SEMA 2015: BedRug's 2015 F150 XLT - Grille

For starters, we've installed several overlay grilles, replacement grilles, and cutout grilles.  By the looks of it, it appears this is a cutout.  That's not the case.  The grill was real easy to install.

The 2015 Grilles are a 2 piece construction.  The grille that is visible is actually an outer shell.  The inner component has fins and motor, and is what physically attaches to the truck.  The grill attaches to this piece.

To install, remove all the plastic push tabs from the cover.  Near the latch release, you'll see 2 plugs. Undo those and using a panel popper, pull up the push pin that holds the wires/plugs onto the top.   There you'll remove the 4 bolts that hold the top of the grille in.  There will also be 2 bolts on each side about 3/4 down.  Since we already had the headlights out, this was super easy.  I'm not sure if you'll need to have the headlights removed to gain access to these bolts.  If you do, you'll spend more time removing and reinstalling, then you will actually swapping the grilles out.

Once removed, look at the inside of the grille.  You'll find all the nuts that need to be removed to detach the grille from the assembly.  When done, just reverse the process.  I'm sorry we didn't take pics during this process, but T-Rex does provide a nice instruction booklet to go with it.

SEMA 2015: Bedrug's 2015 F150 XLT Build - Lift

For this build, Skyjacker sent their 6" lift in silver powdercoat and King Shocks sent their blue anodized reservoir shocks.  Since we would be utilizing some of the same bolt locations, we went ahead and installed the nFab Radius bumper while doing the lift.

The lift was first laid out and inventoried. Design and presentation was beautiful on by all parties. The powdercoat was nice on the lift.  The anodized blue on the shocks were beautiful.  We couldn't wait to dig in and start putting the lift on.

For the curious minds, we did notice a few differences on the 2015 model vehicles.  On previous models, the lower control arm were assymetrical.  (Typically one side was thinner than the other.)  The 2015 models are the same on both sides.  We also noticed that the axle nut in the center of the hub is also larger.  Not sure why the design changes with Ford, but those are two things we noticed.



Nitto sent 35x12.50 20 Trail Grapplers to wrap around the 20" BMF BATL wheels.  I admit, I wasn't too sure on the wheels at first.  Seeing them in person is a whole different thing.

To help with braking, Powerstop sent rotors and pads.  Pretty cool setup, if you ask me.

After getting all the components on, we moved onto the nFab Radius bumper.  If you're looking to install one, there is a little bit of work involved.  As simple as it seems, the bumper and shock reservoirs utilize the same bolts and location.  So having to align 3 parts into a frame hole and onto a nut was a challenge.  Also, the way it was designed, a secondary mount for the nFab bars, require being mounted to the OEM cross member.  So if you're looking to do the same setup, make sure that the lift isn't installed prior to installing the new crossmember.  After it's all said and done, it's definitely a beautiful combo.

Keg Media's Little Red Wagon - SEMA 2015 Build

Josh from ADA Offroad called us up one day, asking if we did wraps.  I confirmed that we indeed did, and he informed us of a build they were heading up for the owner of Keg Media, Robbie Bryant.  This was in fact his wife's new vehicle, a 2015 GMC Yukon XL.  That was a LOT of real estate to cover.  Josh wanted to keep it local, and our companies have worked together in the past and have maintained a healthy business relationship.  After a phone conversation with Robbie, I agreed that MSA would assist in wrapping the vehicle, and so the saying goes, the rest was history.

What's intriguing about this Matte Red Aluminum from Arlon, is that it's color somewhat changes depending on the lighting.  Under typical overhead lighting that has that yellow hue, the wrap appears to be a copper.  Depending on how the sunlight hits, it gives a blood red or a bright red appearance.  For being a Matte finish, it can fool the eye unless you're seeing it in person.

In it's final stages now, here are the pictures as the wrap was being done.


Reviews of the wrap

This is our first time using Arlon Products.  As a wrap, I was quite impressed.  It stretched and wrapped quite easily.  Being a metallic finish, I imagined some discoloration as the product stretched around certain areas.  But it didn't.  The bond was good and the "pores" worked just as well as the other companies when pushing out any air bubbles.  Working out creases were a little more difficult, but not significant.  Overall, we would definitely use the product again without hesitation.

