MSA's 2013 SEMA Project: Black Rhino > Airbag Parts Arrive

Finally...all our airbag components have finally arrived.  Opening these packages were a relief.  The schedule is extremely tight, and we will use every second to complete the project.  We hoped that the airbags would have arrived a week or two ago.  But with the setbacks on the suicide doors, it wasn't a problem to receive them a little later.  The brackets and all the components looked great.  When we finally received the setup, we noticed the back bag brackets weren't correct.  Another kink in the chain.  Somehow there was some miscommunication, and we ordered the incorrect parts.

The rear brackets were made with the bags on the outside of the frame, therefore placing them closer to the wheels.  Not having received wheels yet, we weren't entirely sure this would clear the setup.  Especially since the vehicle will be sporting 24" wheels.  The front brackets were too short and are the setup for 2wd vehicles and not our 4wd.

Grant it, we are able to fabricate our own parts and create a system completely outlandish.  But time wouldn't allow it.  Being a 2014, we were only able to take delivery of the vehicle a month ago.  Purchasing parts that were fabbed for the truck was our quickest route.

So the challenge we face is this.  We cannot cut a hole in the bed, nor can we raise the floor.  BedSlide and BedRug are both listed as sponsors.  Both products must be in the vehicle, and although we are building a custom truck, we want to retain as much of the product's originality as possible.  Then again, this is a 4wd vehicle that has to go LOW.  So the logistics of such as build has been challenging.  We, however, have made forward progress.  The front has been cut, trimmed, and shaved to get it at its lowest point.  When the airbags are fully deflated, the oil pan will sit just a hair above the transfer case.  We have maxed the limits.

No kink that can't be handled.  Just another part of the SEMA woes...  It happens.  Continue to rock on.

MSA's 2013 SEMA Project: Black Rhino > Suicide Doors...1 door roughed in.

Finally! After doing and redoing, we have a working and functioning Passenger rear door. The body lines are perfect. The door doesn't have any play in it anymore, and it opens and closes just as smooth as it used to, but in reverse fashion.  So stoked...other side shouldn't give us any problems.

MSA's 2013 SEMA Project: Black Rhino > Suicide Doors...the saga continues

Well...nothing ever seems to go smoothly when you're talking about a completely custom setup.  The Suicide Doors have been redone a few times now to make sure it's form and function is exact.  The doors open like they should, they hold like they should, and that they will withstand the abuse of daily use.  After installing them, we found the metal in the pocket it wasn't thick and sturdy enough, allowing the door to have some play.  The skin we replaced on the doors were too far out, not allowing the hinge bolts to sit flush against the door.  So what do you do?...  Cut it out and start over with stronger materials and create new template for the other side.  Being a newer product we haven't used before, it's always trial and error.

The spacers that were sent with the kit are useful...if perhaps you had a really light door.  The spacers allowed for some flex, so we had to recreate a pocket that eliminated the spacers.  Compound angles. Fitment and testing.  All requires time and patience.  But in the end, it's always worth it.

MSA's 2013 SEMA Build: Black Rhino > The Engine Bay

Changing The Engine Bay Color

The Truck came in white.  So one of the challenges was to make sure zero white remained on the vehicle.  Under the hood, in the door jams...anywhere there was white had to be eliminated.  We considered the prospect of creating engine cover panels like old school hot rods/street rods have.  Looking at mounting points, we ended up throwing that out the window and started to remove components of the engine.  For simplicity's sake, we removed crucial parts, taped off the remaining attached parts, and painted anything white a semigloss black.  While in there, the wires were ran, loomed, and prepped for the Rigid Industries light bars, the airbags, and the audio system.  Rockin' and Rollin'.  The Countdown continues.

Changing the Engine Bays' Color