Help Bill Upgrade his FJC Thread
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Great to hear.
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- #63
Bill, those are the stock wheels. I bought a set as takeoffs and use them with my swampers offroad. $200 is a decent price too. I'd say go for it.
Thanks Heather. I will go for it. I'll try to call and reserve them tomorrow, pick them up next week.
I guess they'll go on my street tires. I've already got the SS's on my beat up alloys. I hear different stories on which is better for the trail; some say alloys because they're don't bend on the rocks, some say steel because the don't shatter and you can unbend steels. Alloys are lighter and mine are badly scuffed. Steel looks pretty business-like on the street.
For now the Dunflops will go on the steelies. If I get convinced otherwise I'll swap em' I guess.
Here's a question for the team. For airing up: CO2? Built-in compressor, M-B A/C compressor maybe? My 4wd shop has an ARB 12V 3cfm kit for sale for $225 (list $299 I think). That is just a toolbox type deal with battery clips and hose, advantage would be you could use it on different rigs.
What are your thoughts? Or just go to the gas station?
I was just down in the yard loading up for tomorrow. I gotta say those tires with that lift give the old girl a right meaningful aspect.
I guess I'll call Jason Demello next week. One of the mechanics at R Edwards asked me to come by and show him when I got the winch bumper on. The mech who did the alignment and worked on trying to get the ABS back on said he used to do that traction control hack on jeeps. He also talked with me some about what I need to do for underbody protection. Nice to have a dealer who's 4wheeler friendly. They said people been coming in from all over for the Cruiser discount.
b
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- #65
I did installed compressor with tank:
So far I love it!
So far I love it!
IPOR has finished their rear bumper and it's an all around set including sliders and front bumper all connected with tubing around the wheel wells. Looks *very* protective but much more than I need.
I have sliders (Allpro) I'm quite happy with and I just ordered a front bumper from Demello. They are working on a rear bumper with some protection on the flanks but I'm very interested in this guy in Atlanta who might fab one. My desires are very specific: I want protection for the rear quarters, tying into the rear of the skids would be great; I want openings for the parking sonar and clearance for the factory hitch if possible; and I don't need the swing-away tire carrier, I'm quite happy with the tire on the door. If I've overlooked a reason to abandon that please point it out. BTW I emailed IPOR and asked them about the possiblity for the bumper I want. I'll post their reply if they make one.
Bentup and Allpro are the only fabbers I've seen with rear bumpers and none of those are quite what I want.
I got a pretty good run on my new tires and lift at Cullowhee last weekend and am very pleased. Now if I could just get that @#$ TRAC back working life would be rosy.
The next thing is skids, I've been studying that and will probably go with Buds but for now the lift and larger tires make a world of difference.
Lights. I need to figure out lights for the front. The DO bumper has frenched openings for lights I'd like to utilize. A good flood light would be great or fog lights. What are the recommendations on that?
Thanks again everybody for all the help.
BTW I wanted to spray my new bumper with Reflex truck bed liner like Alky747Trio has done on his rockers and flares. I emailed their closest dealer (in Fletcher NC) and he hasn't replied as of yet. If I can get that lined up and it's less than $125 I'll do that but so far I've ordered the Demello with their crackle powder coat which looks pretty good. I like that better than the flat or gloss finish I've seen on the others.
b
Update
I ordered the Demello bumper and it should have been here by now.
Anyone have any tips for install? Anybody want to help? Do I need help?
I copped out and bought a $70 box compressor from Harbor Freight. Logan had one at Cullowhee and it worked quite well.
I bought the steel wheels and put my Swampers on them. I bought five and another SS for a spare after Rick's experience at Cullowhee.
Recovery kit chosen and partially bought. Mount my Hi-Lift (I'm going to try in front of the rear seat with my Quick Fists and some hose clamps) and figure out lights for the bumper then I'll be ready to find a rear bumper. My rear bumperettes are history.
That should do it for now.
Oh yeah, skids. Probably Buds.
