tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017771384858554482024-03-05T21:57:20.858+11:00Bergs FJ BuildDocumenting the build up of "The Black Tooth Grin"Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-23370796455867991422012-09-26T16:42:00.001+10:002012-09-26T16:42:13.565+10:00Factor55 ProLinkWell its been a while since I posted any new developments on the rig since I've been out enjoying the great outdoors in it!<br />
<br />
Before the FJCC 2012 Summit, I had ordered a <a href="http://www.factor55.com/" target="_blank">Factor55</a> ProLink safety thimble to replace the hook on my winch. I had a couple of reasons for doing this; firstly stowing the hook on the winch was a PITA. It also scratched the crap out of the fine work Joel from Ellis Precision had done on the hawse. Finally hooks aren't exactly the safest recovery mechanism especially when using shackles. So with that in mind, I got the Factor55 kit.<br />
<br />
Installation couldn't be easier. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7cY4ebN7y0NdxRssiUrD3lioEdljG-CDeurkci32nHRwx7aaUx5TlVLvVubXmWHwhpSBA1uxIaq6EGdOc3GT4O3h1YAqunq2o-RsqhsgRKPAjDCXt6bBiMohlQtIksUWQ4m0uMnFfVc/s1600/P9211336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7cY4ebN7y0NdxRssiUrD3lioEdljG-CDeurkci32nHRwx7aaUx5TlVLvVubXmWHwhpSBA1uxIaq6EGdOc3GT4O3h1YAqunq2o-RsqhsgRKPAjDCXt6bBiMohlQtIksUWQ4m0uMnFfVc/s320/P9211336.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Remove the split pin and retaining pin on the pre-existing winch hook, separating it completely from the line.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ9Z5K52B3VGcv5hib5VQh4iAWsnc-ITrK3Lr0Wkt5sPjZqSu0G8Zzp6YqjlpLQk4WH7QhB6aydrZdERSomR55qESDHcvBUtdyn5V-MJewX29tf2drsf7nAOIgJ5abh6ZPnj56PnRcMo/s1600/P9211338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ9Z5K52B3VGcv5hib5VQh4iAWsnc-ITrK3Lr0Wkt5sPjZqSu0G8Zzp6YqjlpLQk4WH7QhB6aydrZdERSomR55qESDHcvBUtdyn5V-MJewX29tf2drsf7nAOIgJ5abh6ZPnj56PnRcMo/s320/P9211338.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Grab a pair of circlip pliers and remove the circlip in the ProLink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RXfoK4vDdOSJpdKrMvK-QxrT2ngHhdCkrAZNF548aVJ4FDlM_54Db2flmYYnDZaIPv0kFfknpslENe9zo6_LHZqpfJw4Jop7X1-JWizVOE4b24Quqt5mTXXAABn9TT4w-QNEqTu46Qw/s1600/P9211339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RXfoK4vDdOSJpdKrMvK-QxrT2ngHhdCkrAZNF548aVJ4FDlM_54Db2flmYYnDZaIPv0kFfknpslENe9zo6_LHZqpfJw4Jop7X1-JWizVOE4b24Quqt5mTXXAABn9TT4w-QNEqTu46Qw/s320/P9211339.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. With the circlip removed, the titanium pin will come out easily.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u76hvV4gv4D9dTEjgI5LaUntsOYjnunXnyw5rpqSsmXyNsVF4Y9JtMI9BF07rP5RusLBN8Df5Hn8BXreBWD446T39nc1nYDplryexTSEJ6KFZZIomfnyLNB3QyhAwXrqId_xgQltLyg/s1600/P9211340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u76hvV4gv4D9dTEjgI5LaUntsOYjnunXnyw5rpqSsmXyNsVF4Y9JtMI9BF07rP5RusLBN8Df5Hn8BXreBWD446T39nc1nYDplryexTSEJ6KFZZIomfnyLNB3QyhAwXrqId_xgQltLyg/s320/P9211340.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Install the rubber boot for the ProLink on the winch line, then attach the winch rope to the ProLink. Reinstall the titanium pin and circlip making sure the circlip goes back into the groove.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpmNVlVQng584S3Brv70xxhUMmtXV4KQDwctDsdXRgjRn2tQ9G6JeIaRrrpoh_2FUoGer3hvMS7qlKnZmYomxXULJ6t0NqMS_TLcvNxHxTdzkKx3LEfFUN4_N5q_DZgiuhb8P6oMUDnE/s1600/P9211341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpmNVlVQng584S3Brv70xxhUMmtXV4KQDwctDsdXRgjRn2tQ9G6JeIaRrrpoh_2FUoGer3hvMS7qlKnZmYomxXULJ6t0NqMS_TLcvNxHxTdzkKx3LEfFUN4_N5q_DZgiuhb8P6oMUDnE/s320/P9211341.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5. Pull the rubber boot back down over the ProLink, it has some guide points to align it and keep it in place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6. Installed ready for use</td></tr>
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Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-58026482028084383762012-08-15T21:02:00.001+10:002012-08-15T22:07:58.082+10:00Ellis Precision Coat HooksAnother awesome product from Ellis Precision was installed this afternoon after finally arriving from Canada; machined billet coat hooks.<br />
<br />
Like everything Joel from EP does, these are just plain awesome. I had him finish them in "stealth" the same as the shifter, transfer and hand brake bits he had done previously.<br />
<br />
Installation couldn't be simpler:<br />
<ol>
<li>Remove the OEM coat hooks, pull down on the covering scabbard, exposing the bolt. Remove the bolt using a 10mm socket.</li>
<li>On the back of the EP coat hook; install one of the supplied grub screws using a 3mm hex key. This grub screw is used as a locator.</li>
<li>Drop the machine bolt through the coat hook (best to guide it by attaching to a 5mm hex key); locate the coat hook into position making sure the grub screw aligns with the untapped hole, while screwing in the machine bolt.</li>
<li>Admire the product.</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ-h-hBxT3XPvxVyBPm4ijuFmr81irnA5kvf3m93zSxgWH426epkxUd90QNFIDKBox3YmqJuDl3s7FU_xDR-bD0R59CFtALFmbJntLsxA1V0cSfP2oMHREtiC_SH5plHw-dIPoIW7wfQ/s1600/Canberra-20120815-00185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ-h-hBxT3XPvxVyBPm4ijuFmr81irnA5kvf3m93zSxgWH426epkxUd90QNFIDKBox3YmqJuDl3s7FU_xDR-bD0R59CFtALFmbJntLsxA1V0cSfP2oMHREtiC_SH5plHw-dIPoIW7wfQ/s320/Canberra-20120815-00185.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Pull down on the scabbard to expose the 10mm bolt head</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRPhuYNAv8Tae_p3DlXbyDU7oeXM6WITYT6nBH9OkHYANAkEqhxRCFf-nLfh5iUNxSAcmNkzyUwIMKg9lDq-3vqJ7nOdpPp2opot2VzoZtK_xrMqBWLNhh9SJVuerpMKHHZ-XBHkF9yA/s1600/Canberra-20120815-00186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRPhuYNAv8Tae_p3DlXbyDU7oeXM6WITYT6nBH9OkHYANAkEqhxRCFf-nLfh5iUNxSAcmNkzyUwIMKg9lDq-3vqJ7nOdpPp2opot2VzoZtK_xrMqBWLNhh9SJVuerpMKHHZ-XBHkF9yA/s320/Canberra-20120815-00186.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. OEM coat hook removed, you can see the two holes;<br />
one tapped the other blank</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg56buoB9wcsqFPFtZ8SP-zYCeGASTus-HE_gUr_mDb9PcMHK3f7vWky-X7rIpGaaZgdF3HN3YBBk_upehb1ii1cv-jKKk5uDHhStWOt0OTX-r-i2DJr9-hSjlkAOJoJV87UNNwNdsl4/s1600/Canberra-20120815-00187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg56buoB9wcsqFPFtZ8SP-zYCeGASTus-HE_gUr_mDb9PcMHK3f7vWky-X7rIpGaaZgdF3HN3YBBk_upehb1ii1cv-jKKk5uDHhStWOt0OTX-r-i2DJr9-hSjlkAOJoJV87UNNwNdsl4/s320/Canberra-20120815-00187.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Back of the EP coat hook; the top right hole<br />
is tapped and takes the grub screw</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75NV5wYvnFqo0nAlAVIT3cPm5EKugiaW486haFuM_ewXemMhIWbm5mXyvMeIlAHlsXxUNh_-MKNzg2b3tHOYSdzGWk1RItQ_CetEmS1Vn4EXlHe11kPniAozce9INxogfv-lwoeSbGLo/s1600/Canberra-20120815-00188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75NV5wYvnFqo0nAlAVIT3cPm5EKugiaW486haFuM_ewXemMhIWbm5mXyvMeIlAHlsXxUNh_-MKNzg2b3tHOYSdzGWk1RItQ_CetEmS1Vn4EXlHe11kPniAozce9INxogfv-lwoeSbGLo/s320/Canberra-20120815-00188.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. You'll need a 3mm and 5mm hex key.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lLBOhZsul_H7dikBYJ9igQFkqYrbLrW84BoRegxSoq-bH98N_9RMXsc7Q56natcJzH5SO4yukB2rjlAkh8pHjzw8u8XXM6Ms6Phqvym57DOsQohMm0fbqzyim1fOIKxzOaqLl3zuW7U/s1600/Canberra-20120815-00189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lLBOhZsul_H7dikBYJ9igQFkqYrbLrW84BoRegxSoq-bH98N_9RMXsc7Q56natcJzH5SO4yukB2rjlAkh8pHjzw8u8XXM6Ms6Phqvym57DOsQohMm0fbqzyim1fOIKxzOaqLl3zuW7U/s320/Canberra-20120815-00189.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5. Grub screw installed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15IxvDhab15ixycHieJYEoG0mXrKQsgW13Q3BK2D70T6qnMCm-3Tvml19yfYe1CMoju9SuBgdjuJQA6G0zPyoQRRNAgaBl0HfcAgkPhckrLgtjEyHlIGE8pmoFYUs3zjz4mCyzn3HKhQ/s1600/Canberra-20120815-00197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15IxvDhab15ixycHieJYEoG0mXrKQsgW13Q3BK2D70T6qnMCm-3Tvml19yfYe1CMoju9SuBgdjuJQA6G0zPyoQRRNAgaBl0HfcAgkPhckrLgtjEyHlIGE8pmoFYUs3zjz4mCyzn3HKhQ/s320/Canberra-20120815-00197.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6. Bolted in place and ready for the Zegna ;)</td></tr>
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Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-57814208218449817172012-07-16T11:58:00.002+10:002012-07-16T13:49:57.041+10:00Warn 9.5 XP-S Winch<br />
Well after a long time, I finally got a winch!<br />
<br />
Initially I had an Avenger Mako TDS 9.5, ready to go in, but unfortunately it didn't fit in the ARB bar. I was a little bummed as it received a great review from a <a href="http://www.avenger4x4.com.au/library/4WD159036-054FEATURE_WinchComparo.pdf" target="_blank">4x4 magazine comparison</a> on winches. Fortunately the guys at Opposite Lock took it back and it was back to the drawing board for me...<br />
<br />
I'd always wanted a synthetic rope winch to reduce additional front end weight, make it easier for the co-pilot to lug it up a hill and the ability to easily re-splice it in the event of a breakage. The trick was, finding a winch that was truly synthetic rope capable. Plenty of winches come with a synthetic rope option, but aren't built for the purpose; with the internal brake being in the drum and heating the rope up to damage point very easily when in operation.<br />
<br />
While I was in my local ARB store a few months prior, the guys were drooling over the new offering from Warn; the <a href="http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/95xp-s_winch.shtml" target="_blank">9.5 XP-S winch</a>. Warns premier ‘extreme conditions’ winch, the 9.5 XP now retrofitted to support synthetic rope (hence the –S suffix). I took a look at the specs and having seen my mates XP series winches used and abused, I didn’t hesitate to say ‘you’d better order me in one of em’.<br />
<br />
So 2 months later, the shipment from the US came in and I have a shiny new 9.5 XP-S fitted up. I was most surprised that the kit also included a wireless remote control, which does away with the wired hand remote (though still included). It’s a very small unit that is a godsend when driving and winching at the same time. <br />
Another interesting development with these new series of winches; solenoids in the control box have been done away with. Replaced with a completely sealed contactor box; theoretically this should never fail, but time will tell. <br />
<br />
The winch comes with a polished Warn hawse, which looks brilliant. Unfortunately it’s a standard hawse configuration and ARB bars require an ‘offset’ hawse, so it couldn’t be used. I did however order an offset hawse earlier in the year from Ellis Precision (same guys that did the handbrake, gear and transfer knobs) which really looks the part.<br />
<br />
On order now is a Factor 55 ProLink Loaded kit, to replace the hook with a shackle point for greater security and connection flexibility.<br />
