Builds Gerry's Build thread: "If it happens again I'm buying an Abrams" (4 Viewers)

[ClassyJalopy]

How much do you figure you would have spent on paint correction at this point? I wonder if there are any wraps, films etc. that would be more cost effective?

Do you have the winch cover plate installed on your front ARB? The one that goes from the lip of the bumper to the first cross member. If so, could you share a picture?

 

[MongooseGA]

How much do you figure you would have spent on paint correction at this point? I wonder if there are any wraps, films etc. that would be more cost effective?

Do you have the winch cover plate installed on your front ARB? The one that goes from the lip of the bumper to the first cross member. If so, could you share a picture?

Spend on paint correction? Nothing, really. I guess I did pay for pizza and beer for this last one when @JT4runner came to help me. I have all of my own tools and products, just do it myself. If you're asking what I've spent on tools and products... That's got a comma in it, if I had to guess. I started collecting high end stuff when I was in high school and boutique detailing was a hobby of mine. If II were paying for the corrections and coatings on all of my vehicles, it'd be well into the thousands.

You mean this plate? Immediately under the winch and connects to the first factory skid?

It's definitely not going to be getting corrected

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I guess having a skillset and tools is useful! I can't tell the two end of a buffer apart - not that paint shine is much of a priority on my truck

Thanks for the pic - I haven't put that plate on yet - planning to do just that this weekend. Also, noticed that you are using the same hook I got with my Smittybilt winch rope. I have been warned that it is can let the D-ring or tree-saver loop slip out when pulled at an angle. I am just not convinced that I need to spend additional $$ on pricey winch shackles.

 

[MongooseGA]

I guess having a skillset and tools is useful! I can't tell the two end of a buffer apart - not that paint shine is much of a priority on my truck

Thanks for the pic - I haven't put that plate on yet - planning to do just that this weekend. Also, noticed that you are using the same hook I got with my Smittybilt winch rope. I have been warned that it is can let the D-ring or tree-saver loop slip out when pulled at an angle. I am just not convinced that I need to spend additional $$ on pricey winch shackles.

You got the old man tan. I'd be trying to scrub it off too

I can see where it's possible. I imagine it'd be unlikely if you tension it correctly before yanking. In the few dozen or so times I've used this winch, I haven't had any issue with it. Eventually I'll upgrade to a factor55 or something. Maybe I'll buy one of those next, I'll sure look cooler in pictures. My dad's the kinda guy who will just surprise me with something like that when I go to visit. "I accidentally bought two, here".

 

[abuck99]

Spend on paint correction? Nothing, really. I guess I did pay for pizza and beer for this last one when @JT4runner came to help me. I have all of my own tools and products, just do it myself. If you're asking what I've spent on tools and products... That's got a comma in it, if I had to guess. I started collecting high end stuff when I was in high school and boutique detailing was a hobby of mine. If II were paying for the corrections and coatings on all of my vehicles, it'd be well into the thousands.

You mean this plate? Immediately under the winch and connects to the first factory skid?

It's definitely not going to be getting corrected

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Jeezuz and mary baby...-those engine underwears are creamed. ......did you get on the ATV loop?

Did you go run Ruibon last summer?

 

[MongooseGA]

Did you go run Ruibon last summer?

I wish. I think most of that was probably from Coppinger Cove or Uwharrie. Not pictured is a little bit of wood stuck between the skid and the bumper on the driver's side. Pressure washer didn't get it out, it stays for now.

I can account for at least one occasion where I tried a poser rock in NC and realized my ARB stuck out too far for it.. I'm also the idiot that bypasses the bypass when I should bypass, I guess.

...Skids are on the list.

 

[Txcoast]

New goodies are arriving for Gerry this week.

First, I wired in a brake controller. I'll be picking up a camper that I bought from my parents almost 2 years ago, and finally have a reason to prep my truck to tow. I ended up with a Tekonsha Primus IQ for like $45 on eBay. Down from $90-100 retail, I was happy. Also happy that the '05 has the factory installed connector for this, so no wiring necessary. Just pull the knee plate from the dash, lower the tin, and you'll see the connector behind the ignition.

I also have a set of Airlift 1000 bags to go into the rear. I'll be pulling the wheels and installing these over the weekend.


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I'm reaching way back here...

I apologize if I missed a review somewhere, but I think I have the same TD coils as you, and I'm also looking at the Airlift 1000 bags. Are you happy with them, and did they fit in the TD coils alright? I'm looking at the 60728 kit from Airlift. Thanks!

 

[MongooseGA]

I'm reaching way back here...

I apologize if I missed a review somewhere, but I think I have the same TD coils as you, and I'm also looking at the Airlift 1000 bags. Are you happy with them, and did they fit in the TD coils alright? I'm looking at the 60728 kit from Airlift. Thanks!

I've been happy with them. They do tend to stick to the coils during flexing if you leave any air in them so I've left them basically empty unless in use.

 

[MongooseGA]

Update for Gerry.

I
I've had an issue with vibration on acceleration for a while. An indy swapped in an after market CV about a year and a half ago (in this thread somewhere) but I never really trusted it. @sammybones got some new CVs installed recently, and said he noticed a big improvement in vibrations on acceleration. Since everything else in my truck has been replaced, and since I can't let my friends be better than me, I opted to have new OEM axles, hub flanges, wheel bearings, and all hardware installed last week. Also had the rear axle seal re-replaced, since evidently the first guy I paid an arm and a leg to didn't do it very well. Hopped out of the truck one day two weeks back to a light cloud of gear oil smoke billowing from my rear wheel.

