My 1999 Vehicross, "Silvia", progress thread

[RamAirZ]

Well I decided to just start a thread for the build progress on my 1999 Isuzu Vehicross. This way I can just keep all my postings on my mods and such in one thread instead of taking up thread space. Well her name is Silvia, she's #1209 and painted Astral Silver. I picked her up in orlando for the tune of $4000 bucks back in April. this is what she looked like when I picked her up:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/IMG_0114.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/IMG_0112.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/vx10.jpg


I pulled the step bars off and installed some Aisin manual hubs as my first "mod":

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/20100505205141.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4434.jpg

I knew I wanted to toss a lift on her so I bought a set of OME 912 coil springs for the rear and went to work. I bought a set of 5 Isuzu Snowflake rims (16x7.5) and purchased some new 285/75-16 (33x11.50) Definity Dakota MT's:

Bringing wheels/tires home
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/20100513144015.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/20100523154145.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/0523101528-00.jpg


I installed the SBC window brackets today (during which I found out someone had tried to fix the drivers side window before and messed up the regulator) and gave her a good cleaning inside and out. I also decided to move the CD player down to the cubby hole/cd changer area in the dash, going to mount some gauges (oil pressure, boost, AF) in the original radio slot. Here are some pics of the inside after some cleaning today:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4429.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4428.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4430.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4427.jpg


After some cleaning decided to take out the factory spare since I have a full size now, never realized how happy she would be without a spare back there :bwgy:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4421.jpg

I decided to haul some "tools" back there now, which include: gas can, air compressor, jumper cables, towel, and my hitch mount:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4422.jpg

I also realized there is a decent amount of room for some necessities in the jack/lug wrench areas (got a big tow strap, some ratchet straps, bungie cords, full size maglite, first aid kit, tire pressure gauge, LED flashlight for your head lol)

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4424.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4425.jpg

Also decided to work on my headlights tonight while the wife was watching the new sex and the city movie with her friends from work. Took some 3M rubbing compound, a little elbow grease, and voila!

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4433.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4432.jpg

[RamAirZ]

And last but not least, I can't forget my most precious cargo:

My 4 month old daughter Chloe
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/IMG_4419.jpg

My 22 month old son John
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/IMG_4417.jpg

They need a place to ride:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4436.jpg


Well that's it for now folks, I've got some new balljoints, headlight kit, mecatech CV boots, urethane greasable sway bar bushings, low pro droop snubbers, and my gauge setup on the way, so updates coming soon! Will probably be ordering some sliders here soon to start modifying for her :yeso: Thanks for checking out my gal!

[RamAirZ]

Well it was dark when I finished her last night so decided to snap a couple clean pics. It was her first bath since I've owned her lol:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4437.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4438.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4440.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4442.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4439.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4443.jpg

[Marlin]

Looking good man. Sounds like me, I went from bone stock to what you see now in about 3 months time(except my bumper). I will say one thing, you need to get a new tow strap. Most parks and meets HIGHLY frown on the use of tow straps with hooks on em. As a matter of fact, the Zu group in uhwharrie won't let you use it. Those hooks are 8oz of fling death if the strap breaks, not to mention the damage it will do to the vehicles. Just go to harbor freight and pick up a 30 foot strap and a couple of shackles from northern tool. Less than 50 bucks total, and that is definitely worth it, especially with all the work you are doing to her. Sorry, lecture off, just don't want to see anyone get hurt, or broken rigs from something as silly as a cheap tow strap.

[RamAirZ]

Thanks man! I've actually got one in the house lol. I had that one in there for emergency road side stuff, like if I need to hook it up behind a friends truck to pull it out of the way. Thanks for the advice though! I use the good one with my hitch ball on or my front tow hooks but I'm planning on putting some shackles on her. I had her flexing out yesterday on a trail but my stupid cell phone won't send the pics to my email anymore, it's pretty irritating. My wife took the digi cam to work yesterday, blah.

[RamAirZ]

I love being a pack rat sometimes with car parts lol. I had a 91' Suburban parts truck awhile back and I grabbed this neat little light assembly from under the hood:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4448.jpg

It has an on/off switch and a retractable cord. Well I was thinking about mounting it under the hood but couldn't find a real good place for it, then I got a bright idea, I'll mount it in the rear cargo area, above the drivers side cubby hole. It'll be tucked up out of the way, can turn the light on when needed at night, and the cord is SUPER long and I can run it all the way to the engine bay with plenty of slack to use it as a flashlight if needed or just have it hanging from the hood. Probably be a few days before I actually mount it up but thought I'd post my find!

