Those pictures were taken at my parent's house in Black Forest, CO. 419 homes burned down earlier this summer and THANKFULLY, the fire stopped two blocks away from my childhood home.
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Those pictures were taken at my parent's house in Black Forest, CO. 419 homes burned down earlier this summer and THANKFULLY, the fire stopped two blocks away from my childhood home.
I like your rig VXorado. I have to read the build thread. Those big tires tuck up into the body nice!
How was the install? Just two wires, right? Looks good. I am thinking of getting a 50" lightbar for my Trooper.
Bart
Thanks Frankie!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankenstein
Yeah Bart, just make sure your LED bar comes with a wiring kit. Since it's low wattage, you don't need a ballast but the wiring kit makes for a clean install with a switch relay.Quote:
Originally Posted by nfpgasmask
I had the last week off from work and was hoping to finish a few projects on the VX. Unfortunately, it's been in the single digit temps here and there's no way I can do the work in the garage that I was planning. I did manage to finish a couple small interior projects.
Steering Wheel
I did a trade with Mikemol that included my red/blk seats for a JDM steering wheel. The install was simple but required some wiring for the airbag which I was able to do without too much trouble. The JDM steering wheel was made by MOMO and is a bit smaller than the US steering wheel. Additionally, the horn is built into the steering wheel side grips instead of the airbag.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0efe34d2.jpg
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http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps47833538.jpg
Gauges
I really wanted the reverse glow gauges that Kenny & Littlebeast installed but I believe they are discontinued for Isuzu models. After hours of research, I found similar gauges from a 90s Honda that looked to be the same size. Luckily, the gauges just required a little trimming to make them work. I still have a bit of work to do in the future to change the other gauges to blue.
While I had the gauges out of the VX, I removed the annoying ABS light and adjusted my speedo needle to correct MPH with bigger tires. I checked the speedo to my GPS yesterday and they read the exact same at 65 MPH. :bgwb:
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Seats & Doors
In August, I got a set of grey/blk seats from a wreaked VX. I just needed to paint the door cards satin blk/gloss blk to match the new interior.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...pse4c5cf43.jpg
Installed pics of Gauges & Steering Wheel
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psf0a27a67.jpg
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps15f8a9b4.jpg
The interior is coming together. :_beer:
Nice work! Now you just need to make it right-hand drive! :P
Looking good Jon!
Awesome! Great job!!!!!
Your rig just continues to get better and better...:bgwo::bgwb::bwgy::smilewink
Thanks guys. :thumbup:
Hello, I'm new to this site as I just bought a 2001 vx, I also live in co, my shop is in denver off of hwy 76 and federal. I would like to get together with you if posable. I love the way you have your vx set up and there is no reason to reinvent the wheel. Let me know.
My name is Jake.
I went for a color change in April, out with the blue and in with the "new color".
Officially it's:
AVERY MIDNIGHT MATTE SAND METALLIC
...But that's a mouthful, so we'll just call it green. :_confused
Many already saw it in Moab but figured I should do the official announcement. Vinyl is getting CHEAP!!! $220 for the entire VX. :_beer:
Currently I'm getting the Trooper RS fixed up as my daily. I have BIG plans for the VX this summer that will be posted in this thread. Stay Tuned. :thumbup:
[/url]http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...1_18_03_29.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/2/IMG_9270.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/2/IMG_8985.JPG
Before & After
Ocean BLUE
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...l_2015_032.JPG
Desert GREEN
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_8733.JPG
Jon this looks so badass as always, did you wrap the door jams too? What brand did you go with?
I did wrap the door jams this time and it was a real pain. Far from perfect but don't think door jams are a focal point anyway. :_confused
The old black satin hood was "Oracle" wrap, the blue brushed steel was "3M" and this green metallic is "Avery." I really liked the Avery as it wrinkled less than the other two. Who knows, the tech may just be getting better for the vinyls.
The three main stores to buy discounted wrap from are AVS, Ikon Wraps and MetroRestyling. Most of the time, you can find the wrap cheaper on ebay being sold through one of these store's ebay accounts.
Thanks Jon, I am looking at Avery as well, how much did you buy to do the vx, dimensions? Last question I promise lol!