2015 Chevrolet Silverado's - lifted and lowered.

McGaughy's continues to outdo themselves on both lifted and lowering trucks.  The ride quality on both of these left the customers grinning from ear to ear.

The first is a 7-9" Stage 2 McGaughy's lift, set at 8" on 37" tires.  After running these, we discovered the plastics at the back of the front fenders for the 14-15 models do not like the 37's as well as they took on the 07-13 models that didn't have them.  So we ended up dropping this vehicle back down to 35" tires, set at 9".  Still, a beautiful ride.


The second is a 2015 Regular cab with a 3/5 drop kit with the rear C-notches.  We upgraded the wheels and tires to OE style 22" black and machined, and the combo is just stunning.

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe lowered on McGaughy's Suspension

As an authorized dealer/installer for McGaughy's Suspension, we always enjoy seeing the final results of a vehicle with their lower kit.  This 2015 Tahoe turned out to be a beauty.  The Tahoe arrived with the 2 piece Fuel wheels already on.  The order...:

Paint the outer lip of the wheels
Paint the Bowties white with Black Frame
2/3 McGaughy's Lowering kit
Smoke taillights

SEMA 2015: BedRug's 2015 F150 XLT Build

We have the honor this year of building BedRug's 2015 F150 XLT Supercab for SEMA.  We've done the rendering, and everything was set in motion several months back.  It wasn't until recently that the rendering had been released.  Now that a majority of the product have arrived, it's time to get this show on the road.

First up is the Roadwire leather kit.  We have been distributors and authorized installers for Roadwire for a long time now.  As far as installations go, these are some of the simplest seats I have ever installed.  The SuperCab makes it really easy to remove the seats from the vehicle.  I was able to do the Passenger front seat today from start to finish in almost half the time I usually take on one.  (Note: This is a special pattern that was approved from upper managment.  You will not be able to request this through Roadwire.)  More progress pics to come on the leather as parts they're done.

SEMA 2015: Project Brutus *update*

Parts are arriving. As we gather them together, we get ready to schedule one of our biggest builds of the year. After some phone calls, we have almost secured the components necessary to complete this build properly.

American Force Wheels is again our primary sponsor. Always an honor to work with reputable companies. Even better is getting the opportunity to repeat that working relationship. American Force is working on a special project that will debut this year on Project Brutus. 

BedRug and Retrax have returned as sponsors as well. Both great companies with an true no hassle lifetime warranty. We wouldn't want to work with anyone else, so we are happy to have them aboard again. This year, Retrax sent us their newly released MX (Matte) cover, which is amazing.  

BedSlide is another company that has repeated their sponsorship with us. Their products are for SURE a lifesaver for anyone that works out of their truck.

Bushwacker was a no brainer. What better way to accent some 24's with a pocket style fender flare. 

Magnaflow provided us with a dual tip catback exhaust. We can't wait to hear the sound of the itty bitty EcoBoost turbo, spooling.  

Fab Fours sent us their new Venegence Series bumpers to really beef up the truck. They arrived raw for us to Powdercoat gloss black (at our request) and the craftsmanship was amazing.

Roadwire returns to provide us with a leather kit. This one is going to be a surprise which we are really excited about.  We will remove the seats to send off to them for replication. They will return with a new, custom setup. 

Ride Controller is a new company on board this year. This product is amazing. With Bluetooth sync capabilities of up to 150ft, I can turn on and off just about any 12v switched source with a phone!

Extreme Dimensions brings us the hood to give it a more aggressive and tough feel. The hood will also be unveiled at SEMA. 

Sony Car Audio is going to provide the audio system to finish out the interior.

Amp Research is also a new addition, utilizing their XL setup that offers a 3" drop on their steps.  We are super excited about this.  

Last but not least, Bulletproof Suspension, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, and Atlas Suspension finish out the look with a 12" lift. Components will be powdercoated red with a marbled hydrodip to represent Greek pillars.