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Hornsfan's Mechabevo Build

220K views 1K replies 95 participants last post by  Hornsfan 
#1 · (Edited)
Name:MECHABEVO
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Tire Automotive tire




Purpose:
Really want an expedition vehicle that is ready for anything. I see some light rock crawling (no KOH type stuff), a little bit of sand, mud and water; but mostly just scenic trail rides and camping outdoors.

I won't bore you with what came on it from the dealer, but here is a pic:

7/2009 - Stocky-Stocky



expostfacto:

Build Contributors
A well-rounded architect, that goes by the handle "Bert" in these forums, did much of the work with me (i.e. all the real work) on my build over the first few months. He did a nice job on Memphibious and I learned alot working with him. I had quite a bit in store for this build and I feel it has moved quickly. Will "Raggler" also wrenched with us quite a bit and his help was much appreciated (I am still embarrased how much bigger his rig is than mine). Running out of time and energy before summit, I hired a local shop named, "Bohannan's." I have been impressed with the freelance work they have done on my rig with very little instruction on my part. They improvise where needed (such as my roof rack light mounts, exhaust and switches) and do it "right" the first time. Another forum member, AZRANGER, helped put the snorkel on and I am sure we will do further work in the future.

Mecha Approved Vendors:
Metaltech
Outrider Offroad
Underdog Racing Development
Springtail Solutions
Discount Tires
Toy Outfitters
Trail Gear
Ricochet
Expedition One
Budbuilt
TRD Parts4U
Pandora Adventures
Outlaw Offroad

