That's funny john. So I take it your gonna paint yours now :)
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That's funny john. So I take it your gonna paint yours now :)
Powder coat them ... Looks pro then!!!
Probably not. I'm not too good at paint. Still weighing some options, including yours!
Eric - Got part #'s?Quote:
Originally Posted by etlsport
Key to getting a deal on powder coating is to do any prep they need for them. Then ask when they will be doing a run in the color you want. They already have the equipment running black so there is no setup time or switching for them to do.
here is the link to where I got them fromQuote:
Originally Posted by vt_maverick
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED/B...72898-1-2.html
Thanks!
just finished making a light rack to work with my new (factory) crossrails and loadwarrior. my last one was built to work with yakima round bars
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._6461609_n.jpg
looks good etl!
Yesterday i had front brake pads replaced,i also changed engine oil.
Today i done wheel balance and alignment.
My fender is gonna be repair this weekend
Last task to take care of is the CV boot :)
~ I was impatient (there's a newsflash) so got both VXC skid plates properly installed by my off-road shop. They were able to get them installed in the intended holes using 50mm bolts in the rear skid, 45mm up front.
He used a vice grip looking thing with each gripper thing being shaped like half a square, forming a square when they're pinched together. He used them to reach up under the rear cladding and pull the cladding and skid together at the same time, then locked that tool and installed the screws.
So I won't be taking these off and on while on the trail...well, off maybe...but will never get them back on.
My "rack" is currently undergoing cleaning & restoration so it's not in view here....:goof:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_6646.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSCF4020.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSCF4018.JPG
~ Also upgraded to the 24" black powdercoat sparebumper.com. Looks nice and beefy. Interestingly, we couldn't get the 24" superbumper in my receiver...:_thinking...tried dremeling it but that was way too lightweight...I needed a grinder! So we took it to the off road shop for some grinding! Both the inside of my receiver AND all 4 sides of the superbumper had to be ground down...goodbye powdercoat! Will have to spray both a little to prevent rust.
Thinking of using the 18" as a sacrificial lamb off road.....thoughts on that? I could argue either way....it sticks out so it will catch more things, but it will also protect the rear skid/cladding.....
18" sparebumper.com....and Teddy catching some breeze! Truck is covered with AZ desert dust....but my cladding is still nice and dark under all that dust!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_6735.JPG
24" sparebumper.com
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_6742.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_6741.JPG
~ Next, had to get the 2nd hole in my receiver shaved down some in order to get a pin through with the skid installed. It was just a shade low, and at a slight angle, but Brandon fixed me all up, AND ...finally......I got a nice locking pin through! YAH!!! I found a model that's a bit shorter than many others locking pins, it's solid stainless, with a more aggressive security design than most. I really like how it looks!
It's made by "Lifelong locks", but the one I bought at HomeDepot was branded a "Reese" and has a really unique key shape.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053
I found Lifelong had the same model on clearance for $9.99 with a more common "round" key.
http://shop.lifelonglocks.com/Stainl...d-Key-100R.htm
~ Next up.....I got a wild hair and upgraded my front round marker lights (from the small LED towers) to some mega bright LEDs by Vision-X.
http://www.visionxusa.com/LED-Solsti...eae0014f11fed8
They're very much like the ones yellowgizmo just installed (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...72&postcount=1)
They're 2" round, with 40 degree beam pattern. About the same size as the Hella Micro DEs, but are 10W LEDs, lifetime warranty, mega bright. My stereo shop built brackets for them and used the OEM lens cover (although cut down), real clean install. Had them wired to my new OEM Rodeo fog switch on the 3 button panel. These pics don't even do them justice!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da.../DSCF39801.JPG
HID LOW beam only:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_6680.JPG
HID LOW beam and new LEDs:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_6672.JPG
HID HIGH beam only:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_6683.JPG
HID HIGH beam and new LEDs:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CSC_6684.JPG
~ Used my dremel to cut down my rail caps a bit since the cross members tend to walk a little when installed, and the edges of the metal brackets were hitting the caps.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSCF4039.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSCF4034.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSCF4031.JPG
oh, forgot....got the oil changed, and then I changed the PCV valve.
Phewwwwww, I've been bizzy bizzy bizzy! Moab here I come!!! :thumbup:
Great Photos
Skids look great Sue, although I gotta say the super bumper really detracts from the appearance of your rear. (LOL) New fog lamp LEDs look sharp too! I wish there was a way to get more light in there without having to fabricate housings - I wonder if V-LEDs' spider lights come in a smaller diameter? I think they're like 3" across, whereas you'd probably need less than 1.5-2" to fit.
I agree, the superbumper ain't da purdiest thing back there.....Quote:
Originally Posted by vt_maverick
These Vision-X "Solstice Solo Prime" lights are 2" wide and they don't fill it up. They added some gasket material and they're snug.