[technocoy]

Lookin good man, can't believe you can haul the kiddies in yours, I'm afraid it would rattle em to death!

Adorable kids too. All 'round good job so far I'd say. Ha.

[RamAirZ]

Thanks and I can't believe how smooth she rides with the lift and tires lol, no rattling of the kiddies. And they won't be in there when offroading unless it's just driving down a smooth trail.

[tom4bren]

Adorable kidz dude.

I can almost remember mine that young (youngest is now 16)

We still throw him in the back of the VX - shoot, at 16, he can even fall asleep back there (of course - at 16 he can fall asleep whilst taking a shower).:)

BTW, nice mods too (didn't wanna totally jack the thread).

[LiquidVX]

what color paint did you use on the dashboard? I am thinking of doing mine also but would only want it if it was exactly the same as the doors and leather. Would you recommend a different shade than what you used? How do others feel about a painted dash. I am still on the fence as to whether it is good or bad. I imagine a bright colored dash would be distracting but maybe i will get used to it.

[RamAirZ]

Thanks man! It already feels like they are getting big so fast! Seems like yesterday John was just born. As far as the dash, well it was done when i got it and honestly, whoever did it did a DAMN good job with it. I mean part of me thinks it was actually a "dealer" thing or something. I didn't like it at first but it's growing on me. I'm thinking I may paint it astral silver to match the truck though, haven't decided.

[etlsport]

if you paint the dash here is a tip.. tape off the area around the gauge cluster, dont paint it!! i painted mine silver and didnt tape that area off, i had nasty glare on any day with sun, couldnt see the gauges at all.

[RamAirZ]

ya mine is still black in there too

[LiquidVX]

thanks for the tip. Can anyone recommend a color, specific brand or type of finish (satin, gloss, matte...)?

[RamAirZ]

Got the panel and gauges in today. I didn't get a chance to get them wired up yet (kiddies woke up from there nap and now about time to get ready for work) but here are some pics of the install:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4451.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4452.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4453.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4454.jpg

[Marlin]

I love being a pack rat sometimes with car parts lol. I had a 91' Suburban parts truck awhile back and I grabbed this neat little light assembly from under the hood:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4448.jpg

!

I hate you!!!!! I scoured over dozens of old F100s, old Cherokees, and burbs for one of those!! I have been searching for ever a year at the yards. They are always gone, or busted. I will have one:evil:
I want to replace the bulb with an LED cluster. That way if I leave it on, no worries.
Good find man.

[RamAirZ]

Thanks man. I'm planning on putting an LED cluster bulb in there as well. Put my new 8500K H4's in today, got to use them on the way home from work, man do they light the road up good!

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4461.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4458.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4456.jpg

[RamAirZ]

Well this weekend I decided to start tearing Silvia apart to replace the Upper/Lower Ball Joints, install my low-profile droop snubbers, Mecatech CV boots, greasable sway bar bushings and also installed my aluminum gauge trim panel to make my stock gauges match my new ones in the dash.

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4469.jpg

Pulled off the entire spindle to make getting to everything easy

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4466.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4467.jpg

Check out those NASTY!!! CV boots lol, talk about torn.

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4464.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4465.jpg

I cleaned out all of the old grease and got the shaft ready for the new boots (didn't even have to remove the shaft!, gotta love the cone tool)

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4470.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4471.jpg

New boot on with shaft still in the truck :)

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4472.jpg

Got everything back together with the new joints (with an upper ball joint flip) and snubber, now she's ready to go!

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4473.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4474.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4475.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4476.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4477.jpg

Truck is a little muddy from playing on a trail near my house. She's all buttoned up now and ready to go now. Took her out for a quick romp earlier and all sounds/feels good. I need to put the sway bar bushings on today, it got late last night finishing everything else (had to wait until wife and kids were asleep to get work done uninterrupted lol)

[BigMeatVX]

I love being a pack rat sometimes with car parts lol. I had a 91' Suburban parts truck awhile back and I grabbed this neat little light assembly from under the hood:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4448.jpg

It has an on/off switch and a retractable cord. Well I was thinking about mounting it under the hood but couldn't find a real good place for it, then I got a bright idea, I'll mount it in the rear cargo area, above the drivers side cubby hole. It'll be tucked up out of the way, can turn the light on when needed at night, and the cord is SUPER long and I can run it all the way to the engine bay with plenty of slack to use it as a flashlight if needed or just have it hanging from the hood. Probably be a few days before I actually mount it up but thought I'd post my find!

