Hey everyone, it has been a long time coming, but I finally found a great deal on a basically brand new All Pro Bumper (winch style). The install didn't go as smoothly as it could have, but after 2 nights spent on it, it is finally done!!
Out with the old:
The reason I got stuck was because of that damn aluminum cross bar!! The one that is connecte with 4 14mm nuts on each side! I couldn't fit my deep socket in there, and finally realized (after a LOT of screwing up and made up cuss words) that there are two nuts on each side (on the front of the bar) that can be unscrewed to take of the long bar!! Once that bar is off, you can get to the four nuts EASY!!!
I stripped one of the nuts and rounded it out. With some help with some of you guys, I went to Sears and picked up some Craftsman Bolt Outs. That nut was out within 5 minutes. Great tool to have in the workshop!
In with the new!!:
When I received the bumper, it was pretty banged up from road debri's and everything, so I sanded it down with 180g. I bought some Rustoleum dark grey primer (2 cans, only used 1) and 3 cans of Rustoleum Flat Black (I used 2 of them)
I feel it turned out great!!! I have been converted to the rattle cans!!
I am so thrilled to finally have this bumper installed, I have been waiting a VERY long time to get this, all I am waiting for now is my big loop light bar. Just need a few more dollars to save up, and then I will be able to mount my Black Magics!
__________________________
Now on with the stereo build!
I finished this a while ago, but just haven't had the time to post anything.
It is not finished yet, infact I need some more Marglass and some vinyl to finish wrapping everything.
Here is most of the equipment going in:
Here is my Avic Z2 installed:
I got a little lazy and cheap and didn't buy the dash kit, so there are gaps in there...Doesn't bother me
On to the sub box
Mock up built and fleeced, looks like there are a few wrinkles, but I fixed those before I resin'd!:
Resined:
Here is the mock up of the cap holder:
Fleeced:
Resind:
Here is a picture of them both together:
Before anyone flips out on me, I did 5 layers of fiberglass mat on the inside (from US Composites) and 4 on the outside, think I used enough?? It surpassed the stand on test of 180lbs and a little bouncing... COULD YOU IMAGINE IF IT SNAPPED!!! hahaha I didnt think about that.
Here is my box with Rage Xtreme and resin milkshake. Also pictured are my rear side speaker pods (bad idea, I learned my mistake from this...):
Turns out it never dried, so it was just a gummy layer...I had my buddy sand it all off and start over with the body filler...he did it right!!
Exactly 1 cu ft volume (YES! got lucky):
Here is the capacitor mounted:
Here's the speaker pods, they have been trimmed up, but still need some Marglass to bring things in a little smoother:
My quick mock up for the front door speakers:
Sub and Cap mounted and wired up!:
Here are my tweeters:
First time power up of the Avic Z2!! Now this was a hairy moment...wondering if it would come on or not:
And probably the best part of the build, my amp rack and air compressor set up:
The amp rack and compressor mount set up was built by CRNACNAC. Thank you for all the help!!
The compressor now has a quick connect on the top for on board air, the dual compressors keep up nicely when airing up tires after the trail! Ask PokerDawg!!
Also I could definitely not have pursued any of this if it weren't for CRNACNAC's help. This was my first time and definitely not my last...but my next project won't be for a while!
Thanks Barefoot! The Avic Z2 is a great headunit, but I will warn you that if you like the iPod and have 10k songs like I do...the iPod interface SUCKS!!!
I would check out the Alpine W205 with Blackbird Gen II add on for a better headunit. Also the D3 has the new iPod interface. If you don't have or care for an iPod, then the Z2 is an amazing headunit!
It will be finished as soon as I have the money for the vinyl. Although I think it will be on hold for a little...I want a light bar first
Good job on the work! Nice pics and information. Are you going to paint the resin work? You could wrap it in vinyl as well.....looks clean and pretty easy.
Thank you for the compliments! CRNACNAC is actually the brains behind the compressor set up, I just provided the $$
I would love to do some boxes for you, but I don't have the time, nor money!! Sorry Air2air!
My next box will be much better, now that I understand how it all comes together, I can pay attention to the things I didn't understand and in turn it will turn out a lot better! Although that will be some time down the road
Not advisable to use a pressure washer under the hood. It will force water past seals into places it should not be, eventually causing damage to electrical components etc. Best bet is to use a water hose and sponge only. Be sure to avoid sensitive places like the air intake, wiring harnesses, etc.
Not advisable to use a pressure washer under the hood. It will force water past seals into places it should not be, eventually causing damage to electrical components etc. Best bet is to use a water hose and sponge only. Be sure to avoid sensitive places like the air intake, wiring harnesses, etc.
Thanks! I have actually not used a pressure washer. I have taken it to my local carwash and had them do an engine detail. Can't beat $30 and it looks better then it did when it came off the lot.
Agreed. but since this was first posted, the engine bay has been cleaned 3 times at the carwash to look better then new. Needs a new spritz again. Will do it after the next offroad adventure this weekend.
Also blew the Alpine Type X a couple weeks back...upgrading the system to 2 MTX 9500's in the near couple weeks. The shelf where the sub is now will turn into a fiberglassed drawar set up and also will house my capacitor. Will post updates.
Also on the bumper, I added the large loop light bar and 2 Black Magics. Love it. Maybe I'll update with some pics.
Thanks man! I appreciate it! I put on Hella Black Magics. Absolutely love them. I usually drive with just the parking lots on and the black magics now at night. gives it a MEAN look, plus you look like no other car on the road from on coming traffic. The lights are aimed at the road so they don't blind anyone (and even if they weren't they arent THAT bright).
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum
3.7M posts
122.7K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Toyota FJ owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, accessories, mods, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!