- Location
- Dickinson, TX
Looking really kool and very captivating story, Two thumbs up.
KUMA.tactical
- Thread starter KUMA
- Start date
- Location
- Murray, UT
So after I got home I did a little work installing my air struts which I have had since october, I picked up some very nice stud mount brackets from West Marine sorry no pics yet. But after drilling some holes I got everything mounted only to discover I installed my left air strut to close to the left side it rubs, so I plan to use a grinder on both sides and make it fit a little bit better but it works great now!
The air struts I got are like 40 lbs I swear you can't close them with two hands. So I was worried it was going to be too much to close the lid. But after I got it mounted it was perfect, I can close the lid with one hand I just need a latching handle now to keep the lid closed.
I haven't mounted the plastic on the lid with the maps yet so that will come next week sometime.
There is still so much to do left on the box but next saturday is the UXOC Pony Express Trail Run so I need to get it as close to finished as I can so I can use that run as a test! My dad has been working on his a lot at the same time, he decided to use his spare two can's of yellow (detinator yellow matches his jeep) on his. I told him he should do black but he didn't want to buy more paint, here is his close to finish.
We are thinking about making a second level to hold to hold more tools, So he had used some spare foam and added a boarder for the second level to rest. He is going to get some black hinges and black hinge springs next. I am not a fan of the blue and yellow of the foam so I will try painting mine if I can, so I will paint the blue to be black and the yellow to be grey.
So next let me show you guys what tools I am planning on putting in my box, I have been shopping around and found quite a few I like. I started with Craftsman brand Black Universal Tools, they are nice but it drove me and my dad nuts they only sold 1 kit that all the sizes all the rest were missing some very common sizes. I got both SAE and Metric Wrenches!
I also wanted the matching sockets but they are missing 12 mm which is sooo common so I picked up this set they make called Max Axxess. They are called a pass thru socket so no matter how long the bolt is, it will go right though which is nice but then you can't by extensions for it
Here you can see how sockets are hollow
Here they lock in, very nice!
I have known sometime I wanted this hammer in my kit. I looked online and it was like $50 bucks, then I saw it at sears for $40 then found it at home depot for $30! It's called an Annihilator and its a multi tool that can double as a pry bar. I still need to get a nice dead blow hammer though.
Here are the plyers, dikes and wrenches from Craftsman. And my professional stainless steel wire crimper tool.
I am still working on finding a good two stubby and regular flat and phillip head screw drivers that I like. I also knew I wanted a box to hold my electrical supplies for emergencies. So I found this nice dewalt box that closes and can be organized. I also plan to keep some spare batteries and a flashlight in the box with this.
And lastly a couple of things I planning on keep in the box, Gorilla tape and WD-40. I will put rescue tape and electrical tape and some bailing wire when I get a chance. And lastly I am thinking about getting another set of regular (but black chrome) sockets that will have smaller sizes and extensions. Any other idea's you guys got go ahead and shoot!
The air struts I got are like 40 lbs I swear you can't close them with two hands. So I was worried it was going to be too much to close the lid. But after I got it mounted it was perfect, I can close the lid with one hand I just need a latching handle now to keep the lid closed.
I haven't mounted the plastic on the lid with the maps yet so that will come next week sometime.
There is still so much to do left on the box but next saturday is the UXOC Pony Express Trail Run so I need to get it as close to finished as I can so I can use that run as a test! My dad has been working on his a lot at the same time, he decided to use his spare two can's of yellow (detinator yellow matches his jeep) on his. I told him he should do black but he didn't want to buy more paint, here is his close to finish.
We are thinking about making a second level to hold to hold more tools, So he had used some spare foam and added a boarder for the second level to rest. He is going to get some black hinges and black hinge springs next. I am not a fan of the blue and yellow of the foam so I will try painting mine if I can, so I will paint the blue to be black and the yellow to be grey.
So next let me show you guys what tools I am planning on putting in my box, I have been shopping around and found quite a few I like. I started with Craftsman brand Black Universal Tools, they are nice but it drove me and my dad nuts they only sold 1 kit that all the sizes all the rest were missing some very common sizes. I got both SAE and Metric Wrenches!
I also wanted the matching sockets but they are missing 12 mm which is sooo common so I picked up this set they make called Max Axxess. They are called a pass thru socket so no matter how long the bolt is, it will go right though which is nice but then you can't by extensions for it
Here you can see how sockets are hollow
Here they lock in, very nice!
