Overland Expo - Wagon Train from N.PHX (5/19/-20)

[LongDuck]

I now have another reason to head up to the Overland Expo in Flagstaff in a few weeks (5/18-20), as I spoke with Christo Slee yesterday to order a FZJ80 Short Bus Bumper and he offered to deliver it to me at the expo!

Overland Expo - Home

In conversation, I asked about the 'new, improved' Short Bus bumper, and he frankly told me that he was toying with the idea of removing the side brush guards and leaving the center hoop above the winch area - but found that this removed too much strength from the 'wings'. He was looking at building internal reinforcement of the basic design to compensate and then lost interest.

Does this sound familiar, LandCruiserPhil?

Anyway - I'm very happy to have saved a bit on the shipping, and this should be a convenient way to get the bumper that I want without a lot of hassle. Plus, there'll always be a story about how I got it delivered to AZ (at least part way home).

If anyone's interested in wagon-training that weekend, post back here and we can make a plan. If not, this may turn into a quick out-and-back trip, and I may take a more convenient vehicle than the 'Cruiser - for the simple fact of fuel economy.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Good choice Slee's

 

[a.mus.ed]

I'm going to head up to take a look at the 80 series pop-top prototype, but i'm not sure when yet.

 

[f5driver]

I'm going Friday or Saturday and spending the night.

 

[Otter]

I'm driving up first thing Saturday in the Mini. Wish I could fit a slee bumper in the back of it.

 

[LongDuck]

Looks like Saturday for me also at this point, but could change. I'll post up details once we get closer to that weekend.

Does anybody that's made the drive know whether it's faster to go up through Flagstaff and then South, or up through Payson, and then North...?

 

[murf]

Looks like Saturday for me also at this point, but could change. I'll post up details once we get closer to that weekend.

Does anybody that's made the drive know whether it's faster to go up through Flagstaff and then South, or up through Payson, and then North...?

I suggest the Flagstaff route.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Looks like Saturday for me also at this point, but could change. I'll post up details once we get closer to that weekend.

Does anybody that's made the drive know whether it's faster to go up through Flagstaff and then South, or up through Payson, and then North...?

Made the same trip many time.....same distance. Flag a little faster but not near as scenic.

If it was me I would cut across at Munds park or if you are into history cut over at Mountaineer and follow the old railroad to Bert Lee park. Mormon mountain is a nice side trip along the way. I have always seen game on the road up.

 

[Otter]

Made the same trip many time.....same distance. Flag a little faster but not near as scenic.

If it was me I would cut across at Munds park or if you are into history cut over at Mountaineer and follow the old railroad to Bert Lee park. Mormon mountain is a nice side trip along the way. I have always seen game on the road up.

Now you're making me want to take the cruiser up.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Now you're making me want to take the cruiser up.

Both routes have there pluses but if I was you I would take the mini via Payson you will thank me.......providing you don't get a ticket. Its a fantastic drive.

 

[Otter]

Both routes have there pluses but if I was you I would take the mini via Payson you will thank me.......providing you don't get a ticket. Its a fantastic drive.

That settles it. I don't get to drive the Mini enough anyway, and I won't have to worry about Sarah getting car-sick either.

 

[LongDuck]

Thanks for the route tips, gentlemen. Looks like we'll be taking the Payson direction and maybe stop at the airport for lunch. Sidenote; I proposed to my wife there, and I'm sure she'll get a kick out of seeing it again so many years later.

Still not sure about Sat or Sun, but will post with the final plan. I'm not big on planning fun stuff too far in advance - I do enough of that at work,

 

[Rudster]

Have attended the last 3 years. Heading up Thursday but this time volunteering my time to help work the event...

 

[LongDuck]

Very cool - I'll look for you up there, and will likely be up on Saturday about mid-day. Trying to make this a fun road trip for the wife-unit, as well - so probably won't be wagon train with anybody, but we can talk more on Friday's CSC meeting for those thinking about going up this weekend.

 

[NateZ]

We are heading up Thursday late afternoon... probably via Payson/Pine/Happy Jack. We will be camping there till Sunday. Should be a fun time

 

[Cee Fish]

I'll be heading up Saturday at first light. Look for my Brick FJC.

I'll be camping (Sat night) with my brother and friends.

 

[redmuttonchops]

Will be heading out fri night and camping till sun

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I now have another reason to head up to the Overland Expo in Flagstaff in a few weeks (5/18-20), as I spoke with Christo Slee yesterday to order a FZJ80 Short Bus Bumper and he offered to deliver it to me at the expo!

In conversation, I asked about the 'new, improved' Short Bus bumper, and he frankly told me that he was toying with the idea of removing the side brush guards and leaving the center hoop above the winch area - but found that this removed too much strength from the 'wings'. He was looking at building internal reinforcement of the basic design to compensate and then lost interest.


Does this sound familiar, LandCruiserPhil?

QUOTE]

Slee my want to contact BINKS Fab...he has it figured out with his nice looking front bumper

 

[Otter]

Nice. May be leaning toward that bumper as opposed to the slee. Any idea of the cost?

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Not sure on the cost but it would look great on your 80
The radiator blockage does give me a little concern

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