Black Beauty Update
Tonneau cover is working out really well. Hasn’t malfunctioned or needed adjustment.
Had to follow up the Meguiar’s ceramic coat with Turtle Wax Hybrid Black Acrylic. The application method as directed on Meguiar’s is overly complicated and a couple days later left me with water spots, possibly because of rain and pollen. Turtle wax hybrid solutions acrylic ceramic with black pigment seems to help fill in factory swirls and help knock down water marks from the previous treatment. Simpler application with superior results (possibly operator error but easier is better in my book).
Nerf bars have been great for the kids. My daughter is no longer bruised knee from climbing in and even though my son got it fine before he likes them and said they help him. On the discussion previously comparing this Amazon purchase to the overpriced Real Truck, the bars themselves are aluminum and the mounting brackets are stainless steel. The step plates are actually bolted on to the bars which may offer customization down the line if APS wants to offer shallower steps. Right now I have the option to remove the steps and have just a nerf bar which is pretty nifty, if you ask me. Measurement in photo is on uneven ground at lowest point. Still 10” which is greater than factory listing for ground clearance. This means I will likely scrape my lower control arm before hitting the nerf steps. THE ONLY GRIPE that I have with the step bars is that from the factory the middle brackets were labeled reverse (driver was labeled passenger and vis versa).
In channel rain guards are the way to go. They offer lower profile protection which means less wind noise and in my opinion a sleeker look.
Future projects will be fog lights and after market wheels/tires.