The M-PAC is just too cool

***uphill*** · 05-27-2008, 11:29 PM

An EXCEPTIONALLY COOL mod: SPRINGTAIL SIDE RACK

I ordered the side rack. I didn't want to. But it looked so sharp, it was a place to hang my power tank, I knew FJOEL was making some billet aluminum components and his stuff is always first rate just like the Springtail rear rack that i've had for 8 or months now.

The UPS guy, (John), who I am on a first name basis with, admonished me for not doing as many mods on the FJ lately when he delivered the package from HINDSIGHT (Doc).

It was better than I'd hoped.

This is how I mounted it:

(1) I removed the cheap plastic hooks and installed the FJOEL anodized billet Aluminium fasteners. You can see that clearly in this photo. I also bought 18" of 3M non-skid (adhesive) tape and put it down to try and both protect the top of the shelf and keep things in place.

(2) I prepped the power tank rack that I planned to affix to the Springtail MOLLE rack. I cut strips of marine weather stripping and...

(3) attached it to the back of the power tank rack to dampen sound - no metal on metal.

(4) I did the same thing on the fire extinguisher mount.

(5) I attached the power tank mount on to the Springtail MOLLE rack using 1/4 inch S/S bolts with fender washers and nylock nuts.

(6) I marked the holes to drill additional supports for the rack (recommended by Springtail if you're mounting a lot of weight on the rack)

(7) Drilling the two holes was a simple matter.

The finished product. I like it -- A LOT --

I liked it so much that I put a Springtail sticker on my rig. The only other vendor sticker I have is DeMello offroad. I rarely put vendor advertisements on my truck - but -- did I say that I liked my M-PAC racks?

FJ #8 · 05-27-2008, 11:38 PM

I like it alot too

, I plan on ordering one eventually. There are too many other mods I need first though

AceTechno · 05-27-2008, 11:42 PM

Now that I finally made some extra cash, I plan on ordering the rear door one. It does look cool and I am happy that I am happy to be getting one. Thanks for the good write up and pictures Larry.

***uphill*** · 05-27-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

FJ #8 previously said:

I like it alot too

, I plan on ordering one eventually. There are too many other mods I need first though

Storage and space are a premium in the FJ. I like the way this supports the weight of the power tank, fire extinguisher and other gear, making use of essentially dead space. I was keeping the power tank on the roof rack. So every time I had to air-up, I crawled on top and unlimbered the tank. It has to be perpendicular when you use it (CO2). Now I can keep it in the back and just hook up the hose when I want to air the tires or run power tools. I have another 20 lbs CO2 tank that will eventually be mounted on the other side of the FJ (inside the truck) - mainly to run power tools for trail repairs. The power ratchet is so much better when you're tired after a long day and something breaks.

***uphill*** · 05-27-2008, 11:47 PM

Quote:

AceTechno previously said:

Now that I finally made some extra cash, I plan on ordering the rear door one. It does look cool and I am happy that I am happy to be getting one. Thanks for the good write up and pictures Larry.

You won't be sorry. I love my rear-door M-PAC and use it all the time for the gear I want on-hand. When you're camping and things are put away, the stuff in the M-Pac is right there, organized and ready to use.

jefferson · 06-09-2008, 11:19 AM

Just got my side rack about a week ago and I LOVE it as well. Doc was great to deal with and it was even shipped it up to Canada which was a bonus! I think I can say that I am the only one in Calgary with one! Thanks Doc.

**oscarr** · 06-09-2008, 11:41 AM

luv the M-pac.wish I had more money for mods right now...

**DominicG** · 06-09-2008, 12:22 PM

Very cool Larry.

Where can i get some of that marine weather stripping? I could use some of that stuff for another project..

***uphill*** · 06-11-2008, 10:59 PM

Quote:

DominicG previously said:

Where can i get some of that marine weather stripping? I could use some of that stuff for another project..

Any chandlery story should carry it. I bought this roll at McFadden-Dale Hardware. I like putting the spongy, adhesive weather stripping in between whatever and metal to keep from damage and noise.

I also like the 3M non-skid tape for the shelf tops in the back of the FJ.

**DominicG** · 06-11-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

uphill previously said:

Any chandlery story should carry it. I bought this roll at McFadden-Dale Hardware. I like putting the spongy, adhesive weather stripping in between whatever and metal to keep from damage and noise.

I also like the 3M non-skid tape for the shelf tops in the back of the FJ.

Thanks boss.