Not the last question, because I need to know more! That looks great. I wouldn't have considered it until you through that price out there.
No worries on the questions Lisa, I can help you out with more specifics if you decide to wrap. All the vinyl is sold in 60" wide rolls and you just need to specify length. I used 25ft this time, which is just enough for the exterior and door jams (minus the back door :naughty:). The first time I used 30 ft, which gives you a bit extra for mistakes/touchups.Quote:
Originally Posted by VX crazy
Cheaper than a rattle can paint job!! :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by dietz99vcross
So at 60" wide, do you have a seam when you do the main body (roof and both rear quarters)? I can see the doors, front fenders, hood and hatch all being done with no seam. Or are seams no big deal?
No seams on the quarters, you just use the 60" to cover the height and pull about 6 ft of vinyl off the roll to cover the horizontal length. Seams on the roof are fine but otherwise, fairly noticable.Quote:
Originally Posted by dietz99vcross
I wanted to share my latest project with everyone on the Planet and VX.info! Story goes...
Bart/IsuzuGeek, owned this RS for a while and decided to sell it after he found another RS in much better shape. That story can be found at IsuzuGeek. The short of it... the RS had a few issues. :D
http://isuzugeek.org/rs/001.jpg
Bart ended selling the RS to a friend of mine and fellow VXer, Jerry/Arcobarco. Jerry wanted the 4.77s from the RS for his VX and would likely sell/scrap the rest of it off. I caught glimpse of the RS last Spring when my wife and I were on a roadtrip and stopped by Jerry's house. Needless to say, I planted a bug in Jerry's ear about possibly wanting the RS, however it was more of a "possible suggestion" than an actual idea. I live in Denver and was NOT going to drive 8 hrs to SL,UT for an old beat up RS.
Moving on, Jerry pulled the 4.77s from the RS and swapped in 4.30 gearing. We worked out a deal for VX parts and cash to make the poor old bastard RS mine.
Lastly, Jerry drove the RS to Moab for the annual ZUZOO meet and the exchange was official! ...And now I had realized the reality of my decision.
I found out almost immediately that I could barely fit in the RS. Being 6'6" tall, my legs could barley operate the clutch. The clutch was so worn out that the release on the pedal was almost all the way to the top and this created a problem when trying to release the clutch with long legs. So I went for a test drive around Moab and came back to the Stoop with the smell of ruined clutch plate. Additionally, there was so much oil leaking that it had formed a layer on the back window thick enough to write "wash me" on. Other problems included non functioning gas gauge, oil gauge, & temp gauge. The radio worked but wouldn't eject CDs unless you pounded on the bottom of it. The HVAC system constantly blew heat onto you even when the fan was "off". And there was a little problem with rust previously in the gas tank that may have ruined the fuel pump, this was suggested by Jerry after he had some bogging down on the way to Moab. Anyways, I was pretty freaked out for the 6 hr drive home. :shock:
First mod made on the Stoop in Moab! I could now fit in the RS. :)
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psb8b7e272.jpg
Now I was ready for the drive home, well physically but not mentally. After the test drive in Moab and seeing all of the issues, I honestly thought this Isuzu was better fit for the junkyard. I had my wife drive the VX behind me in the RS. We jumped on the interstate and to my surprise we drove 70 MPH all the way to Fruita, Colorado. I filled up the gas tank and was pleasantly surprised to only need 4 gallons of gas (27.2 MPG). I was a little less happy about seeing the amount of oil splattered on the front grill of the VX (from following).
For the next two hrs and was feeling good, confident in my little bastard RS. That all ended when I was driving out of the Glenwood Canyon going about 50 MPH and went to pass a semi truck. I had elected my Wife to drive in front (avoid the oil trail) and she took off up to 75 MPH passing the semi. My turn, speeding up 50-55-60-65-68-67-65 (3 semi trucks now on right, 1 semi behind me to pass), 63-62-60 (downshift to 3rd), 55-52-48 (Semi now tail gating me), 45-41-38-38-38-38, (holding 38 MPH the semi passes me on right and I can now get over). I'm now driving 38 MPH in a 75 MPH limit and my wife is gone. Nothing I do will let the engine go above 2000 RPMs. Takes me forever to catch the VX and we pull off at a gas station. I turn the RS off, now more freaked out than ever! I Considered, it would be cheaper for me to abandon the RS at this gas station than tow it home. I check the engine (seems fine), try to turn over the engine and it sputters out. CRAP. again, Sputter sputter die. COME ON RS! again, sputter sputter, choke, bump, start, running. YES! Its running great and I jump on interstate back up to 65 MPH. Looking back, all I can assume was the fuel pump had a moment or it sucked some rust through the fuel system and bogged it down.
