talking about your VX... lets get together and weld up something to protect that tire...
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Alright, I installed the new basket and LED bar. :D
Rola Basket: overall seems to be a great deal for the size and strength. The basket fits the roof nicely and can be mounted on the roof bars easily. I decided to mount the rack directly on the roof rails using a variation of Zeus' How-to. The basket includes a fairing and mounting hardware from etrailer with fast shipping included for $185.
http://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Cargo-C...ola/59504.html
30" LED Light Bar: I purchased the light bar from Expedition Outfitters for $325. The quality seems very nice and it's insanely bright with 60 LEDs, 180 watts and 11000 Lumens. Mounting was very easy on the Rola basket because the bar has adjustable base feet. I still need to find a way to lock the light bar to the VX... don't want it wandering off.
http://explorationoutfitters.com/ - They list items on ebay, check there first for the best deal. Mine was $325 including a wiring harness and free shipping.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1355183439
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1355183039
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1355183449
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1355183465
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1355183833
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1355183837
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1355183477
Again...nicely done. Have you thought of using some sort of security screws to secure the light?
No, but that's a good idea. I'll look into it, I would have to match the existing bolt thread/size for the LED bar.
Thanks Billy. :yesgray:
No matter how secure you make it, short of perhaps welding it on, there is always a way to get it off. The idea I suppose is to stop the casual thief. Kind of like a masterlock. Two box end wrenches will pop a masterlock, but if someone wants what you have that badly, they are going to get it anyway.
Best security....
Circle your VX with motion detonated claymores and a large warning sign! :)
my suggestion:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...66403445_n.jpg
Awesome. :thumbup:
I think it's clear I should scrap the security bolt idea and look into a claymore throwing-machine gun dog to ride on the roof rack. I think the hardest part would be making the politically correct sign. :laughing:
Simple solution...
Replace the fasteners with stainless cap screws, crank em down firmly, then fill the heads with liquid steel, PC-3, or some other epoxy.
It'll at least slow em' down a bit, not to mention piss'n em off...:yesgray:
And you too, if you ever wanna remove em...:smilewink
Next we meet, remind me to show you some of my "slow them thiev'n bastards down" invenshuns on my trailer & light bar...:smilewink
I'm leaning toward just welding the bolts on to the rack and using JB weld on the asjustment bolts. I was having trouble finding the right sized security bolt anyways.
If the badies want to steal it... they'll have to cut it off. :smack:
and i'm sure I'll need to remove the light bar right after the JB weld sets. :yesy:
Well of course...it's the law.
I will be installing SFIFS on Sunday. Finally be able to test it out and see if it really works. I want to use a fork lift to test max articulation with/without SFIFS engaged. This is last step before everything goes to a machine shop and I look into taking orders. My guess is that it will be a very limited production run.
Big thanks to Etfren for sending me the missing pieces to my SFIFS kit. :)
Pardon my ignorance; what's SFIFS?Quote:
Big thanks to Etfren for sending me the missing pieces to my SFIFS kit.
:smilewink
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ighlight=SFIFS
The "F" goes to "11"...:yesgray:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...0_19_08_58.jpg
:o want.... want..... WANT!!!!!
This build is lookin good. Keep up the good work. Nothing like a stand out VX build.
Bart
Well you'll probably get your chance. :smilewink
Bigmeat came up with an awesome idea that was only on sale for a short while. Many Isuzu owners (including me) were really disappointed they wouldn't have the opportunity to buy SFIFS. A year ago, I contacted Bigmeat to request a unit. He wasn't interested in building any more unit but offered to sell me the remaining parts. I'm not looking into taking over production but rather open up one last opportunity.
I'm also working on a couple improvements for the pull pin which at times can be nearly impossible to pull/push . I'm also trying to design a push button system from the cab.
Updates will follow (with pics). :bwgy:
Thanks Bart. :thumbup:
I thoroughly enjoy reading your build threads on the planet. VX inspiration since day one ownership and the best looking Trooper I've ever seen. :yeso:
how do you like your LED bar? im still waiting for my roof rack to be built so i can install my 40 rigid industries on
The LED bar is awesome. I can't say I've used it much but I know there will be plenty of opportunity next summer. A 40" Rigid should be bright as the sun... maybe a little wide for the roof though. I measured the roof width 38".
I did have to lower the bar from it's first mounted position. The wind was catching under it and causing noise. I also blacked out the reflector for a sleeker look.