I have the same light! They work awesome....
You left out the BEST part tho....not only do they have a long retractable cord, buit also the base of the light is MAGNETIC allowing it to stick to various places while useing the light...like the hood, shouldn't have to have it"hanging there"?

[RamAirZ]

Mine isn't magnetic :( That's probably why I didn't mention it lol,. is there a magnet stuck to the back of the light? I have some "residue" that looks like it could be glue from something that used to be on the back of the light. I got jipped! oh well, I'll just buy a stick on magnet lol

[BigMeatVX]

Hmmm I ASSumed they all were magnetic...:confused:

Mine has a circular magnet epoxyed (I guess) into the reccessed area on the underside of the light.... :?: It seems to be a fairly strong magnet.:yeso:

Nice addition for sure...

[RamAirZ]

Ya I think mine must have came off at some point or someone took it off, I can see where it was. I'll just buy one, good tip though thanks!

[RamAirZ]

Well decided to go exploring today and found a few mud holes, nothing really to "climb" on except this hill lol. The one pic with the right rear tire stuffing, I tripped on a root so it's a little tilted haha. I kept it just because it showed the rear tire.

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4481.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4482.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4483.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4485.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4486.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4487.jpg

And all the ruts are mine lol, I played in it for a bit, stupid cladding catches most of the mud haha

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4488.jpg

[Marlin]

Looks a lot like Ocala scrub brush.

[RamAirZ]

Ya it's Florida crap is what it is lol. Still had some fun just driving around but not a whole lot to play on, just mud pits every so often

[JAMAS]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Retractable-Underhood-Light-88-98-Chevy-GMC-Truck-Sub-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem23079d6e8eQQitemZ15045 1613326QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/CTP-15702A

http://www.pfyc.com/pc/GN3007/GPLIGHTING/Underhood+Light.html

http://www.justforjeeps.com/underhoodlight.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400123311391&crlp=1_263602_263622&ff4=263602_263622&viewitem=&guid=4a68b8d711e0a09c18632823ffd9c471&rvr_id=&ua=WXF%3F&itemid=400123311391

light bulb replacement
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?action=DispPage&Page2Disp=%2Fspecs%2F67.htm

[RamAirZ]

For a second I was like SPAM?

[JAMAS]

ha.....just trying to work the google on the internet machine.

[RamAirZ]

lol ya I gotcha. I opened it and was like, should I click these then saw the "underhoodlight" part in one of the links and knew what it was

[RamAirZ]

I went with my buddy Chase and his friend William today and found a nice little spot. But MAN getting up this one hill was a PITA! The ground was like powder. I got stuck once up to the door and backed out after a little digging and got a run at it and almost made it to a "hard" patch on the left with a little trail but Williams Jeep got stuck and I had to stop. I made it further than he did on his first try with lockers lol. I wanna go back again and try it soon and see if I can make it all the way up, we had to both be winched up the hill it was THAT bad lol. My buddy Chase has some awesome pics of my truck but these are what I got for now:

My riding buddy:
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4491.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4492.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4493.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4494.jpg

Beautiful spring water running through this creek. Both of these hills were pretty damn steep, especially for Florida!
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4496.jpg

Airing the Jeep down some more
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4497.jpg

Hooking the winch up
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4498.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4499.jpg

My 2nd run at it got pretty far up without digging in (mud tires and sand=suck)
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4501.jpg

Going through some tight trails, scratched the **** out of my truck and have an inside full of leaves and twigs from crap coming through the sunroof lol
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4504.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4505.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4509.jpg

Chase has some sweet pics of me coming up the hill the 2nd time and going through this tight area with the side of my truck basically on a wall. Hopefully he sends me the pics soon. The only part that made me sad today (don't care about scratches or the CV's making noise), the stupid silver receiver trim on my hitch came off :( I liked that lol. The Jeep guy was impressed with the VX today, especially after making it up that hill the 2nd time. We plan on going back again and trying to make it without a winch lol. Your feet sunk just walking through the crap. He is actually a "nice" Jeep owner, not one of the douchebags. He invited me to come with him to some other places around here and might get some free parts to do a solid axle conversion up front from him too lol, if I decide to do that instead of getting new CV's and dropping the diff.