Final challenge, the rocky mountains! Would the RS clutch finally burn up over the passes? Or would the fuel system get clogged up again at 12,000 ft? NOPE! I drove it all the way through the mountains no problem and got to the house by 7PM. :D
Now the mechanical work began. I'll keep it short but in the end it got 9 new oil seals, new fuel pump, new timing belt , new Exedy clutch, new lower ball joint and all new fluids.
Here's all of the oil that was covering the trans... it took forever to clean up!
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8724259c.jpg
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psed4a5f20.jpg
Next I moved onto the body work. The RS had been in at least one wreak before and the roof & doors really showed it. Furthermore, the clearcoat was peeling and the paint was faded.
The front grill was pushed in on the driver's side and the front grill was hanging on by zipties. I thought it was pretty clever to use the VX winch to pull out the grill.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps909adff1.jpg
Next I sanded down the imperfections and got to work on the dents.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7dd093c0.jpg
Moving forward... Vinyl wrap was an easy decision. My wife wanted the color to match the VX, so I wrapped the RS in Midnight Matte Sand Metallic.
I'm happy the RS still had the snowflakes but the finish was pretty messed up. I decided to plastidip the rims for now and I can easily revert them if I want.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps81906a7b.jpg
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Still have a little dent on the door. :?
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...pse020c174.jpg
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Overall it's been an interesting project so far. I haven't decided on my future plans for the RS as it still needs a lot of detail work. It would be fun to lift it but might be too much for the bastard. We'll see but overall I'm pretty impressed. It drives great considering the neglect. I've been driving it daily for the last couple weeks and it's pretty fun little rig around town.
Also, want to thank Jerry for all the effort he put in to getting the RS to Moab. Thanks Buddy! :D
The whole point of buying another vehicle was to begin work on the VX. PROJECT REBUILD 2014 is about to commence.
Pretty awesome looking, wouldn't mind one as well. Maybe you can modify some rails to move the seat farther back? But that might lead to a new issue with the seat belt. Better play it safe and just get race bucket seats with a roll cage for a 5 point harness system. Oh if money grew on trees.
Wow, nice work! It is a different rig altogether.. Which was tougher to get out, the dent on the roof or the one on the driver door?
Looking :thumbup::clap::_steering:clap::thumbup:
Jo
I'm definitely looking to replace the seats with something a little better for my size. When I do replace the seats, I'll figure out a cleaner way to modify the seat brackets. I do have one VX recaro spare and would only need one more to make an RS set... :naughty:Quote:
Originally Posted by Hades
Yeah Justin, the roof was absolutely awful to work on. The major rood dent was right above the windshield which had a metal frame underneath. Since I couldn't hammer any of it out, I resorted to body fill. Everything was covered with bondo dust for weeks... I think i still have some in my hair. :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by ZEUS
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoFotoz
Thank you sir, PM inbound. :_beer:
Thinking of wrapping my VX too... I like the slightly lighter than your green on the Khaki Matte color.
Yours looks great though! Nice job!
T.
Time to catch up this thread for the official announcement of...
Project REBUILD 2014
Why? ...well why not? :naughty:
Phase 1: Purchase daily driver to take place of VX. Completed August 22nd- RS licensed
Phase 2: Remove 3" bodylift: this includes cutting off rock sliders, pulling air compressor & removing winch plate. Completed August 24th
Phase 3: Install front rock bumper (acquired from Jo). Completed August 26th
Phase 4: Remove IFS and all front drive-train components from VX. Completed September 4th
Phase 5: Install Dana 44 solid axle under VX under the following configuration Completed December 5th
- Jeep Wagoneer Dana 44
- 12" Coilover suspension
- TnT Y-link control arms
Phase 6: Increase rear axle spring height to match front, build adjustable rear control arms
Phase 7: Install 5.38 axle gearing Completed November 7th
Phase 8: Purchase custom front drive shaft, finish front bumper, install rock sliders & air compressor. Completed May 9th 2015 (sigh, day before Moab of course
Future phase: Enlarge wheel wells, increase tire size to 37" tires installed in April 2015, wheel wells fitted properly August 13th
There it is. :_beer:
Phase 2
Body lift is.... OUT OF HERE!!!