Blacked out reflector
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psc8dcd80b.jpg
LED bar mounted lower so there's no gap between the basket and light.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps89d7e77a.jpg
You're my hero Ferris VX'r...:flower:
Do you have a close picture of the back-up camera? I was thinking of doing something similar.
I'm reworking the backup camera. I actually have it off right now because I'm upgrading to a CCD camera at some point. I mounted the screen in the lower ashtray console a couple years ago. I plan to make a fiberglass mount tilted upward when I get the new improved setup. Before the spare tire carrier, I mounted the camera in the half moon. Definitely the best location to mount the camera.
Old picture
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1357762094
Screen location
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1357762388
I'm sure the new camera setup will make it to this build page at some point. It's just hard to find time for all of these projects. :bwgy:
It slumbers...
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1357759611
I installed the SFIFS kit on Sunday and did a quick test last night for suspension flex. I lifted the front passenger side tire until the rear passenger tire started lifting from the ground. I also did the same test on the rear tire and measured height in each scenario.
Results:
Front tire lift with SFIFS off: 24.2"
Front tire lift with SFIFS on: 26.5"
Rear tire with SFIFS off: 27.2"
Rear tire with SFIFS on: 28.8"
I'm happy with the results. I have 2.5" of down travel left in the IFS and the SFIFS used all of it to level out the VX when I lifted the front tire. Less lift or spacers on the upper control arm would add to the articulation. I bet a stock height VX/Trooper would get 5-6" in the same test because of the increased down travel.
Here are a few pics of the suspension in action.
SFIFS off
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1357760682
SFIFS on
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1357760779
Crosslink off center with lifted tire
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1357760812
I now know first hand how much of a pain the pin is to deal with. I have plans for a new pin design that i'll be testing soon. After that, I'll be making one production run for the new kits. There will be a thread before production to take orders. :D
i like your fire extinguisher
I am stoked for the SFIFS kits! It's taking all i have to patiently wait :bgwb:
Most of the interest in SFIFS is on the planet, good to know there's someone here that wants a kit. I'm just finalizing a new design to make the pin more accessible. I'm also working on an pnuematic setup for the pin with a cab push button. If the pneumatic system works, it will be an order option. I should have some pricing information from the machine shop in 2-3 weeks.
This will likely be a one time deal. :yesgray:
Cool to see the SFIFS in action on your rig and glad someone got some scientific numbers. That pin is a total pain so I can't wait for your solution to it. Glad I could have a small part in helping out the Isuzu community with the kit.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks JMNY. :_beer:
Few updates:
1.) Headlights ND92 now has my projector/LED headlights and I have his OEM headlights. I'm back to original.
2.) Switches & Air Pressure Gauge I have three sets of trail lights on the VX and decided it was time to wire them to a proper switch panel. I also wanted switches for the air compressor and future air lockers. I found customized switches on otrattw.com.
The 6 slot switch holder that otrattw sells fits nicely in the lower dash bezel. I can take install pics if someone decides to get the same switch setup. I haven't wired everything up yet but the symbols will light up blue with the interior lights. Overall the switches cost around $110. :eek:
Also, I decided it was a good time to install an air pressure gauge in the dash. I just relocated the 12v outlet to the center console and installed the air pressure gauge in it's place. I plan on ordering a lit gauge so I can see my air pressure at night. I'll post more pics when that's installed.
3.) CB Radio & Antenna I decided to purchase the Cobra 75XTST compact unit. Several members here including VXKAT & Marlin have had good results with this CB radio. The CB Radio costs $93 at CBworld.com
I always wanted to install a 102" whip on the VX and purchased one locally at RadioShack. I built a CB antenna mount and tied the whip down for daily driving. I really like the look of the whip but it's impractical for trails. I also have a 2 ft Firestick that will work better for most situations.
Whip Antenna
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6716c5f6.jpg
Whip Antenna
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps656109c9.jpg
Firestick Antenna
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psfbeea5d1.jpg
Firestick Antenna
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5d5ad265.jpg
New Switches, Air Pressure Gauge & CB Radio
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psc3c47d61.jpg
Switches and Air Pressure Gauge in OEM bezel- Zombie Lights probably belong on DUB's Vehicross
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psa1f3d744.jpg
Installed LED lights in cargo area that turn on with doors/key fob. I purchased the lights from Clipper Rodeo 03
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psdb4cf16e.jpg
Installed new tire cover knobs from Jason
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps62d1a1d8.jpg
Really nice to find switches with the actual correct labels. Lookin' great Jon, wish I had time to do as much stuff on my VX!
so why the headlight change?