I have known sometime I wanted this hammer in my kit. I looked online and it was like $50 bucks, then I saw it at sears for $40 then found it at home depot for $30! It's called an Annihilator and its a multi tool that can double as a pry bar. I still need to get a nice dead blow hammer though.
Here are the plyers, dikes and wrenches from Craftsman. And my professional stainless steel wire crimper tool.
I am still working on finding a good two stubby and regular flat and phillip head screw drivers that I like. I also knew I wanted a box to hold my electrical supplies for emergencies. So I found this nice dewalt box that closes and can be organized. I also plan to keep some spare batteries and a flashlight in the box with this.
And lastly a couple of things I planning on keep in the box, Gorilla tape and WD-40. I will put rescue tape and electrical tape and some bailing wire when I get a chance. And lastly I am thinking about getting another set of regular (but black chrome) sockets that will have smaller sizes and extensions. Any other idea's you guys got go ahead and shoot!
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- Location
- Lawton, Oklahoma
Freakin' sweet!
- Location
- Amarillo, TX
idea to add to the box: PARACORD! I'd recommend 250' but, if you get at least 100' you'll be fine. the up side to having longer lengths means you can cut chunks off as needed.
also grab a decent fixed blade knife, something that's GOOD, not a cheap gerber piece of ****. Personally I'd suggest a cold steel tanto.
throw a decent hatchet back there too.
also grab a decent fixed blade knife, something that's GOOD, not a cheap gerber piece of ****. Personally I'd suggest a cold steel tanto.
throw a decent hatchet back there too.
- Location
- Smyrna, TN
Color me inspired. Jeez. Just wish us 1/1.5gens had some sort of solid floor to build upon.
- Location
- Murray, UT
Haha thanks guys! I do have 100' feet of paracord in the side of the door so maybe I will have to grab some more. Most of the stuff in the box is the hard heavy stuff you don't want just laying around in case of a wreck. So lighter simpler stuff goes up front or in various spots of the X like the side pockets. Wow and whats wrong with Gerber? My Axe from them is the best thing I have, I have used it a million times and its still sharp as a V! But granted I think the bear grylls stuff is a bit dumb and I am not a huge fan of that solid bland, there are a lot better ones. I do however like this one from them -> http://www.gerbergear.com/Outdoor/Knives/Basic_31-000367
I do have 100' feet of paracord in the side of the door so maybe I will have to grab some more. Most of the stuff in the box is the hard heavy stuff you don't want just laying around in case of a wreck. So lighter simpler stuff goes up front or in various spots of the X like the side pockets. Wow and whats wrong with Gerber? My Axe from them is the best thing I have, I have used it a million times and its still sharp as a V! But granted I think the bear grylls stuff is a bit dumb and I am not a huge fan of that solid bland, there are a lot better ones. I do however like this one from them -> http://www.gerbergear.com/Outdoor/Knives/Basic_31-000367
- Location
- Amarillo, TX
don't get me wrong, not all gerber's are crap, but, I've had too many that dulled way too easily, broke, chipped, or in other ways became totally useless other than as a hammer.
Gerber Axes may be pretty decent...
also, keeping in mind that "sharp" depends on the blade's intended purpose...sharp for an axe is VERY VERY dull for a knife...
the moment that I have to make more than two cuts to be through a 1/2" thick chicken breast, I consider the knife terribly dull, I prefer to be able to sever things with one pull of the blade if doing so is reasonable based on thickness. As for durability, something labeled a "survival knife" should be able to cut a tree branch (2" or so) without chipping, should be able to split a deer pelvis without chipping or losing a chunk of the blade....and I'm yet to have a gerber knife survive those....first one snapped clean off while trying to free it from a tree branch, the next had nearly a dime sized chunk come out when dressing a deer, three short snaps at the pelvis, and on the third time the piece of blade came out and stuck in my other forearm.
that being said, I've got another Gerber Mark II that's been a solid knife, but, it's still missing the tip of the blade, that's embedded in bone...
my cold steel recon tanto has been my trail clearing knife, has served to clean a turkey, has cleaned large fish, and got used to field dress a decent sized deer and never been sharpened yet, and still shaves with parts of the blade.