<br />
All in all, a quality bit of kit I couldn't be happier in having and trusting my life with; as they say 'quality remains long after the price is forgotten'.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">PS: if your a complete wally like me and skim read the instructions; you need to press and hold both buttons on the wireless remote for a couple of seconds before it becomes active. I went back to ARB today to claim the wireless unit was dead until my trusty sales guy, Pete let me in on the activation secret! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChZWA5O298jcqGehHBv141mtXXPi5Yb1Ij21qDmesiY1hQk9H993f63rShvQdldHFPvawkpEkkT2d5Qi3vFDF6DmJOLFMke4ekYRVvmc9apz3L0DsM0Hdw-QU5iLxn8Hdn0BKg8k3bDs/s1600/Canberra-20120716-00157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChZWA5O298jcqGehHBv141mtXXPi5Yb1Ij21qDmesiY1hQk9H993f63rShvQdldHFPvawkpEkkT2d5Qi3vFDF6DmJOLFMke4ekYRVvmc9apz3L0DsM0Hdw-QU5iLxn8Hdn0BKg8k3bDs/s320/Canberra-20120716-00157.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Wireless Controller</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggb3DDcgSAjyGJumPLCoYxO8CGSRvEJ9GBgGwOnhE0xOlST5K9D6dyzveS0zP8J5V2otg69vvt1YGXitSa3H9q4bOzh1DlQtzJJh2KPXtPk-MJY_7bSiPaVmVbW5QgCDWyE4ircVPf210/s1600/Canberra-20120716-00158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggb3DDcgSAjyGJumPLCoYxO8CGSRvEJ9GBgGwOnhE0xOlST5K9D6dyzveS0zP8J5V2otg69vvt1YGXitSa3H9q4bOzh1DlQtzJJh2KPXtPk-MJY_7bSiPaVmVbW5QgCDWyE4ircVPf210/s320/Canberra-20120716-00158.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Contactor Box (no more solenoids)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYyX-QWcpPODeKWPHa4fjeV8hdMn3JVn4RmRrx8OPDxlL0G-YiMjGyzZUmFAnD6kxtzkFd6VOqNkHJJILSZN0NMa3SuuzRQq-KTNxmpCmiSxtt9uG3yk4qiNKSZRbrqVD7GeydQoEptU/s1600/Canberra-20120716-00159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYyX-QWcpPODeKWPHa4fjeV8hdMn3JVn4RmRrx8OPDxlL0G-YiMjGyzZUmFAnD6kxtzkFd6VOqNkHJJILSZN0NMa3SuuzRQq-KTNxmpCmiSxtt9uG3yk4qiNKSZRbrqVD7GeydQoEptU/s320/Canberra-20120716-00159.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Winch installed, Ellis Precision hawse visible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.factor55.com/images/factor55/home_banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="142" src="http://www.factor55.com/images/factor55/home_banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Factor 55 ProLink shackle point.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-42857503928953967782012-06-29T19:31:00.000+10:002012-07-02T10:40:10.840+10:00UHF Extention SpeakerHowdy again all,<br />
<br />
I've run into a paradox a while ago with my UHF and its internal speaker. When 4x4ing; nothing gets the blood pumping better than a good <a href="http://youtu.be/AOsgv_X_cV8" target="_blank">Joe Satriani</a> solo, maybe some <a href="http://youtu.be/vv5UUEHfOXU" target="_blank">Steve Vai</a> or Metallica cranked up; problem is you can barely hear your fellow 4x4ers on the radio.... Solution; add an external speaker!<br />
<br />
Now I've been meaning to install an extention speaker for my UHF for a while now. In fact I bought the speaker unit about 2 months ago and have been to lazy (and not brave enough to go into the cold shed) to install it. Finally this evening, with a rum in hand, I braved the cold and got it done.<br />
<br />
The unit is a GME SPK07 model as shown.<br />
<br />
After a bit of scoping around, I found the best place to install it seemed to be in the passanger footwell under the glove box. There is a mount with two screws; I removed the foremost one and used that to mount the speaker bracket. With a bit of trimming of the spreaker bracket, it fits into the groove of the glove box mount snuggly.<br />
<br />
After installing the speaker, it was a simple case of running the cable through a pre-existing conduit I had run, to the centre console where the UHF is.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5wgWLGmSnlbXHMj1-WMUaKVRIL9dg3amv8GlzDcHf54qqofiUqaGRrr6gDhfAk-LHZTlluC9-mxP9xXqbYRY3tM1F-fkNfW1GGTwy21scihEuWo0-RyNhjgKpzbBeKSa5092YzIQYGg/s1600/GMESPK07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5wgWLGmSnlbXHMj1-WMUaKVRIL9dg3amv8GlzDcHf54qqofiUqaGRrr6gDhfAk-LHZTlluC9-mxP9xXqbYRY3tM1F-fkNfW1GGTwy21scihEuWo0-RyNhjgKpzbBeKSa5092YzIQYGg/s1600/GMESPK07.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. GME SPK07</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISugyc8CfAnOqdsi2WLhMpySS_rnfVxC3dpDNs4lNPOW6UYe4-xZKgyaBYsJYYOiXnPwvH7qZXpFZnWY-FPgR4Ons4oWIi-K0LLKqDcPjSk-zVTsXHVQE9_cyeFe2aQ4ViVebJ1eEbl4/s1600/Canberra-20120629-00147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISugyc8CfAnOqdsi2WLhMpySS_rnfVxC3dpDNs4lNPOW6UYe4-xZKgyaBYsJYYOiXnPwvH7qZXpFZnWY-FPgR4Ons4oWIi-K0LLKqDcPjSk-zVTsXHVQE9_cyeFe2aQ4ViVebJ1eEbl4/s320/Canberra-20120629-00147.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Dismantled centre console - access to the UHF radio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGk2bvcifBAh-zAsOWu8aVuZWVexOln6UQ46hlsHq_5PrpNggBJZ5PfmqDpiFRRCO-2zWnWkAJwbqSr94dShK_3w5Hzr1cH9hG6vddDUrVxRjxYgkbJvJnJZaO0WCPMKyByDSw8IRfHg/s1600/Canberra-20120629-00149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGk2bvcifBAh-zAsOWu8aVuZWVexOln6UQ46hlsHq_5PrpNggBJZ5PfmqDpiFRRCO-2zWnWkAJwbqSr94dShK_3w5Hzr1cH9hG6vddDUrVxRjxYgkbJvJnJZaO0WCPMKyByDSw8IRfHg/s320/Canberra-20120629-00149.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Speaker bracket installed under glove box<br />
using pre-existing bolt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw2x3j6ept1nOcd7O6b-FjKF5HcQHz1rmg4JahbtvjxEmlhMlHolC1lj035RxXIw1yM3lVyIrxufJzUtwm4yluhZOZ1nYXDrydjB1nDuYibkzIF16uJ6JyPdYlmcHjBZkNlRYDtQY250/s1600/Canberra-20120629-00150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw2x3j6ept1nOcd7O6b-FjKF5HcQHz1rmg4JahbtvjxEmlhMlHolC1lj035RxXIw1yM3lVyIrxufJzUtwm4yluhZOZ1nYXDrydjB1nDuYibkzIF16uJ6JyPdYlmcHjBZkNlRYDtQY250/s320/Canberra-20120629-00150.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Speaker installed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-54853416197903451662012-06-19T19:03:00.002+10:002012-06-19T19:03:20.203+10:00Roll Top ConsoleAs part of a <a href="http://www.fjcc.com.au/forum/group-buys/roll-top-console-cover/" target="_blank">group buy</a> at FJCC a while back, I got a 'Panamint' version of the <a href="http://www.industrialforming.com/old/fj_cruiser_parts.htm" target="_blank">Roll Top Consoles.</a> These things look great, appear solid and in all honesty, look like they are OEM kit. Perhaps Toyota should talk to Industrial Forming?<br />
<br />
The only trouble I had, was finding a day that was warm enough to install it, as the instructions dictate that the car interior should be >15 degrees C for installation. Given its winter here in Canberra, that's not such an easy task!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSaRs4AdcMduc5qNmtvJCM00dGpiF7bORynasQR7NCafhoMTnlRZF12ZnfNUCEu6CoAfQ3NTqBdOEKwfb6EwXk2xibdqRXJIdT8lJocLPzZX77Jc0Abzp4SUbQdSLKu82w35lvOsE5yI/s1600/Canberra-20120619-00145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSaRs4AdcMduc5qNmtvJCM00dGpiF7bORynasQR7NCafhoMTnlRZF12ZnfNUCEu6CoAfQ3NTqBdOEKwfb6EwXk2xibdqRXJIdT8lJocLPzZX77Jc0Abzp4SUbQdSLKu82w35lvOsE5yI/s320/Canberra-20120619-00145.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panamint Roll Top Console installed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-45136440563550096882012-06-16T20:32:00.002+10:002012-06-16T20:56:58.528+10:00Toolkit & ContentsPlenty of members at FJCC have been asking: "what do I need to carry in a toolkit". So, given I just had a new canvas carry bag made up to fit into my storage drawers for the purpose, it seemed like a good idea to give a rundown of its contents. Here's a couple of things to remember when putting together a toolkit;<br />
<ol>
<li>Make sure the contents match your rig (no point carrying tools which aren't required).</li>
<li>Buy the best tools you can afford. This may seem strange for gear you may rarely use, but when you need them, you don't want them to fail!</li>
<li>Know how to use all the tools in the kit.</li>
</ol>
<strong>Kit Contents:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=13530P" target="_blank">3/8 Socket Set in Metric and AF sizes</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=1352214" target="_blank">Combination Spanner set in Metric</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=1352313" target="_blank">Combination Spanner set in AF</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=K5043" target="_blank">Metric Hex Keys</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=K5042" target="_blank">AF Hex Keys</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=32076" target="_blank">Screwdriver set</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=04101" target="_blank">Hose Clamps (1 Large, 1 Small)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=17294" target="_blank">Circlip Plier Combination Set</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=K040005" target="_blank">Large Shifter</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=K040001" target="_blank">Small Shifter</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=K060012" target="_blank">Folding Knife</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=K040018" target="_blank">Vice Grips</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=K040038" target="_blank">Needle Nose Pliers</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=K040037" target="_blank">Combination Pliers (Linesman)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=1702012" target="_blank">MultiGrips</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=K9020" target="_blank">Dead Blow Hammer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=CCH862" target="_blank">Cold Chisel</a> (not Jimmy Barnes!)</li>
<li><a href="http://kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=CLP303" target="_blank">Pin Punch</a></li>
<li>Wirebrush / Chipping Hammer combo tool</li>
<li>250mm Bastard File</li>
<li>2.5mm & 3.2mm Welding Rods (20mm PolyPipe capped off works great as a holder)</li>
<li>Welders Glass (#10 Shade)</li>
<li>QuikSteel Putty</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rescuetapeaustralia.com.au/" target="_blank">Rescue Tape </a>(Self Fusing Silicone Tape)</li>
<li>Gaffer Tape</li>
<li>Multimeter</li>
<li><a href="http://www.loctite.com.au/" target="_blank">LocTite 263</a></li>
<li>Utility Hacksaw</li>
<li>Wire: Electrical and Structural</li>
<li>Soldering Iron & Solder</li>
<li>Cable Ties</li>
<li>Permanent Marker & Welders Chalk</li>
<li>Tape Measure</li>
<li>Inox / WD40</li>
<li>Rags</li>
<li>Surgical Gloves</li>
</ul>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-91130063505698175992012-06-16T19:24:00.001+10:002012-06-16T19:25:32.497+10:00TyreDog 1300 TPMSI've had <a href="http://www.tyredog.com.au/store/5-wheel-wtpms/" target="_blank">these</a> on my list for a while, but never really got around to dropping the cash for them. Fortunately one of the guys over on <a href="http://www.fjcc.com.au/" target="_blank">FJCC</a> had some he wanted to get rid of as part of a stocktake, which kinda pushed my hand a bit (thanks Daz!).<br />
<br />
When I first opened the box I was really surprised at the size of the monitor. Measuring around 70mm x 30mm, I was expecting a lot larger but more than happy about it not taking up a heap of room.<br />
<br />
Installation couldn't be easier; drop the batteries (supplied) into the monitor then into the sensors. They come online and beep and complain a bit until they are screwed onto the valves. I didn't bother using the locking collars, since it seems like a PITA when airing down for trail runs. Lets just hope the crackheads don't decide to steal them!<br />
<br />
I mounted the monitor next to the Long Ranger tank gauge using the supplied suction mount. Due to the small stature of the monitor and mounting bracket, it seems like a perfect position that won't be intrusive, though time will tell.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMV1cLcOalUKUF_fvIZ-njC4issoZNO5Gds8Y_hyQH2MIwGdm6Mvg9V3b5lO4ELQ0y_kTWs1dGOtP53mB7Wz6pDy4M7E6Ts78p6n5KImqJC2RwjNuWfwKVaStYgqgcQSHENtuR9leJL0/s1600/P6161319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMV1cLcOalUKUF_fvIZ-njC4issoZNO5Gds8Y_hyQH2MIwGdm6Mvg9V3b5lO4ELQ0y_kTWs1dGOtP53mB7Wz6pDy4M7E6Ts78p6n5KImqJC2RwjNuWfwKVaStYgqgcQSHENtuR9leJL0/s320/P6161319.JPG" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. TyreDog TPMS Boxed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjP94sJJTbXjMekhM5r1dSM5pnXwfpRriJZkL7yiVY4jmmrQAQvPRV5KidPDZLssfXQ8Ah9TBv7Vuax6zPNkapNViTzqx4UDrX1hkm6vwK7Rr_3NcXRwyLngH283eGibbLWLoct8o1PY/s1600/P6161322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjP94sJJTbXjMekhM5r1dSM5pnXwfpRriJZkL7yiVY4jmmrQAQvPRV5KidPDZLssfXQ8Ah9TBv7Vuax6zPNkapNViTzqx4UDrX1hkm6vwK7Rr_3NcXRwyLngH283eGibbLWLoct8o1PY/s320/P6161322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Small in size, big on features ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqBjI3rNxiuWv6r9KWutSPG3J6Hqc9uvU1JdA-qUg6Cb3ZS_O51hedNBLg-cDDoUjm-NVqH-lq72fyoJdH4PSarFXu0r0Vhq-5lXLh3nee-OQguUmHlIqh16Eo5eJlAeHPVUk8yCjVrw/s1600/P6161325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqBjI3rNxiuWv6r9KWutSPG3J6Hqc9uvU1JdA-qUg6Cb3ZS_O51hedNBLg-cDDoUjm-NVqH-lq72fyoJdH4PSarFXu0r0Vhq-5lXLh3nee-OQguUmHlIqh16Eo5eJlAeHPVUk8yCjVrw/s320/P6161325.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Mounted up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-60035532911143063212012-06-14T18:12:00.003+10:002012-06-14T18:12:26.652+10:00Nav Light UpgradeWith the dome lights upgraded recently, I was thinking about what to do with the map / nav lights. The white light was going to be too bright for a map light, as the time your eyes take to adjust would be to annoying for night driving / navigation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Subsequently I thought about military applications; which typically employ a red or green light to reduce glare and loss of natural night vision. With that in mind, I went searching the web for some LED light strips in either red or green. Green seemed to be pretty difficult to find, so I ended up going for red in a small form strip of 2 x 3 LEDs.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmJTsrSfokg-onslexNAc8VCsmppkaDNK_jjmBaj321_rVTDLMJyzHbgsSajogNZH4vAJhdo1jiGg8XlhE0TdXjRTzHeQHQwxVjxP0mZWfEbYWWzvE5ITlMjaqYbq8INOx3s43fb4Ex0/s1600/00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmJTsrSfokg-onslexNAc8VCsmppkaDNK_jjmBaj321_rVTDLMJyzHbgsSajogNZH4vAJhdo1jiGg8XlhE0TdXjRTzHeQHQwxVjxP0mZWfEbYWWzvE5ITlMjaqYbq8INOx3s43fb4Ex0/s320/00.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 x 3 Red LED Strip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseRbKhXWJ3-daoIHutYwmnV4bdvL_1rImc9adEKqfnLK8Ua7k5vbq0SI3OViRo4Xu0uM_X4A2LD840yCIT0LC0WXE0_D1UVrBurS1iv8TbMyY6FNmOz9b5HxkC7GU4QuDO5szgJNXT28/s1600/Canberra-20120614-00142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseRbKhXWJ3-daoIHutYwmnV4bdvL_1rImc9adEKqfnLK8Ua7k5vbq0SI3OViRo4Xu0uM_X4A2LD840yCIT0LC0WXE0_D1UVrBurS1iv8TbMyY6FNmOz9b5HxkC7GU4QuDO5szgJNXT28/s320/Canberra-20120614-00142.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both nav lights on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4FZ6lsqeZtq81p9lfxUVPb_D22M9GANn45Eh00ahCTjWgjxk1ZYnd_F__HpIogQiHjFP8-zo1SfHEkGcISx8CQvHPZ79Ryle1CCno9t24eaNfR_DkCaxsqSPRlc4R1tuoLiBZRSkOI0/s1600/Canberra-20120614-00143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4FZ6lsqeZtq81p9lfxUVPb_D22M9GANn45Eh00ahCTjWgjxk1ZYnd_F__HpIogQiHjFP8-zo1SfHEkGcISx8CQvHPZ79Ryle1CCno9t24eaNfR_DkCaxsqSPRlc4R1tuoLiBZRSkOI0/s320/Canberra-20120614-00143.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabin with both lights on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-31271241687633418212012-05-29T21:08:00.002+10:002012-05-29T21:09:12.525+10:00FJCC TrasharooI'm always sick of carting plastic bags full rubbish from the campsite, back to civilisation. The clinking of beer bottles (amongst other things!) is enough to drive you mad. Solution? A <a href="http://www.trasharoo.com/" target="_blank">Trasharoo</a> Bag!<br />
<br />
We threw the idea around over at <a href="http://www.fjcc.com.au/forum/group-buys/fjcc-trasharoos-1/" target="_blank">FJCC</a>, to not only initiate a typical group buy for Trasharoos, but also going the step further in getting them branded with the club logo. The results of the printed logo were brilliant; the bags are second to none in terms of quality and absolutely cavernous. To be honest; I've never been so keen to pack rubbish up at a campsite!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlzFF4vzUq_ys-J51ZgnO6EObOwM1IqfgYE4H0w31XL0ybjhXOrIdsOP0_I-lOxeTA0JTGHVDPd0ho_F5hhvH56zWljavGWSSoMyY6qSX_WF_-8V-iStt5gkRr4WBSHIHSj4qUet5sS4/s1600/Canberra-20120529-00138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlzFF4vzUq_ys-J51ZgnO6EObOwM1IqfgYE4H0w31XL0ybjhXOrIdsOP0_I-lOxeTA0JTGHVDPd0ho_F5hhvH56zWljavGWSSoMyY6qSX_WF_-8V-iStt5gkRr4WBSHIHSj4qUet5sS4/s320/Canberra-20120529-00138.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-1145206388866640462012-05-26T20:51:00.004+10:002012-05-26T22:34:11.890+10:00Interior Light UpgradeWell it seems I'm going through a bit of an LED fetish phase at the moment. With the MagLite upgrade, Dually D2 reverse light, ARB Adventure Light and saving for a 40" Rigid Industries Light Bar for the roof rack; I might have to go to LED's Anonymous!<br />
To feed my addiction this week, I decided to do what I would call one of the easiest and most valuable upgrades for the FJ; LEDs in the interior dome lights.<br />
<br />
Very simple process really; jump on eBay and search for "48 SMD White LED Light Panel". If that's to tricky; I got mine from here: <a href="http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/48-SMD-White-LED-Light-Panel-T10-Festoon-Ba9s-Dome-12V-/270965668356?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f16cffa04">http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/48-SMD-White-LED-Light-Panel-T10-Festoon-Ba9s-Dome-12V-/270965668356?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f16cffa04</a><br />
<br />
Since these are from China and I couldn't be sure on the quality, at $3 a panel I just bought 4 of them. 2 for the car and 2 for the spares draw just in case.<br />
The kits come with everything you need; the panel which has a 3M backing strip and three different festoon adapters (as seen in image 1). We'll use the spring loaded one for the FJ.<br />
<br />
To install:<br />
<ol>
<li>Pop the clear plastic cover off the dome light using a small flat bladed screwdriver.</li>
<li>Make sure the light is turned off and cool; I cooked my fingers on the incandescent the first time I did this!</li>
<li>If the incandescent is cool; take it out and put it aside in your spares draw.</li>
<li>Insert the spring loaded adapter; positive goes to the side with the tab (you'll know what I mean when you see it) or worst case grab a multimeter and check before hand.</li>
<li>Once you've got the spring loaded adapter installed (the trickiest part of the install); plug the LED panel in and test it works.</li>
<li>If all has gone well; position the wires into the space the festoon goes into, peel the backing off the sticky strip and attach it.</li>
<li>Re-install the plastic cover</li>
<li>Admire your handy work!</li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8sGuJWfPxyWNFkz2T9KTMCA0H6Bp_tFDkEE9zXhymm_tZH__rat0UgIPMqWYsmQ82joWByHHH6Qng4WIPlGRBmduKXeSDYaCOjWR4wSsee_0WIPWnaSj7bNceEj5V9Llm_gtkep30LM/s1600/LED+Panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8sGuJWfPxyWNFkz2T9KTMCA0H6Bp_tFDkEE9zXhymm_tZH__rat0UgIPMqWYsmQ82joWByHHH6Qng4WIPlGRBmduKXeSDYaCOjWR4wSsee_0WIPWnaSj7bNceEj5V9Llm_gtkep30LM/s320/LED+Panel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. LED plate and components (ebay image)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66i3CuLPRajp2v2RzohuT93loQBanHPSU-jZnaX9iksEWteMsuJVADMvwRf4WMU1mX8G2dGvyAqfZR7CzBUb9q8AzAXYX_npgMHdwNGfmAnV7OjOtJmE01a1zQAs7nDNzJXlW8pKOgtU/s1600/IMG-20120524-00133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66i3CuLPRajp2v2RzohuT93loQBanHPSU-jZnaX9iksEWteMsuJVADMvwRf4WMU1mX8G2dGvyAqfZR7CzBUb9q8AzAXYX_npgMHdwNGfmAnV7OjOtJmE01a1zQAs7nDNzJXlW8pKOgtU/s320/IMG-20120524-00133.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. OEM incandescent cab lighting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXppzYiJH024upDCr8tAoU2FXGpkydBcM446veYYgO1Jnw75q-qLKgIYpDle-jDhKlDP0wChjXUxv6gT0RNoo8qMQd3dC0v9T5tz05apCNEf_cwOudSiB2vKHtQUm1zbSQtEtN-8QysI/s1600/IMG-20120524-00134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXppzYiJH024upDCr8tAoU2FXGpkydBcM446veYYgO1Jnw75q-qLKgIYpDle-jDhKlDP0wChjXUxv6gT0RNoo8qMQd3dC0v9T5tz05apCNEf_cwOudSiB2vKHtQUm1zbSQtEtN-8QysI/s320/IMG-20120524-00134.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. LED light panel installed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-61851945177314199892012-05-20T20:57:00.002+10:002012-05-20T21:01:32.483+10:00Maglite LED UpgradeI realised the other day (night actually), that LED torches are the wave of the future. I've got an LED headlamp from my days in the SES and my ARB LED Adventure light I got at Xmas 2011; but I always throw my trusty old mini Maglite in my pocket while roaming around camp. This Maglite uses the old school incandecent bulb, which is marginally brighter than a few candles.<br />
<br />
Google to the rescue; I soon found overhaul kits for Maglites to convert them to LED. Two brands stood out as the clear leaders in the field; NiteIze and TerraLux. Because I wanted the most lumens from the torch, I went for the <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180870251311" target="_blank">TerraLux Extreme</a> upgrade kit which brings the torch to 140 lumens of output.<br />
<br />
Its a very simple process to change over to LED; simply replace the bulb with the LED one provided and change out the reflector to the one provided in the kit. The output in comparison to the standard Maglite bulb is unreal, the photos below really don't do it justice.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcj4f8cdF7h7VOU1dxkubUSSyPybpL4s4IiI2GmbASoe2mT5QHEn6NW_ThvBUXR6jsLZlkEewMg2x6tpDw3-m4mMyV2AIpv3hN_YgEJXaeGgD1_aUMZcUbA8Kigzu5WoNabV1bleAvVgc/s1600/Canberra-20120520-00128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcj4f8cdF7h7VOU1dxkubUSSyPybpL4s4IiI2GmbASoe2mT5QHEn6NW_ThvBUXR6jsLZlkEewMg2x6tpDw3-m4mMyV2AIpv3hN_YgEJXaeGgD1_aUMZcUbA8Kigzu5WoNabV1bleAvVgc/s320/Canberra-20120520-00128.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard Maglite bulb.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSITmU0-CfGF0nd4QN8hPL_qo7hbAvmZ6XlDpO3hILOKxPavl8ZNTFWsaHaGT0bm-SFTDZZfJSxtf8A9iQRxDhEvakhk184PASYxS8iIJMsJ8V41J224gCle6oOhfUg0zlPjTXyFvef70/s1600/Canberra-20120520-00130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSITmU0-CfGF0nd4QN8hPL_qo7hbAvmZ6XlDpO3hILOKxPavl8ZNTFWsaHaGT0bm-SFTDZZfJSxtf8A9iQRxDhEvakhk184PASYxS8iIJMsJ8V41J224gCle6oOhfUg0zlPjTXyFvef70/s320/Canberra-20120520-00130.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TerraLux LED upgrade kit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-IrgjVmvERdwR_2ncjKRvu8f3b3pfC-yCwkOCuv1Ai_SVzy9xZoT5tc-354pW0q0CQaM7XJS4TuR77RFtxqKxyFQPaFkPCQQRyPARUIk5J3jg8VPY_VrwP6CZLKOAd7XBT7fgYjMPB0/s1600/Canberra-20120520-00131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-IrgjVmvERdwR_2ncjKRvu8f3b3pfC-yCwkOCuv1Ai_SVzy9xZoT5tc-354pW0q0CQaM7XJS4TuR77RFtxqKxyFQPaFkPCQQRyPARUIk5J3jg8VPY_VrwP6CZLKOAd7XBT7fgYjMPB0/s320/Canberra-20120520-00131.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upgraded Maglite with TerraLux LED bulb.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So if you have a Maglite that you want to give a new lease on life; I'd highly recommend getting an LED upgrade kit.Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-68580444762750628382012-04-22T22:47:00.001+10:002012-05-20T21:01:43.972+10:00FJ Sill PlatesGot a good surprise on Saturday morning; a package in the mail. Firstly I was blown away that Aust post even worked on Saturday, secondly the contents of the package; my FJ sill plates.<br />
<br />
A buddy over on FJCC had put a group buy together a few months back to get alloy sill plates shipped in from the US. The price was too good and I just couldn't say no.<br />
<br />
Installation is one of the simplest I've done on anything for my FJ so far! <br />
<ol>
<li>Removal of the current plastic sill plate. This is actually the most difficult part as the adhesive is pretty good. I used a razor to lift the edge enough to get a good hold, then I could just pull it away. </li>
<li>Once the plastic sill plate had been removed, the next step was to clean off the residual adhesive gum. I used a 3M preparation product I had laying around, which is ideal for the purpose. A couple of minutes using this with a soft cloth and the surface was totally clean.</li>
<li>Since it was a typical late Autumn day in Canberra (< 12 degrees) I heated the surface up with a heat gun as per the instructions that came with the new sills. Apparently the adhesive works better if the surface temp is warm.</li>
<li>With the surface now warm, remove the adhesive backing from the new sill and gently place on the clean paint work. By placing it lightly down, this gives the ability to make adjustments. Once satisfied with the location, press down firmly on the new sill piece to fix it into place.</li>
<li>Now all to do is stand back and admire your new bling!</li>
</ol>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7jiUDD1T7dvkbaIjVhpcGdRqrEOOp7BnmDC33paHxfEGFp2KA5hPLCZjGOi-_19TSsWkXptSqc7_U7e-dK-sx_9snzsuhwBpHTkpJzjnoob7llbkWmdFPjYNdB8vLOzKFj2mvWarTaI/s1600/IMG-20120422-00114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7jiUDD1T7dvkbaIjVhpcGdRqrEOOp7BnmDC33paHxfEGFp2KA5hPLCZjGOi-_19TSsWkXptSqc7_U7e-dK-sx_9snzsuhwBpHTkpJzjnoob7llbkWmdFPjYNdB8vLOzKFj2mvWarTaI/s320/IMG-20120422-00114.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Use a razor to lift the corner of the OEM sill guard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgvFbz2H9TB-prA3udHor4M-bjPwD-ZVXeYRwqyIeShVo_D3AQ0k0Yg6alr2GvcrZQjH-hyhnqCwN0O2h4JH-Yvi8u9xmAtI4Ql9dPfkWVthQVV01uktVsUt7DZC-NFz43VyXhWkdbbA/s1600/IMG-20120422-00115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgvFbz2H9TB-prA3udHor4M-bjPwD-ZVXeYRwqyIeShVo_D3AQ0k0Yg6alr2GvcrZQjH-hyhnqCwN0O2h4JH-Yvi8u9xmAtI4Ql9dPfkWVthQVV01uktVsUt7DZC-NFz43VyXhWkdbbA/s320/IMG-20120422-00115.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Slowly pull the old OEM sill guard away, a heat gun can help.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBBaXeDufjmDQzOrxIlZpJNAtaIYQJxc9tpG29ifIFTveKZ1rN39_J5ebDZtb9Lk5vxi_xEuYBYcpcIjv1MzlmjpJerQ7G-_nEWkoo2et0BfY64ZfZrJy8e3EniAcCvhc6bbaC5ouu6w/s1600/IMG-20120422-00113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBBaXeDufjmDQzOrxIlZpJNAtaIYQJxc9tpG29ifIFTveKZ1rN39_J5ebDZtb9Lk5vxi_xEuYBYcpcIjv1MzlmjpJerQ7G-_nEWkoo2et0BfY64ZfZrJy8e3EniAcCvhc6bbaC5ouu6w/s320/IMG-20120422-00113.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Surface preparation product; perfect for removing the old adhesive residue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQrTLaKC9ZhVkmzxDsMcF0pu76QOHl6cfObrx0srxn_B8_uFW3M8AW0sNIyeVVnQOA-ie2b4DHHl9PkyRGYWzjDG4E4gkiyNk49IPbCyXNgxWbzVnkpMos-iMFeH8VQP35h6RPwPNGzE/s1600/IMG-20120422-00111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQrTLaKC9ZhVkmzxDsMcF0pu76QOHl6cfObrx0srxn_B8_uFW3M8AW0sNIyeVVnQOA-ie2b4DHHl9PkyRGYWzjDG4E4gkiyNk49IPbCyXNgxWbzVnkpMos-iMFeH8VQP35h6RPwPNGzE/s320/IMG-20120422-00111.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Surface completely clean and ready for new sill plate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnicG1Alp7gECwhweZkc0QPKWNFuLXUaKPe1-6IX11_FwvnLKZUa4Yq-Vgz16jrM5ZJenLxEZViExyHBbHxTIPJ54CJ8QDD-pF4P05dRQSoCQsPYYPIFcFqqSu5N6hL3-yxh4IcQ3DA8/s1600/IMG-20120422-00112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnicG1Alp7gECwhweZkc0QPKWNFuLXUaKPe1-6IX11_FwvnLKZUa4Yq-Vgz16jrM5ZJenLxEZViExyHBbHxTIPJ54CJ8QDD-pF4P05dRQSoCQsPYYPIFcFqqSu5N6hL3-yxh4IcQ3DA8/s320/IMG-20120422-00112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5. Sill plate installed; some tasty bling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-51974968732170230862012-04-15T15:30:00.000+10:002012-05-20T21:01:56.806+10:00TRD Workshop StoolSince I've had nothing new to add to the FJ of late (waiting on bits on order; BajaRack, Warn XP 9.5S winch, etc) I decided to build a new workshop stool.<br />
<br />
Using the plans from <a href="http://www.millerwelds.com/interests/projects/ideagallery/project/6766115295/" target="_blank">Miller Welding</a> I built the square frames up to spec. When it came to the legs, I thought 550mm was a little short, so I made mine 700mm. End of the day, it'll come down to what you find comfortable.<br />
<br />
For the seat, I used some 15mm hardwood I had laying around from another project, cut it to size (330x330), then rounded the corners and edges off. Once I was happy with that, drilled in 4 x 6mm holes to attach the seat, and countersunk them.<br />
<br />
After cleaning up the welds with a grinder I primed the steel then sprayed the frame racing red. The wooden seat was also primed then sprayed satin black. <br />
<br />
Once the seat had a couple of coats of paint and dried appropriately, it was time to add the piece de resistance; a TRD decal I had spare. With this centred on the stool seat, I finished it by adding a couple of clear coats to protect everything.<br />
<br />
Now for those cheeky bastards wondering "what makes it a TRD stool", the answer besides the sticker is absolutely nothing. But I guess if I get bored I can always add a brake kit and supercharge it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn710_D3dDxeRw4hwnt_C1bQZCywRsQtQiQRG-FZa9c3fsYvssSGpZUsHlnsRmCGUqQ3mquOoXLTvVF6i03kd636BKLT6bN0FYPLcVYiNYhYcLD0eojA_lpUR6pDKLbPTmfTtdNUT5DlY/s1600/IMG-20120421-00110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn710_D3dDxeRw4hwnt_C1bQZCywRsQtQiQRG-FZa9c3fsYvssSGpZUsHlnsRmCGUqQ3mquOoXLTvVF6i03kd636BKLT6bN0FYPLcVYiNYhYcLD0eojA_lpUR6pDKLbPTmfTtdNUT5DlY/s320/IMG-20120421-00110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-56538506095117704892012-03-31T16:26:00.000+11:002012-05-20T21:02:21.776+10:00Additional Switch PanelI've had a bit of a dilemma of late; more switches to install for accessories, but no where to put them. Originally I had intended to place them on the right hand side panel next to the ignition barrel (silver trim) but on removing the trim, there isn't a great deal of depth, so it wouldn't be any good considering the depth of the Carling Rockers.<br />
<br />
So back to the drawing board, I decided a 4 gang plate would fit perfectly in the sunken section behind the transmission. It didn't fit 100% perfectly and needed some additional cutting with a Dremel, but no huge effort required. Once I had the cutout space right, I dropped the gang plate in and epoxied it into place. <br />
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I installed three of the custom rockers I had into the gang plate and used a blanking plate for the 4th slot. I have this slot reserved for the LED light bar for the roof rack.<br />
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Here's a pretty pic of the final install:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjT-pKCJ2B7JZDTh9ziXF4V97nlD0xEhjQ-U12kgLic3q8af5BTeTgrwpAqlcYZFYJ2VVv6J6HrkJNlfVXRfXN6jVeONi6Q2mT-LK_8DQVOqrxeqCas2YcI3QKvAJZonc_x1JQQbSKnQ/s1600/IMG-20120331-00103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjT-pKCJ2B7JZDTh9ziXF4V97nlD0xEhjQ-U12kgLic3q8af5BTeTgrwpAqlcYZFYJ2VVv6J6HrkJNlfVXRfXN6jVeONi6Q2mT-LK_8DQVOqrxeqCas2YcI3QKvAJZonc_x1JQQbSKnQ/s320/IMG-20120331-00103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-48271593869504205082012-03-25T17:39:00.000+11:002012-05-20T21:02:35.779+10:00Receiver HolderWell I've been a bit slack of late, being over a month since I last posted!<br />
All in all, not much new work been done on the FJ, just getting out and enjoying it. However I was sick of tripping over the array of receiver hitches lying on my garage floor, so I decided to do something about it; build a wall mounted holder for them.<br />
<br />
Fair simple stuff, grabbed a lump of RHS that accepts the hitches; not 100% sure on the exact internal diameter (think its about 50x50); just took a hitch into my local metal shop and found a piece that fitted.<br />
I sliced this RHS into 3 x 150mm segments, with a 90 angle on one end and a 75 degree angle on the other. The plan here was to have the RHS mount in a slightly upward angle, so the receivers couldn't fall out.<br />
<br />
Once cut and cleaned up with an angle grinder, it was a simple case of welding the RHS to a lump of steel plate I had lying around. Approx dimensions were 450 x 200 x 5mm. I then drilled a couple of holes in the top section of the plate, sprayed with some enamel paint (Kincrome Blue) and then mounted it to a wall in the shed once the paint dried using a couple of 6 x 40mm Dynabolts.<br />
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Here's a couple of pretty pics:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHTX1mIp-kEQG8hBQXUTcIkY0wTZbrljD73p2BD7a5jZiUt92ZBMp7BsKImLeVG12Fsk6YLMYnWy6sSp0L5mrgRDcmV45pb_RuXOUqZ4GdUexf_ARbizZMk_rni-OcoQJdcbomWe6sMk/s1600/IMG-20120325-00100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHTX1mIp-kEQG8hBQXUTcIkY0wTZbrljD73p2BD7a5jZiUt92ZBMp7BsKImLeVG12Fsk6YLMYnWy6sSp0L5mrgRDcmV45pb_RuXOUqZ4GdUexf_ARbizZMk_rni-OcoQJdcbomWe6sMk/s320/IMG-20120325-00100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGymsOTyzhZNj31P0FALs_exkc0fiiHIRZMs5WiQB-JuyIpx3E_otIvkDKBsFujWOaZVTn5ho6bXz52hNxgKhyD1di_bplCCpgF0RxFugd1kJNSGNKSGpXsgwNnoFhhuIIneQX3_tRts/s1600/IMG-20120325-00101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGymsOTyzhZNj31P0FALs_exkc0fiiHIRZMs5WiQB-JuyIpx3E_otIvkDKBsFujWOaZVTn5ho6bXz52hNxgKhyD1di_bplCCpgF0RxFugd1kJNSGNKSGpXsgwNnoFhhuIIneQX3_tRts/s320/IMG-20120325-00101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-56731724879266341502012-02-19T19:32:00.001+11:002012-05-20T21:02:48.834+10:00Rear Storage SystemWell, last weekend at the Queanbeyan 4x4 show, I picked up my rear storage core system from <a href="http://www.offroadsystems.com.au/" target="_blank">Offroad Systems (ORS)</a>. I had ordered them a little while ago, but rather than having them shipped, I decided to just grab them from the guys and meet them directly at the show.<br />
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First impressions was a good quality, well made product. Being made from aluminium, they were very light weight and the ORS lads had thrown in some drawer dividers and a table-top plate. I had ordered them with the drawer front plates, lock and handle kits as well as the removable drawer liners. ORS DIY systems information available <a href="http://www.offroadsystems.com.au/diy.html" target="_blank">here</a> and pricelist <a href="http://www.offroadsystems.com.au/docs/pricelists09/DIY%20P&O%202011.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<strong>Components:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>2 x 455x780x280 Aluminum Drawer Frames</li>
<li>2 x Lock and Handle kits</li>
<li>2 x Drawer Fronts</li>
<li>2 x Marine Carpet Drawer Liners</li>
<li>1200x2400x12mm Structural Ply</li>
<li>2m x 2m Grey Marine Carpet</li>
<li>1L Carpet Adhesive</li>
<li>Incidentals; nuts / bolts / staples, etc</li>
</ul>
<strong>Installation:</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>First off; I had to mount the two cores on top of each other. Fortunately they were built with this in mind and had some captive nuts already installed ready for the task; shown in picture 2. Rather than have metal on metal, I decided to add some rubber matting as spacers between the two units as shown in picture 1.</li>
<li>Once bolted together, I took measurements of the top, sides and back of the unit. Then cut pieces of the 12mm structural ply to match. I purposely made the sides and top longer to captivate the drawer fronts when closed. The rear panel was sized to cover off the edges of the top and side plates with the view of protecting them from chipping and other damage.</li>
<li>Next I dry assembled everything to make sure I hadn't made any mistakes (fortunately everything was spot on for a change!). I then laid the panels down on the marine carpet and cut out the pieces needed, extending all edges by 150mm to allow for fold over and securing on the back of the panel.</li>
<li>Using the carpet adhesive, I applied it to the top of each panel using a "V" shaped applicator, waited the 10mins or so for it to go tacky, then applied the carpet by placing the panel down onto the carpet. Weight was then placed on each panel to make sure the carpet was secured.</li>
<li>The longest part of the process came next; securing the carpet on the back of each panel. I found the easiest way to do this was to cut the carpet diagonally with a razor to the corner of the panel, fold it over 'dry' (no adhesive) and trim away any overlap. Once this had been done to all panels, apply adhesive, wait for it to go tacky, then secure with staples using a staple gun. </li>
<li>Once all the panels had been completed and the adhesive had set (generally > 24hrs), it was time to secure them to the frame. To do this, I used M6 x 12mm stainless self tapping screws. Each side I secured with 6 of these screws, with the exception of the top panel; which I secured using countersunk M6 bolts going into captive nuts (see picture 2).</li>
<li>The final panels were the drawer fronts, which were secured with the same self tapping screws, but also 2 bolts that secure the handles, as well as 2 more bolts that secure the locking mechs. This was a fairly simple process, as the supplied front panels were pre-drilled with the locations for the locking mechs and handles. </li>
<li>As a side project, I had decided to mount my MaxAx on an outer panel of the storage unit. Being that the axe was to long to actually fit in the box, it seemed like the logical choice; as knowing my luck if I mounted it to a roof rack, the rack wouldn't be on the car when I needed it!<br />To do this, I bought a couple of <a href="http://www.endroad.com/" target="_blank">QuickFist</a> clamps, which would have been more than adequate, but I also decided to engineer an axe head holder from 30x30x3mm angle iron. Once welded, and tidied up with a grinder, the steel was primed and then painted gloss black. I mounted the bracket to the drivers side panel with 4 x M5 stainless bolts. The QuickFists were mounted with M5 bolts also.</li>
<li>Finally it was time to mount the entire unit to the base board. I reused the 2 pre-existing securing locations that were holding the base board down on the drivers side. For the passenger side, I used 2 "T" nuts that pull up into the base board ply from underneath. </li>
</ol>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBa1DX9Puw0sp-XCwknv58BaBasjrGxLUjpOJnrjmRX1NkC6gMPOrf6YfJUHXeGafSZXzxL4GRHIfWU8AlCqPzZZxNE5o_jwyYr3-MDOzmtswz-ArJ4vCLSV9ZWZ4G_gxrxifODaZMw0/s1600/IMG-20120211-00070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBa1DX9Puw0sp-XCwknv58BaBasjrGxLUjpOJnrjmRX1NkC6gMPOrf6YfJUHXeGafSZXzxL4GRHIfWU8AlCqPzZZxNE5o_jwyYr3-MDOzmtswz-ArJ4vCLSV9ZWZ4G_gxrxifODaZMw0/s320/IMG-20120211-00070.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Rubber matting spacers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqvFzQwlujy77eQYGON1LhSXEOAxAUI252cgtglMpiPUWOt9oHSTOd9ps94YT8xVscnzhmzU350eTWgOaxzJ_pQgp740YLLIpuFE9C5c1SxDco5ppSa12nyvkhqeck0Kb7RLjwpPF-PI/s1600/IMG-20120211-00071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqvFzQwlujy77eQYGON1LhSXEOAxAUI252cgtglMpiPUWOt9oHSTOd9ps94YT8xVscnzhmzU350eTWgOaxzJ_pQgp740YLLIpuFE9C5c1SxDco5ppSa12nyvkhqeck0Kb7RLjwpPF-PI/s320/IMG-20120211-00071.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Captive nut installed; these locations are in each corner, top and bottom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceyabdeixhzGL7lQL-iusjTtAumndbh2pThVU4hmU7qkN8aouKG4TbV2wi2-S1BJLPJi_xni-bFP9jv3deWMogdfcyde5k3HQBYOkxHrwXyi68Dy5dmqeCqoIIDmpkSCKP5bh7ClHOeM/s1600/IMG-20120211-00072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceyabdeixhzGL7lQL-iusjTtAumndbh2pThVU4hmU7qkN8aouKG4TbV2wi2-S1BJLPJi_xni-bFP9jv3deWMogdfcyde5k3HQBYOkxHrwXyi68Dy5dmqeCqoIIDmpkSCKP5bh7ClHOeM/s320/IMG-20120211-00072.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Frames bolted together</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15apcd_yQvxtKJAhit_Q93ybB58Gj9_BAWYrnSsix3ST3UPXnos7kOzZRppRZzdzj1WbVHgMEakUrPWzESuZkccHTeXf59neX7lf0ko6JsVDGqWXy8NtSrU-HKLqORnJYZlvwmDVPSaI/s1600/IMG-20120211-00073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15apcd_yQvxtKJAhit_Q93ybB58Gj9_BAWYrnSsix3ST3UPXnos7kOzZRppRZzdzj1WbVHgMEakUrPWzESuZkccHTeXf59neX7lf0ko6JsVDGqWXy8NtSrU-HKLqORnJYZlvwmDVPSaI/s320/IMG-20120211-00073.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Carpet adhesive spread on panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJQ7XmNzS0spXDrwEuJ6svaJuRQZO6x-ueuTEbJcUeHvwhS-LQwHeQPGonJfeGoipZgbHzFX1OCTiggOuh7jTFyn3yMebYbs7b5KbNJ9E_8dWyO6mm57U2ji9blmRd2cVFI5NyL3NE9w/s1600/IMG-20120214-00074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJQ7XmNzS0spXDrwEuJ6svaJuRQZO6x-ueuTEbJcUeHvwhS-LQwHeQPGonJfeGoipZgbHzFX1OCTiggOuh7jTFyn3yMebYbs7b5KbNJ9E_8dWyO6mm57U2ji9blmRd2cVFI5NyL3NE9w/s320/IMG-20120214-00074.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5. Panels finished; trial knock up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtz0WB_bSoFByOSN_KDSTXV8HLFR5IyRqEqZR_ghKJ56CiAwq8jAOkWDfSImLa_WqRn1vAOdz3583kplxYcYfiNJwi6ZD0dyNoTGv2rELM3Xr7Bl3IQiS0XGaXPDTYa51UnqsNUSYQNw/s1600/IMG-20120214-00076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtz0WB_bSoFByOSN_KDSTXV8HLFR5IyRqEqZR_ghKJ56CiAwq8jAOkWDfSImLa_WqRn1vAOdz3583kplxYcYfiNJwi6ZD0dyNoTGv2rELM3Xr7Bl3IQiS0XGaXPDTYa51UnqsNUSYQNw/s320/IMG-20120214-00076.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6. Side panel fixed in place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nlfV7nGGsMUe0cZB25scjg-Drx2v9osF2cSewLYlvq2jetuytNb2OGxKNuuKqTom2AU6wUg2MH-cJwpAlhVuyeBcINTxFvElAhRDltwp05n1wLbJnwv_hIQvkbWX_geeN-9XcEAHPOc/s1600/IMG-20120219-00078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nlfV7nGGsMUe0cZB25scjg-Drx2v9osF2cSewLYlvq2jetuytNb2OGxKNuuKqTom2AU6wUg2MH-cJwpAlhVuyeBcINTxFvElAhRDltwp05n1wLbJnwv_hIQvkbWX_geeN-9XcEAHPOc/s320/IMG-20120219-00078.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7. Quickfists and axe head holder bracket bolted down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTKPbtee-UCfw6W-KDlcbK8tJ0tPppcLMHEy-LfQ935Jv6kF1uB9Hoby0NtSKL2By9Sa4W0ltX58C7h3iNgcBUX_mc4p6pEktyWHvrQdOIkhLCMfycNO6NtUWnx8xNN9Jl6ptt9fAhPQ/s1600/IMG-20120219-00079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTKPbtee-UCfw6W-KDlcbK8tJ0tPppcLMHEy-LfQ935Jv6kF1uB9Hoby0NtSKL2By9Sa4W0ltX58C7h3iNgcBUX_mc4p6pEktyWHvrQdOIkhLCMfycNO6NtUWnx8xNN9Jl6ptt9fAhPQ/s320/IMG-20120219-00079.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8. Max Ax fitted in place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYCPlF-k7uU5hXeOg8xZMshksNmt0elg77OYFRjQOxUZiDrXUY30hPCfkN51UCjGS66SbC0sW59cu9RInNJTWYLMTLLB4yoRwfTIJi3e5zTTtBr8HjrFeWTogEO6TsNRJnvfDA0Vd_-0/s1600/IMG-20120219-00080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYCPlF-k7uU5hXeOg8xZMshksNmt0elg77OYFRjQOxUZiDrXUY30hPCfkN51UCjGS66SbC0sW59cu9RInNJTWYLMTLLB4yoRwfTIJi3e5zTTtBr8HjrFeWTogEO6TsNRJnvfDA0Vd_-0/s320/IMG-20120219-00080.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9. Storage unit installed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHjrzcFbbpA6SUITqnOYIY-Sy1gL1jbPpEVUZ9quhZNhTcdt0YYebCDMV_T96jJGjNLSw9YFE5gtN22XdcWQ1lYG-lCslyhmfQy63Z00hQ_ymz9RanpCDXeUcSiteABZNzxf2RyWqTvY/s1600/IMG-20120219-00081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHjrzcFbbpA6SUITqnOYIY-Sy1gL1jbPpEVUZ9quhZNhTcdt0YYebCDMV_T96jJGjNLSw9YFE5gtN22XdcWQ1lYG-lCslyhmfQy63Z00hQ_ymz9RanpCDXeUcSiteABZNzxf2RyWqTvY/s320/IMG-20120219-00081.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10. Locking mech and axe head holder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ0HmlpvTmS-6cVfhK7ExRCKKy-Dae5lwG8vE4Z0zYQklr9r6fDH7pdLInuRteYT3ktqKok9SIrqJh49mF-piD8vgEWLxx3T4QOyqQyE0t3A7PiZ1-beZGKDbNHPRN3GYy2QadWS2R_E/s1600/IMG-20120219-00082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ0HmlpvTmS-6cVfhK7ExRCKKy-Dae5lwG8vE4Z0zYQklr9r6fDH7pdLInuRteYT3ktqKok9SIrqJh49mF-piD8vgEWLxx3T4QOyqQyE0t3A7PiZ1-beZGKDbNHPRN3GYy2QadWS2R_E/s320/IMG-20120219-00082.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11. Bottom drawer; note the 4 spacers, these aren't fixed and can be put anywhere.<br />
The green thing under the Woodmans Pal is the table top, just mount it sideways across the drawer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS7wse6LGSrWekhtaO1IueTUi2PtR5-2MF8yOiLKnNG0642ah4hOHjVeselbsyT0qI8uxKb6af7_qqzfFcyWX_hldQdPeDYvoWZBl-7XPdLXbSTJjmBeOHw4CVY6EIEYoQ_LzZBwh9yw/s1600/IMG-20120219-00083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS7wse6LGSrWekhtaO1IueTUi2PtR5-2MF8yOiLKnNG0642ah4hOHjVeselbsyT0qI8uxKb6af7_qqzfFcyWX_hldQdPeDYvoWZBl-7XPdLXbSTJjmBeOHw4CVY6EIEYoQ_LzZBwh9yw/s320/IMG-20120219-00083.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12. Axe in place; 60mm gap running down the side, allows access to side compartments and 12v plugs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikbxrGrED4L6gw_gIceEwJw7cnTI7X6hQvNw4Z3oMHDcz59NXMdhLvMFw6msjzpgGHyPdmM3Vd6v3XlWG7bz-ttYE3y2_E3dFsv32fuHM8Vqofi9mEvOqosYWuubrmzdodURF-oPUJoA/s1600/IMG-20120219-00084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikbxrGrED4L6gw_gIceEwJw7cnTI7X6hQvNw4Z3oMHDcz59NXMdhLvMFw6msjzpgGHyPdmM3Vd6v3XlWG7bz-ttYE3y2_E3dFsv32fuHM8Vqofi9mEvOqosYWuubrmzdodURF-oPUJoA/s320/IMG-20120219-00084.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13. Rear of storage unit in relation to the fridge base.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-34128003248436339752012-02-10T20:33:00.004+11:002012-02-21T21:06:58.050+11:00Woodmans PalGood way to end the working week today with the receipt of my new Woodman's Pal machete. Ordered from <a href="http://www.protoolindustries.net/" target="_blank">ProTool</a> Industries in the US back on the 1st Feb, I was pretty impressed that it arrived so soon, especially being a blade going through customs!<br />
<br />
Not much to say about it really, quality bit of kit, solid as a rock and well balanced. I went for the <a href="http://www.protoolindustries.net/products/woodmans-pal-military-premium-model-284" target="_blank">Military Model</a> 284-LTS; Treated Leather Sheath and Sharpening Stone. Grip is really comfortable, being leather with the steel knuckle guard and the sheath is made of a decent slab of leather with chunky button studs. I had it engraved with my name, a free offer from <a href="http://www.protoolindustries.net/" target="_blank">ProTool</a> at the time of order.<br />
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Should be a good addition to the FJ, especially when clearing trails that have grown over or tidying up a camp site.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53UxtotX90XKQSMKqlrLHZqB24EydDm38j1OB_HEVZsaCmO56-eBeqaKvQqSKH3cskvrGECccAy06KRSmA-wU5skpr4zyrN3WclvW44hrKTOCWK9eUhuhyUxANVRC_d6ULvZBPU9ddc0/s1600/IMG-20120210-00069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53UxtotX90XKQSMKqlrLHZqB24EydDm38j1OB_HEVZsaCmO56-eBeqaKvQqSKH3cskvrGECccAy06KRSmA-wU5skpr4zyrN3WclvW44hrKTOCWK9eUhuhyUxANVRC_d6ULvZBPU9ddc0/s320/IMG-20120210-00069.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Woodman's Pal Sheathed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8I1MS_YyzmJz8x6bW_BrOogUOeReXXDOLyO0tHmDkLodLWNFNjYpUYh4rCpbxEYkKKT23AxvllPF27Gol5EtqwW14fwST8GF39f6s8SwqSHyndxi-iu3ol8HYog-A_4k2qP__9JF9Yg/s1600/IMG-20120210-00067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8I1MS_YyzmJz8x6bW_BrOogUOeReXXDOLyO0tHmDkLodLWNFNjYpUYh4rCpbxEYkKKT23AxvllPF27Gol5EtqwW14fwST8GF39f6s8SwqSHyndxi-iu3ol8HYog-A_4k2qP__9JF9Yg/s320/IMG-20120210-00067.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Woodman's Pal Unsheathed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiyXp3cG6UPrT5tv5sfhMxyuYTBc4FNbiym7EsnYHi_KeKRvGHHCXRV4Q3oCcN9WSdK4utey8pjUeWO-fIQkHmzL_SVI_aXGvLpS102GSznqxE2bf3ozCg0alyo-vMCvrsrwVrMxq_OM/s1600/IMG-20120210-00068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiyXp3cG6UPrT5tv5sfhMxyuYTBc4FNbiym7EsnYHi_KeKRvGHHCXRV4Q3oCcN9WSdK4utey8pjUeWO-fIQkHmzL_SVI_aXGvLpS102GSznqxE2bf3ozCg0alyo-vMCvrsrwVrMxq_OM/s320/IMG-20120210-00068.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Custom engraving on the reverse of the blade.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-61831627215005236722012-02-08T18:49:00.004+11:002012-02-21T21:07:12.082+11:00Fridge BaseI decided on removing my double rear seats and keep the single one in place a while ago after seeing a fellow FJer from America doing a similar thing. The intent was to use this spare space for my fridge and to increase the length for my rear drawers.<br />
<br />
So with that in mind and the double rear seats out, I set to work fabricating a base from 30 x 30 x 5 angle iron and 30 x 5 flat bar. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EgftKzZKMGvf6Tq3x04gX5t15SeGAc_8AO8lF4IRGhMpVKbqr437R2ZttEqDLW1KQIY6ZGnrZ2AS_CCC6kPhzzXH57_jsBNBzxH4_a2yDxz7EECnWTvrO6Q3jcWC4CDQFAop0Tymxks/s1600/IMG-20120207-00043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EgftKzZKMGvf6Tq3x04gX5t15SeGAc_8AO8lF4IRGhMpVKbqr437R2ZttEqDLW1KQIY6ZGnrZ2AS_CCC6kPhzzXH57_jsBNBzxH4_a2yDxz7EECnWTvrO6Q3jcWC4CDQFAop0Tymxks/s320/IMG-20120207-00043.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Steel frame primed and painted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I used the four pre-existing mounting points the removed seat used to secure the frame, along with a rubber caster in the back right hand corner which presses against a raised section. For the bolt that runs down from the bracket on the single seat frame, I used a 70mm M10 titanium bolt from <a href="http://www.probolt-australia.com/" target="_blank">ProBolt</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFA0KfU1WBC6gV0snuBgcJ0zTfRQU1jo0r0TVCBCtxKvdIvfiVyJpu75pxsnO8oWj02R8g6py3AHw7_0hYLpgihjDT39g3B5u6nYnGdmWWvC_J_FeDw6ugXo2xR7REGh5qn6jrLcEP6as/s1600/P2081273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFA0KfU1WBC6gV0snuBgcJ0zTfRQU1jo0r0TVCBCtxKvdIvfiVyJpu75pxsnO8oWj02R8g6py3AHw7_0hYLpgihjDT39g3B5u6nYnGdmWWvC_J_FeDw6ugXo2xR7REGh5qn6jrLcEP6as/s320/P2081273.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Secured using pre-existing mounting points.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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To secure the carpeted marine ply base, I used 35mm M6 alloy countersunk bolts going into weld on chimney nuts. Both of these items were procured from ProBolt as well. The 70mm titanium bolt attached to the seat bracket I spaced out using 2 x 25mm nulon suspension bushes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9bnydzp91f68APWu3WzbYAFEfV9LdfBlklyZcTN_djiMJ9FXWzh6jEnFp1lGSGxNzgCfVwR1ygJbKJb4pMBmvEUSt5LWVUiM2_k0tm_nZ0A5Q1-0fHf4nLMt9s7zy-fuLDBG7ol7FG8/s1600/P2081277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9bnydzp91f68APWu3WzbYAFEfV9LdfBlklyZcTN_djiMJ9FXWzh6jEnFp1lGSGxNzgCfVwR1ygJbKJb4pMBmvEUSt5LWVUiM2_k0tm_nZ0A5Q1-0fHf4nLMt9s7zy-fuLDBG7ol7FG8/s320/P2081277.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Nulon suspension bush as spacer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Finally as a tie down point for the fridge I used Ancra spring loaded quick disconnect fittings. With a load rating of 4000lbs each, its clear that the marine ply will break and the steel frame will bend long before these let go!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YpQ22qiDBakPpXEwAKoRHcox-bm4EhWdGfj5fkmgic5t-2BF8fiPKw3flTC1At7JuOvmpr40jF1r1jRVXCgfZ2LQXuph8c38RQbUbIPW-DPsgCGsfiToA2s7owj2avW7D_qju9RIx_8/s1600/P2081276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YpQ22qiDBakPpXEwAKoRHcox-bm4EhWdGfj5fkmgic5t-2BF8fiPKw3flTC1At7JuOvmpr40jF1r1jRVXCgfZ2LQXuph8c38RQbUbIPW-DPsgCGsfiToA2s7owj2avW7D_qju9RIx_8/s320/P2081276.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Bolted down with Ancra points in place.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0zDjHt88hAspNd4lT0P5ey9KGCTb3Zn0vquONjcgyByb3iq6KVEQL4bUt-ncoheAKroAhmhZpm53Hh6gze4PRrifsSNbu1Vp_gf29wQ3n8AyP67RDnJBsGwqymQtPE4z9GFQPRL1LBE/s1600/P2081275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0zDjHt88hAspNd4lT0P5ey9KGCTb3Zn0vquONjcgyByb3iq6KVEQL4bUt-ncoheAKroAhmhZpm53Hh6gze4PRrifsSNbu1Vp_gf29wQ3n8AyP67RDnJBsGwqymQtPE4z9GFQPRL1LBE/s320/P2081275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
5. Finished job.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-19077138513370177692012-02-07T19:15:00.000+11:002012-02-21T21:07:21.852+11:00ARB Round IIWell I got my car back from ARB today after going in for its second round of major mods.<br />
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Firstly, my Long Ranger 120L Heavy Duty auxiliary tank was installed. This has been engineered to fit perfectly in the massive amount of empty space in the rear. Even though its the larger of the options supplied by Long Ranger, you couldn't tell its there unless you crawl underneath the vehicle. LR has managed to keep the same departure angles with this bigger tank, so hats off to them.<br />
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The aux tank has a slow rate transfer pump, which at the touch of a button, transfers fuel to the main tank. Its somewhat bizarre to be driving along and watching your main fuel gauge rising! This tank is the "heavy duty" version, which is basically the standard version with extra steel plate welded on the base, you can see the seam in the photo.<br />
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Next on the list was ARB rock rails; I've been hanging out for these since I got the car to help with the trail litter (sticks, branches, etc) that kick up as well as keeping the sills protected when serious wheeling. I personally like the way the colours match the bar and I think it sets the car off pretty well now.<br />
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I had a set of Adventure Offroad recovery points to go on as well. They came in bright orange, but I wasn't really impressed with that, so I had them sandblasted and re-powder coated in red. I had the same thing done with the Inch Worm E-Locker guard, which was blue and since I was getting the recovery points re-coated, I figured this could be done as well.<br />
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Against the black the red hooks look pretty sweet and I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. Shouldn't have any dramas finding the hooks when buried in mud!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mw979v6p134Et3b3UcLBVncJtL_INQdcjBgzGpGTyzcAaFjVlEJu68rD5Bzm9AKOG2o8AgX7wOWYZmSizA24f-raurT1UBZgc5FVit0c-BfoJlPZyZw9Dgznq4f8dj3e6CRfH6PzTpY/s1600/IMG-20120207-00045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mw979v6p134Et3b3UcLBVncJtL_INQdcjBgzGpGTyzcAaFjVlEJu68rD5Bzm9AKOG2o8AgX7wOWYZmSizA24f-raurT1UBZgc5FVit0c-BfoJlPZyZw9Dgznq4f8dj3e6CRfH6PzTpY/s320/IMG-20120207-00045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Adventure Off Road Recovery Hooks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGo6sHnlhST1uJQADywmSpMPEqyVRiAYCVGGG0OjsTSsc8sdH2MmJoIPtOoq8TSDCwLeIBtMwYXGPHw5kaVUYxvuU-PyH4Kv1Jce9t3h-fMAk3E9UQ_XgaAdZyqaCAxRpLE9zKsoq46vY/s1600/IMG-20120207-00046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGo6sHnlhST1uJQADywmSpMPEqyVRiAYCVGGG0OjsTSsc8sdH2MmJoIPtOoq8TSDCwLeIBtMwYXGPHw5kaVUYxvuU-PyH4Kv1Jce9t3h-fMAk3E9UQ_XgaAdZyqaCAxRpLE9zKsoq46vY/s320/IMG-20120207-00046.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. ARB Rock Rails</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_0Yi6GMYa-kgWWEfVzS92MYDW6ffo_ngJFxGChfbivoZhqOdpjb2zPIZq8WrjTssGQ7LhuyHL63iYGqCYUEFxDkSdTVl-6JNOTmDRLEpo9CbwZKlT3iGMrAuEW7n3MDRSPx5f71evNw/s1600/IMG-20120207-00047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_0Yi6GMYa-kgWWEfVzS92MYDW6ffo_ngJFxGChfbivoZhqOdpjb2zPIZq8WrjTssGQ7LhuyHL63iYGqCYUEFxDkSdTVl-6JNOTmDRLEpo9CbwZKlT3iGMrAuEW7n3MDRSPx5f71evNw/s320/IMG-20120207-00047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Long Ranger 120L heavy duty tank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUxOsD_B3Ptol-BNxDJ8eoi31KYjL2ED0tB5mAUxOt79Bk9s7hBZ2fPLG8gfe6MTyE06P_uCD75x2NBKNtsiEG2RDOacVvuLfkZ7hGkHbyUc5LmicAjTv2UtTkHKsFsnqhXNlHRdceVU/s1600/IMG-20120207-00048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUxOsD_B3Ptol-BNxDJ8eoi31KYjL2ED0tB5mAUxOt79Bk9s7hBZ2fPLG8gfe6MTyE06P_uCD75x2NBKNtsiEG2RDOacVvuLfkZ7hGkHbyUc5LmicAjTv2UtTkHKsFsnqhXNlHRdceVU/s320/IMG-20120207-00048.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Long Ranger heavy duty tank - steel plating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlahq_pnU0Tp3kxsymLQPGa_PK89BeNYqciSs-7ANMczFCoO_83FHQ-QCzTX5UUqM6vNWC9sbezFWaj7rxay0-hhc9Mzq0fVlaq859we8xqugqa5ueXIah1bDab8HyH9RGLDaPo51OFw/s1600/IMG-20120207-00049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlahq_pnU0Tp3kxsymLQPGa_PK89BeNYqciSs-7ANMczFCoO_83FHQ-QCzTX5UUqM6vNWC9sbezFWaj7rxay0-hhc9Mzq0fVlaq859we8xqugqa5ueXIah1bDab8HyH9RGLDaPo51OFw/s320/IMG-20120207-00049.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5. Inch Worm E-Locker Guard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-83751722240433014942012-02-01T21:02:00.001+11:002012-02-21T21:07:37.515+11:00MPAC StorageWell my MPAC storage system from <a href="http://www.springtailsolutions.com/" target="_blank">SpringTail Solutions</a> finally arrived today. Its been a long time coming, but Doc from Springtail has been an absolute champion getting everything sorted and now does shipping through UPS for his Aussie customers to avoid the earlier issues experienced. <br />
<br />
From Springtail I ordered:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.springtailsolutions.com/subpage25.html" target="_blank">Side Rack Combo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.springtailsolutions.com/subpage35.html" target="_blank">Backpack Hook</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.springtailsolutions.com/subpage1.html" target="_blank">Hidden Compartment Bag</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<strong>Installation</strong><br />
<br />
Installation couldn't be easier, Doc supplies all the details with the product, and has installation videos available on his website. But I'll do a quick run down of how its done.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>First, remove the pre-existing hangers on the passenger side. These are just 10mm socket head bolts and come out pretty easily since its just a plastic hanger.</li>
<li>Bolt in the new billet blocks provided in the kit. The longer one goes to the rear. Use the provided 45mm allen key head bolts, no washers are required for this bit.</li>
<li>Install the rack onto the billet blocks using the short allen key bolts and small washers. Don't tighten these up to far as you'll need to remove them. Position everything so its even, then mark the plastic wheel arch through the holes in the bottom of the rack.</li>
<li>Remove the rack from the billet blocks and drill through the plastic using drill size specified in the instructions (think its 5mm). </li>
<li>Re-install the rack, leaving the bolts that terminate into the billet block reasonably loose. Drop the remaining long bolts through the holes you just drilled and tighten up using the provided nyloc nuts and washers.</li>
<li>Once the base bolts are tight; finish off the install by tightening the bolts into the billet block.</li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis87sqq26UvWK7OHh7xQi_5852X1IMuRqn5kLwSuHYzKnQMCZOEx-5J0ZhLNVTKhEnpz6YUu-1z2TngRW6Na0lO4DkAaBvOsXmkmbkFk0nogxqs04sfBkEkH7JytvrEKxVEhDXUUL_AW8/s1600/IMG-20120201-00030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis87sqq26UvWK7OHh7xQi_5852X1IMuRqn5kLwSuHYzKnQMCZOEx-5J0ZhLNVTKhEnpz6YUu-1z2TngRW6Na0lO4DkAaBvOsXmkmbkFk0nogxqs04sfBkEkH7JytvrEKxVEhDXUUL_AW8/s320/IMG-20120201-00030.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. MPAC Side Rack Combo and BackPack Hook (top right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2kBLOA7gYIC_lX7_YlMNmg6naRqOPxpoUGVKu_xBz95AVDIinHw6gy0184uDGjPc3cI2P0x8Y16-DUB3S_bxfk2ZkIo6bLSk_HcbYCNgN9QCqHUlsnouE0pHDVpKzsUa8aMtqLKQ2kw/s1600/IMG-20120201-00031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2kBLOA7gYIC_lX7_YlMNmg6naRqOPxpoUGVKu_xBz95AVDIinHw6gy0184uDGjPc3cI2P0x8Y16-DUB3S_bxfk2ZkIo6bLSk_HcbYCNgN9QCqHUlsnouE0pHDVpKzsUa8aMtqLKQ2kw/s320/IMG-20120201-00031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Removed plastic hangers and replaced with billet blocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WMNJGGkyDx56ORiCKM-uczwL3hoT460jfDR_4IEJpNnI7cTTYdfwOQWgiNbr3VSrmEtpIK6nNjN51C1m0tuGSD3zA6cX796s6y5e_3GuvQeFMwp6Vr0a5v8fTvJiYUtT2EllTanfKFo/s1600/IMG-20120201-00034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WMNJGGkyDx56ORiCKM-uczwL3hoT460jfDR_4IEJpNnI7cTTYdfwOQWgiNbr3VSrmEtpIK6nNjN51C1m0tuGSD3zA6cX796s6y5e_3GuvQeFMwp6Vr0a5v8fTvJiYUtT2EllTanfKFo/s320/IMG-20120201-00034.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Drilled holes for the base mounting bolts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b57eBr1xQkoyUtuVZkgSsfxxhGHC8ZR9AG0hIBn636Z7NYsPy9XuPN1Xt0UyatZmXJ3T-BOHInUs0VGd0jRAdDaKq5ovfSKITNCPhZR_9Rs5R5GOHqgSu8gGLAdhIVaksNwpIP48NB4/s1600/IMG-20120201-00036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b57eBr1xQkoyUtuVZkgSsfxxhGHC8ZR9AG0hIBn636Z7NYsPy9XuPN1Xt0UyatZmXJ3T-BOHInUs0VGd0jRAdDaKq5ovfSKITNCPhZR_9Rs5R5GOHqgSu8gGLAdhIVaksNwpIP48NB4/s320/IMG-20120201-00036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Rack installed and bolted in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9EF62CqVcZ4_uNI3sDsxQ4CkeoASXjVwQN8G8o_w461Aux8EiCEHxasljIHeBYfYdbasbWuI-luxHDaZfQtgM9zf30s86zQilAFgtlPmn6PlU4dgzdeNfgX3bUkgHXcfOyqBhyphenhyphenK56iE/s1600/IMG-20120201-00037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9EF62CqVcZ4_uNI3sDsxQ4CkeoASXjVwQN8G8o_w461Aux8EiCEHxasljIHeBYfYdbasbWuI-luxHDaZfQtgM9zf30s86zQilAFgtlPmn6PlU4dgzdeNfgX3bUkgHXcfOyqBhyphenhyphenK56iE/s320/IMG-20120201-00037.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5. Large Stat Pack installed on the rack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwvKhZHrYqcZzNqtf0_jMWB7nPTjcFR3CMdQvrtaNM05GPWQlNfi-Ljl98_HpRB04_lpSHbXkigoa8qfEct4DCYe9H-O4Rq5nh5c-Vo9DoIsKSrhwjOsEnJDEL5XulE9IfqEWzDwMoSM/s1600/IMG-20120202-00039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwvKhZHrYqcZzNqtf0_jMWB7nPTjcFR3CMdQvrtaNM05GPWQlNfi-Ljl98_HpRB04_lpSHbXkigoa8qfEct4DCYe9H-O4Rq5nh5c-Vo9DoIsKSrhwjOsEnJDEL5XulE9IfqEWzDwMoSM/s320/IMG-20120202-00039.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6. Kitted out with ARB LED Adventure Light & <br />
Fire Extinguisher using QuickFist clamps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-42281066035409940362012-01-29T18:04:00.000+11:002012-02-21T21:07:49.109+11:00Rear Storage Base PlateWell I'm now in the process of sorting out the rear storage solution for my FJ. I've figured on using Off Road Systems pre engineered carcases for the drawer system. However I first needed to lay down a base to mount it to. This entry describes this initial process.<br />
<br />
<strong>Components</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>1060mm x 850mm x 14mm Marine Ply</li>
<li>2M x 2M Grey Marine Carpet</li>
<li>1L Carpet Adhesive</li>
<li>4 x M6 x 40mm Bolts</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ol>
<li>First was to rip the Marine Ply to size. The sheet I bought was around 2M x 2M, so I needed to trim it to 1060mm x 850mm. </li>
<li>Once trimed, I needed to round off the corners closest to the rear door. This was simply a case of tracing the curve, cutting with a jigsaw then cleaning up the cuts with a sander.</li>
<li>After checking that the base plate fits properly, with around 5mm skirting around it to allow for the carpet, it was time to cover it. First step is to measure out the piece of carpet required; I dropped the board on to the carpet I then added about a 200mm boarder to it allow for folding over.</li>
<li>Application of the adhesive is pretty simple; just poar it on, use an adhesive "V" spreader tool to get the right depth on the board, then wait for the adhesive to go tacky (usually about 10 mins). Once tacky, place the board onto the carpet mat and use a roller or something similar to make sure its in complete contact.</li>
<li>Once the top has been stuck down and allowed to set, turn the board over and stick down the edges one side at a time. I used a piece of left over board to hold the section down with clamps.</li>
<li>Next job is to remove the tie down points in the rear. A 10mm socket is all thats required. Once removed, the rear bolt holes are now "open", if you climb under the car you can look up through them.</li>
<li>Place the base into the car and put something heavy on top of it to secure in place. Grab a drill and from under the car, drill up through the "open" holes. These holes only need to be guide holes, so use a small bit that won't damage the thread. Once drilled, remove the base plate and enlarge the holes to 6mm in order to fit the new bolts.</li>
<li>I used M6 hex head 40mm bolts and re-used the tie down anchor brackets to install the base board.</li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaUmBeIX4oNnd5DgwSLUe920LHBogP-9LjlhqiG9dUfK0qCdQqpPZmQ8ssoyq-p2EjdR6INWqqnyDIWcd0mLD3lsBtntbayfTOJT8qj7Z6PjQwM_s9-b6YwnXWZqkQJqkkiJ7IZHnsgc/s1600/IMG00097-20120109-2041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaUmBeIX4oNnd5DgwSLUe920LHBogP-9LjlhqiG9dUfK0qCdQqpPZmQ8ssoyq-p2EjdR6INWqqnyDIWcd0mLD3lsBtntbayfTOJT8qj7Z6PjQwM_s9-b6YwnXWZqkQJqkkiJ7IZHnsgc/s320/IMG00097-20120109-2041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Laying down the marine carpet, pinning down each side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08G83li9n-XVG4c9ITrDG1kKU8N6Q44hYaMvP82pEhGhzSHfVz7PNQT5xv4qwe9OMSn8h9UtGYP42XhyyDpu_hSXKGvHZzvlG6GqOAmG0uOzQhLocoicbGpB4iPHIZyXLITlFcZLlg28/s1600/IMG00099-20120111-1226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08G83li9n-XVG4c9ITrDG1kKU8N6Q44hYaMvP82pEhGhzSHfVz7PNQT5xv4qwe9OMSn8h9UtGYP42XhyyDpu_hSXKGvHZzvlG6GqOAmG0uOzQhLocoicbGpB4iPHIZyXLITlFcZLlg28/s320/IMG00099-20120111-1226.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Carpet all set in place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e88oflHyXm3TbcZ-QOMJheOxvT9SUm2g8XSnM-hljtxZkmup3t8S1NxlbmB4jcZyHYsM9vA29a1-q1iHqOy2f3bErbEE4Eayh-jEg0G7DrBvErzRACG6GfOFaXJkG5WhjWUtcyZmvuU/s1600/IMG00100-20120111-1227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e88oflHyXm3TbcZ-QOMJheOxvT9SUm2g8XSnM-hljtxZkmup3t8S1NxlbmB4jcZyHYsM9vA29a1-q1iHqOy2f3bErbEE4Eayh-jEg0G7DrBvErzRACG6GfOFaXJkG5WhjWUtcyZmvuU/s320/IMG00100-20120111-1227.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Finished product; ready to install</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RckKyEBIaYER2OFlo7Few-tRFYZn9wCSIH5xefWihmz-mEmB0KtwoM4Y53gjGWhualsWy86Gt9aVyd8Lr2Uw5dhdeJXw79vhqr5Zfhc9Ua3n5rVcfZ9ceM5i-Uy2XLBDcSwBULIM7MY/s1600/IMG00101-20120111-1250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RckKyEBIaYER2OFlo7Few-tRFYZn9wCSIH5xefWihmz-mEmB0KtwoM4Y53gjGWhualsWy86Gt9aVyd8Lr2Uw5dhdeJXw79vhqr5Zfhc9Ua3n5rVcfZ9ceM5i-Uy2XLBDcSwBULIM7MY/s320/IMG00101-20120111-1250.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Base board installed, longer bolts used, however anchor brackets re-used.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ol>
</ol>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-46086668874567462962012-01-16T20:32:00.002+11:002012-02-21T21:08:03.393+11:00Forest Tool Max-AxHappy 2012 to everyone and my first post of the year (don't worry it can only get better from here!).<br />
<br />
Well, I finally got my Max Ax today. For those not familiar with this product; its an axe based tool with the ability to add a pick, shovel, matock or McCloud tool attachments. The axe comes with a heavy leather sheath and a balistic nylon tool case that holds the attachments. This tool case has loops in the back that can be hooked around the handle of the axe (or something else).<br />
<br />
The one I got was a military version, which is the same as a normal version, just OD green (was the only one the seller had!). Its standard equiptment on US army vehicles and I had the fortune of using a firefighting version when I was in the fire service.<br />
<br />
I got mine through a reseller on ebay, as finding someone who will ship these from the US is a pretty tough work. Be prepared to pay around $100 AUS for the privilage of shipping this product as its around 13lbs.<br />
<br />
Max Ax website is here: <a href="http://www.maxax.com/">www.maxax.com/</a><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2I8WkEhvkrDiSgfa-Z9pJeITZ9uy8M-FPE3Ny_iG2v_wwXtE9XzAl3F9-PA-Xw73Q9pSNhpdsrzN-Prm7GfLkxtOmUgXTNAXGtMOmfqXVKD0Lcir5DphovPWsqDqQid_JoXAGF27I_UM/s1600/IMG-20120116-00009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2I8WkEhvkrDiSgfa-Z9pJeITZ9uy8M-FPE3Ny_iG2v_wwXtE9XzAl3F9-PA-Xw73Q9pSNhpdsrzN-Prm7GfLkxtOmUgXTNAXGtMOmfqXVKD0Lcir5DphovPWsqDqQid_JoXAGF27I_UM/s320/IMG-20120116-00009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistk18GOuSGoyzKfgeNeqO5WRrJhK6nhaKLIM8ZxwMAucNHmzSZj0f474wS35ldewPutU63aL8oRQiS9QHgqSNyVgZw0ofDOoZBJbgMYBnJiF_QHqM9gUgfhYTX6TVBLRnZF4IAjLrGqM/s1600/IMG-20120116-00010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistk18GOuSGoyzKfgeNeqO5WRrJhK6nhaKLIM8ZxwMAucNHmzSZj0f474wS35ldewPutU63aL8oRQiS9QHgqSNyVgZw0ofDOoZBJbgMYBnJiF_QHqM9gUgfhYTX6TVBLRnZF4IAjLrGqM/s320/IMG-20120116-00010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXz7LjEa3kdLbmKtMv9eKgR7mKYuJHoPfbVT7rkVOhHmG1Ssq_E9EdFu2khZ6jO_HZg25zBcAdQK3vkzYWWkdTePi4KJPA24yPquZR2tglrCZWG99YXUlbscvYYYdE2-hFt8zYdMBYmk/s1600/IMG-20120116-00011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXz7LjEa3kdLbmKtMv9eKgR7mKYuJHoPfbVT7rkVOhHmG1Ssq_E9EdFu2khZ6jO_HZg25zBcAdQK3vkzYWWkdTePi4KJPA24yPquZR2tglrCZWG99YXUlbscvYYYdE2-hFt8zYdMBYmk/s320/IMG-20120116-00011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-67628821555299326262011-12-31T14:28:00.000+11:002012-02-21T21:08:17.183+11:00An ARB XmasI 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.<br />
<br />
<strong>ARB Adventure Light</strong><br />
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 <a href="http://www.springtailsolutions.com/subpage25.html" target="_blank">MPAC rack</a> for easy access and simple charging location.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBYU7O08B7cfFsLeFDrd1abwdpE6V_5e3WfQ-kRSw3v9P-4JVi9b9lS93zWUFtaa2cDk_O-eChA6vnsAOE_kbfgs8C2ayQ_hnagtUjcU73sD5EnsRqquPlr5-WrCnAujdwIfGf8GakIs/s1600/IMG00085-20111231-1245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBYU7O08B7cfFsLeFDrd1abwdpE6V_5e3WfQ-kRSw3v9P-4JVi9b9lS93zWUFtaa2cDk_O-eChA6vnsAOE_kbfgs8C2ayQ_hnagtUjcU73sD5EnsRqquPlr5-WrCnAujdwIfGf8GakIs/s320/IMG00085-20111231-1245.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ARB Adventure Light</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong>ARB Speedy Seal Puncture Repair Kit</strong><br />
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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fTEH4FJpbnIxjBh1FaLVCK0VPazi8NGm-8G9jY8DEFxne7D-zv2puxXbhGlDMPd51l1N4KBe1BIla7DfJLvGakIt5KrUgUqqvz0MQUnsUHCMn0d8WdmHU4YdgeiTJentV12bVVSwTZk/s1600/IMG00084-20111231-1242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fTEH4FJpbnIxjBh1FaLVCK0VPazi8NGm-8G9jY8DEFxne7D-zv2puxXbhGlDMPd51l1N4KBe1BIla7DfJLvGakIt5KrUgUqqvz0MQUnsUHCMn0d8WdmHU4YdgeiTJentV12bVVSwTZk/s320/IMG00084-20111231-1242.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ARB Speedy Seal Puncture Repair Kit</td></tr>
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<strong>ARB E-Z Deflator</strong><br />
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).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxeeTbJkRLcfo3j4DuqDYgy-GIdPiqgLm5rFeGDfSnP-KfFaZtviLkzB-2vrXwImxMMqrEvS83UN8GWAQGYcbzSlaAQmdp58v32WOBwhVBYrjUTvWsdSXIOUxGWcNboJlkNsc1nRZxNo/s1600/IMG00087-20111231-1349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxeeTbJkRLcfo3j4DuqDYgy-GIdPiqgLm5rFeGDfSnP-KfFaZtviLkzB-2vrXwImxMMqrEvS83UN8GWAQGYcbzSlaAQmdp58v32WOBwhVBYrjUTvWsdSXIOUxGWcNboJlkNsc1nRZxNo/s320/IMG00087-20111231-1349.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ARB E-Z Deflator</td></tr>
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<strong>Blackhawk Gloves</strong><br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsII_k9mUVqtUnOsVsV1cRzLr-XnETQSLvMQZ43ahsnpaMy1IkajduKNW7cG94bHb9nLeZVqi3w7z3EY5jHrN89WVnKs3Jm7mDPhSV0mXzI3ldzTdyyYv04UN0MixNhnoTh0oU-5plPR8/s1600/IMG00086-20111231-1349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsII_k9mUVqtUnOsVsV1cRzLr-XnETQSLvMQZ43ahsnpaMy1IkajduKNW7cG94bHb9nLeZVqi3w7z3EY5jHrN89WVnKs3Jm7mDPhSV0mXzI3ldzTdyyYv04UN0MixNhnoTh0oU-5plPR8/s320/IMG00086-20111231-1349.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackhawk Fury Commando Gloves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-88085834224393205162011-12-23T20:27:00.002+11:002012-02-21T21:08:29.282+11:00Rigid Industries Reverse LightRecently <a href="http://www.fjcc.com.au/" target="_blank">FJCC</a> (FJ Cruiser Club of Australia) ran a group buy for All Pro Offroad "<a href="https://www.allprooffroad.com/fjaccessories/fjcbandimount" target="_blank">Bandi</a>" 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.<br />
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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 <a href="https://www.rigidindustries.com/" target="_blank">Rigid Industries</a> 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.<br />
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.<br />
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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 <a href="http://www.snakeracing.com.au/" target="_blank">Snake Racing</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN4s7h8gjiaQ4eenhEar_mwP_xg9jej9ajFV1RcHZcJO0FOq7B7sKKPmzuB4CCNk4_XBg38iVxPS7VFQG_uCAk82zIBpyRf7mfhhpVNjyWTgx_dcshT9GgNStsvtsuPbAOsHlUd76mXo/s1600/DuallyD2Specs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN4s7h8gjiaQ4eenhEar_mwP_xg9jej9ajFV1RcHZcJO0FOq7B7sKKPmzuB4CCNk4_XBg38iVxPS7VFQG_uCAk82zIBpyRf7mfhhpVNjyWTgx_dcshT9GgNStsvtsuPbAOsHlUd76mXo/s1600/DuallyD2Specs.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illumination; not distance but flood.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAGVuB0_Bt4HpCdd6lrgWN4G1wwJOvC3JNySgnAoZv8Vr9qgjTS-F66g2lMgZCcyAuQ3Rq_FTa2hlTTPVigyOJDbjkQk7VS8lMW76so5sb4AK3OS-sYqlWucrQKiNLplmOyf3MW9MHBc/s1600/IMG00071-20111223-1940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAGVuB0_Bt4HpCdd6lrgWN4G1wwJOvC3JNySgnAoZv8Vr9qgjTS-F66g2lMgZCcyAuQ3Rq_FTa2hlTTPVigyOJDbjkQk7VS8lMW76so5sb4AK3OS-sYqlWucrQKiNLplmOyf3MW9MHBc/s320/IMG00071-20111223-1940.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiqz6MwmWbOnTlr1zCR_5XHJUp9YnD1do033WM12xJtWPnLew6nHejBKXvUBe-lI_AduxadwVUZfuYeBMPRw3B3ZXy8ck1iMYz4uxa8kilgHP9sYkQQnFYjAQHlkWiftQ-fa16uyCdg8/s1600/IMG00070-20111223-1940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiqz6MwmWbOnTlr1zCR_5XHJUp9YnD1do033WM12xJtWPnLew6nHejBKXvUBe-lI_AduxadwVUZfuYeBMPRw3B3ZXy8ck1iMYz4uxa8kilgHP9sYkQQnFYjAQHlkWiftQ-fa16uyCdg8/s320/IMG00070-20111223-1940.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-901777138485855448.post-8927461477566863962011-12-20T15:27:00.001+11:002012-02-21T21:08:42.240+11:00Custom Sheepskin Seat CoversHowdy once again.<br />
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:<br />
<ol>
<li>Warm in winter</li>
<li>Cool in summer</li>
<li>Protect your seat coverings</li>
<li>Additional comfort</li>
</ol>
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; <a href="http://www.canterburyseatcovers.com.au/" target="_blank">Canterbury Seat Covers</a>.<br />
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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.<br />
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Attached are some photos minus the arm rest covers, which are still being made.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5OOnS8vig5My7r7W-8Bn5SOWHg2M_o4XPqhWxFBa3cnhoKm-PXdSvbTp_kI0rtbJ4lr2V9s1Jkrsjs2LBkQLaEwzI5nmOipgGXl9KWa0S9sGHxafT0TJQTWe_vxOrp5Wj9eYgCGo0L4/s1600/IMG00068-20111220-1440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5OOnS8vig5My7r7W-8Bn5SOWHg2M_o4XPqhWxFBa3cnhoKm-PXdSvbTp_kI0rtbJ4lr2V9s1Jkrsjs2LBkQLaEwzI5nmOipgGXl9KWa0S9sGHxafT0TJQTWe_vxOrp5Wj9eYgCGo0L4/s320/IMG00068-20111220-1440.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW6GsAKrF8wn490A2qAkSCcO_O4HhXlywVLYSPTsdzvE4eMseZC5WWpzd_itaHZdLqgQJpeN-OGRTpUOoA0DHR5LYJp4FpEWLRXtHMiCT8vVA_gAOeoTkMnqbYUyzJ4IKM-9EDk-_25o/s1600/IMG00067-20111220-1439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW6GsAKrF8wn490A2qAkSCcO_O4HhXlywVLYSPTsdzvE4eMseZC5WWpzd_itaHZdLqgQJpeN-OGRTpUOoA0DHR5LYJp4FpEWLRXtHMiCT8vVA_gAOeoTkMnqbYUyzJ4IKM-9EDk-_25o/s320/IMG00067-20111220-1439.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09261793626967190308noreply@blogger.com0