Man, that thing is lookin awesome GA!
Builds Gerry's Build thread: "If it happens again I'm buying an Abrams" (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter MongooseGA
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- Thread starter
- #42
Thanks Chris! How is yours coming along?
No major updates this week, just little things. I had to re-tighten the stainless hose clamps on my new heater tees this morning. I smelled coolant the other day and chalked it up to residual that had spilled when replacing the tees as I checked for leaks after install. It was pretty strong though so I popped the hood while fueling up and spotted a leak on the bottom of one of the connectors. A little love with the driver and we're snug again.
I did purchase some goodies from member @bamabrock (thanks for the deal!) yesterday that should be a cool little upgrade in the next few weeks. After installing my LED fogs, it was obvious what my next mod would be. Stay tuned.
Things to knock out still- polish up my lenses, mount my winch control box. I prefer to keep it outside of the truck so I grabbed some scrap plate metal from my dad's garage that I'll use to fab up a simple bracket and mount it on one of the light tabs on the ARB bumper for now.
Also interested in a set of GLASS headlight lenses, just in case anyone has a set laying around. And also looking for the filler trim between the bumper and headlight housings. I found the Chinese set for $35, that's an option, but would prefer a good used OEM set if possible.
No major updates this week, just little things. I had to re-tighten the stainless hose clamps on my new heater tees this morning. I smelled coolant the other day and chalked it up to residual that had spilled when replacing the tees as I checked for leaks after install. It was pretty strong though so I popped the hood while fueling up and spotted a leak on the bottom of one of the connectors. A little love with the driver and we're snug again.
I did purchase some goodies from member @bamabrock (thanks for the deal!) yesterday that should be a cool little upgrade in the next few weeks. After installing my LED fogs, it was obvious what my next mod would be. Stay tuned.
Things to knock out still- polish up my lenses, mount my winch control box. I prefer to keep it outside of the truck so I grabbed some scrap plate metal from my dad's garage that I'll use to fab up a simple bracket and mount it on one of the light tabs on the ARB bumper for now.
Also interested in a set of GLASS headlight lenses, just in case anyone has a set laying around. And also looking for the filler trim between the bumper and headlight housings. I found the Chinese set for $35, that's an option, but would prefer a good used OEM set if possible.
Regarding the glass lenses—I replaced my poly lenses with glass a few weeks ago (with the HID conversions from @Luke111)...and on the first long trip home for the holidays (Birmingham), I took a rock somewhere. So the new OEM housing now has a huge hole in it. I don't know if the poly lenses would have handled a strike like that any better, but it sure looks like hell to have to tape over a hole.
Other than the hole though, they still looks tons better than my old cracked and yellowed poly lenses.
- Thread starter
- #44
That's a freakin' bummer! Ugh I'd have been livid after just putting them on.
My '99 had a beautiful set on it. Luckily no breaks in the 250k she ran before meeting her demise. I'd be willing to risk it, but it's good to know the risk beforehand. If I end up just sticking with the plastics, I'll buff the snot out of them and cover with a film to preserve it.
My '99 had a beautiful set on it. Luckily no breaks in the 250k she ran before meeting her demise. I'd be willing to risk it, but it's good to know the risk beforehand. If I end up just sticking with the plastics, I'll buff the snot out of them and cover with a film to preserve it.
Wasn't thrilled! Good to hear that they can last a while, though.
That yellow box—just goes inline right there at the transfer case? That seems easier than what I had in mind. After almost 5000 miles, it's pretty evident to me that I need it, if nothing else so I don't fly as much. Mileage is more of an acute pain when you rack all the miles at once.
That yellow box—just goes inline right there at the transfer case? That seems easier than what I had in mind. After almost 5000 miles, it's pretty evident to me that I need it, if nothing else so I don't fly as much. Mileage is more of an acute pain when you rack all the miles at once.
- Thread starter
- #46
Yup, just goes into the transfer case. There's a little bit of math to do and you make your adjustments on the yellow box unit itself. Very easy install.
Got the winch completely mounted today. I found that my hardware pack was short one square nut for mounting, so I spent a lot of the day trying to track down another one. Got it set and finished up some wiring for my turn signals. I opted to wire both bulbs in the ARB turn signal housing to flash with the blinker. I just need to find a correct amber bulb for the clear lens portion.