[RamAirZ]

Finally got some of the pics from my friends computer, here are a few:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv033.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv044.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv043.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv037.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv035.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv074.jpg

View from the top
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv034.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv050.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv049.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv051.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv053.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv069.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/tv070.jpg

[RamAirZ]

And my new keychain :)

http://www.webglider.com/Laser/planetisuzoo.com/DSC07157.JPG

[vt_maverick]

Great pics! And where'd you get the keychain?

[RamAirZ]

Thanks! A member on the Planet got a new laser machine and decided to mess around with making stuff. He started with the planetisuzoo logo and then the logo and skull, I had him add the VX in the eyes. Thought itd be a neat little memento

[RamAirZ]

The local jeep group invited me out to a place called Mobile Swamp today, it's basically a HUGE area with tons of trails, mud pits, hill climbs etc. It started pouring while we were out so it made the clay trails super slick but tons of fun! Like last time though, the good pics/vids are on my friend Chase's camera, he's got a few good vids of my climbing and runnign through the trails. There was one hill in particular that was pretty steep and fairly slick with the recent thunderstorms. some of the Jeep guys had some trouble with it even in 4WD (one was running Maxxis Bighorn's and the other had Swamper TSL Radials). Will (my friend with the Rubicon) had no problems with the hill in 4WD and made it look easy, but in 2WD he couldn't get far at all. Then they turned and asked what the VX could do and said give it a shot. I said sure, I'll try in 2WD first (my CV's are still clacking, waiting on my new ones) for the heck of it. They kinda giggled and said sure thing, when you get stuck just try and back down and try in 4WD. I made it up that f'er in 2WD on the first shot! I stopped at the top and got a standing ovation lol. I only got stuck once and it was in this deep wet clay pit that I was a little over confident with, I thought I'd try it in 2wd since I made it through all the trails even in pouring rain on steep clay inclines in 2wd, ya I had to be winched out lol. I made it through in 4wd but sunk in with the front hubs unlocked and it was over. When we got done with one of our long trail runs and they found out I was in 2wd the whole time they were like 'are you serious!" Ive always said the most important mod for any vehicle is the driver mod, I showed the Jeep guys that today :lol: They are great bunch of guys with some sweet rigs, they loved the VX though! One of the girls with them called it cute though :( Here are a few pics that I snapped and I'll post the rest probably tomorrow or wednesday, sucks that it rained so much, couldn't get out and snap as many pics as I wanted to:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4634.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4635.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4636.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4637.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4638.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4639.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4640.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4642.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4643.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4644.jpg

I actually aired down this time, which I didn't do in my last sand run (was far away from an air pump and forgot my compressor at home).

[RamAirZ]

Got the other pics and the vids from Chase, here ya go (if you want to come down, I'll show you that hill in person, doesn't look near as steep in the video):

Video of hill climb (click to watch)
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/th_100_0120.jpg (http://s583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/?action=view&current=100_0120.mp4)

Video of me just running through the trails (click to watch)
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/th_100_0130.jpg (http://s583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/?action=view&current=100_0130.mp4)

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/100_0121.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/100_0122.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/100_0124.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/100_0126.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/100_0128.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/100_0129.jpg

[Bob Barker]

That looks fun! We don't have hills like that here in central FL... I would have to go to the local land fill to find something to climb like that!

[RamAirZ]

lol ya there are some fun hills around here, this whole place it setup for trucks so not sure if the hill was there before or if it was man-made, either way it's a ton of fun! You should bring your new VX sometime :)

[Bob Barker]

I talked with the guy again today and the lift that was on it has ben taken off and stock springs put back in. He said the lift springs will come with it so now it's basically a completely stock VX except for an aftermarket CD player. In other words, she's not set up to handle slicker than owl poo red clay!!! I'll have the springs back in it and some new tires and rims soon enough.

[RamAirZ]

Just put some tires on it and you'll be good to go :) If you need any help with that stuff lemme know, we could have a wrenching day. I'd be irritated that he mislead people by posting pics of a lifted VX with nice rims/tires but that's not what your getting.

[Bob Barker]

He said in the add the wheels were chrome stockers now so that's not so much of a big deal but the lift is bothering me. If the springs are with it I don't mind the half hour or so to put them back on myself. Gives me a chance to look around underneath! Plus he's going to be caughing up more cash since things aren't exactly what the add showed.

