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

[GTV]

Nice work! I've got the Huracan unit in mine, it works well but could be improved. My tailgate is no flyweight but if you can try to put the heavy stuff towards the bottom so it needs to be lifted less. Even still, an easy open/close would be a really nice addition.

 

[MongooseGA]

Having some issues this week.

I was out running around on Monday checking on houses. On my way home, the ABS/VSC/TRAC OFF lights came on and I noticed the engine was a little revvy. Cleared the lights with a key cycle (no codes found) and... the trans isn't shifting in to 5th.

So I've been doing a bunch of reading. Again, no codes, so kind of blind on this. I did a drain and fill yesterday hoping it was a low fluid issue but no dice.

Info found online is inconsistent. Plenty of threads with conflicting info and solutions. So I'm taking it to a local trans shop this weekend, referred by another fantastic local shop, to diagnose. Since the rest of the trans operates perfectly, I'm hoping it's something simple like a solenoid or perhaps the valve body. We have exactly 2 weeks before leaving for cotr...

Mileage is 348,230

 

[LJE]

Having some issues this week.

I was out running around on Monday checking on houses. On my way home, the ABS/VSC/TRAC OFF lights came on and I noticed the engine was a little revvy. Cleared the lights with a key cycle (no codes found) and... the trans isn't shifting in to 5th.

So I've been doing a bunch of reading. Again, no codes, so kind of blind on this. I did a drain and fill yesterday hoping it was a low fluid issue but no dice.

Info found online is inconsistent. Plenty of threads with conflicting info and solutions. So I'm taking it to a local trans shop this weekend, referred by another fantastic local shop, to diagnose. Since the rest of the trans operates perfectly, I'm hoping it's something simple like a solenoid or perhaps the valve body. We have exactly 2 weeks before leaving for cotr...

Mileage is 348,230

I've been using COTR as a forcing function to make myself figure out my vibration issue - but it is getting tight! Still need to build a platform to throw a sleeping pad on too...

 

[Vision19]

Today I received the rebuilt cluster and new tail light.

This was my old cluster before. All of the lighting still worked but it was very dingey compared to new. Note the dead tach and coolant temp gauges. Speedo was also dead. Each of the gauges worked when it wanted to, usually infrequently.



New cluster- all motors replaced, all bulbs replaced.
Now, observe my brilliance. Behold, the red "D" light! I also had them delete the power to the AHC info on the bottom right. No more wagon silhouette or blinking light.



I just need the new driver's side mirror to arrive and she'll be all back in one piece.

Did you get the rebuilt cluster from Tanin Auto Electronix by chance? Looking at a rebuilt one myself and wondering how the transaction went.

 

[D21FJ60]

View attachment 3717739

hey daddy

 

[MongooseGA]

I've been using COTR as a forcing function to make myself figure out my vibration issue - but it is getting tight! Still need to build a platform to throw a sleeping pad on too...

Nothing like a Cruiser event to keep a fire under you. Before CRockies I was a madman getting things ready.

Did you get the rebuilt cluster from Tanin Auto Electronix by chance? Looking at a rebuilt one myself and wondering how the transaction went.

I did. Overall I was happy with the experience, although they are taking some time in reimbursing me for my core. Having said that, the core was a totally separate transaction.

hey daddy

Only one person calls me daddy and I don't know what your holes look like.

 

[D21FJ60]

Only one person calls me daddy and I don't know what your holes look like.

sorry was talking to your car.
I'm sure you're nice too

 

[cruiserpatch]

Having some issues this week.

Mileage is 348,230

How’s that Abrams look now?

 

[ClassyJalopy]

How’s that Abrams look now?

Nothing like a mate that would kick you when you are down

 

[MongooseGA]

How’s that Abrams look now?

Dude, find me one for the price of my LX and I'll buy it.

Nothing like a mate that would kick you when you are down

That's what good friends are for. You and I are just one real life meeting away from me teasing you about your reliable X5

Also, Patch would be on the hook to help me swap the trans anyway

 

[MongooseGA]

Updates, here are them.


On the transmission front, we're going to put in a low mileage used unit from a 2005 LC. Full-time good guy and buddy @Wermz is loaning me his truck to go pick up the unit in the morning since, you know, my truck doesn't run right now. Shop says they will have it installed by the end of the week so I should still be able to make to to COTR.


