Installed - BTR & WBB

[Snap]

Installed my bed tube rails and westin bull bar yesterday. My truck is galaxy black, bull bar is black with chrome skid plate, bed tube rails are dark grey to match the OEM step bars. I really like the way it all looks. I also have an OEM bug deflector but am not sure if I want to put it on or not... I was going to take pictures and post them tonight, but it's raining again so maybe tomorrow.

The one thing I was bummed about was losing the factory skid plate and tow hooks. I didn't realize I had to lose those things to install the bull bar. I don't mind so much about the skid plate as the bull bar has one (although it's not as good as the factory one which extends well underneath the truck). I do mind losing the tow hooks as that really does decrease the utility of the truck, but I decided the bull bar just looked too good not to put it on so...

Anyway, sorry no pics yet. I hate it when people post about things they've done to their trucks but don't post pics. I'll get some up ASAP.

Install tips for those of you who end up doing the same thing:
tube rails:
> When you cut out the plastic pieces from the bed liner pay attention to the depth of your utility knife so you don't hit the paint. I hit the paint at 1 of the 4 locations because I accidentally hit the release on the blade control.
> The mounting points and brackets are different front to back, make sure you mount the right ones in the right location.
> The final mounting screws will go in either side of the mounting bracket even though it doesn't look like they will, but be very very careful not to misthread them. If you do misthread one, switch the bracket left to right and try again. (you'll see what I mean when you install them)
> It's an easy install if you pay attention.

Bull bar:
> You don't have to remove the factory skid plate if you're willing to do some customization. There are threads here which explain what you need to do in order to keep the factory skid plate on along with the bull bar.
> If you choose to remove the factory skid plate (if you have one) it's pretty easy, but it's on tight
> You have to remove the tow hooks and good night are those things on tight. I put a closed wrench on it and whacked the wrench with a rubber mallet to break them loose. There's not much space to work in so it can get a little tricky, and unless you're better than me you'll have a few sore spots on your hands the next morning. The right sized wratcheting wrench would help here, but I didn't have one.
> Once the tow hooks are off the bull bar install is just a matter of 4 bolts and 10 minutes. My instructions didn't talk about where to put the included spacers, but it's pretty self apparent where they go (which is between the frame and the bull bar mount of the back bolt).

I'm really happy with both as they make my truck stand out a bit more. Now if my stealer can get my stereo working again I'll be set...