Gerber Axes may be pretty decent...
also, keeping in mind that "sharp" depends on the blade's intended purpose...sharp for an axe is VERY VERY dull for a knife...
the moment that I have to make more than two cuts to be through a 1/2" thick chicken breast, I consider the knife terribly dull, I prefer to be able to sever things with one pull of the blade if doing so is reasonable based on thickness. As for durability, something labeled a "survival knife" should be able to cut a tree branch (2" or so) without chipping, should be able to split a deer pelvis without chipping or losing a chunk of the blade....and I'm yet to have a gerber knife survive those....first one snapped clean off while trying to free it from a tree branch, the next had nearly a dime sized chunk come out when dressing a deer, three short snaps at the pelvis, and on the third time the piece of blade came out and stuck in my other forearm.
that being said, I've got another Gerber Mark II that's been a solid knife, but, it's still missing the tip of the blade, that's embedded in bone...
my cold steel recon tanto has been my trail clearing knife, has served to clean a turkey, has cleaned large fish, and got used to field dress a decent sized deer and never been sharpened yet, and still shaves with parts of the blade.
- Location
- Murray, UT
Your right, I agree with you
- Location
- Central FL
That rack is turing out great! Nice work on the drawer!
- Location
- Murray, UT
Thanks man! Well we concluded last night that the drawer sliders which were the heaviest duty ones I could find from home depot are not heavy duty enough! I put my tools in the box and stood on a scale it came out around 60 lbs but I may have more weight in there when I get a few more things in there. So I got on McMaster Carr and picked up some Heavy Duty slider rails that are built for a truck and will hold almost 500 lbs or 300 lbs in a vehicle. They also have a locking feature but they cost me a pretty penny. Hopefully after that and a few screws I should be done spending money!
NMTerras
Suspension Lift
- Location
- New Mexico
See my PM if you need help with that...:angel:
Great stuff - I am in awe of the detail work!
TN4x4Xterra
Suspension Lift
- Location
- Knoxville, TN
Alex, you should know that you may be done spending money....only temporarily!
- Location
- West Haven, UTAH
That rack is looking damn nice, Alex!
Got me re-thinking having one, though I think I'll try to leave as much room underneath (and legs as wide as possible) as I can so I could sleep under it (legs under the rack).
Kid is grown up and doesn't go much anymore, so the dog rides in the back seat now, thus the rack would work for me.
Also liking the switch console, as I'm going to soon be needing more lighting controls. That is just plain sharp, and now you've been the ginuea pig for the first install, the rest will follow.
Got me re-thinking having one, though I think I'll try to leave as much room underneath (and legs as wide as possible) as I can so I could sleep under it (legs under the rack).
Kid is grown up and doesn't go much anymore, so the dog rides in the back seat now, thus the rack would work for me.
Also liking the switch console, as I'm going to soon be needing more lighting controls. That is just plain sharp, and now you've been the ginuea pig for the first install, the rest will follow.
- Location
- Murray, UT
Thanks Dave! I am rethinking the legs actually! I want to build out of tube 4 legs that extend like a small roll cage all the way to the roof! I could make a custom lobo shelf on it and then have some extensions that meet up with the rack. I may do that and cut off the current legs. I would make some solid anchors to mount to the floor and bolt the tubing into. I do even have another idea to make it raise and lower the rack on the tubes without much effort. My dad will kill me if I cut up the rack now and restart when I have put in so much time on it. But actually with the new drawer sliders coming I may have too, not sure how I am going to get it to work without some huge modifications :s I wanted to have it ready for this weekend but I don't think I will be able to bring it unless I go down to the shop and do some work after I get off my day job.
Oh and Stevin, it's soooo true!
- Location
- Columbus, OH
If you've not found them yet, you might use those spring nuts that are placed into electrical conduits. That way you could pop an actual bolt down there vs the tie down hooks. Potentially a bit more solid.
- Location
- Murray, UT
That is a very good idea I like it! I did just order a new latching, recess handle that is a brushed stainless steel! It's 3" x 4" Should be really nice, the new drawer sliders also have a lock in and lock out feature! I am excited to get all the parts and get to work. I am pretty certain I am going to after goneMOAB move the legs out. I do want to camp in the X like Dave stated but for now I am going to use it as is and keep it simple until I have a little more time to plan and build. Plus my dad will kill me if I don't take a break from working on this rack
- Location
- Murray, UT
Alright photo update! Spent a while planning out my layout for the tool cut out! The other night I laid it out a bit but didn't like it so when you see the blue markings that was before and the red is now!
I purchased some Titan SAE and Metric Wrench Grippers which were really nice but these wrenches are a bit awkward. Discovered my SAE set came with TWO 5/16's but no 11/32 even though the package so... I don't know what the heck Craftsman is doing but clearly they need to stop dealing with China.