Soon as I get the Demello on I'm going to hit URE. I'm jonesing for some dirt.
b
I ordered the Demello bumper and it should have been here by now.
Anyone have any tips for install? Anybody want to help? Do I need help?
I copped out and bought a $70 box compressor from Harbor Freight. Logan had one at Cullowhee and it worked quite well.
I bought the steel wheels and put my Swampers on them. I bought five and another SS for a spare after Rick's experience at Cullowhee.
Recovery kit chosen and partially bought. Mount my Hi-Lift (I'm going to try in front of the rear seat with my Quick Fists and some hose clamps) and figure out lights for the bumper then I'll be ready to find a rear bumper. My rear bumperettes are history.
That should do it for now.
Oh yeah, skids. Probably Buds.
Soon as I get the Demello on I'm going to hit URE. I'm jonesing for some dirt.
b
sounds good Bill. I still haven't spoken with Knuckle Busters about a rear bumper, but it's still in the plans for me. I just ordered an Extreme Aire compressor yesterday and can't wait to get it installed (4cfm, constant duty)!
I'm trying to get myself prepared for the Ouray trip in July. Stocking up on spare parts and also working on obtaining a trailer to haul my LTBs and gear.
I'm trying to get myself prepared for the Ouray trip in July. Stocking up on spare parts and also working on obtaining a trailer to haul my LTBs and gear.
Is Knuckle Busters at Kennesaw Mtn? I heard there's a guy there that makes good bumpers.
My Central Pneumatic compressor looks like a Chinese knock-off of the ExtremeAire but about 1/3 the $$$s.
What's an Ouray? Is this a club trip? Is there sand involved?
Today I try to get the Mustang off the dead line. When it's healthy again I'll probably put the LTBs on Bonnie next time I wheel and leave them on unless I use it for a non-wheelin road trip.
My Central Pneumatic compressor looks like a Chinese knock-off of the ExtremeAire but about 1/3 the $$$s.
What's an Ouray? Is this a club trip? Is there sand involved?
Today I try to get the Mustang off the dead line. When it's healthy again I'll probably put the LTBs on Bonnie next time I wheel and leave them on unless I use it for a non-wheelin road trip.
Knucklebusters is up in Cartersville. They did my rear axle repair and have a TOP NOTCH mechanic. I would recommend them for fab and mechanical work.
Bill,
Here is a thread which covers the install of Demello front bumpers and another thread that has some good pics on removing the stock front bumper.
I would add that this is a perfect time to change the color of the front "bezel" if you are so inclined. I'm planning on painting mine to get rid of as much silver as I can, want to the yellow/black look w/o silver plastic accents.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to send me a message. I did mine solo so I'm sure you can do likewise.
And...I'm jones'n for some dirt also...
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- #72
I talked to Roy at Knucklebusters while I was at SEMA and started designing my rear bumper for them to fab. I am going to try to get up there in the next couple of weeks to talk to their guy about what's doable and what's not. Rick, we should talk about bumper designs the next time we are together.
Rear Bumper etc
If either of ya'll are coming to the mtg at Ralph Hayes let's talk then. If not let's PM or do it here. I guess if it's MY thread it's not a hijack.
I talked to Jason Demello today about what he's cooking up. I think I will like what he's going to have.
I'm going to order the full set of BudBuilt skids. What do you guys think about color? I'm tending to black or silver, wouldn't want to be flashy
Ooh I like that smilie, looks sorta piratical.
A friend is fabbing me a little hitch rack for my Hi-Lift. I'm not sure if that's my final answer but for free I'll try it. I'll attach with three Quick Fists. Thanks Rick.
Oh yeah, now I know what Ouray is. Sounds like a gas. If my vacations weren't dedicated to Dalmatia I'd do it.
b
BTW for reference I'm quite happy with my Rough Country lift. I don't know what the OME's feel like but the RC seems to ride better than the stock suspension.
