicate and focus on our SEMA build. With all hands on deck, the truck was torn down to almost nothing very quickly. The bed, the rear fenders, the front fenders, the hood, lights, seats, center console, and badging were removed to get ready for it's first phase: Suicide doors.

Our airbag system hasn't made it in yet, so we decided that our first step would be to get the suicide doors installed and working.  Looking at the doors, we initially thought we could just flip and put the driver's door on the passenger side and vice versa.  That turned out to be a no go. The doors are actually slightly angled forward. Any angles would've shot down the idea and so it did.

But before anything could begin, we had to have everything out of the way.  Having 6 weeks left, every second had to be accounted for.  So all panels were stripped of most components (we left the door handles since we are making sure everything open and closes properly).  So within a day's time, it went from a new completely assembled vehicle to what looked like would have been the start of an assembly line at the factory.  If you have ever done or heard of those doing SEMA builds, then you understand that SEMA crunch time is not uncommon.

MSA's 2013 SEMA Project: Black Rhino > AEM and Suicide parts arrive

Parts are starting to arrive, and we're itching to start getting this project going! However, along with the SEMA Project, we still have our daily business to run.  So challenge...accepted.  

First to arrive is our Suicide door kit for the rear doors.  After some discussions with the manufacturer, we decided to go with a very sturdy 180 degree door kit. Most kits that you see on the market are the 90 degree kit.  Basically, a normal operating door that's reversed in its function.  Black Rhino couldn't rock the norm.  These 180 degree kits will actually open all the way and sit almost parallel with the bed of the truck.  

Example of 180 degree Suicide Door Kit

2014 F350 180 degree Suicide Door Kit

AEM's intake arrived as well.  Can't wait to put this puppy on which boasts up to an additional 8hp.  We'll do a "How To" video on the installation of this also.  I haven't had the time, but will hopefully be editing the video on our Rigid "How to" installation video soon.

MSA's 2013 SEMA Project: Black Rhino > Test Panels

Test.  Test.  Test!  It's the name of the game.  As intricate and detailed as this project must be to live up to the standards of SEMA, we have tested, sprayed, and sprayed again to make sure we get the perfect combination of colors and effects to reach the goals previously set.  Although, I won't lay out all our secrets, I believe we might have found the combination we are looking for.  The Black Rhino build's goal is to have a completely brushed steel effect to it.  We've seen a brushed aluminum effect under clear coat.  We've seen it done with bare metal.  We've even seen brushed steel wraps.  However, this is our tow pig and not a garage queen.  We needed to simulate the effect of a vehicle in complete raw steel but in paint form.  It couldn't have a glossy finish.  

After several test panels and trying different "scratching" techniques, I believe we've hit the nail on the head with a perfect combination.  Here's a peek at what the exterior of the truck will look like.  

Painted Brushed Steel Effect

Painted Brushed Steel Effect

We are all definitely anxious and nervous to replicate this on the truck.  Creating this in smaller test panels is one thing.  Replicating it on so much surface area and still keeping its consistency will be the challenge.  We know what has to be done, and we were up for the challenge from day one.