[RamAirZ]

that's cool! How much are you getting if you don't mind me asking?

[Bob Barker]

$500 more than we first agreed on because I'm going to be driving further and putting the springs back on myself.

[RamAirZ]

not bad

[RamAirZ]

Thought I'd update the thread with some recent wheeling pics:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/DSCN1180.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/DSCN1182.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/DSCN1179.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/DSCN1178.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/IMG_4773.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/IMG_4728.jpg

Koda, my trail puppy!
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/IMG_4761.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/IMG_4741.jpg

He's a supervisor too
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/IMG_4755.jpg

[vt_maverick]

I don't think I've posted this before, but I really like the body-matched mirrors. Looks very sharp!

[RamAirZ]

Thanks!

[Chopper]

You're an hour away from Palm Coast in Lake Mary. I-4 to 95 N >>>exit 93 (appox 30 miles) Auto stuff is us...Paint and body to full on fabrication. Check my gallery, you'll see what I mean;)

[RamAirZ]

? huh

[Bob Barker]

Maybe he was talking to me?

BTW, I'm in Destin for the rest of the week with my (new to me) Ebony VX! I drove through Panama City Beach today taking my wife to that new airport out in the middle of nowhere on 388 so she could fly back to Orlando. Was thinking to myself, "Hey, self, wonder if I will see that silver VX trodding around town whilst I'm here..." But alas, you were a no show!

[RamAirZ]

lol I was all over town today, I went down and picked up this bad boy for my Amigo project:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/0719101621-00.jpg

Why didn't ya call me? I work everyday until saturday, I might be able to make it during the day this week but would have to turn around and come back for work.

[Bob Barker]

You got a childs seat for ur project truck?

[RamAirZ]

lol haha no, the axle dummy :) The child seats were just thrown in there after I loaded it. I had to meet the wife in town and she took the kids so I could go to my Dr appt and then grab the axle.

[RamAirZ]

Well, installed the CB today, I'm running a Cobra DXIV CB, Firestik 9ft Firering coax, Firestik 4ft Firefly antenna and an adjustable Firestik hood/fender antenna mount. I really wanted to put it in the ash tray but it ended up being too long even if I cut out the bar in the back. It fits nice and out of passenger's legs on the side and I like where I ended up mounting the mic.

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4942.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4943.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4944.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4939.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4938.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4937.jpg

[ZEUS]

That is the same mic and same location as what I had in my VX.
I always thought there was something a bit different about your VX in your sig... today I finally realized what... the mirrors! Looks good!
(EDIT -and after I posted I saw Mav's post... haha)

[H3_VX]

Wicked nice thread Ram! That puppy is probably the cutest I've ever seen. LOL!

[RamAirZ]

lol thanks that's Koda, he's my dawg! He's actually asleep at my feet right now lol. Thanks Zeus, I love the body colored mirrors, they really make the truck look good IMO. What do you think of the antenna/cb location? I wanted to do the ash tray but that ended up not looking that great even pushed back against the AC vent tubes it still stuck out and looked "unfinished". I thought about roof mounting it between the sunvisors but I'd have to cut the edges off them to keep them from hitting it. I think it'll work out were the CB is mounted and I'm 50/50 still on the antenna. It looks like a big RC car lol. It'll give me a nice clear signal up there though and kinda looks like a factory antenna but long haha. I didn't want it on the roof and thought about using the same bracket to mount it in the rear door channel but didn't like my coax routing options.

[ZEUS]

I'm with ya on the CB although I installed mine in the lower DIN location which I would do again! CB antennas are tough to make look good, I think. How bout a short antenna on the upcoming rack? Or a swivel mount on the rack with your midget whip!

[RamAirZ]

I would have installed it there but I have the CD player there now and gauges where the CD player used to be. In my 97' Rodeo I had the CB mounted in the cubby hole down at the bottom and I loved it there, and had the antenna mounted on the spare tire rack. I thought about mounting it on the rack when it gets here but I think if I move it I will probably mount it on the rear of the truck inside the door channel. I'll need to get a longer coax but that's not a big deal.

http://www.fuelslut.net/ihost/files/8340/IMG_2319.JPG

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/Gorman%20Isuzu%20Trip/IMG_2550.jpg

[ZEUS]

Yeah, that's better, now move those gauges to the pillar, move the CD player up and tuck that CB back like you had it! :P

[RamAirZ]

lol I like the gauges in the dash dangit. I've ran a TON of gauge setups over the years and I love dash mounts wherever possible.

