Builds Chicken's GX (3 Viewers)

[stupidchicken03]

Mid process with shop dog supervisor

Figured this would be the perfect time for me to actually finish the grill LEDs that I installed when I paint matched the front grill.
Made a weather proof connector harness for the lights. Terminal ends ground to the car and tie into the DRLs for power. Other end is a weatherproof connector so if the hood ever needs to be removed, I can just unplug the lights.

Tapped into the drivers side DRL for power

I also installed the Diode Dynamics SL1 bulbs for the lo beams.

Now just have to drive it at night and see how much better it is hahaha

Will also be taking it to a buddies shop this week to get the new headlights covered in PPF. Help against rocks and the UV from the sun. These should last a lot longer than the original set did - especially since it's parked in the garage most of the time lol.

 

[stupidchicken03]

My good friend is the owner of Detail Maniac here in Sacramento. Brought the GX in and they put PPF over the new headlights.

Always nice having some extra protection.
Small world, also ran into a guy who used to frequently come to our weekly Subaru meets (I was the "organizer" of those weekly meets for over 10 years), he brought in his latest weekend toy for some windshield PPF

 

[stupidchicken03]

All six of the new window trim pieces arrived. Will try to find some time over the next week to get them installed.

 

[stupidchicken03]

First couple installed on my lunch break today.. SUCH a difference in looks, let alone function.
Took 15-20 mins for the first two - including getting tools and cleaning the paint under the removed ones.
The OEM had basically ZERO rubber flap left against the glass. Seen here OEM 20 year old chrome ones vs the new black

Driver front done vs rear driver still chrome

both done
Still need to do the small one under the rear pop out windows. Ill probably do that and the whole passenger side tomorrow when it's cooler out.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Part numbers and cost at the time of my purchase last week

 

[Sixto Lezcano]

Nice, I did this a few years ago. As I recall, the rear windows are harder, you have to remove some interior trim or something. I just remember it was a little frustrating.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Nice, I did this a few years ago. As I recall, the rear windows are harder, you have to remove some interior trim or something. I just remember it was a little frustrating.

Yea, the main reason I didnt do it right now - too hot in the garage lol.
Ive watched a couple videos that say/show making the plastic trim along the sides of the cargo/3rd row loose, so you can remove a couple nuts/bolts that hold the rear glass in. Ive also read a few posts where folks say if you just pop the rear window open, there is enough room to work with. Ill try that first for less work hah.

One of the videos also suggested to put some silicone around the tabs that pop into the body for extra water proofing, they had some done that started to leak after install. Seems like some cheap/easy insurance to do, so I probably will.

 

[Rednexus]

I did the same, but used cheap, non-OEM eBay trim. It's degraded a bit after 3 years. It'll probably get the OEM trim from Patsouq in the future.

FYI, i just plasti-dipped the rear vent window piece instead of opening up the interior. It's held up fairly well. Still, I may replace it for real when I eventually open up the cargo area trim to replace the subwoofer foam.

 

[stupidchicken03]

I did the same, but used cheap, non-OEM eBay trim. It's degraded a bit after 3 years. It'll probably get the OEM trim from Patsouq in the future.

FYI, i just plasti-dipped the rear vent window piece instead of opening up the interior. It's held up fairly well. Still, I may replace it for real when I eventually open up the cargo area trim to replace the subwoofer foam.

I saw a couple guys just PD the rear ones. How did the color hold up vs the ebay ones?

 

[Rednexus]

About the same. Armour All livens it right up at detail time.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Sat I went out and picked up a slab of live edge wood to make 6 floating shelves in my office. Will match the live edge counter topper I made in there as well.
Also got the front/rear door window seals done. Didnt tackle the rear pop out windows yet.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Not GX related, but the slab i picked up a couple weeks ago - made some progress on it.

Cut down to size/shape

wall anchors in

all boards test fit.

now gotta pull them down, finish sand and seal them.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Someone pretty local was selling a full set of OEM side steps. I nabbed both for $40.
I typically hoard all the OEM parts I take off a car in the slim chance I ever need to revert back for some reason. So I didnt really want to hack mine up for whenever I decide to get some sliders, so these will be my sacrificial ones

 

[stupidchicken03]

Finally got around to doing the rear window trim. Suuuuper easy, took 25-30 mins for both sides.

For the drivers side, I followed the blog post here: How to: Swap your GX470 chrome window trim to black - https://gxbasecamp.com/blogs/news/how-to-swap-your-gx470-chrome-window-trim-to-black
and loosened the 10mm nut for the window.

For the passenger side, I decided not to loosen the nut to see if it was possible, and it is. Honestly maybe a fraction harder just sliding the new trim up under the window, but not to where I thought something might break/get damaged - so saved a few minutes not popping the interior trim open and using a ratchet.

Cleaned the surface under the old trim really well. I have also read that some folks have issues with water after replacing and suggested some silicone around all the new clips. Seemed like easy/cheap insurance to not have to potentially do it again, so I globed it on.

out with the old

globs

before and after

Soooo much better looking all black IMO. Pretty cheap (sub $175) for something to make a large difference in styling PLUS having actual sealing against the body and windows lol.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Guy on the GXOR FB group used to make/sell front inner fender liners. He also sells the templates via file or physical prints.
I absolutely despise printers (working in IT) so we dont own one at the house lolol. I bought a set of the printed templates off him and ordered the needed supplies to make my own.

Got the retaining clips here: Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/3zaDFdX
A sheet of sheet of neoprene rubber here: Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/3XJTHod

All traced out

that sheet was ALMOST enough to make two full sets.. as a heads up if anyone wanted to do the same with a buddy.

Ill get em cut out later today and installed, probably, this week.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Cut out and holes drilled out. Just used a 1/4" bit through all the holes and followed them all again with a 3/8 bit.

More than flexible enough for the 9mm push pins to push through.

 

[tlin]

Cut out and holes drilled out. Just used a 1/4" bit through all the holes and followed them all again with a 3/8 bit.

View attachment 3727960

More than flexible enough for the 9mm push pins to push through.

If you haven't already installed those, I'd recommend trying to put some reinforcements at the grommet holes. I've gone through two sets of these shields myself, the engine bay heat and stretch over time had mine eventually split/tear at those locations. My $.02.

 

[stupidchicken03]

If you haven't already installed those, I'd recommend trying to put some reinforcements at the grommet holes. I've gone through two sets of these shields myself, the engine bay heat and stretch over time had mine eventually split/tear at those locations. My $.02.

lol, i was actually thinking about starting them today! Been out of state on vacation and catching up on work earlier this week.

What would you rec for reinforcements? Just large washers on one/both sides of the guards?
I know the guy i got the stencils from, accounted for some body flex/roll so there is some buffer built in. Not sure how much or how effective at this point.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Well, didnt have any rando stuff laying around the garage to try and reinforce them, so just threw em in.

Now a question for the few gurus who pay attention to this thread lol.. What is this (circled in red)? Electronic dampening or something?
The DIY instructional vid the guy sent me for the fender liners didnt have anything like this - but he could have aftermarket suspension as well.

On top of both front shock towers.

 

[Rednexus]

Yup, those are the controllers for the OEM adjustable shocks. If you lift in the future with aftermarket shocks, you can unplug them. I wrapped mine in electrical tape and tucked them up behind the inner fender.