Current Mods:
Suspension & Tires
Icon Billet Upper Control Arm Kit (DELETE)
Icon Remote Reservoir Extended Travel Coil-over Shock Kit (DELETE)
Icon 2" Lift Rear Coil-spring Kit (DELETE)
Total Chaos 2" long travel
Total Chaos shock tower gusset
Total Chaos new spindle gusset
Icon long travel coilover w/ remote resi (DELETE)
Icon long travel coilover w/ CDC remote resi
Metaltech extended travel rear springs (DELETE)
Metaltech extended travel HD rear springs
Icon Omega bypass rear shocks w/ remote resi (adapted for increased travel for Metaltech springs)
Icon VS Series Rear PiggyBack Reservoir Shocks (DELETE)
Icon Billet Aluminum Lower Rear Trailing Arm Kit (DELETE)
Icon Billet Aluminum Upper Rear Trailing Arm Kit (DELETE)
Metaltech Offset Lower Link
Metaltech Upper Link
Icon Rear Adjustable Pan-Rod Bar Kit
Light Racing Jounce Shocks on Front & Rear
Black Gorilla Lugs & Locks
BFG MT KM2s – 285/70/17 (DELETE)
BFG MT KM2s - 285/75/17 (DELETE)
Goodyear MTR w/Kevlar - 305/70/17
Fuel Trophy Wheels - 17" x 8.5"
Armor
Budbuilt Front Bash plate - Orange
Budbuilt Front Bash plate - Orange
Budbuilt Engine skid plate - Orange
Budbuilt Tcase skid plate - Orange
Budbuilt Crossmember - Orange
Budbuilt Fuel tank skid plate - Orange
Ricochet Front Bash Plate w/ longhorn cut out (DELETE)
Ricochet Engine Skid Plate (DELETE)
Ricochet Transmission Skid Plate (DELETE)
Ricochet Supporting Cross Member (DELETE)
Ricochet Fuel Tank Skid Plate (DELETE)
Ricochet Rock Block Set (DELETE)
Ricochet Control Arm Guards (DELETE)
Ricochet Transfer Case Skid Plate (DELETE)
Bud Built Rear Diff Skid (DELETE)
Outrider Lower Link Armor
Trail Gear Rock Sliders
Fab-Fours Winch Bumper w/ Grill Guard (DELETE)
Orange Box Fabrication bumper w/ stinger
Expedition One Rear Bumper
Toy Outfitters Rim Stiffeners (DELETE)
Icon Rear Shock Shin Guards (DELETE)
Performance/Drivetrain
AFE Cold Air Intake
AFE High Clearance Cat Back Exhaust
URD Y-Pipes
Atlas 2 speed transfer case 3.8 gear
Roark Atlas support ring
Currie RockJock Dana 60
ARB front and rear locker w/ pneumatic switches
4.56 Nitro gears Ring & Pinion
Dynabeads (DELETE)
RCV "unbreakable" chromoly CVs (DELETE - no luck with these)
TRD Supercharger
Doug Thorely long tube headers
UCON EMS
Transmission cooler
Upgraded fuel pump
Smaller diameter pully
Glow Shift A/F & Boost guages
Currie Antirock Swaybar
EBC Green Stuff Pads
EBC Slotted Rotors
Run Cool Hood Louvers
Coyote Inner beadlocks
Recovery & Emergency
Fiskars Axe
Fiskars Shovel
Hi-Lift 60” Jack
Quick Air CO2
Warn 9.5TI (DELETE)
Warn Zeon 12
Viking 3/8's synthetic line - orange
Kidde FA110 Fire Extinguisher
Total Resources First Aid Kit w/ Foil Blanket
Survival Pack w/ Food & Water
Jumper Cables
Quick Air Tire Deflation Key Chain
ARB Inflator w/ Gauge
FourTrek Mounts
4 Gallon Rotopax w/ Locks Mounted to Roof Rack
Life Hammer - Mounted
Overland Recovery Bag
OverlandRecovery Mat 6.5ft x 4ft
Overland 4 Shackles 3/4", 7/8' pin, 4.75T WLL
Overland Snatch Strap 30' x 2", 20,000lb rating
Overland Recovery Strap 30' x 3", 30,000lb rating
Overland Emergency Tow Strap 25' x 3" 10,000lb rating
Overland Tree Protector Strap 10' x 3", 30,000lbs rating
Overland Snatch Block, Heavy Duty with Grease Nipple, 18,000lbs WLL
Overland Winch Line Damper
ARB Rapid Tire Seal Kit
Cargo Lock 1.25" Duraweb Ratchet Straps (830lb. limit)
Reststop doo doo bucket
ARB 50qt fridge/freezer
Tuffy rear cargo box
Lights
Acro X970 HID x4 on Roof Rack (DELETE)
40" Rigid LED Light Bar
Unknown Rear Lights on Roof Rack
Hella Optilux 2500 lights in Rear Bumper
Fab Fours' 90mm Fog and 60mm Turn Indicator Lights in Front Bumper
Hella Auxiliary Lights Mounted to Front Bumper (DELETE)
17.5" Vision X Xmitter Prime extreme on bumper
Tantrum rock lights
Ricochet rock light mounts
Electronics & Communication
Garmin Nuvi 1490T
SpOD 8 circuit w/ touchscreen
EcoRoute HD
Dirty Parts Dual Battery System
Odyssey Auxiliary Battery
ARB Lighted Rocker Switches
Cobra 75WXST Handheld CB
3’ Firestick CB Antena
Wicked CAS Stage 2 Sound Package
Kenwood eXcelon head unit (can't remember which one)
Storage & Other
ARB Full Length Alloy Roof Rack
Man-A-Fre Auxiliary Fuel Tank
ARB Simpson III Roof Top Tent
Gobi Ladder
Black-out
Scuba Mod
Safari Knockoff Snorkel
Springtail Side MPAC Rack
Springtail Rear Door MPAC Rack
Several MPAC Stat Pouches
Mombasa awning (DELETE)
Foxwing Awning
ARB RTT privacy area
Overland Gear & Equipment adventure style trailer (w/ Pandora modifications)
Expedition One detacheable hitch

To be installed:
URD Spec U exhaust
Roof rack light bar

Ordered for delivery:

Maybe in the future:
Sound deadning whatever else I am forgetting or that looks cool/useful/money wasteful.

Here it is as it stands right now (7/24/2011):

...and the gratuitous booty shot:


Finally some trail shots...



 
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16
#37 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

WOW......speechless!
 
#40 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

Ok, so I kept digging until I found a great price on the Acro HID X970s I wanted and I pulled the trigger. They probably won't be here for a couple of weeks.
Here is a day pic of the OEM aux lights mounted on the fabfours. I think it looks good:

I cant wait to get my new tires on...and my winch...and my roof rack.
 
