Pop Top 80

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Thanks for the pics. The CampTeq is a great option. I'm tempted by it.

Nice work on the storage. I've also got a Edgestar. Went with a somewhat different design in wood, but I do like what you've done here.
 
After spinning my wheels on what auxiliary battery to use I gave up and decided to buy a cheapo marine battery just to get started. When I got to the parts store they had a few that had been sitting on the shelf collecting dust. Apparently after 12 months they mark them down and sell as "used". I bought an Optima 31M that bench tested perfectly for $45. Fingers crossed.:)

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greentruck said:
Nice work on the storage. I've also got a Edgestar. Went with a somewhat different design in wood, but I do like what you've done here.
Click to expand...
You're interior is amazing - love it. I used wood in my 4Runner and wanted to try something different. My little brother just finished outfitting his cabinet shop as part of a business expansion. This is great news for several reasons, and I'm completely rethinking the interior build. More to come... :D
 
ab1985 said:
After spinning my wheels on what auxiliary battery to use I gave up and decided to buy a cheapo marine battery just to get started. When I got to the parts store they had a few that had been sitting on the shelf collecting dust. Apparently after 12 months they mark them down and sell as "used". I bought an Optima 31M that bench tested perfectly for $45. Fingers crossed.:)

FB000571-409B-4BBD-86AB-40F07128CB51_zps7hxqhfop.jpg
Click to expand...

score :cheers:
 
What retailer sold that battery to you and did they say whether there was warranty coverage of any kind? Based on the label, it definitely looks older than 12 months. If you tell me the 10-digit serial number on the side, I can tell you the exact day of production. Fully-charged, it should measure about 13.0-13.2 volts and keeping it near there whenever possible will help maximize performance. I trust you have already properly-isolated it from your starting battery.

Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries
www.pinterest.com/optimabatteries
 
AOE Front Bumper

I've been waiting for a sunny day to take pictures of a couple of updates, but I'm not sure that's going to happen anytime soon so excuse the dark shots.

Just before Christmas I ordered an AOE front bumper. I really love the classic look of the ARB bumpers and had every intention of putting one on this truck, but after reading a few accounts of weak spots I decided to go a different direction. I don't plan to beat this truck up, but I'm a fan of going HD wherever possible.

AOE puts out a very, very fine product. I ordered the bare steel version then added a few coats of primer and rustoleum automotive grade black. I tend to go this route with bumpers and sliders vs. powder coating due to ease of touch up. I need to pull it back off to relocate the turn signals and mount a winch, but I couldn't stand to let it sit in the garage for long. I will say one of the most surprising things about this bumper is that you can't see it from the driver seat. I don't love the logo cut out in the front, but beyond that I'm very pleased with this bumper.


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Wagon Gear Tailgate Lid

I also recently installed a Wagon Gear tailgate lid. Talk about a well thought-out, high quality product. I smile every time I look at it.

I added stainless latches, locks, and the grippy lid surface. I stand on my tailgate all the time so seemed to be a good choice. I used a grinder/cut off wheel to remove the factory section then laid out 8 s.f. of Dynamat to help with noise and make it easier to see. I have one tote that I use to carry a number of items that I hardly ever use but never go camping without (tarp, wheel chocks, straps, first aid kit, wag bags, etc...). I was able to fit the entire contents into the tailgate - I love finding unused storage space. :D


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Pic below is from a quick camping trip over Christmas - you can see one of the storage totes I was able to ditch after installing the Wagon Gear lid.

Now that I'm getting closer to sorting out the permanent load profile, I'm going to go ahead and start on the suspension. I spoke to Bryce at Cruiser Outfitters who was extremely helpful and will be placing an order shortly. Hopefully, more updates to come soon...


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No immediate plans for lights. They're on the list but just not towards the top. I did have to adjust the AC dryer location. I wasn't able to push it up far enough to get the bolt on the left side of the bracket to line up for fear of kinking the line, but it was close. I zip tied it in place instead. So far so good. :hillbilly:
 
ab1985 said:
OptimaJim, there's a bar code on the side of the battery with the number 2230454543 below it. Is that it? It's been sitting on a bench hooked up to a tender, but I do plan to run wires in the next few weeks when we get a nice day. Fingers are still crossed that it's not a dud:)
Click to expand...

That battery was produced August 11, 2012.

Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries
www.pinterest.com/optimabatteries
 
great mods! those pop-tops are so rad.
 
Awesome, and I love it!
Subscribed.
 
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