So thanks to @Wermz , Lexus tech and good-guy-extraordinaire, she was rolling smooth and smoke-free with the new goods installed.

Truck is at 260,xxx miles. Will need to do brake pads sometime soon, we're close to the danger zone on one end of the truck and not far behind on the other.

At this point, I think all big-ticket maintenance items are done. OEM axles and affiliated parts, OEM steering rack, OEM diff bushings, new control arms at all 8 points (OEM front lower, SPC front upper, Trail Tailor for all 4 rears), complete cooling system has been replaced, timing is in spec, all fluids have been done, etc.

So what's next?


Well, well, well...

In a few weeks, @TRAIL TAILOR is going to have some new bling for me. Been waiting over a year to buy a rear bumper, but have had other big-ticket priorities in the way. Can't wait to get this put on!

After that, I'm likely looking into full underbody skids and gears.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Update for Gerry.

I
I've had an issue with vibration on acceleration for a while. An indy swapped in an after market CV about a year and a half ago (in this thread somewhere) but I never really trusted it. @sammybones got some new CVs installed recently, and said he noticed a big improvement in vibrations on acceleration. Since everything else in my truck has been replaced, and since I can't let my friends be better than me, I opted to have new OEM axles, hub flanges, wheel bearings, and all hardware installed last week. Also had the rear axle seal re-replaced, since evidently the first guy I paid an arm and a leg to didn't do it very well. Hopped out of the truck one day two weeks back to a light cloud of gear oil smoke billowing from my rear wheel.

So thanks to @Wermz , Lexus tech and good-guy-extraordinaire, she was rolling smooth and smoke-free with the new goods installed.

Truck is at 260,xxx miles. Will need to do brake pads sometime soon, we're close to the danger zone on one end of the truck and not far behind on the other.

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At this point, I think all big-ticket maintenance items are done. OEM axles and affiliated parts, OEM steering rack, OEM diff bushings, new control arms at all 8 points (OEM front lower, SPC front upper, Trail Tailor for all 4 rears), complete cooling system has been replaced, timing is in spec, all fluids have been done, etc.

So what's next?


Well, well, well...

In a few weeks, @TRAIL TAILOR is going to have some new bling for me. Been waiting over a year to buy a rear bumper, but have had other big-ticket priorities in the way. Can't wait to get this put on!

After that, I'm likely looking into full underbody skids and gears.

Heck yeah! Keep the one upmanship alive. When are the lockers coming?

 

[MongooseGA]

Heck yeah! Keep the one upmanship alive. When are the lockers coming?

Shoot... IDK, man. There's a slight possibility I'll have gears done sooner than later but won't know about that until later this week. If that happens, I may break down and have the lockers done at the same time. I'm in the process of becoming debt-free, restoring an old S-Class, building a truck, and buying a house all simultaneously. Those big ticket items really add up quick!

 

[ClassyJalopy]

What series S Class? Post a pic when you can. As for the lockers go, I think the rear locker alone is enough in 80% situations.

 

[MongooseGA]

What series S Class? Post a pic when you can. As for the lockers go, I think the rear locker alone is enough in 80% situations.

The best kind, duh!

1991 W126 560SEL. I've owned it for 4-5 years, but it's been in storage in VA since I bought my first LX (about 3 years). Was supposed to have a dash-out service done but the shop who had it never touched it. Had it moved to AutoHause in Yorktown, VA and they diagnosed a faulty AC compressor. Luckily no dash-removal required. Had the AC system completely rebuilt. Had ceramic tint installed on all the glass (including windshield). We flew up to VA for the 4th of July and drove it 10 hours home. Did great other than some minor fuel issues- have to roll on the throttle from a stop else it'll stutter a little bit. I'll sort that sometime, should just be a simple fuel relay or similar. Runs like a raped-ape over 1000RPM. I just dropped it off this morning to have the 10-speaker stereo completely redone.

I've got H&R lowering springs on order, and will pick up a set of period-correct 17" AMG Aero wheels for it sometime soon. Interior is flawless, paint was just corrected last week. Have a set of all glass European style headlights waiting to be installed. It's a really, really nice car. Keeps my LX and W123 in great company.

After paint correction last week:

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Love those cars! My brother is slowly restoring a one owner 87 SEL with like new interior. And a friend of mine sold his 84 500 SEL with just 33k miles a couple of years ago for $12k!

 

[MongooseGA]

Something wicked this way comes.

The next 3 weeks are going to be pretty big for Gerry. I'm stoked!

While I wait, I've been fiddling around with the Benz. If anyone is interested, the 'soft restoration' thread is located here: An ongoing 'soft restoration' of a 1991 560SEL

 

[jon91581]

Love those the mercs, but what about that 911?

 

[MongooseGA]

That belongs to a buddy of mine from back when I had a '77 with 3.0 swap. We'd caravanned down to drop it off at the body shop and carpooled back home in my car. That's one I wish I'd kept, but I made out so well in the bubble that I can't kick myself too hard.

 

[MongooseGA]

I'm just gonna put this here for now.

But there's so much more to tell.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I'm just gonna put this here for now.

But there's so much more to tell.

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Dammit, would you stop posting pics of that Lincoln Electric Welder? We understand you got a welder now.

 

[MongooseGA]

LOL!

I wish I had the skills to weld. I was just thrilled to buy a 20-ton shop press today. Wouldn't fit in the SEL though so I have to wait until I get the truck back.

Just wait until the rest of the pics get posted!