#41 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

Dude....The tires are going to set it off!!! can't wait to see when you get them put on
 
#42 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

I have quite a bit in store and this build should move quickly.

To be purchased in next few weeks:
Full ricochet skids (anodized orange...hopefully burnt)...
Holy Longhorn! You weren't kidding when you said it would move quickly. You have added mods in weeks that have taken most of us months or years. It's amazing how a vehicle can bring people together to accomplish so much and create friendships along the way. Can't wait to see the burn orange skids!
Keep rocking...:rocker:
 
#44 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

Holy Longhorn! You weren't kidding when you said it would move quickly. You have added mods in weeks that have taken most of us months or years. It's amazing how a vehicle can bring people together to accomplish so much and create friendships along the way. Can't wait to see the burn orange skids!
Keep rocking...:rocker:
Yeah, could not have done it without Bert and Raggler :cheers:
 
#43 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

mine is pink as well. i find it wierd as well.
 
#48 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

What's the werd on the new shoes?
 
#59 · (Edited)
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

More stuff in the mail today:


It is Overland Warehouse's Hardcore Recovery kit.

I really need to get some action shots in this thread. Supposed to go wheeling with some locals; however, Metaltech is slowing my progress on some stuff getting shipped. I need to get it quickly so I can get the work done and go offroad.

Also, the Garmin ecorouteHD comes out on Monday. Is anyone thinking about getting this product? I almost preordered it today.
 
#60 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

is that a vest or a saftey thing for the winch?
 
#62 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

i was going to say you will have to bring a midget with you on the trail
 
#67 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

nice ride, cant wait to see what it turns out to be.
 
#73 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

Kablamo!



Brad/Ricochet just hooked (no pun intended) me up with a longhorn cutout on my front skid. It is going to be anodized this week...you guessed it, orange. I love it!
Man!! That is going to look SWEET!!!

:rocker:
 
#70 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

Your gonna be wearing Razorback Red before you know it, Ryan! So no use in putting that stuff on your Rig... :lol:
 
#72 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

Put on my Gobi ladder today...and yes, Bert, all by myself.

Looks great!.

What do you think of it? Functional, or more for looks? Easy to install?

Keep up the great work!

:cheers:
 
#78 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

I'm taking the FJ out today and tomorrow....and and two or three buds are hitting the back roads.. First off we are hitting the Pig Trail (hwy23) which runs you by Cass...And Sunday we are hitting Devils Den area.
 
#80 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

Finally, all my stuff is in. It goes in the shop on Monday for AFE CAI, AFE high clearance cat back exhaust, TRD Y-pipes, Warn 9.5 TI winch, ricochet skids, Acro HID lights, ARB alloy roof rack, BFG MT K2s and rim stiffeners. I am playing it close on timetabels for Summit. I want to get a snorkel on before I leave if I can.
 
#81 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

not to be rude and im sorry if i come off that way but what the hell did you do rob a bank!!!!




i have a feeling your fj will look sick.
 
#82 · (Edited)
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

not to be rude and im sorry if i come off that way but what the hell did you do rob a bank!!!!




i have a feeling your fj will look sick.
No, I had a similar conversation with a friend last night. I am relatively young, single and have worked and continue to work hard to make a nice living. I spend very little to maintain my current lifestyle (not much to piss money away on in Arkansas); hence, I have saved a nice bit of scratch for retirement, etc. I just decided that I would spend all of last years bonus and tax returns on myself rather than squirrel it away like I have been...I felt like it was time I treat myself in the near-term for my hard work. Plus I needed a hobby as work was permeating every facet of my life. This seemed like a nice outdoors themed hobby, so I jumped in with both feet.

I already like the way my ride looks with all the work that Bert and I did. I am letting a shop take it the rest of the way home, as once again, work has made the hobby take a back seat lately. I am really looking forward to having it "finished"; I agree that it should look mean.
 
#83 ·
Re: Hornsfan's TBD Build

cool, good luck. i hope it turns out the way you want it to
 
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