These suckers put out 860 lumen! :freek:...like I said, the pics don't do them justice.
http://www.visionxusa.com/images/new_solo_main_331.jpg
Were they $149 a piece or for two. The ones I got were about that for two and put out 1600 lumen total.
$150 each light....ouch.....but I got a lifetime warranty from the local stereo shop, which is valuable to me. I see now yours were 2 for around $150.Quote:
Originally Posted by yellowgizmo99
But I got sucked in when he demo'd them for me, and when I saw that NASA, Trophy Trucks and the Border Patrol use them...
Is the LED lifetime warrantied? I was wondering how long they're supposed to last with that level of output...
Website mentions 50,000 hrs life and they have an Electronic Thermal management built in to monitor heat. Plus they have the multi blade design that provides the most surface space for heat dissipation ....although they don't get near hot enough to melt the plastic housing...I made sure to ask about that. There's also dimmable if I get a separate controller.Quote:
Originally Posted by samneil2000
I thought I was going to get flashed by oncoming traffic...but I drove 25 miles at night on highway w/o a single flash. I selected the 40 degree beam (vs. the 20 degree) cuz it would suit my needs better on the dark dirt roads around here. He said the 40 degree beam would also be much less likely to annoy oncoming traffic, vs. the 20 degree beam.
I did discuss the vibration they'd get in my circumstances, and he said that's why the Border Patrol etc...use them and lifetime warranty.
They consider bulbs "consumables" in the warranty for "Off road" lights, but these don't fall under that category per their product listing, so I think they may be covered.
http://www.visionxusa.com/p31/Warranty/pages.html
Just a debadge for me, wondering how to cover Isuzu on the hubs? VXKAT is there a link to your build? I really like the tow rings, and the stance of your VX. And where do the new front emblems come from? Once mine is off then there will be a nasty dead spot on my grill :(
Got new front door speakers installed yesterday. Went with Alpine SPS-600c components. I was surprised at how much the foam surrounds on the stock speakers had deteriorated. I guess that explains why they were crackling. Reviews online said that the Alpines were very good at reproducing highs and mid range and I have to agree with them. I guess the next step will be a sub of some sort to add some bass.
:slap:Quote:
Originally Posted by vt_maverick
That SuperBumper looks great Sue. 'Course it's the same as I'm running so rekin I'm biased.
Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by Ala5ka
1) tow rings (aka shackles, D-rings, Clevis hooks):
This thread covers my shackles: thread:http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...=moab+shackles
2) Stance:
I'm not lifted at all, no TB turns. Tires are 285/60-18s on OEM 18" rims, which raised it about 1" - 1 1/4".
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...ht=cooper+zeon
3) Emblem:
Mine's made of titanium, a member (autox-racer) here used to make them for $60. Last year a thread got started to ask him to revive making these...he required min of 10 to do it, we never got to 10. May try reviving the thread again and see if you can get 10. There's a bunch of new owners, so maybe. The thread from last yr is gone, but you could contact him thru email and see if he's still willing to do the 10, then start a thread on it.
Second solution...another member in Tucson (Dayle) makes them in a variety of materials, from faux carbon fiber, to faux brushed stainless steel, and also various vinyl type, some puffy letters, (like Mile High VX has) some sharp edges like mine. He has more finishes than listed on his website, so contact him.
I HAD the faux brushed s.s. from Dayle and it looked like the real thing....well worth the $20 or so.....but when a titanium set came up for sale from a member that bought them long ago, but never applied them, I grabbed them.
http://svx-motorsport-accessories.st....net/veac.html
This weekend I will be cleaning out the dust from last years Moab......
.....so that I can make room for more dust this year!
:_steering:jump::_steering
Oh..and painting the new sliders, and a new CV boot too!
jo
...and this is the link to where to get the center cap replacements. I haven't done it yet, but it's on my to do list as well. :happyfaceQuote:
Originally Posted by Ala5ka
Hopefully, installing OME VX3's from Inde.4X....installing 2 meter antenna for for dualband radio. maybe front caliper clean and paint ..
Yah! Watch me lift my rack!
Got the pulley/hoist system finished up and in operation today! Thanks again to engineer Tom! :thumbup:
How many Nystroms does it take to lift a roof rack with spare tire, get it in place, line up the metal brackets and clear the custom rail caps, bring it down and mount it? More than we had today apparently.....:rollo::laugho:
Here's just a teaser of the "fun" we had today, check out the rest of the pics in the picasweb album:
https://picasaweb.google.com/1147574...eat=directlink
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_6888.JPG
Looks to be quite the endeavor Sue...though I'm glad your rack is back in it's rightful place, lol. ;Dy; Your day appears to have been far more challenging than mine.
