My Favorite Color Is Mustard - A Full Restoration

[flatlandhj]

So, one weekend, I pulled out all of the AWG 2 cabling. I pulled out the marine switches. I gave away the two smaller batteries to some friends, and went to a local electrical shop and ordered the biggest Interstate battery that would fit in the space I had under the hood.

When the battery showed up I connected the starter and winch.

It was crowded under the hood. I wasn't happy.

 

[flatlandhj]

BUT...the Interstate battery Model 31 LHD spins that 2H like a blender on crack. Lots of power to start. Plenty of capacity to run the lights in the back, or run lights and A/C at night.

So, I've accepted a compromise. It's not a total waste. My rear hatches give me new hidden storage space. I plan to put recovery gear there once I get some plastic battery boxes that fit.

I don't get to turn switches.
I don't have a backup battery.
The winch is always hot.

Meh. It could be a lot worse. I still have the switches. Maybe one day I get the urge to dig in again.

 

[AndyHJ47]

Far out mate. That is awesome. You certainly put some time in and did it properly. Couple of questions... What is "sor" and can you point me in the direction of parts like door cards dash components etc.... Also how much was the H55 box.
Once again, awesome!

 

[flatlandhj]

Hi Andy. SOR refers to Specter Off Road. SOR.com opens the door to lots of parts. Some NOS (new old stock), some aftermarket, and some from rigs that that have available for parts. I installed the plastic door cards from SOR and they work fine.

Here on ih8mud, you will also find references to Cruiser Dan. CD is the guy to go to when you need an obscure part that hasn't made it into aftermarket yet. He works in Toyota dealership, and specializes in finding the hard to find. He's good.

Man-A-Fre is also a popular source for parts. If I trust my notes from 2009, I bought my new H55 from them for US$4312. (There may have been a core fee in there.) It came with a 1 year factory warranty which I likely blew once we started pressing off the gears.

Good luck!