These pics show how the body lift did really help with fitment of the 35s and allowed full suspension travel of the IFS. The first pic shows full up travel of the tire with the body lift- notice there is still a gap between the tire/fender. With the body lift removed, the tire is pushed into the fender and actually holding the VX up.
With the SAS, the suspension lift will have to be increased and I don't want the VX to sit really high. The body lift was an unnecessary 3" that needed to go.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psda7506d7.jpg
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Phase 3
I picked up this rock bumper from Jo on my road trip last spring. Definitely an impulse buy! I wanted to fit it before Moab but I knew the body lift would need to be removed for proper fitment.
It's mounted now, but purposely left unfinished until I get the axle fitted. I will also need to buy/build a headlight bar so the bumper blends more the body.
I mounted the fog lights to get an idea of fitment but will probably scrap the dim Hellas and get something brighter.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psaf0887e9.jpg
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I'll weld the bumper wings once I figure out clearance.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4608719f.jpg
Can't wait to see the progress! Are you planning on pushing the axle forward a bit? Will help eliminate firewall interference issues and give you a bit more wheelbase.
I'll probably push the axle forward a bit and that's why I didn't finish the bumper wings.
Moving the axle forward will provide many benefits; longer wheel base, longer drive shaft, and more tire clearance but I'm sure it will look odd if I push it up too far. Additionally I may need to get a toyota steering gearbox because it positions the pitman arm forward vs ours which is back toward the engine.
You forgot to mention the final phase where you take it to Moab next year and give it to me... :)
Are you going to stick with the TOD tcase?
Yeah, just don't forget to bring me the big bag of cash!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by ZEUS
Seriously we need to get you back in a VX. :thumbup:
I want the non-TOD t-case so I can get 3:1 teralow gearing but for the short term, I'll stick TOD and get the VX back on the trails. I tentatively have a Moab trip planned in early November if I can get everything finished and reliable.Quote:
Originally Posted by Triathlete
I'd also like to get rid of TOD but I'd like to find a different tcase that has more aftermarket available. When the time comes (I win the lottery or the Narubian prince sends me that check...until then my D44 will collect dust in my garage) I'll find something that will bolt up or have a machine shop make an adapter plate.
That would be pretty awesome to go the custom route. Bartmans4 & I were recently talking about how the AR5 manual tranny is used in the H3/Colorado. I wonder if that means there are some easy alternatives that route... possibly the H3 Alpha 4:1 t-case? :_confusedQuote:
Originally Posted by Triathlete
Phase 4: IFS is YANKED out!!!
Big thanks to Scott (Bartmans4)!!! :thumbup:
Scott came by last weekend and helped cut out all of the IFS. I worked on the passenger side while he tackled the driver side. It really made the job much more manageable. Not terribly difficult but loud, dirty, and somewhat exhausting. We burned up a brand new Harbor Freight grinder (no surprise) and a brand new Dewalt grinder (big surprise). Since they were new, I got replacements for both. :_beer:
Everything on the front was in tip-top shape. If anyone needs something (or wants a spare), let me know and I maybe able to put it aside.
IFS before it got the cutting wheel.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psehvaocnb.jpg
AND...
All the goods (minus the halfshafts).
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps96ltufay.jpg
No going back now.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psde513e2f.jpg
Frame all cleaned up.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...psvtv7inwq.jpg
Next I'll start showing off the replacement equipment. We're moving along nicely for the November deadline. :cool:
That's purdee! Are you going to plate the frame to strengthen it a bit?
:thumbup:......:smack:
I am SO watching this closely!!
Send Scott over here :p
I'm gonna 'practice' on the crashed one I have first...
...my cajones must be a tad smaller than yours !! :)
Jo