If either of ya'll are coming to the mtg at Ralph Hayes let's talk then. If not let's PM or do it here. I guess if it's MY thread it's not a hijack.
I talked to Jason Demello today about what he's cooking up. I think I will like what he's going to have.
I'm going to order the full set of BudBuilt skids. What do you guys think about color? I'm tending to black or silver, wouldn't want to be flashy
Ooh I like that smilie, looks sorta piratical.A friend is fabbing me a little hitch rack for my Hi-Lift. I'm not sure if that's my final answer but for free I'll try it. I'll attach with three Quick Fists. Thanks Rick.
Oh yeah, now I know what Ouray is. Sounds like a gas. If my vacations weren't dedicated to Dalmatia I'd do it.
b
BTW for reference I'm quite happy with my Rough Country lift. I don't know what the OME's feel like but the RC seems to ride better than the stock suspension.
The First Annual FJ Cruiser Summit is being held in Ouray, Colorado July 12-15. http://www.fjsummit.org/
Cat and I are making a two week trip out of it and calling it our honeymoon. We're planning on hitting the trails in Moab as well before heading back. Hence, my hoarding of breakable parts and need for a trailer.
A couple others from the ATL area are planning on making the trip as well.
I can't go now...DOH!
I'm planning the same with my family. We are thinking about leaving before the 4th and making a Moab side trip as well. We haven't made any detailed plans other than being in Ouray for the FJSummit. We have reservations at the Box Canyon Lodge and need to look at making some reservations near Moab. I would venture all the way to CA if Demello gets the rear bumper finished by then, would save on some shipping and I can make an excuse to see some family.
Sounds like a blast. I'd go and I'm dying to try out Moab. My youngest daughter dated a guy with a trailer rig crawler that went there often.
Jeri and I have bought a retirement home for our sloop Serenity in a small fishing/vacation harbor village called Milna on Brac' Island, Croatia, just off Split in the Dalmatian Islands, Adriatic Sea (Google it, it's beautiful). Since I only have three weeks vacation per year I feel obligated to spend it at the condo familiarizing for our moving there in 2010. We'll be going there for a couple of weeks (her longer, she's a teacher-summers off) in late July/early August.
Otherwise I'd be on like Kong for Ouray, can't wait to see the pics and hear the stories.
b
Jeri and I have bought a retirement home for our sloop Serenity in a small fishing/vacation harbor village called Milna on Brac' Island, Croatia, just off Split in the Dalmatian Islands, Adriatic Sea (Google it, it's beautiful). Since I only have three weeks vacation per year I feel obligated to spend it at the condo familiarizing for our moving there in 2010. We'll be going there for a couple of weeks (her longer, she's a teacher-summers off) in late July/early August.
Otherwise I'd be on like Kong for Ouray, can't wait to see the pics and hear the stories.
b
Bill - that's pretty hard to compete with, hanging on an seacoast village with your sweetie or driving thousands of miles to meet with some fellow FJ'ers. Your choice is obvious. Will take loads of pics and video to share...
Would that I could do both, my company is funny about wanting you to be there most of the time.
But back on task: Bonnie now says "D'O" and 'W' on the front. I'm very happy. Now when I get the urge I can just take the 'road less traveled' anytime I see it.
Thanks for the help everybody. I've still got skids (I'll get Buds I guess) and a rear bumper (haven't seen what I want yet) to get but I'm basically where I wanted to get so I can wheel solo, there are some places I've wanted to check out, and my rider enjoyed the taste she got at URE so . . . giddyap go.
b
But back on task: Bonnie now says "D'O" and 'W' on the front. I'm very happy. Now when I get the urge I can just take the 'road less traveled' anytime I see it.
Thanks for the help everybody. I've still got skids (I'll get Buds I guess) and a rear bumper (haven't seen what I want yet) to get but I'm basically where I wanted to get so I can wheel solo, there are some places I've wanted to check out, and my rider enjoyed the taste she got at URE so . . . giddyap go.
b