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4453.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/DSCF1868.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/consolein2.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/irocinterior-1.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1967%20Chevrolet%20Biscayne/gauges.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/For%20Sale/gauges-1.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/For%20Sale/l_5ca4fa945b9542c99a8ce160ce4c19f2.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/For%20Sale/IMG_3320.jpg

Here's my idea of an optional antenna placement:
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/newantenna.jpg

[RamAirZ]

Well with the help of a torch and a gigantic adjustable wrench (to use as my pry bar of sorts), the antenna looks like this now, I'm gonna stick with the rear mount I think. I used a cable clamp on the coax using one of the rear taillight screws and I didn't need to drill any holes in the rear plastic since there was this neat little spot that already had a small gap and the cable fit perfectly. I pulled the side paneling out just enough to slide the cable all the way under to the front and then ran under the carpet over to the CB. I mounted the bracket in a way that I could run the cable real tight without any binding so very little is actually exposed outside the truck.

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4959.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4958.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4961.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4954.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4955.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4965.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4964.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4963.jpg

[Marlin]

You need to run by a truck stop, spend 8 bucks and buy a spring for that thing, otherwise you will be hatin life when it really whips the side of the truck, then you need to get some kind of foam ball or tennis ball the protect your truck from the whipping effect.

[RamAirZ]

Ya I was already looking into getting a 6" spring with the internal strap. It's a flexy antenna so not sure how bad the whip would be as is, I had a similar antenna on my Rodeo except this one is Firestik and that one was a Wilson. I never had a problem with that antenna. I pulled it back and let it go already lol. Ya looking forward to Uwharrie?

[Marlin]

I have the firestick as well, first trip out, no spring, thought it was gonna torque the mount off the roof rack, gots me a spring, no problems, plus I like to see the shadow of it flying around up there and hearing the "whom whom whom" of it flopping around (not sure on the sound effect, but you know what i mean:rolleyes:

[RamAirZ]

Which model are you running? I'm gonna add the spring soon as well as a braided ground strap. I got to listen to it today make the whom whom sound lol. Took me a minute to remember that my antenna will do that haha. I turned off the radio and was like "wtf is that, ooohhhh, that's right" lol

[RabidPony]

Were/are you by chance on any other car forums? Specifically Gulf Coast ones. Some of the gauge mount pics you posted up there look REALLY familiar.

[RamAirZ]

Gulf Coast Muscle, Racing pensacola perhaps?

[RabidPony]

Hahah, I was on both of those forums for years! Same username, blue Mustang vert. And on the topic at hand, will you be cleaning up the wiring on/around the center console for the CB install?

[RamAirZ]

lol all the wiring is random crap I use throughout the day, some of it is for my car charger for my phone (which is usually in my console so not always out there and the other wires are from the GPS. I have it tucked away when not in use so they aren't always there. The only wire you'll see for the CB is the cord to the MIC. I haven't been on either of those forums in a LONG time, I check in every now and then though

[Marlin]

Here is the model I use, I have 2 handsets and three connection boxes.
http://cobra.com/products//75-wx-st-compact-remote-mount-cb-radio-with-soundtracker-and-noaa-weather

This enables us to have one in the wife's truck, one in mine, and one in the tow rig. The guts to the radio are hidden inside the ebrake console, nothing to see.
Not that yours is bad, but I think mine is a bit neater in the end. It is invisible when the mic is put away in the glovebox. I also like being able to move it from truck to truck as needed. With the antenna on the rack, I usually have one of the longest ranges in the group, even with the small power of the radio. I am 100% happy with it, I even ordered two external speakers a few days ago to add to the setup for the ZUs so we can hear on the trail a bit better.

quick disconnect

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMGP0065.JPG

mic spot same as yours
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMGP0068.JPG

hooked up
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMGP0069.JPG

antenna on rack
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3237/IMGP0893.jpg

[RamAirZ]

Ya I've seen yours before Chris, that's an awesome install! I wasn't sure about the mic mounted controls and had the plans for the ash tray so that's why I didn't go with your setup. Trust me, it kind of annoys me where I had to put it but I'm more concerned about it working.

[RamAirZ]

Well after some cutting (for some reason my camera phone pics won't send to my email or I'd have pics of the cutting etc) and alot of time in the sun, I got the CB in the ash tray. I still have a little room to move it back further but not sure if I want to or not. What do you guys think?

