Well, I'm about half way (probably will be saying this forever..lol) to completing my Rat X.

The original truck was quite damaged bodywise when I got her but had a very solid drivetrain and underpinnings. It was owned by a movie production company and while they couldn't give a crap about how many objects they ran into, they were meticulous in the dealer maintenace of everything else.
Anywho, I was looking at getting the body fixed but was torn with getting a $3-4k base coat/clear coat put on because we use the X to get us up to our cottage in the mountains, the road getting there which could be described as a wider version (not by much) of an ATV trail. I was cringing thinking of the first trip up hearing the branches from the trees and bushed scraping away on the black paint.
So, with a little forethought, and some inspiration from a buddies truck bed that had a bedliner sprayed in, I got the exterior completely done in GatorHyde bedliner. It is now completely bullet proof (well almost) to any and all possible causes of damage. And, to be honest, it looks really good! We get stopped at least once a day by people that want to know what we put on the truck. The pics are kinda crappy as I have a crappy digital but I will try and get better pics to show just how well it turned out.
The second pic is of the new, custom fab'd aluminum running boards/hoop steps I had made. The hoop steps fold up underneath when offroad to protect them from damage.
The next step is the Ironbull front winch bumper that should be here this coming week and then a 4" BDS, all spring lift with 35" MT's all around. I was also thinking of replacing the eggcrate grill with a regular charcoal grey industrial one from the F350-450 trucks.
Still contemplating the smoked from headlight for it.... will keep posting updates as it gets further along.




Here's what the front bumper will look like...

 

Awesome looking rig.

 

That looks assume

 

that looks good do u have any far away shots?

 

I really like your grill, where did that come from?

 

Now that is how you bedliner a vehicle! I almost wish y body was all beat up so I could bedliner it and make a rat rod truck with it!

And this, is NOT how you bedliner a vehicle...
VWvortex Forums: Bed Lined Audi, YEAH!, THAT'S RIGHT, I DID IT.

 

Will try and get some better shots with some better lighting.... might wait til I get the Ironbull bumper put on...

As a bonus, it only cost $1200 and is indestructable, short of a bomb blast.

I'm seriously thinking about taking out the ratty carpet and spraying the interior next year....we'll see

 

Nice Ex! I just installed my front Iron Bull over the weekend - you will love it!

 

Scott, how was the install on the bumper? Was the disassembly of the old bumper and all the extra braces and that lower bar a hassle, or did it come off fairly easily?
I'm being allowed to use my local shops alignment hoist to do the job (only lift in the shop that will lift the truck..lol) and along with their air tools, should help.

 

Its actully very easy to take off the OEM bumper. I took mine off 3 weeks ago and put on a ranch hand front end replacement. Scottf444 do you have any pics of ur bumper?

 

That will make nice sound deadening too! I'd shoot the roof and behind the rear panels as well.

Here's a link for a vinyl flooring for the Ex. I think you may find it better since the door kick plates will be raised without the carpeting.

Molded Vinyl Floor Covering for Trucks and Taxi's

Those running boards are very cool! X-X22

 

I dunno. That Audi looks pretty cool. I don't see it any difference between that and the Excursion above, sans color.

 

Install took about about an hour and a half. Had to torch some of the old bolts to get them to budge. I still have to remove the lower bar which requires removing the main, front leaf spring bolt. I'll tackle that next weekend. Here are some quick pics off my phone.





Have fun!

 

Yeah , its nice, but I wouldn't want to wax it, take to long to buff out!!!


Ian




Yeah, I know you can't wax it, Armorall is another thought though. MMMMMmmm Get it, Armorall, on the bedliner, acting as armor on the armor? All over armor. heehehehehehe

 

Never thought about ArmourAll... wonder if it would cause stuff to stick to it worse or how easy dirt would wash off?

Sprays off really easy as it is now...

Btw, I love the look of that Audi.... the wheels might have been a bit much, but the rest is super!