Powder coating is done at a local Powder Coating Pro shop

This process begins with first sanding/sand blasting the material (steel or aluminum), then heating it up at 400 F degrees in a specialized oven, powder spraying it, and then heating it up again. The metal is electically charged during the application.

The result is heat-adhered surface, more resistant to scratches than any paint, applied profesionally and actually more affordable than using car paint. Car paint requires multiple applications (primer, paint, clear coat) and is a lot more prone to rock chips, scratches, peeling, etc.

Our Molle panels are sold in raw metal or powder coated black. Raw metal panals come already sanded with 60 grit sander. They should be wiped with alcohol/spirits and spray painted while hanging or laying down.

Pick Lowrider if:
* you are looking for maximum roof usage, and 37" vs 30" top width
* get an extra inch in height, 4" vs 3"

Pick Slim if:
* you already have attachments to the stock bars, such as Hi Lift and Shovel/Axe and prefer keeping it this way
* the roof rack is an addition to your carrying options

Most byers have picked aluminum due to its lighter weight and "normal kind of occassional usage". While the non-rusting of aluminum is attractive, raw aluminum surface will still oxidize, and just like any raw material -- should be coated with paint/powder. Besides discoloring, raw material will also heat up a lot more, so make sure to paint any raw material exposed to sun.

There are no returns. All products are built to order, photos and descriptions show as much details as possible. Any concerns can be addressed before purchase.

I do my best to make installs convenient and I supply all the parts I can for the installs, they are represented by photos or descriptions.

The challenges and expenses have always put some products at the risk for being dicontinued.

I left my 2007 Xterra stock throughout its 2006-2015 lifetime.

Because of the front end impact which totalled my 2007, I was interested in a steel front end bumper for my 2015.

Within a month I had slow impact with a deer in Colorado, without bumper damage. Within 8 months a deer ran across my path in California, without any change for me to apply brakes and that deer took out my front bumper. I ordered a Shrockworks bumper and waited for 4 months for the bumper to arrive as I drove with a 1" gaparound the plastic bumper.

I bought Bilstein adjustable shocks with Eibach 600lb springs and kept the stock UCAs, allowing for a 1" lift up front.

2 years later I bought OME/ARB leaf springs, medium stiffness. They were too stiff off road and within 3 months I bought adjustable shackles to soften the ride. It worked.

Fast forward to December 2021: Titan Swap. Trail stability was improved.

November 2022: Alcan leaf springs, +200lb setting at 2" lift. $1060. Some squeaking but resolved with WD-40 or Silicone. Ride is smoother offroad.