This week's task for me was to remove all of my badges other than the 3.5L, 4WD, and center caps on the rims...all while drinking a martini or three. The finish was peeling off of the side and rear badges; they looked awful and thus needed to go. Not that the sunfaded spots where the badges used to be doesn't look awful, but hey...lesser of two evils. It'll blend in time. Nobody will probably notice but me anyway, lol. Methinks I'm far too anal sometimes. :righty:
Looks great Sue!
When I do mine solo (but without the tire so it may not work for you) I use a huge beach towel double folded on the roof, put the rack/basket down and gently slide it into place. No scratches and easy to move around and get lined up.
Just a thought.
Pffft! no tire, that's a piece of cake! :laugho:Quote:
Originally Posted by Mile High VX
~roof rack/basket - 29lbs
~spare tire/rim/metal holder -83 lbs
~combo - no, not priceless! %$#*&%
Tom....us weaklings couldn't lift this &%$#@ thing more than 3 ft off the ground just pulling on the rope (even with the double pulley).....so we had to abandon the 3rd pulley and was time to call in the horses! And the superbumper , now that 's priceless!
Actually since it was our first run-through, it was a little more complicated....won't be hard next time.
This is my process also - put on the rack, then lift and mount the tire. Course that doesn't help Sue since I'm sure 54 lbs. Is just as bad as 83.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mile High VX
Sue - what's your end goal here? Are you trying to drive "topless" except when you're planning an offroad excursion? Or are you just trying to reduce weight / drag? If the latter maybe you could leave the rack (and covers) in place all the time and use the lift only for the tire? That 29 lb. delta might make it easier for you to work your pulley system, and dropping a tire on a large rack (lol) is much easier than maneuvering the crossbar feet into the rails.
Today I started my pre-Moab to-do list...
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...e/DSC_0162.jpg
Today I removed my Asin hubs (drivers side is in need of rebuild) and put my stock slugs back on. Changed oil and filter. Topped off all fluids. Greased drive shaft zerks. While greasing my shaft (get your eyes out of the gutter) I discovered that apparently some time ago my rear sway bar has snapped in half! Break doesn't look fresh, so no clue how long it has been this way.
Still to do this week is tranny and transfer case fluid change and AC charge.:yesy:
...you can say THAT again!Quote:
Originally Posted by vt_maverick
Goal was to never have to lift/heave the tire/rim up to or down from the roof rack......the ole' work smarter not harder idea. But wanted to make sure we had a system that could handle the full weight of tire/basket/holder/cross members....thus the test. Also wanted it so we can lift jerry can/s on the FJ.
Had the basket & tire on for the past full year, might have seen 1/2 MPG lower...surprised it wasn't more pronounced. I'm thinking of leaving the spare off now, except when off-road. I have hubby and AAA if I get a flat.
Hey Billy, see that Lucas brand in the auto stores all the time....what's that bottle say "Power Steering Stop Leak". I think some of the Lucas stuff I've seen in the stores is an engine treatment product, like Seafoam. Anybody use the different Lucas products?Quote:
Originally Posted by Triathlete
That is power steering fluid/stop leak. Yes, mine leaks a bit. Lucas makes various fluids. Injecter cleaners, oil treatmeants, transmission treatment etc. They make good stuff.
2x^^ I use lucas and seafoam on a somewhat regular basis in my vehicles. I've been happy with both and have heard lots of good about them. From what I understand they are the best on the market (at least that's affordable).
Getting ready for Moab. The last two weeks I have done the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, all four cv boots, cleaned and repacked the bearings and had Ford F350 tow hooks put up front. The guy who welded it up for me said I could hang the VX up to dry by those hooks! Nice replacement for the little Isuzu hook that was on there. I also had a 4x4 shop weld a spacer in the tow point "hole" on the passenger side rear. This makes the clevis or d-ring a more solid and rattle free fit.
I also scored all three Trooper skid plates at junk yard. Sanded primed painted all ready to scratch them up in Moab!:yesy:
It's a wonder someone hasn't come up with something like this for a tire:Quote:
Originally Posted by VX KAT
http://www.shopbmwusa.com/productdet...s&productId=71
http://www.shopbmwusa.com/Assets/ima...ikeLift_71.jpg
This would be more like it:
http://rhinolift.com/
Saw a lift system similar to the Rhino system, except it was on steroids, at the first Overland Journal Expo in Prescott....think the huge vehicle was called an Earth Roamer. Had a monster tire on the back and the lift system was absolutely necessary of it would kill a person coming down.Quote:
Originally Posted by tom4bren
In the last few days I did some stuff to get reddy 4 MOAB!...:dance:
As always, there is SO much that's NOT gonna get done...gearing/rear aussie locker, new tires & wheels, insane bullet proof head & taillight protectors, wiring up all the non functional illumination (like I need moar), wash/wax/interior cleaning...:(
Butcha know what?...I'm gonna go & have fun anyway...:dance:.:dan_ban:.:_beer:.:dan_ban:. :dance:
:yesgray: