31 Dec 2011

An ARB Xmas

I must have been a good boy this year (or Santa has the same affliction as Ray Charles); as I scored some new toys for my rig over Xmas. Namely an ARB Adventure Light, Speedy Seal tyre plug kit and a Rapid Tyre deflator.

ARB Adventure Light
The ARB Adventure Light is ARBs top of the line light. A similar version is also available, but unlike this one, requires constant 12v connectivity. From complete discharge, to full charge takes approx 6 hours which will last 4.5hrs of constant use courtesy of the LEDs; which I can attest to, using it as a prawning light one night, lol. The light also has two considerably powerful magnets which holds it easily onto any metal surface (bullbar, side rails, etc) making working on your car in the bush at night simple. I plan to mount this onto my MPAC rack for easy access and simple charging location.

ARB Adventure Light
ARB Speedy Seal Puncture Repair Kit
Next unwrapped was an ARB Speedy Seal Puncture Repair Kit. Its the type of present that you're grateful for, but hope you never have to use! Having been on some long touring trips to Cape York and across the Simpson Desert, this is a very handy item to have. I remember vividly repairing a tyre on a mates 4x4 just before Big Red in the Simpson Desert with one of these plugs. He drove through the desert and all the way to Alice Springs on it without a problem. I can't recommend them highly enough, especially for those doing long distance trips where the possibility of repeated punctures before reaching a service centre is a real issue. One of the greatest benefits of this kit (and any other like it), is that you can simply plug the tyre while its still on the hub and just re-inflate when done. It saves the jacking up and changing tyres process.

ARB Speedy Seal Puncture Repair Kit

ARB E-Z Deflator
A buddy of mine first showed me his E-Z Deflator a few years ago, I had always wanted to get one, but never seemed to get around to it. Fortunately Santa hooked me up with one this year! Gone are the days of pushing in the valve and waiting for the tyre to come down in pressure when you get into the rough stuff. This deflator actually unscrews the valve core, which allows for the fastest tyre deflation around (bar a sharp knife in the sidewall!). Having a gauge on the system is invaluable so you can keep a close eye on where the pressures are at, and it's all housed in a bright orange ARB pouch (so you can't loose it).



ARB E-Z Deflator
Blackhawk Gloves
Just in case Santa did see my indiscretions this year, I decided to play it safe and buy myself a present. From being in fire and rescue crews, I quickly learnt the value of a quality set of gloves. Your run of the mill leather riggers gloves from the local hardware store are fine in some situations, but I personally don't like them due to the lack of 'feel' they have. When trying to do finer work (doing up shackles, rigging recovery lines, operating hi-lift jack, etc), mass produced riggers gloves are terrible in my humble opinion. Having gloves that fit properly, you're more likely to use them and keep them on. I've lost count of how many times I've got frustrated with not being able to do a simple task with poorly made / fitting gloves, taken them off, only to cut or burn my hands.

The Blackhawk gloves aren't terribly cheap, at over $100 AUD. But they are made to fit and work in the harshest environments on earth, being military spec gloves made of Nomex, Kevlar and specially treated leather, I'm sure they will outlast me.
Blackhawk Fury Commando Gloves

23 Dec 2011

Rigid Industries Reverse Light

Recently FJCC (FJ Cruiser Club of Australia) ran a group buy for All Pro Offroad "Bandi" Mounts. These mounts attach to the top hinge of the rear door, principally for the attachment of an aerial. Since I have my aerial mounted to my bullbar, I decided that using the mount to attach a reverse light would be perfect.

The mount itself doesn't come too far away from the hinge or body of the car, so getting an appropriate light took some research. I finally settled on a Rigid Industries Dually D2 Diffusion LED light, putting out 2600 lumens and being an LED draws only 2 amps. When unpacking from the box, I was surprised by how well made and solid the unit was. It comes with a full wiring harness, including switch and fuse, though I'll probably butcher this and alter it to fit my needs better.
Once mounted to the Bandi mount, the light really lived up to its name of being "Rigid", trying to move it around once the bolts had been cranked up was impossible, so theoretically should be perfect on corrugated roads and bush work.

Here's some photos of the current installation, unfortunately I haven't had a chance to wire it all up yet. For Aussies wanting the same light, you can get them through Snake Racing.

Illumination; not distance but flood.


20 Dec 2011

Custom Sheepskin Seat Covers

Howdy once again.
After a week slogging it out in a datacentre in Sydney, I decided to treat myself to a set of custom sheepskin car seat covers on the way home. I've always had sheepskin seat covers for all my cars for a few reasons:
  1. Warm in winter
  2. Cool in summer
  3. Protect your seat coverings
  4. Additional comfort
The FJ having a few unique aspects to the front seats meant that a custom job was going to be the only real way to go. So after cruising around the net I came across a crowd in Canterbury; Canterbury Seat Covers.

The owner is a top bloke, in his mid 80's and as you can guess, has been there and done it in regards to upholstery and such, so I knew I was in good (and bloody strong!) hands. I splashed out on the top of the line sheepskins which have a lifetime warranty, custom air bag provisioning, arm rests and head rests. At this point in time I was a bit over $700 poorer, but it was money well spent. For color I went for "Charcoal" as it fits in perfectly with the interior colors and almost looks like it was made for the FJ. The backs of the seats I left "open" to allow access to the map pockets and such. Given I never have any passengers in the rear and the fact that my drivers side rear seat is coming out shortly, I thought enclosing them would be more hassle than benefit.

Attached are some photos minus the arm rest covers, which are still being made.


6 Dec 2011

Ellis Precision Shift Knobs

After many a month of waiting, my Ellis Precision shift knobs turned up from Canada today. On opening the packaging I was amazed at the quality and weight of the product. Joel from Ellis Precision has really excelled himself with these and I'm sure the other 50+ FJCruiserForums members who got on board the group buy are just as impressed.

Nothing terribly complicated about installing them. Just unscrew your stock knobs and screw on the new Ellis Precision ones. I may cut the automatic shifter shaft and extend the thread to make it shorter, though not really on my critical path at this point in time as these knobs looks sweet without any further modification.