Nomad's Lexus GX 460 - aka - Land Cruiser Prado 150

"I welded, it helded." I was thinking about  adding rock sliders. Not to hit rock gardens and pivot around obstacles or grind over boulders, but as a 'just in case" measure as even mild trails can reach up and grab those low hanging plastic steps the GX came with.  I had a few options: Several suppliers have bolt on designs for $600-1,000 Trail Gear DIY kits are around $350-400 Raw steel tube would cost $250 (still need to buy a bender) I researched and watched used markets for take offs... As I looked at used parts, I noticed how much cheaper the Jeep JK stuff was. DIY kits are basically sliders welded up but you do the fitment, mounting plates, and extensions. Weld it and finish it. Well, my catalog of poor ideas keeps growing... I had another one. I picked up a set of Smittybuilt rock sliders for the Jeep JKU (4 door) for $80 locally. Cheaper than I can buy the same amount of raw tube steel... Jeep sliders for the Lexus? Just my style. Stock sideskirts are 74...

 Just for fun I decided to figure out a way to add Paracord Grab handles to the Lexus GX460.  Is it an essential mod? No.  Does it solve a problem? No.  Is there a good reason to do it? Yes! Mods = fun. My method is completely reversible if I don't care for them or need to put it back to stock.  Problem 1: When the factory handles are removed there are odd shaped holes left behind. I measured then modeled some finish plates to mount the handles to. 3D printed a set and will see how they fit.  Problem 2: The factory uses clips in 3/8" x 3/4" square holes to attach the stock handles. This makes it tough to just "bolt on" another option. I had to get creative in how to mount them. I settled on what I hope is a simple/strong enough design. A little garage time whipped these up. Inserted into the hole is a 1"x 3/8" drilled and tapped tab. A "C" shaped spacer is then entered into the hole to position and clamp the tab to keep it from spinning behin...