Back in the saddle

[Raymond525]

Found a LX in Greenville to replace my '02 that insurance totaled.

I wanted another 100 series since I have stuff for upgrades already, so after nearly 3 months of looking, I am ready to start working on this one.

It has OME suspension already (AHC deleted) but needs a roof rack, sunroof motor, a bit of TLC, etc. I have a diy weld up Coastal rear bumper and will color match it then roof rack, front bumper and drawer system. Should take me far too long, but I don't have to drive a Nissan Rogue everywhere anymore!

Raymond

 

[jawbone]

Must feel great. I regretted selling my ‘01 LX…until I got the replacement ‘96 80 finished up and on the road. But I do miss the V8 on occasion when running up the mountain fully loaded.

 

[Raymond525]

New tires and painted my old LC100 stock wheels matte black.

Removed the front hitch.

Starting on my DIY bumper this weekend for the rear. Removing running boards and mounting the Gamiviti feet for my DIY roof rack build.

Raymond

 

[Raymond525]

I like building things myself.

I started on the roof rack a couple of weeks ago. Here's a photo with the Gamiviti feet installed, minus the upper halves:

I know 1" square aluminum extrusion is strong enough, with enough cross bars, but I'm currently rethinking my approach. The ability to square them up is not working the way I hoped. My thoughts were to build a full rectangle with the cross bars inset to the outer frame.

I want a rack that is low profile and strong. I have access to a CNC plasma table, full fab shop, full paint shop, etc. I will urethane base coat, flat back top coat whatever ends up there. The first take with a single extrusion across the front is too unstable - too much cantilever in front of the front feet. I hope adding a couple more 1 x 2 cross bars will help stabilize. I have 5 more sitting in the garage waiting on me to install them.

If the 1 x 1 don't work, I will use that to build a drawer system for the cargo area and either swap to 1.5 square or buy a Sherpa!

I have a large RTT to install, using Front Runner Quick Release Tent Mounts. Currently have four of them. Thinking about adding two more on a 3rd 1" x 2" extrusion bar to distribute weight better.

Here's a pic of the tent on the previous owner's LC:

I also started on my rear bumper in earnest today. I bought a Coastal Offroad DIY High Clearance Rear Bumper kit. Unboxed it a few weeks ago. Let's just say that CNC lasers have the ability to etch in part #'s, but a Sharpie works. Just takes a couple of hours to dig through parts and the Bill of Materials to figure out which parts are which.

Look for a write up on that in the future. Documenting, and re-writing the instructions throughout. No pics to post yet, but I am learning some lessons on this one. I have new bolts on order for the mounts and used a bronze shotgun cleaning brush to clean the threads on the captive nuts on the frame. I'll wire wheel and urethane coat the crusty areas where there used to be a frame-mounted trailer hitch.

I am honored to have a 50+ year veteran welding instructor to weld this up with me, teach a friend's young son some new skills, and modify both the bumper and the instructions as needed.

Now, I need to research the bumper-mount hitch . . .

Raymond

 

[Bryanseye]

Used 1" aluminum tubing and Gamiviti brackets too. Happy with the match but slightly different application than yours. Keep it up.

 

[Raymond525]

Used 1" aluminum tubing and Gamiviti brackets too. Happy with the match but slightly different application than yours. Keep it up.

I would appreciate picturesand your experience.

I added 3 cross bars in front of the front feet with increased wind noise and the vibration is no better. I think this will require a front fairing.

 

[Bryanseye]

I would appreciate picturesand your experience.

I added 3 cross bars in front of the front feet with increased wind noise and the vibration is no better. I think this will require a front fairing.

Definitely needed a fairing on mine. It was originally on my WJ Grand Cherokee and had a tire on the roof, so that pushed the air enough and eliminated vibration. When I modified it for the 80 the sound was terrible. I used a sheet of black ABS and used heat and clamps to bend to shape and it worked well.

 

[Bryanseye]

I would appreciate picturesand your experience.

I added 3 cross bars in front of the front feet with increased wind noise and the vibration is no better. I think this will require a front fairing.

Found the old thread.
Post in thread 'Back to black roof rack'
Back to black roof rack - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/back-to-black-roof-rack.985936/post-11030504

 

[Raymond525]

Thank you!

I ordered a 4th set of Gamiviti feet and plan to rivnut them closer to the front for additional support.

I should start on the swing outs for the bumper tomorrow, but it is not going to be a quick finish due to work conflicts.

The tent should be mounted tomorrow.

Then I get to source control arms and bushings and the front diff bushing. I may have Trolls do them since they know the truck. I don't have any space to work on it at the house . . .

Raymond