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4986.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4980.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_4985.jpg

[ZEUS]

PERFECT! The CB install is done! :D

[RamAirZ]

hahahaha almost, think I'm gonna try and move it back a little further when i have teh dash apart later this week or next

[ZEUS]

OK 1"... then its OVER! ;)

[RamAirZ]

That's what she said lol

I take it your tired of seeing CB pics

[ZEUS]

LMAO!! Nope, just looking forward to the next mod!

[RamAirZ]

well I should get a few things today and hopefully by the end of next week I'll have everything I ordered

[RamAirZ]

Well I got to test fit my new rack and lights today, waiting for my crossbars to come in that I'm hoping will work.

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5023.jpg

I also mounted this little guy :evil:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5022.jpg

[Tookie]

What does that doooooooo. LOL. I never thought of removing that switch there and doing something like that. I feel like I just wanna steal ideas from everyone here. I like that! :thumbup:

[RamAirZ]

haha ya I was looking around for a place and I saw that area so I popped the switch and the blank plate out and sat it there and it fit almost perfect. I'm gonna extended the wires for the heater mirrors up to the dash soon and put it there along with my light switches

[RamAirZ]

Here's an update for my thread, customized a Rage roofrack to fit the VX roof rails and got my basket mounted. Took the VX for a little offroad trip with a buddy of mine who just recently bought an 01' Ebony, it was his first time out and we had just finished the lift and tires the day before:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5052.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5056.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/20100904212105.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/PART951283822967540.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/20100904212238.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/20100904212307.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/20100904213250.jpg

[RamAirZ]

Winch and winch plate are in, gotta start working on that soon:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5060.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5061.jpg

[RamAirZ]

Cleaned her up today (finally :lol: ) and got her looking all spiffy again:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5141.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5149.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5142.jpg

In this pic you can see the big scratch running up the hood:
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5113.jpg

TADA!

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5143.jpg

it ran up the hood, up the windshield and then down over the passenger door/1.4 window and left a scratch from the side window all the way to the taillight, now you can barely tell it's there, the worst was the hood

[ZEUS]

Gawd, what an ugly VX! (Today opposite things saying am I.) Hate that VX.

[RamAirZ]

LOL, thanks Zeus, I think, or should I say screw you Zeus! I was cleaning up and found some of this old tire gel I used to use in my car show days, it was the best thing I ever found for tires, looked good for a long time so decided to try it on the cladding, we will see how it holds up to my dirt road lol:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5150.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5151.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5152.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5153.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5155.jpg

[RamAirZ]

Well, I got the lights mounted almost a week ago but didn't get around to wiring them up between the kids and the oh so hot weather lol. Finished everything up today and decided to take some pics and do a little write-up.

I purchased 4 long-range 100 watt off-road lights from harbor freight to mount on my roof rack. I went with these because I tried them out on my 97' Rodeo before and was very pleased with the quality and brightness for the price (spent less than $50 for all 4). Plus I like the hard black plastic housing with light guards too. I mounted them using 4 CB antenna mounts bolted to the roof rack:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5150.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5185.jpg

I ran the main power wires for the lights to the underhood fuse box, since the wiring included with the kit had inline fuses etc, I used the main power supply stud on the fuse block to connect the wires to:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5171.jpg

I ran the wiring down through the grommet on the passenger side firewall, down under the footwell portion of the carpeting, up behind the center portion of the dash and up inside the lower steering column section and up to the far drivers side portion where my new switch panel is mounted. I took some pics of just the wiring and then went back over everything with wire loom:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5174.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5167.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5169.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5180.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5181.jpg

(as you can see, the fuse holders are tucked behind the center area here, I left them somewhat exposed for the pic and tucked them back when finished, I can easily reach in and access them for fuse checks)
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5170.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5175.jpg

Now this little "grabber" tool is awesome, I have 2 of these, just route it where I want the wires to go, and grab the wires and pull them through (a coat hanger and tape works too but this works awesome, and I had the tool so I use it lol)
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5176.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5177.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5193.jpg

I used the dash mounting stud here for my ground for the switches, I added a washer so the ring terminal is contacted by metal on both sides when tightened down:
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5179.jpg

Here is the new Rodeo switch panel (thanks Bart!). The first 2 switches (left to right) are for the 4 lights up top (one per pair, I'm thinking about rewiring everything to one switch but It's nice to have a choice of not using all of them) and the far right switch will either be for a pair of rear lights I'm thinking of adding or something else I'm sure I can use it for eventually lol. I had it so I used it to fill in the panel.

