ROTW: kevinmrowland

Goode · 01-24-08, 01:28 PM

That is a thing of beauty. And best of all is it's function.

You have MAD skilz. Job well done.

sandcruiser · 01-24-08, 02:16 PM

great looking truck.

I just added the underseat storage to my list of "really gotta do this" on the 80....
we don't even use it as an expedition rig these days (living in costa rica is a daily expedition) but I'm a sucker for lockable storage!

kevinmrowland · 01-24-08, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybynight

I was curious if you had done any thing special in the way of audio?
I may have missed it, if so let me know.
Thanks

Hell yeah! I've got a STOCK 1981, push button, AM/FM radio that gets "good reception in all countries"
SWEET sound!

I have an Ipod in the ashtray that feeds an fm broadcaster. I have some run of the mill speakers in the doors and that is it. I need to update the speakers a bit, but no plans other than that.
I just like to listen to the engine anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandcruiser

great looking truck.

I just added the underseat storage to my list of "really gotta do this" on the 80....
we don't even use it as an expedition rig these days (living in costa rica is a daily expedition) but I'm a sucker for lockable storage!

I know what you mean, when I am using the rig as just a truck, it is SO nice to have it completely empty inside, no boxes, no tools, no rear seat even, and still have a full tool set and supplies locked under the seat.

Anybody busts in, all they see is an empty truck with a stock radio, no center console and a lock on the shifter.

The best part is that the mod could be done pretty simply, I had to cut out a lot of the floor because of rust, but on a clean truck the fab work could be much more minimal.

woytovich · 01-24-08, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinmrowland

The best part is that the mod could be done pretty simply, I had to cut out a lot of the floor because of rust, but on a clean truck the fab work could be much more minimal.

You had to go and say that didn't you... DAMN YOU KEVIN!

Now I have to go back and find the thread about that mod... unless you want to point me at it... I guess it's the seat mounting I'd be worried about - safety you know!

Mark

kevinmrowland · 01-24-08, 03:59 PM

I linked to the thread (and a bunch of others) in one of the first few posts. It is also FAQed for some reason, even though I seriously doubt that underseat storage is something that folks frequently ask about.

flybynight · 01-24-08, 04:00 PM

Here is the link to underseat storage........I was just looking at it.

I wouldn't be overly concerned with security. Looks very strong, and Kevin has logged enough miles to confirm that.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wa...t-storage.html

89s rule · 01-24-08, 05:08 PM

Great job! Might use a few of the ideas for storage.

sandcruiser · 01-25-08, 06:50 AM

I've been planning to raise my front seat about an inch anyway (I'm short, no worries about headroom/kneeroom). Now it looks like I'll be including this storage idea.

The safety aspect doesn't worry me- defender 110 has a similar storage layout. The driver's side is actually where they located the battery, which seems absurd to me (hey! let's sit on a box full of acid that vents explosive gas!) but their mounting is far more flimsy than Kevin's, and you don't hear about D110 drivers flying through the windshield. A simple piano hinge along the back is darn strong.

woytovich · 01-25-08, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandcruiser

The driver's side is actually where they located the battery, which seems absurd to me (hey! let's sit on a box full of acid that vents explosive gas!)

As opposed to "let's put that steel tank full of gasoline right here in the passenger compartment with us..."?

People get all bent when someone says they carry a jerry can of gas in the back of their truck but most 40 owners don't think twice about their fuel tank location...

sandcruiser · 01-25-08, 01:05 PM

good point, Mark... but you will notice that Toyota rethought that bad design and changed it- not only in the later-model 40s but in every subsequent vehicle.

woytovich · 01-25-08, 02:46 PM

but it sure took them a long time...

MrWwindow · 01-26-08, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinmrowland

Dual purpose CB/FM Antenna on custom hidden mount in OE location.

I want to know how you did this!

James

woytovich · 01-26-08, 01:12 PM

3-WAY (AM/FM/CB) ANTENNA

Firestik AR1A - CB Antenna to AM/FM Splitter

kevinmrowland · 01-26-08, 01:46 PM

That would be the one, Walcott CB, AR1A.
Then I made a custom bracket to hold a spring base and installed it where the OE antenna was.
I was skeptical of the splitter at first, but it actually lowers the SWR of the CB system by a considerable amount (about the same as a foot longer antenna would).

oldfj40 · 01-26-08, 07:27 PM

I think someone my have already mentioned that you do awesome work and have great fab skills.
You've made an expedition rig that can be packed/unpacked without great inconvenience and used as a daily driver/week end wheeler. Definitely one of the finest ROTW rigs so far.Kudos on your "pile of junk in the form of a 60".

Personally,I would give my left nut for a shop like you've got.

kevinmrowland · 01-26-08, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldfj40

Personally,I would give my left nut for a shop like you've got.

So would I!
I don't have the shop, I just have it at my disposal.

cabron · 01-27-08, 10:31 AM

Extremely well thought out, executed rig. Very methodical in your approach, I really respect that.

incogrhino · 01-27-08, 05:05 PM

ba ba ba bad asssss..Really, I love every inch of it.

sk8salomon · 01-27-08, 05:48 PM

Great Job Kevin!!! Your ideas are amazing!!!
I'm going to steal your tailgate idea for my rig.
Thanks for all the help over the years. Best advice you've given me is to get a friggen FSM.

All that info is probably stored in your brain by now.

wyomingben · 01-28-08, 12:28 AM

IMO this is the #1 60 rig on the site. I'm thinking "sticky" this one as it would be a shame to give it only on week to discuss. All in favor say "I' or something.

-Wyo

RockDoc · 01-28-08, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyomingben

IMO this is the #1 60 rig on the site. I'm thinking "sticky" this one as it would be a shame to give it only on week to discuss. All in favor say "I' or something.

-Wyo

I agree, maybe added to the FAQ as an example of a well thought out, well executed build up.

Wayneraintree · 01-28-08, 06:55 AM

*echo, echo* damn nicely built 60 ! *echo, echo*

So did ya figure out some actuated lights for the cable lockers?

Great write up BTW, as well written as your 60 was built up

overhanger · 01-28-08, 10:20 AM

I second the sticky idea. Also, I highly recommend Mitch "Pops" Rowland's truck for ROTW exposure. His truck is similar and has its own little niceties thoughout it. The Rowland boys have their poop in a group!!

Mace · 01-28-08, 12:53 PM

The problem with individual stickies running around is that it gets REALLY annoying up there.

There currently is a link to this thread in the ROTW signup sheet. I'll add some *****'s around it to make it stand out a bit more.

BTW, Kevin, you really did a good job. I am glad we moved the date around so that you could answer questions..

kevinmrowland · 01-28-08, 02:46 PM

Thanks Mace, and thanks to everyone again.
I think the link in the ROTW sign up is plenty easy enough to find. I dont want to have to see my name at the top of the forum every time I log in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayneraintree

So did ya figure out some actuated lights for the cable lockers?

I didn't do anything yet, but after looking at your pics (thanks) I think I will just make custom lenses and replace both the brake and seatbelt lights > I can do without both of them.