After I took a sharpie and cut the paper, this paper comes with the foam and is actually a large sticker which you stick onto the blue foam to cut then peel it off
Doubt checking the fit, notice I did not cut around the wrenches. They will sit on top of the blue foam. I also left the sockets on there holders but see how I can see what the size each is
I didn't do much more on the foam for tonight. I did receive my new drawer sliders and they are BEEFY! They are almost 3" tall 3/4" thick and 24" long... Much heavier duty then my 1.5" tall, 1/2" tick and 23" long current sliders. The new ones again as I said before will hold 500 lbs or 300 lbs in a vehicle (due to vibration).
I am going to have to do some more cutting and welding to the rack, since I will then I am for sure going to move the legs out to the walls of the interior. Just gotta plan how I am going to do it!
The righthand side slider has this latch which you lift to unlock the slider so it can slide out.
Still waiting on my handle should possibly be here friday or monday!
I purchased some Titan SAE and Metric Wrench Grippers which were really nice but these wrenches are a bit awkward. Discovered my SAE set came with TWO 5/16's but no 11/32 even though the package so... I don't know what the heck Craftsman is doing but clearly they need to stop dealing with China.
After I took a sharpie and cut the paper, this paper comes with the foam and is actually a large sticker which you stick onto the blue foam to cut then peel it off
Doubt checking the fit, notice I did not cut around the wrenches. They will sit on top of the blue foam. I also left the sockets on there holders but see how I can see what the size each is
I didn't do much more on the foam for tonight. I did receive my new drawer sliders and they are BEEFY! They are almost 3" tall 3/4" thick and 24" long... Much heavier duty then my 1.5" tall, 1/2" tick and 23" long current sliders. The new ones again as I said before will hold 500 lbs or 300 lbs in a vehicle (due to vibration).
I am going to have to do some more cutting and welding to the rack, since I will then I am for sure going to move the legs out to the walls of the interior. Just gotta plan how I am going to do it!
The righthand side slider has this latch which you lift to unlock the slider so it can slide out.
Still waiting on my handle should possibly be here friday or monday!
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- Location
- Dickinson, TX
I like the slide lock design, that is very sweet. I think you need to call this the never ending cargo area rack build though...lol.
- Location
- Murray, UT
Well I got some big updates in terms of the rack, it's nearing completion! I am roughly at 90% done, hoping to finish tomorrow! After that anything else will be strictly for fun or to finish it off nicely! I have spent wayyyy too much time redesigning and changing things on this rack so I am trying to make sure it is done for goneMOAB because I need to do other things like paint, sandblast/powdercoat, wire and clean the X before I leave for gone! BUT back to the rack, I am not going to post pics just yet! So maybe tomorrow, maybe sunday I will But I gotta give you something so here is a sneak peak!
Before...
After...
But I gotta give you something so here is a sneak peak!Before...
After...
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- Location
- Murray, UT
Alright guys, finally time for some big pics updates! To explain the previous photo's I needed to expand the area where the drawer sits by at least 1/4" there was a bunch of ways to do this but I decided to get rid of the legs and do something a little different!
Thanks to my great friend Justin who made me some new feet! These expand out to the very edge of the interior which is great!
While I was enjoying the feet I also received my new Southco Stainless Steel latching handle I bought from McMaster Carr!
It took me a while to get it cut out because I used our air die grinder with a cutting wheel rather then the electric and I was using our old small air compressor which would only give me a 30 seconds of cutting time then about 2 minutes to refill the tank. Its because we were still moving into the new shop but here you can see I am working at the new shop with floor finally finished!
Sliders finally mounted!
So next we put some spacers on the bottom then the drawer to give plenty of room for the sliding drawer.
So I used 3/4" tubing then some new taller plate for drilling of the sliders holes.
Took quite a while work it all up and get the welds done
Mounted!
Testing, my dad had to hold the rack down since it's expanding over edge of the table and would tip over those sliders and drawer weigh a ton!
Next gotta figure out my legs! I love the expandable legs but I realized it's almost to impossible to raise it unless you move it out of the X and have two people one to lift and again weighs a ton and the other to tighten it down! So we decided to change it to solid mounted legs! I started with figuring the max height by putting my cooler underneath and then a 2" tube on top figured it would give the best of the height.
You can also notice the feet are spaced out using some wood which I figured the lengths and cut... The tricky thing was to try and get the rack centered or square with the feet. There is a MILLION ways to do this but I just decided to angle my legs, again I am using the 3/4" tube which I picked up at a local place and is actually made for a fence. It's slightly thinner then the 3/4" tube I already used so I started by making the first 4 legs. The front legs in the pic are maybe a little less then 45 degrees. The back are almost 90, maybe like 80 degrees. I did this to try and make the rack sit further back in the cargo area.
