Hitting the UAE desert

[xkennx]

Thanks, my awning is open sky http://www.opensky.com.au/ had custom brackets fabricated to attach to the rails. Will upload pictures once I get home. And if anyone coming over to the UAE can pm me and we can arrange a trip out I'm out in the desert most weekends

Ever go out with the almost4x4 group?

During Xplore UAE I took out a Class 2 MRAP for testing


I am actually trying to get RTA and MOI clearance to take out the newest version of our Spartan, going to be doing some desert trials in the western zone


And next time your out this part let me know and welcome to come by the factory and take a tour. Even might be able to catch a ride in one of the vehicles during QC test drive.

 

[Desert Nomad]

Ever go out with the almost4x4 group?

During Xplore UAE I took out a Class 2 MRAP for testing


I am actually trying to get RTA and MOI clearance to take out the newest version of our Spartan, going to be doing some desert trials in the western zone


And next time your out this part let me know and welcome to come by the factory and take a tour. Even might be able to catch a ride in one of the vehicles during QC test drive.

Never been out with them. Only been out once with Dubai 4x4, usually head out with a couple of friends or go alone.

Those machines look unstoppable how do they handle in the desert?

 

[Desert Nomad]

What kind of side-awning do you have? Do you can add some detail pictures, how you fix it to the roof rails?

Brackets for the awning

 

[Surfy]

Thank you much doing this detail shots!


Surfy

 

[Desert Nomad]

I have an idea for a mod to my 200 but wanted to know what you guys think of it. I want to swap the standard grill to one with without the toyota logo and cut out space for two 5.5" spots which I want to mount and be flush with the grill. And probably move the toyota logo up to the bonnet...

What do you guys think and where would you suggest to attach the brackets to?

Thanks

 

[Billfish]

well since you have asked have you considered blacking out that garish chrome door trim with plasti-dip? You could try it on your grill and Toyota badge too before you remove anything. Its always removable too if you decide you don't like the look.. It just kind of looks too bling against all that black.


see this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLdj4mlDC_g

only my opinion but cutting out holes in a grill for spots to recess would be a mistake and look a little "try hard" and pointless. Not much else about a cruiser could be said to be pointless - if you know what I mean.

however each to their own. If it works for you and gives you enjoyment then fair enough.

 

[Desert Nomad]

well since you have asked have you considered blacking out that garish chrome door trim and wing mirrors with plasti-dip? You could try it on your grill and Toyota badge too before you remove anything. Its always removable too if you decide you don't like the look.. It just kind of looks too bling against all that black.


see this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLdj4mlDC_g

only my opinion but cutting out holes in a grill for spots to recess would be a mistake and look a little "try hard" and pointless. Not much else about a cruiser could be said to be pointless - if you know what I mean.

however each to their own. If it works for you and gives you enjoyment then fair enough.

Actually was thinking of it. Plati dip isn't available here but foil wrapping is common www.foilacar.ae

I personally don't like chrome but found that if stuck in the desert the chrome won't burn your hands unlike the body panels, regarding cutting the grill I wanted to get an aftermarket grill and cut into that as I always try to have all mods reversible. I wanted additional lighting to increase visibility in the desert and other than mounting on the roof and I don't have a steel bumper to mount them on, I thought if it would sit flush in the grill it would be less noticeable but guess not.

Thanks for the input Billfish

 

[Billfish]

Yes never considered heat issues with dark colours. Have seen a few aftermarket grills on ebay that would work for you.

I wonder if its possible to mount some high level spots to the roof rails via some purpose built brackets as you did with the awning?. That way they good be demountable when not wheeling.

 

[brussum]

You may also consider a product like http://www.eagleproducts.com.au/products_unibar.php. Maybe not the best solution as it mounts the light low, but I've seem them mounted and they seem solid.

 

[xkennx]

Actually was thinking of it. Plati dip isn't available here but foil wrapping is common www.foilacar.ae

ACE in festival city usually stocks Performix Plasti Dip. There colors are limited to black/blue/yellow and in the 14.5oz cans.

 

[Desert Nomad]

Thanks guys, didn't know ACE stocked plasti-dip. Been a long time since I went down there should pop down and see what new stock they have.

 

[xkennx]

Thanks guys, didn't know ACE stocked plasti-dip. Been a long time since I went down there should pop down and see what new stock they have.

They move it around from time to time. Last time in the automotive section next to the TJM display. (back left side). The week before in the paint/glue section (back right side)

 

[Desert Nomad]

Had an amazing trip Friday morning.

Starting out

Got a bit stuck

Very soft sand and being a genius I decided to climb the dune from further back to come alongside the jeep and had a surprise

Got a facelift

Got pulled backwards then winched forwards

And of course a shower is needed

The trip

 

[04UZJ100]

How do the 200's handle tearing through the dunes? Ever get any air/have any problems?

Lastly, does the sand get everywhere?

Nice truck.

 

[Desert Nomad]

How do the 200's handle tearing through the dunes? Ever get any air/have any problems?

Lastly, does the sand get everywhere?

Nice truck.

The LC handles itself beautifully in the dunes. I'm not used to the long wheelbase just yet as I previously had a defender 90. Haven't caught air in it. Nother had any problems so far only need to get used to cresting the dunes properly. As I need to slow down later and give it a bit of gas as soon as the front tires go over the crest so the underside slides over the top and doesn't lay on itsb belly on top of the dune.

Regarding sand yes by the end of the trip sand was in the cup holders gear lever seats and carpet. A stop at a car wash when I left and the inside just needed a quick blow of air vacuum and wipe down with a cloth.

 

[TroutRunner]

It is loads of fun to see the different terrain you wheel in. I'd love to give a go someday.

 

[Desert Nomad]

Fitted new brake lights in the bumper today

 

[brussum]

Fitted new brake lights in the bumper today

Very nice! I've often wondered why Toyota bothered putting this stupid red plastic inserts in the bumper. Why not just wire them as real lights? Good job!

 

[04UZJ100]

Very nice! I've often wondered why Toyota bothered putting this stupid red plastic inserts in the bumper. Why not just wire them as real lights? Good job!

More than most cars have and at night, they reflect like they're on anyway.

 

[r3run33]

wow that car wash has a lift??? thats cool wish we had that here; after our snow they use all these chemicals and it gets all on the underbody and rusts everything