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5161.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5162.jpg

I ran the roof wiring down through the door channel, using some excess weatherstripping to shield it from the door, and tucked it inside the interior panels, everything is down through the panels and under the carpet up to the dash. I used the lower seat belt mounting bolt to run 2 larger gauge ground wires up to the top so I could have a good ground at the lights, one wire per pair of lights:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5184.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5189.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5191.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5192.jpg

[RamAirZ]

Here is the finished install on the switches and lights:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5163.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5164.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5194.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5195.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5196.jpg


K, so decided to pull along the side of the house to take some pics of the lights at nightfall on my fence. Here are some daytime pics for distance reference (measured it out, it's about 50ft to the front portion of the fence fro where the lights are, and with the fence opened it's about 92ft to the rear portion of the fence)

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5198.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5201.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5203.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5204.jpg

Here are the night pics:

Just headlights:
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5205.jpg

Just roof lights:
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5207.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5209.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5213.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5210.jpg

Headlights and roof lights:
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5208.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5218.jpg

With the gate opened:
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5214.jpg

Headlights on with gate opened:
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5217.jpg

Just for reference, I took this pic with all lights off (I have not a single piece of externally lighting on the house for these pics, and the street light is out so it's REALLY dark)
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5215.jpg

I parked in front of my neighbors house with the truck pointing towards the end of my street, it's gotta be at least 30 yards
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5219.jpg

[RamAirZ]

went down the road a minute ago for a better pic. This dirt road is pretty wide and long (haha). I can park across it and there would still be room for a truck to get by.

Just headlights:
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5220.jpg

Just rooflights, headlights off:
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5221.jpg

[Marlin]

Now you need to go on Ebay and upgrade em to HID, would cost less than 100 bucks to upgrade all 6(head lights and roof lights), then you would be in big trouble, it would be so bright....

[vt_maverick]

Hail RamAirZ, King of Double-Posting...

[ZEUS]

Kewl, luks gud wit da lites! Now clean your steering wheel you disgusting slob! ;)

[RamAirZ]

Ya it would be bright as heck Chris. I may eventually upgrade to HID but the headlights are pretty bright (the last pic doesn't show it well but this one looks alright)

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5205.jpg


They light up the road really nice at night. It's one of those later mods I'll do, I'm happy with everything for now though, the spot lights really make things bright lol. And how could you do 6 HID's for $100? The kits for our headlights are about $200, some of those super cheap ebay kits are still over $100. Maybe I need to go look again

And VT, yes hail me, if you count the post on the planet for them it would be higher :laughing: I thought a write-up would be nice for some people, but just for you I'll just start keeping everything in here. I just thought alot of people don't read build threads and search for certain items.


And thanks Zeus, but the steering wheel is worn there, I've tried cleaning it lol.

[Marlin]

Alright, here is how it works. H3 or H$ kit on ebay, 35 bucks, thats two lights down, multiply times three...voila. 100ish. If you combine shipping. Get your ebay bucks back, and you are under 100. I did the cheap 40 dollar kit from Hong Kong, that was 20 months ago, no flicker, no pulsing, no strobing, no burnt out bulbs...best deal ever. Had to swap some wires on the factory harness, but nor problemo. They are BRIGHT, you'll see at Hallowharrie on the night run.

[RamAirZ]

gotcha, I had ran one of those kits (it was a LONG time ago) and they were garbage, the ballast took a crap. The newer ones must be better. Since then I hadn't trusted any of the "cheap" HID kits, and your right, swapping some wires is nothing :laughing". I'll have to check them out next month for sure. That would be a nice upgrade. I wonder how hot they would get in the offroad lights, hhmmmmm. Question for ya, do you not have high beams anymore? Those kits are usually single's. Honestly though I never use my high beams anyways as it is.

[vt_maverick]

No worries, just givin' ya grief RamAirZ... :)

[RamAirZ]

I know :laughing:

[yellowgizmo99]

you can get them with high and low also and what I have read somewhere the heat from them is lower than regular headlights, the light output is higher but not the heat.

[RamAirZ]

I don't think you can get the high/low one's for $35 though lol. I've got a few other things to buy first but I'll end up trying those out.