After putting it in we realized the angle of the legs on back was too far forward, I couldn't put up the back seats and it wouldn't fit since the feet sit at the very furthest parts of each corner... So we decided to flip the drawer 180 degrees which then required some new drilling on the slider mounts. Here is the corrected version being tested in the X!
As I said it's really tall, too tall actually but it work for now. And my plan is to sell the rack next winter and restart. However when I do the plan will be to make a cage that goes all the way up the roof and then the rack will be made of 3/4" material all around with some mounting spots and two air shocks rated to lift the rack up! But for now I want to make sure it's done and ready for goneMOAB!
Here you can see how tall it is. This was Thursday night went down after work...
So Saturday morning we resumed working, I knew it needed a second leg on every foot to reinforce it with the thinner wall of the tubing. This took me a while grind and match everything up for these odd angles.
This gives you a little more of perspective of the front and rear legs
After a little welding, grinding and paint I am declaring it done! I still have a few things to do but they are not necessary so I will just work on them here and there in the next few weeks when I have free time, I am going to fill in the rack with aluminum mesh, add a Stainless Steel grab handle to the front of the drawer for when you pull it out, add some clear plastic on top of the drawer with some maps under it, add a light to the inside of the drawer, put some foam on top of the drawer and a few other various small things.
Also if you didn't notice prior I have one shock in the middle of the drawer which helps to keep the lid from twisting and flexing which was my issue before.
Finally it's in! The feet work great! Just barely touch the edge of the track and are big enough for one big bolt with a nice large washer on each side, no pics of that right now I was running out of time. So I will get some more pics later!
Also painted my yellow foam black, and stuck it together! My dad is rolling the foam together to make sure it sticks.
Finally my tools are in! Sorry not the best pic but I will have some more later showing how it's organized and laid out!
All finished!
Hope you guys liked it! Now on comes wiring, radio, and a few more important things before moab!
Thanks to my great friend Justin who made me some new feet! These expand out to the very edge of the interior which is great!
While I was enjoying the feet I also received my new Southco Stainless Steel latching handle I bought from McMaster Carr!
It took me a while to get it cut out because I used our air die grinder with a cutting wheel rather then the electric and I was using our old small air compressor which would only give me a 30 seconds of cutting time then about 2 minutes to refill the tank. Its because we were still moving into the new shop but here you can see I am working at the new shop with floor finally finished!
Sliders finally mounted!
So next we put some spacers on the bottom then the drawer to give plenty of room for the sliding drawer.
So I used 3/4" tubing then some new taller plate for drilling of the sliders holes.
Took quite a while work it all up and get the welds done
Mounted!
Testing, my dad had to hold the rack down since it's expanding over edge of the table and would tip over those sliders and drawer weigh a ton!
Next gotta figure out my legs! I love the expandable legs but I realized it's almost to impossible to raise it unless you move it out of the X and have two people one to lift and again weighs a ton and the other to tighten it down! So we decided to change it to solid mounted legs! I started with figuring the max height by putting my cooler underneath and then a 2" tube on top figured it would give the best of the height.
You can also notice the feet are spaced out using some wood which I figured the lengths and cut... The tricky thing was to try and get the rack centered or square with the feet. There is a MILLION ways to do this but I just decided to angle my legs, again I am using the 3/4" tube which I picked up at a local place and is actually made for a fence. It's slightly thinner then the 3/4" tube I already used so I started by making the first 4 legs. The front legs in the pic are maybe a little less then 45 degrees. The back are almost 90, maybe like 80 degrees. I did this to try and make the rack sit further back in the cargo area.
After putting it in we realized the angle of the legs on back was too far forward, I couldn't put up the back seats and it wouldn't fit since the feet sit at the very furthest parts of each corner... So we decided to flip the drawer 180 degrees which then required some new drilling on the slider mounts. Here is the corrected version being tested in the X!
As I said it's really tall, too tall actually but it work for now. And my plan is to sell the rack next winter and restart. However when I do the plan will be to make a cage that goes all the way up the roof and then the rack will be made of 3/4" material all around with some mounting spots and two air shocks rated to lift the rack up! But for now I want to make sure it's done and ready for goneMOAB!
Here you can see how tall it is. This was Thursday night went down after work...
So Saturday morning we resumed working, I knew it needed a second leg on every foot to reinforce it with the thinner wall of the tubing. This took me a while grind and match everything up for these odd angles.
This gives you a little more of perspective of the front and rear legs
After a little welding, grinding and paint I am declaring it done! I still have a few things to do but they are not necessary so I will just work on them here and there in the next few weeks when I have free time, I am going to fill in the rack with aluminum mesh, add a Stainless Steel grab handle to the front of the drawer for when you pull it out, add some clear plastic on top of the drawer with some maps under it, add a light to the inside of the drawer, put some foam on top of the drawer and a few other various small things.
Also if you didn't notice prior I have one shock in the middle of the drawer which helps to keep the lid from twisting and flexing which was my issue before.
Finally it's in! The feet work great! Just barely touch the edge of the track and are big enough for one big bolt with a nice large washer on each side, no pics of that right now I was running out of time. So I will get some more pics later!
Also painted my yellow foam black, and stuck it together! My dad is rolling the foam together to make sure it sticks.
Finally my tools are in! Sorry not the best pic but I will have some more later showing how it's organized and laid out!
All finished!
Hope you guys liked it! Now on comes wiring, radio, and a few more important things before moab!
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- Location
- Probably in class..
And once again, Alex ceases to amaze... Good job. I was wondering why you didn't chop the back legs... But I later realized that the back of the second generation doesn't slope like the first generation X does..
Looks clean. And when you sell it, but someone will be really happy.
Sent from somewhere by something
Looks clean. And when you sell it, but someone will be really happy.
Sent from somewhere by something
- Location
- SW OK & formerly Eastern NM
Wow, incredible. You never fail to impress.
- Location
- Murray, UT
Hahaha thanks guys! And don't worry I will you know if it's up for sell! When I say it weighs a ton it's does weigh a lot but it still could be lift by one person it's just a bit heavy and awkward! With tools and equipment in it though I am sure it would take two people regardless though to remove it.
- Location
- Western Massachusetts
That's a beautiful piece, I love it! Great work.
- Location
- Murray, UT
Thanks guys and actually the back of the second gens does slope down and actually its about the same slope but yeah it wouldn't fit a the back because of the length.
NMTerras
Suspension Lift
- Location
- New Mexico
Dang Alex - that is some impressive, clean work. I just changed my mind about posting pics of my tool box placed carefully inside a plastic bin...:hmmm:
- Location
- Dickinson, TX
Kuma, it looks real good just like it is now sir. If I were you I would not change this thing for the 6th time...J/K.
- Location
- Murray, UT
Alright time for another update, been busy!
So last saturday I wrapped up the install of my HAM Radio! Decided to mount it directly to the center top piece of the dash using some stand off's I found in my dad's shop!
Nice tight fit!
Test fitting everything is the key!
Finally after much hard work trying to hide the wires and run everything together... I scratched up the lower part of my dash FYI, if you do anything with that center section tape off the lower area to protect it!
Also we played around a few times with where to put the antenna! I wanted it on the roof but my dad and brother worried that since the CB antenna was so close it might be a bad idea plus I would have to go buy an extension to get it out of the rear hatch. I plan to in the future route both antenna's to the roof with an electric flip up design! Ultimately decided on the front bumper! And yes I know it may get blocked a little by my car but I can hit the repeater from inside the shop, doors closed and the repeater is close to 100 miles away! Also yes it's a magnetic mount.
Well yesterday I showed up to the shop not sure what to work on, was planning on painting under the X and clean it up a little but like always in April it's raining... So I did the next best thing and screw everything up! I decided to take off my poor looking back bumper and sliders and send them in for repowder coating! A black crinkle coat!
After getting a few of the small parts off, and yes I busted one of the handles bolt heads in the swing arm so I will have to drill that out.
The rust isn't nearly bad most of you would say but I am a perfectionist and hate seeing flaking powdercoat! I also had to hammer this piece back to straight!
Here is the tire carrier piece that has gotten most of the rust!
After a lot of work and cussing I got the dang thing off! And boy was it nice to use the truck lift. Not sure how often my dad will let me do that though, he really wants me to start paying rent to use the place which sucks but I can see why! I duct taped the swing arm while we moved it.
Then came the fun part! I had been trying literally everything I could to get the 1" bolt out of the hinge! Heat, Spray, Hammer, Wrench, you name it! Finally it took 3 of us to get it over and positioned in my dad's 20 ton press! Sadly it's so awkward we tried to brace it as much as we could and continued to work on it but what ended up happening is the bushing was rusted solid to the bolt! Instead of pushing the bolt it bent the whole mount!
Another angle... So the next step is to do the fun stuff and cut it off! And then I will call Jim at Shrockworks tomorrow and see if they can send me a replacement mount, bolt and bushing.... If not then you can probably expect me to make a custom swing arm carrier! But I am not sure how much time I will have before moab.
Here is how I ended the day! Just drove it home and parked it in the garage...
I did also try take my sliders off and found 2 problems! There are bolts on the back mounts that use the frame's inner welded nut that broke loose! So I will be cutting those out and drilling all the way through the frame with some heavy duty bolts. Then secondly on the front mount there is a bolt on each side that person had drilled all the way through the frame and bolted through but the hole was drilled too big and the washer barely covers it so it started pulling the washer through... So got some more work cut out for me, but I am probably going to be heading to the shop after work each day and doing some work on this stuff! Starting with the rear bumper.
Lastly dropping my X off at the dealer tomorrow morning to get the dreaded Timing Chain Tensioner replaced! And get some key's made!
So last saturday I wrapped up the install of my HAM Radio! Decided to mount it directly to the center top piece of the dash using some stand off's I found in my dad's shop!
Nice tight fit!
Test fitting everything is the key!
Finally after much hard work trying to hide the wires and run everything together... I scratched up the lower part of my dash FYI, if you do anything with that center section tape off the lower area to protect it!
Also we played around a few times with where to put the antenna! I wanted it on the roof but my dad and brother worried that since the CB antenna was so close it might be a bad idea plus I would have to go buy an extension to get it out of the rear hatch. I plan to in the future route both antenna's to the roof with an electric flip up design! Ultimately decided on the front bumper! And yes I know it may get blocked a little by my car but I can hit the repeater from inside the shop, doors closed and the repeater is close to 100 miles away!
Also yes it's a magnetic mount.
Well yesterday I showed up to the shop not sure what to work on, was planning on painting under the X and clean it up a little but like always in April it's raining... So I did the next best thing and screw everything up!
I decided to take off my poor looking back bumper and sliders and send them in for repowder coating! A black crinkle coat!After getting a few of the small parts off, and yes I busted one of the handles bolt heads in the swing arm so I will have to drill that out.
The rust isn't nearly bad most of you would say but I am a perfectionist and hate seeing flaking powdercoat! I also had to hammer this piece back to straight!
Here is the tire carrier piece that has gotten most of the rust!
After a lot of work and cussing I got the dang thing off! And boy was it nice to use the truck lift. Not sure how often my dad will let me do that though, he really wants me to start paying rent to use the place which sucks but I can see why! I duct taped the swing arm while we moved it.
Then came the fun part! I had been trying literally everything I could to get the 1" bolt out of the hinge! Heat, Spray, Hammer, Wrench, you name it! Finally it took 3 of us to get it over and positioned in my dad's 20 ton press! Sadly it's so awkward we tried to brace it as much as we could and continued to work on it but what ended up happening is the bushing was rusted solid to the bolt! Instead of pushing the bolt it bent the whole mount!
Another angle... So the next step is to do the fun stuff and cut it off! And then I will call Jim at Shrockworks tomorrow and see if they can send me a replacement mount, bolt and bushing.... If not then you can probably expect me to make a custom swing arm carrier!
But I am not sure how much time I will have before moab.
Here is how I ended the day! Just drove it home and parked it in the garage...
I did also try take my sliders off and found 2 problems! There are bolts on the back mounts that use the frame's inner welded nut that broke loose! So I will be cutting those out and drilling all the way through the frame with some heavy duty bolts. Then secondly on the front mount there is a bolt on each side that person had drilled all the way through the frame and bolted through but the hole was drilled too big and the washer barely covers it so it started pulling the washer through...
So got some more work cut out for me, but I am probably going to be heading to the shop after work each day and doing some work on this stuff! Starting with the rear bumper.Lastly dropping my X off at the dealer tomorrow morning to get the dreaded Timing Chain Tensioner replaced! And get some key's made!
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- Location
- Dickinson, TX
Hate to see the little annoying issues you got going but atleast they are small things and not major issues.
Im sure you will have it all back looking nicely once again.
Im sure you will have it all back looking nicely once again.
- Location
- Washington
Does your hinge have a zerk?
- Location
- West Haven, UTAH
If he brings it up to me to help repair, it will have.
Just the smallest bit of rust on the hinge bolt makes it about impossible to remove...
- Location
- Washington
If you press the bearings into the pipe and force them to articulate with the bolt, with the grease I don't think they would rust.
- Location
- Murray, UT
Yeah that's what I want to do! I am going to put anti-seize though on almost all the bolts though when I re-install this thing... My dad did it on his jeep and it made of a world of difference when he had to go back and remove the bumper to fix a nice rattle he had. I do want to do a zerk, and Dave I may take you up on that, I worry I wont get the weld hot enough or clean enough and that it will either crack or break after some heavy vibration on the trail. My dad wants us to try but I am going to let him think that over for a bit, I still gotta wait to hear back from shrockworks anyways, I sent them an email but no reply so I am calling them tomorrow morning!
Well dropped the X off at 7:30 the guy said the Xterra was the coolest thing ever! Haha even without the rear bumper or a spare tire Ended up costing $1354.00 but that also includes 2 new programmed keys that I have been needing. But now it drives like a dream! I love it! So happy I got that whine fixed, And without the rear bumper I dare say it sits an inch taller in the back and doesn't feel so rough even with 50 PSI.
Now on to the bumper, after work I ran straight to the dealer dropped off my parents Camry and picked up the X drove straight to the shop and got to work! I didn't bother to take my camera, too much work and not enough time! So all these pics are from Cell Phone...
First off here is a pic of the 4 bolts on the swing arm where the handle mounts, one of the bolt in the top right broke off so I have to drill it out later. Also notice the swing arm is no longer on the bumper
Took the cutting wheel on the angle grinder and got busy!
After this I smoothed it all out with the grinding flapper wheel, but I didn't take a pic of it almost flat so here just another angle before I took grinder to it!
Even after I cut the hinge off I couldn't get it to turn, so I cut it right in half and took both pieces off!
To make it easier I cut the head off the bolt and then we pressed it out with the 20 ton press and it worked like a charm, easy as pie! But I still am certain you couldn't have hammered it out! This is a lot of rust to be honest and if you have never dealt with this in such tight tolerances it's rough!
The bushing or sleeve I guess you could call it stated in, don't know if we will reuse it... My dad wants me to just cover the new bolt in anti-seize and press that bushing back into the swing arm, but I really don't want too... I want it out for a fresh new one and I want to install a zerk fitting and make sure it stays somewhat free.
After grinding for forever it felt like I almost got it all smoothed out, then I will get hopefully be free to get the welding done. I am still thinking about doing a custom swing arm in the future but it would use the existing mount if I did...
Well dropped the X off at 7:30 the guy said the Xterra was the coolest thing ever! Haha even without the rear bumper or a spare tire
Ended up costing $1354.00 but that also includes 2 new programmed keys that I have been needing. But now it drives like a dream! I love it! So happy I got that whine fixed, And without the rear bumper I dare say it sits an inch taller in the back and doesn't feel so rough even with 50 PSI.Now on to the bumper, after work I ran straight to the dealer dropped off my parents Camry and picked up the X drove straight to the shop and got to work! I didn't bother to take my camera, too much work and not enough time! So all these pics are from Cell Phone...
First off here is a pic of the 4 bolts on the swing arm where the handle mounts, one of the bolt in the top right broke off so I have to drill it out later. Also notice the swing arm is no longer on the bumper
Took the cutting wheel on the angle grinder and got busy!
After this I smoothed it all out with the grinding flapper wheel, but I didn't take a pic of it almost flat so here just another angle before I took grinder to it!
Even after I cut the hinge off I couldn't get it to turn, so I cut it right in half and took both pieces off!
To make it easier I cut the head off the bolt and then we pressed it out with the 20 ton press and it worked like a charm, easy as pie! But I still am certain you couldn't have hammered it out! This is a lot of rust to be honest and if you have never dealt with this in such tight tolerances it's rough!
The bushing or sleeve I guess you could call it stated in, don't know if we will reuse it... My dad wants me to just cover the new bolt in anti-seize and press that bushing back into the swing arm, but I really don't want too... I want it out for a fresh new one and I want to install a zerk fitting and make sure it stays somewhat free.
After grinding for forever it felt like I almost got it all smoothed out, then I will get hopefully be free to get the welding done. I am still thinking about doing a custom swing arm in the future but it would use the existing mount if I did...
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NMTerras
Suspension Lift
- Location
- New Mexico
Nice work Alex! Hope you get it squared away by Moab, but I know you will. Did you see your sliders on my rig yet? I think they look great...
- Location
- Murray, UT
Yeah I did man! I was going to ask you to post some pics already! Hahaha can't wait to see you use them in moab!
NMTerras
Suspension Lift
- Location
- New Mexico
I can't wait...it's going to be a blast, and an eclipse to boot! I'll post up more pics when I finish my bumper