Back from Powdercoat and as usual a fine job. I wasn't too worried about my lousy welds on the steps since they would be coated with Line - X Before delivering to Gary's for an application of black, steel plates were cut out in the shape of the Jeep grille and bolted to the steps covering the slots and holes. These acted as a mask which would be removed after coating exposing the powdercoated slots. At Gary's I was allowed to witness the process of application. All I can say, it is an art, and can now appreciate the time and effort that goes into this process. It's not as simple as you think. The Line-X dries almost immediately, allowing cutting with a utility knife around the steel plate

masks, and removing, exposing the grille slots. The look is what I was hoping for. It's subtle, but there if your observant. Assemble of the main structure was straight forward, since everything was prefitted in advance. 5/16" stainless bolts with stainless lock nuts (12 per side) were used along with leveling washers from McMaster Carr These were needed due to the fact that structural channel was used for the frame extensions, which have tapered legs. Without using these washers there would be no flat surface for the nut to seat against, causing stress on the bolts possibly weakening them. The steps were then mounted using 1/2" stainless button head hex drive bolts along with stainless lock washers. Next on the to do list is the application of the Laredo

stripe kit, in which Gary's will also be applying.