Tail gate storage: I've finished the design. Played with a ton of ideas for the hinges but ultimately decided to undermount the hinge and cut a notch for the barrel. There are lower profile hinges available but the ones I chose are fiction hold, meaning there's no need for a strut or strap to hold it open. I'll deal with the plastic gap filler flap.

Welcome to the Plasma Lounge! I cleaned out the table today to prepare for these items going in to production. Pulled about 100lbs of drops and BBs out of it.

I should have a handful of these with me at COTR next week. Some of y'all know I buy and sell real estate, but since nobody buys houses right now, y'all should definitely buy some of these storage systems!

 

[LJE]

Updates, here are them.


On the transmission front, we're going to put in a low mileage used unit from a 2005 LC. Full-time good guy and buddy @Wermz is loaning me his truck to go pick up the unit in the morning since, you know, my truck doesn't run right now. Shop says they will have it installed by the end of the week so I should still be able to make to to COTR.


Tail gate storage: I've finished the design. Played with a ton of ideas for the hinges but ultimately decided to undermount the hinge and cut a notch for the barrel. There are lower profile hinges available but the ones I chose are fiction hold, meaning there's no need for a strut or strap to hold it open. I'll deal with the plastic gap filler flap.

View attachment 3750619

Welcome to the Plasma Lounge! I cleaned out the table today to prepare for these items going in to production. Pulled about 100lbs of drops and BBs out of it.

View attachment 3750611
View attachment 3750613
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View attachment 3750616


I should have a handful of these with me at COTR next week. Some of y'all know I buy and sell real estate, but since nobody buys houses right now, y'all should definitely buy some of these storage systems!

Do the tailgates come with any special vibration-cancelling properties?!?

 

[MongooseGA]

Do the tailgates come with any special vibration-cancelling properties?!?

I'll add that to the design!

 

[LJE]

Definitely post up a picture of the finished thing! I'm still interested for sure.

 

[MongooseGA]

Will do. I have the first unit sanded down now. I'll try to get it painted tomorrow after dropping off the trans.

Here is an earlier version I'd already painted. Since this, the hinges have been improved and I reduced the number of rivets on the supports. Was kind of overkill prior.

 

[MongooseGA]

Old trans is out, new trans is prepped with the case installed, sitting on a jack about to go in any minute. They expect to have it running today, put some miles on it this afternoon, and assuming all is well, be ready for pick up tomorrow morning!

They did have to swap over my old tail shaft as the new one had a crack at one of the trans mount bolt locations. They also swapped over my old oil pan as the new one was dented. Otherwise, good to go. They also found the RMS to be dry as a bone so we're going to leave well-enough alone and not mess with it. While under the truck with them, there was a weeping of coolant coming from one of my heater tees. So, I have a new set of OEM here, but I think I have a set of stainless parts to put in sitting in my glovebox. Add it to the list.

Mileage is 348,400ish I think.

 

[bozncsurf]

Man that is quick work - lucky to have a shop you trust be available on short notice

 

[MongooseGA]

Man that is quick work - lucky to have a shop you trust be available on short notice

To be honest I'm being really trustful with them. They were referred by a gear shop I do trust. So far I've been impressed with them.

They're also going to run my trans breather line up to the manifold on my firewall for me while it's all accessible.

 

[cruiserpatch]

Will do. I have the first unit sanded down now. I'll try to get it painted tomorrow after dropping off the trans.

Here is an earlier version I'd already painted. Since this, the hinges have been improved and I reduced the number of rivets on the supports. Was kind of overkill prior.
View attachment 3750710
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I like the half tailgate design. Better for shipping

 

[MongooseGA]

I like the half tailgate design. Better for shipping

It also fits on my table


Design is finished and I have the first complete, perfect version painted and ready to install on to my truck. I went with Krylon camo tan color, which is a perfect match for the 100's tan interior. Same stuff I used for my SGII mount from BenCC.

Since my truck isn't back yet and won't be until next week (ugh...), it'll be a bit until I can put it on.

But here's a finished pic of one side:

BTW that air riveter... ****ing awesome. I feel for you plebes that have to use a hand operated riveter. I was one of you until last week, and now I'm so much better.