Bumper got mounted up with a little drill bit finessing. No thanks at all to the supplied instructions. The pictures were largely useless. First impressions of the ARB bullbar: it's big. It's heavywith the winch, weighed my truck down about 3/4" in front. I need to crank on the bars tomorrow. I wish it were a thicker gauge steel and I think the build quality left something to be desired. I was a little underwhelmed, actually. But for $850 for a brand new bumper wrapped up in a box, I couldn't sneeze at it.
Where did you purchase an ARB Combo for $850 I have shopped extensively and have never seen one for under $1250 new.
- Thread starter
- #48
You won't. Well you might, but only by a fluke. Long story short, a friend was sent a second bumper my mistake and was charged for two. I got a great deal because he'd been sitting on the second one for years.
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- Thread starter
- #49
Got a box of goodies in from @bamabrock today and swung by TRS for a few more this afternoon. Next project is sitting on the workbench waiting to go in.
So true - as a teenager working on my cars, I never needed to buy any tools. Now that I live many states away from my dad, I've had to go out and buy or get creative with a lot of things because I didn't have the same tools and extra bits that I was so used to having. (eg. 3 old coffee cans of nuts and bolts)
Looking forward to seeing the retrofit. I'm thinking that may be up on my agenda soon.
- Thread starter
- #51
Did some paint correction last night and tonight. I've got the DS and hood done, still need to turn the truck and do the PS. Also got my headlight lenses polished up since using the 3M sanding kit a few weeks back. I didn't want to use the clear coat wipe in the kit, instead I'd rather actually polish the lens clear. Much better, IMO. Don't mind the missing trim under the DS light...
Got a box of goodies in from @bamabrock today and swung by TRS for a few more this afternoon. Next project is sitting on the workbench waiting to go in.
Sorry I missed ya! Let me know if you need anything from TRS! Swing by when you are all set!
Nick @ TRS
- Thread starter
- #53
Ya know, I was wondering if you were local and working with TRS based on context from some of your posts. Good to know! Are you there most days? I'll come on over and say hi once they're wrapped up.
I am here every day of the week! If you have any questions just let me know!
This is a very nice build thread, I am impressed how quickly you transformed the truck!
- Thread starter
- #56
Thanks! It's been a lot of fun going through the truck and making it my own. I've got a laundry list of items still to be completed but IMO, this is definitely the best of the 3 trucks I've had.
Looks good GA! I thought it looked awesome when you had the lift and sliders on it.
- Thread starter
- #58
This weekend my GF and I took a road trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas for her birthday. First time for either of us to visit.
On the way we stopped at Gus' in Memphis for lunch. Snapped a pic of Gerry look very urban downtown:
We got in to Hot Springs Friday evening so not much adventuring to start. When we booked this trip, it was with the intention of checking out the National Park and exploring the nature inside. Unfortunately, our Commander in Chief still has the government shut down so we improvised. I was able to convince Ms. Mongoose that we should check out the AWESOME off-road park FIVE MILES AWAY! What a luxury vs having to drive hours to the mountains at home. Anyway, Hot Springs ORV park, highly recommended!
On the way we stopped at Gus' in Memphis for lunch. Snapped a pic of Gerry look very urban downtown:
We got in to Hot Springs Friday evening so not much adventuring to start. When we booked this trip, it was with the intention of checking out the National Park and exploring the nature inside. Unfortunately, our Commander in Chief still has the government shut down so we improvised. I was able to convince Ms. Mongoose that we should check out the AWESOME off-road park FIVE MILES AWAY! What a luxury vs having to drive hours to the mountains at home. Anyway, Hot Springs ORV park, highly recommended!
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- Thread starter
- #59
I was pretty excited to let the GF get some seat time as she's never driven off-road before and we've only done pretty easy trails together. She did great (both ladies, actually) and really had a good time. I think she's driving in 1 or 2 of these videos and I'm wheeling in the rest.
We stuck to just 1s and 2s for trail difficulty as we were driving alone, it was slightly rainy, and my winch control box is at home (didn't plan on wheeling this weekend). There were some obstacles that we circumvented to maintain our ride home for 10 hours, but would have LOVED to try them out with a group and a knowledgeable spotter. Would come back here for a weekend in a heartbeat.
We stuck to just 1s and 2s for trail difficulty as we were driving alone, it was slightly rainy, and my winch control box is at home (didn't plan on wheeling this weekend). There were some obstacles that we circumvented to maintain our ride home for 10 hours, but would have LOVED to try them out with a group and a knowledgeable spotter. Would come back here for a weekend in a heartbeat.
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- #60
