Figured I should start a build thread

[eternal21]

As I have so many things going on and in the works, I figured I should get around to starting a build thread. This is my VX:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/vxspring1.jpg

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/5mtinterior.jpg

Current mods:

Drivetrain
-5MT conversion
-OEM manual fan delete
-Ron Davis all aluminum radiator w/custom dual electric fans and shroud

Wheels
-Gear Alloy 718B Blackjack 18x9, 6x135/5.50, Offset +18, w/5.71 backside
-285/60/18 Nitto Terra Grapplers
-1.5" spacers

Suspension
-OME 913s springs/torsion bar crank
-Independent4x steering stabilizer
-greaseable sway bar bushings
-ball joint flip
-Independent4x 1/4" ball joint spacers
-1.5" diff drop brackets

Exterior
-LED headlight conversion
-custom Hella MicroDE Xenon conversion
-c/f hood insert
-Weathertech window guards
-Sylvania 6000k 194 LED horn lights
-winch plate and mount
-Curt trailer hitch
-Westin brush guard
-Yakima bike racks
-Yakima Load Warrior roof rack with extension and spare tire clamp
-Trooper 3 pc skid plates

Interior
-custom floor/rear seat/hatch mats
-custom LED interior hatch light
-rear door popper

Upcoming Mods:
-rear tire mount
-Independent4x IFS tie rod ends

Odds n' ends I haven't installed yet, and other things I won't mention ;)

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___

My VX ownership started about 4 years ago @ 77k. I needed a vehicle to get around as my project car at the time was doing more sitting than driving. I wanted one a long time ago, but had forgotten about them, quite frankly. When it came time to start shopping, I remembered my fondness for them, and the rest is history.

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/vx.jpg

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/day1rear.jpg

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/vxdirty.jpg


This truck was a single owner vehicle for most of it's life. The second owner picked it up to flip, so he had it for 500 or so miles before he sold it to me. It was a clean truck; it had all maintenance records, no accidents, etc. It came with mismatched tires and these growing on the windshield (still can't figure this one out):
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/growth.jpg

It was having an issue with a vacuum leak when I picked it up, so within the first 3 days, I had to tear into the engine. Turns out it was one of the intake manifold gaskets, so I had to pull the intake manifold and get them replaced.

The first year and a half, I didn't do much to the truck, as I was just using it to get back and forth. I rec'd a donated Curt hitch, and played around with the stereo. The stereo needed an upgrade, so I picked up some old-school horn speakers and some 6.5" mid-bass. I stuck the door speakers in, and that's been done before, so it's no big deal. Mounting horns, however, are a pain, as I found out. Steel strapping is the best bet from what I've been able to determine. It takes a lot of fit and refitting to get the straps all in place and the speaker solidly in place. I had to use a few straps, but the results speak for themselves. The speakers don't move, the straps aren't in the way, and there is more than enough room between the speaker and the pedals, even for the manual conversion.

Here's modification of the straps as the speaker was out during one of the test fittings....
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/hornmount.jpg

And here it is in place....
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/hornmounted.jpg

Installation took a total of about 5 hrs. Around the same time, I found a 3 accessory outlet for ~$20 and picked it up.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/3volt1.jpg

My thought was that in could fit in my center console, and once I trimmed it up a bit, it did.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/3volt2.jpg

There are 2 screw holes on either side, so I drilled the console and stuck two bolts in there to hold it in place.

Since the truck has no head-unit, instead playing music through a mounted BT headset, I wanted to control the gain on the amp dedicated to the sub so that I don't advertise when I'm close to home, or driving through bad neighborhoods. I did some searching on eBay and found an RCA gain control.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/gaincontrol.jpg

A guy in GA makes them, and I paid $15 for this one. I liked it so much I bought 3 more for $30 shipped. I have one for overall volume control, and the other is for the sub amp. This is what it looks like under the console:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/underconsole.jpg

and when it was all said and done, this is the finished product:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/consolefinished.jpg

I'm a lot more pleased now. The lid closes and there's no clearance issue. Coupled with no more wires running to the cigarette lighter, it was worth the $40 to knock this out.

[nocturnalVX]

I like the originality. Nice work!

[eternal21]

I found 2 12v power outlets on eBay and wired those in, one in the front, one in the back. They both work like a champ, and are very, very convenient when having to air up the rear tires.

The first one is for the rear seat passengers, and is placed under the ashtray.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/poweroutlet5.jpg

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/poweroutlet1.jpg

The second is in the rear compartment that houses the jack tools.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/poweroutlet2.jpg

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/poweroutlet3.jpg

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/poweroutlet4.jpg

I also went to the junkyard and scored these from a Rodeo:
1) The cubby hole blank for my dash so you don't see a bunch of wires where the radio used to be (it'll work for the old 6 CD changer on the bottom of the console, as well, as it has the special "brackets" needed to house both units built in. It looks like a great place to mount a small CB so that it'll blend in w/the truck...
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/consolestack1.jpg

2) and the switch pod to replace the cubby on the left side of the steering wheel. Notice that it has the tailgate release on it. Since we all know the VX doesn't have an automatic release, I eventually acquired a door popper unit to install the Rodeo switch.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/tailgate.jpg

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

I've always had the belief that when the tires on a vehicle needed replacing, it's the perfect time to upgrade the wheels, as well. Around Feb, 2012, I picked up new wheels and tires.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/vx1.jpg

Two weeks later, the springs and spacers came and up it went.


http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/vxlift4.jpg

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/vxlift1.jpg

[eternal21]

I've been wanting a light in the rear of the truck for awhile now, but I didn't want to stick a traditional light back there. I wanted to do something that hasn't been done before. I picked up a set of these www.ebay.com/itm/281279453523 for $40.00.

I pulled off the rear of the top near the back trim piece and drilled a series of small holes to accommodate the screws and clips the lights came with. I then added a drop of super glue on the back to make sure the screws won't back out. Clips installed:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/rearled/clipsinstalled.jpg

I drilled another hole and installed a little on/off switch.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/rearled/ledswitch.jpg

I had previously installed a 12v socket in the rear, so I tapped into the power/ground to power the LED.

I plan on removing the cabin light, recovering the headliner, and sticking the other one up front.

Installed:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/rearled/installed.jpg

Here it is lit a completely dark garage:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/rearled/lit.jpg

It's a LOT brighter than the pics denote, as is typical of trying to take pictures of lights with a camera.

[ZEUS]

Hahaha & a beaut she is! :) I am so much more on-board now.

[vt_maverick]

Ditto, that's a very nice looking VX. That first pic reminds me, I am (perpetually) in the market for an insert with a heat extractor (rear-facing) scoop so if anyone has one let me know. I can trade a Line-X'd unmodified insert or just pay cash...

[eternal21]

I've been having some problems with the battery dying after minimal use as of late. The battery isn't old, but my commute is short, and I'm running a lot of electronics during that short period of time (stereo, HIDs, a couple other odds/ends), and it the alternator has been taxed such that it hasn't been able to properly keep the battery charged. I decided to go ahead and upgrade to a 175amp alternator from www.qualitypowerauto.com It is a direct replacement. Some pics of the internals and a pulley comparison vs the OEM unit:

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/enginebay/altpulley.jpg

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/enginebay/alt1.jpg

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/enginebay/alt2.jpg

Installation took ~1hr. Once the wheel/tire comes off:
a) lift up on the wheel well trim and you can see everything
b) loosen the drive belt and pull it off the alternator pulley
c) remove the 2 front facing bolts (14mm)
d) remove the wire harness clip
e) remove the plastic protector and loosen the nut (10mm) and pull off the wire
f) disconnect the ground wire (10mm bolt) from the frame
g) pull the alternator out from the top first, and work it through the opening.

Re-installation is as simple as reversing the steps above.

Here it is in place:

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/enginebay/newaltinstalled.jpg

I had these parts powdercoated a few months ago, and finally got around to installing them today.

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/suspension/bluesuspension.jpg

Using the Honda ball joint tool made this job a cakewalk.

[ben-man]

great-looking truck. Love those rims.
Had a question about the alternator. I went to qualitypowerauto.com and couldn't find a unit for the vehicross. Did you just use the Trooper alternator from the same year as your VX?
Also, where did you buy your hood scoop from. I've gotta do that mod this winter.
Plus... am i crazy (obviously) or did you originally have a Black and Red interior and are now running black and grey?

[Wantvegas]

great-looking truck. Love those rims.
Had a question about the alternator. I went to qualitypowerauto.com and couldn't find a unit for the vehicross. Did you just use the Trooper alternator from the same year as your VX?
Also, where did you buy your hood scoop from. I've gotta do that mod this winter.
Plus... am i crazy (obviously) or did you originally have a Black and Red interior and are now running black and grey?

I want that Hood Scoop too... :)

[eternal21]

great-looking truck. Love those rims.
Had a question about the alternator. I went to qualitypowerauto.com and couldn't find a unit for the vehicross. Did you just use the Trooper alternator from the same year as your VX?
Also, where did you buy your hood scoop from. I've gotta do that mod this winter.
Plus... am i crazy (obviously) or did you originally have a Black and Red interior and are now running black and grey?

Sorry it took me so long to respond, I haven't checked this thread in a bit.
1) Yes, I used the Trooper option.
2) I had to buy another whole VX just to acquire the hood scoop for my truck. Seriously.
3) I did have red seats, but when I purchased the aforementioned VX, I swapped interiors b/c I wanted something a bit more subtle.

[Knigh7s]

Sorry it took me so long to respond, I haven't checked this thread in a bit.
1) Yes, I used the Trooper option.
2) I had to buy another whole VX just to acquire the hood scoop for my truck. Seriously.
3) I did have red seats, but when I purchased the aforementioned VX, I swapped interiors b/c I wanted something a bit more subtle.

Did you use the original belt, or does it come with a smaller one?

[eternal21]

Did you use the original belt, or does it come with a smaller one?

Original belt. Sometimes the battery warning light comes on/goes off, but I know all is well. I have a new Optima Yellowtop in there (had if for the past 5 months or so) and I check it bi-monthly w/the Optima branded charger, which confirms that the battery is in excellent health and charging just fine.

[eternal21]

Let there be light! 4 LEDs are on their way to replace the 4 individual bulbs. Write up to follow shortly.
http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/finishedconsole.jpg

[bartmanS4]

Nice! I'm looking forward to the write up since I have this exact overhead console sitting in my garage.

[eternal21]

And here it is completed. I picked up some blue trim out of the UK, and then converted all the bulbs to LEDs. The interior is BRIGHT now. I wired the main center light to come on when the doors open, and I put an extra switch in to turn that off. The other 4 individual lights are hot all the time, and controlled by the on/off switch that each has wired to it from the factory. I'll get a better daytime pic. Overall, I'm extremely happy w/how this turned out.
http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/console.jpg

[bartmanS4]

Two questions:
1) How did you attach it to the ceiling liner?
2) Do you hit your head on it if the car bumps hard to the side?

I'm 6' and I sometimes hit my head on the door frame when 4X'ing. Not a big deal but I wouldn't want it to happen on both sides of my head.

[eternal21]

Two questions:
1) How did you attach it to the ceiling liner?
2) Do you hit your head on it if the car bumps hard to the side?

I'm 6' and I sometimes hit my head on the door frame when 4X'ing. Not a big deal but I wouldn't want it to happen on both sides of my head.

1) There are 2 screws in the console. For the one in front, I went to Lowes looking for a piece of wood. In their aisle for fasteners and what not, I found a wooden wheel to replace a broken wheel on a child's toy. I picked up some new Elmer's adhesive and glued it under the headliner, straight on the roof. For the rear, I drilled a 1/4" hole in one of the compartments, and using a 1" washer and long screw, I screwed it into the place where the OEM light screws in. The washer is larger than the hole size, so it let's you center the console when attaching it. Here's a pic, I'll grab a better one showing a better perspective @ lunch.
http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/console2.jpg



2) I'm 6'3", no issues.

[eternal21]

Well, I had to modify this. One the way home, the glue holding the wood in place failed, so the front of the console fell. In trying to remedy it, I found some speed nuts in my tool kit, so I ended up doing this:

Speed nuts from Lowes, less than $3, and come in a bag like this:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/ohc/speednuts.jpg

and they look like this (screw not included w/the kit):
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/ohc/speednuts1.jpg

I ended up notching my headliner (pay no mention to the gaping hole up there) by first placing the speed nut w/attached screw in the location where I previous screwed into/through the headliner, then notching the headliner so I could put the speed nut in place.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/ohc/speednut2.jpg

The headliner is stiff enough to support the weight of the console w/out bowing, so problem solved.

As I promised closer pics of the rear, here we go. The first pic is the console in it's entirety, to provide perspective. You'll be drilling a hole in the 3rd compartment, highlighted by the arrow.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/ohc/compartment.jpg

Here's a close up of the hole in the compartment:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/ohc/drilledhole.jpg

Here's the roof w/the push light removed. You'll be mounting the rear screw through the center hole, highlighted by the arrow:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/ohc/hole.jpg

[bartmanS4]

Thanks!
Any plans to hook up the temp and compass display?

[eternal21]

Thanks!
Any plans to hook up the temp and compass display?
Nopers, thought about it, but I have a tablet in the truck that displays that. I removed the internals and am probably going to use the panel as a switch panel for other odds n' ends.

[eternal21]

The past week was comprised of:

-the installation of diff drop brackets
-the installation of front cross drilled rotors
-repacking the front bearings
-inner cv boot changing

It wasn't very fun.

http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/drivetrain/diff1.jpg

http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/drivetrain/bearings1.jpg

It took 2 of us to put the diff in, so thanks to my buddy Greg for coming over to help.

[cst2099]

I actually bought this exact same console to install. I was looking for some tips on removing the headliner and found this thread; lucky me!

How did you mount the front part of the console? There are some mounting points and a clip on the console that stick out pretty far. Did you remove those or just cut the headliner for them to fit into?

[eternal21]

I have one of the few carbon fiber hood inserts, and with the Texas sun, it has taken a beating over the past couple years. Additionally, the clear was cracked when I purchased it.
http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/insertold.jpg

Dropped it off @ one of the local Line-X dealers today and picked it up this afternoon.
http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/insertnew.jpg

Aaaaannnnnddddd, ebay SCORE! A *brand new* OEM headliner for $160 shipped! The smaller box is some Raamaudio BXT II that I'm going to use to cover the roof prior to the install.
http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/headliner.jpg

[VXorado]

That hood insert is looking good!

I wish the Line-X stayed satin-shiny forever but eventually dulls out to a matte finish.

[Mile High VX]

That hood insert is looking good!

I wish the Line-X stayed satin-shiny forever but eventually dulls out to a matte finish.

Can you paint it?

[eternal21]

That hood insert is looking good!

I wish the Line-X stayed satin-shiny forever but eventually dulls out to a matte finish.

Thank you sir! Much better looking than the original carbon fiber, that's for sure! I had Line-X Premium sprayed so that it'll stay looking like that, from what I understand. I was shown the regular Line-X, and you're right, it looked dull. Supposedly this'll last. Time will tell, I suppose.

[JoFotoz]

Yup..The premium is supposed to stay shiny...I've seen applications 2-3 years old ..still shiny.

i didnt want shiny..so opted for matte on the ORW..:)

Jo

[eternal21]

I took some really nice high res (16mb) pics on the coast this weekend. Photos are using my Galaxy S6 Edge, and have not been retouched. The lighting was incredible, and the pictures are some of the best I've taken. These are the best 2 out of the bunch.
http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/beach-resize1.jpg

http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/beach3-resize.jpg

[eternal21]

Well, I used a Trooper spare tire mount and this happened:

http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/spare1.jpg

http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/spare2.jpg

I went to Lowes and bought 2 1" rubber feet and screwed them into the top of the rear bumper cover so that the door can rest on them when the door is closed.

[Mile High VX]

Well done...love your VX!

[JoFotoz]

Looks great....:heart::_beer:

Jo

[eternal21]

Well done...love your VX!

It'll never be as clean as yours, but thank you :)


Looks great....:heart::_beer:

Jo

It's getting there....slowly but surely....

[eternal21]

A few weekends ago, I put in the new headliner. I thought that while I was up there doing that, I might as well make it a project weekend. On the list:
-replace headliner
-install sound deadening material on the roof
-install the LED light rack

I started on a Friday night @ 8pm, stayed up to 4am, then got up 8am to take the spare tire to have it mounted, and got back to work. I was wrapping everything up @ 6pm the next day.

After pulling the headliner, I came across 17 year old insulation and adhesive.
http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/roof1.jpg

Utilizing a bunch of GooGone, elbow grease, and Simple Green, things were looking pretty good after about 4 hrs. The Raammatt BXT II was then applied.
http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/roof2.jpg

I had purchased a 31" LED light bar, and thought that it would be a good idea to knock that out while the headliner was out. I didn't want to mount it to the roof, as I was loathe to drill holes into it. Instead, I used my Yakima racks as mounting points, and it came out spectacular.

http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/lightbar/lightbarmount.jpg

http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/lightbar/lightbar1.jpg

Since I don't half do things, I used an OEM fog light switch from a Rodeo and figured out the wiring so that I can keep the interior looking clean. Currently there is one switch for the light bar, one switch for the fog/driving lights, and the last switch will be for the rear lights I'll be installing.
http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/lightbar/switches.jpg

[Mile High VX]

Looks great. How did you route your wiring? Did you notice a big difference between the OEM insulation and the Raammatt?

I have my fogs wired the same way...just love that OEM clean look.

[eternal21]

Looks great. How did you route your wiring? Did you notice a big difference between the OEM insulation and the Raammatt?

I have my fogs wired the same way...just love that OEM clean look.

I wanted to try and make the wiring as clean as possible. The light bar's wires are encased in some pretty thick, flexible plastic shielding. I drilled a hole in the plastic channel on the driver's side that hides the roof rack mounting points. I then did the best that I could to line that up inside the cab so that the vertical hole I had to drill would be hidden under that plastic cap on the roof. Worked out like a champ. I then ran the shielded cable through and poly'ed both holes, then ran it down the a-pillar and to the dash. I have a power distribution block in the cab, so I didn't have to route anything through the firewall.
http://www.infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/exterior/lightbar/drilled.jpg

As for the BXT II, I'm very glad I did that. After I installed it, I re-positioned the OEM insulation and used spray adhesive to secure it to the BXT II. The end result is a much more crisp bass response, and a lot less of a "tinny" sound. It packs a lot more punch.

[Mile High VX]

That's a great idea and well done!

[eternal21]

It's been a long 6 weeks. My rig blew both head gaskets in Moab after the radiator fan went into the radiator, and since I couldn't remove the head studs w/an 1800lb/ft impact (turns out this is a common issue), I opted to drop in my spare engine. Did 90% of the work myself (a friend graciously came over after everything was disconnected and we maneuvered the old engine out and dropped the replacement in) in my garage. Started 2 weeks ago today, and she fired up last night. I'll update this thread with a recap in the next week or so.

[eternal21]

Guess I should start updating this again, huh ;)

[Mile High VX]

Well after 4 years I would hope you've done something...LOL

[CatFish]

Update would be cool

[eternal21]

Well after 4 years I would hope you've done something...LOL


Well, in that time I've replaced the engine 3x :)

1) Blew the head gaskets on Fins N' Things in Moab on the VX trip in 2015, and had the truck trailered back home. The head bolts were seized to the block, and even using a 2,000lb/ft impact (yes, you read that correct) they wouldn't budge. My 5MT setup came from a wrecked Trooper that I paid $700 for, so when I pulled the tranny, I pulled the engine and kept it on a stand for insurance, then parted the truck and sold the shell so that the swap was essentially free. Since the engine was on a stand, I ordered an OEM water pump and timing belt and knocked those out, and then my friend and I dropped it into the VX. The 5MT that was in the VX had a synchro issue from jump, and it would randomly pop out of 5th gear. I had picked up a replacement 5MT from ebay for $150 shipped, so I took a chance and threw it in there w/no rebuild....it's been in there ever since.

2) April, 2016 - it was burning a lot more oil than I thought, and I threw a rod on a trip to San Antonio. Towed it back home from there (AAA 100 mile free towing, ftw....it was exactly 95 miles), and in Nov 2016, I found a 2002 150k mile Trooper in Dallas that had a suspect transmission for $950, so I picked that up and drove it home. I had to drive the truck by using the gear selector to make it change gears, and the transmission literally died as I was pulling it into the driveway. Broke a bone in my hand so the swap/install had to wait until January, 2017. I pulled that motor from the Trooper, then sold the rest to my friend (who has a Trooper) for $600. I pulled the WP/timing belt from the dead engine, swapped them onto the new engine, and then that engine went into the truck. During the VX engine removal, I horked up the wedge collar on the clutch pressure plate, trying to get it to release so I could pull the tranny. Luckily I had a spare PP from another install, so I used *it* instead. After the install, I then went on a search for a replacement piece JIC this happened again. I've worked w/ACT clutch before on a custom clutch build for a Legend I had, and found that the Subaru STI has a pull-type clutch, just like the VehiCROSS. ACT offers a trick 1-piece wedge collar called the MonoLoc that looked like it might fit, so I picked it up (p/n 884006) for insurance in case I ever had to do this again.

3) July, 2017, I found a, get this, 124,000 mile, 1 owner 2001 Trooper in San Antonio, owned by a mechanic, driven by his wife. Tranny went out and she wanted a new truck. They were asking $1200 for it, but after a little back and forth about the tranny (which I didn't need anyway), I got it for $400. And it was PRISTINE. Towed it home (AAA 100 mile free towing FTW again), pulled the engine, put it on a stand and sold the rest to my Trooper friend for $300. Good thing, b/c in Oct, 2017, something or other failed, and I had to drop in that engine. So, I pulled the wp/timing belt off the crap engine, swapped them onto the replacement engine, and then dropped it into the VX. Since I've had a power steering leak since I've had the VehiCROSS, I also pulled the complete PS assembly from the Trooper and swapped it into the VX. It was a lot easier to do w/the engine out, and it's a straight swap. Once again I ruined the wedge collar trying to get the tranny off. The only way to get a wedge collar is with the complete clutch setup, so I took a chance on the aforementioned MonoLoc, and it worked out. It's been 3 years now, and all is as it should be.

To recap, after buying Troopers for their engines and selling the remaining trucks, the swaps have literally cost me $400, or $133/engine on average + my time since I do all my own work.

So, at this point, I:
-have literally pulled 6 (including from the Troopers) engines and installed 3
-have gotten so good at pulling the engine, the last time I did it in 5 hrs....from memory

Other than that, let's see, what else:
-DIY wrapped the door panels, roof, and hood a couple weeks ago
-DIY installed a Hi-Lift jack on the roof
-DIY installed the lit VehiCROSS door sills
-DIY installed a completely new sub/amp setup
-DIY replaced the passenger's side roof rail as it was cracking
-DIY remounted the LED bar.

Mostly, I've just been driving it :-)

Upcoming plans:
-ceramic tint all around (won't be DIY'ing that one *lol*)
-I picked up some beef upped torsion bars, just waiting for the arrival of the last set of the poly bushings I ordered so I can do all of that at once.
-working on some interior storage options ;-)

https://siberianbushing.com/

I'll get some pics up this week.

[Mile High VX]

Sounds like you've been busy. I hope all is well in Houston for you and your family.

[eternal21]

Sounds like you've been busy. I hope all is well in Houston for you and your family.

Thank you, sir! Planning to get back into the VX market anytime soon? :)

[Mile High VX]

Sounds like you've been busy. I hope all is well in Houston for you and your family.

Thank you, sir! Planning to get back into the VX market anytime soon? :)


I bought a Proton in CA last August and drove it home to Georgetown, TX. I've been enjoying it and doing my best to keep it from being stock...LOL..

[eternal21]

Sounds like you've been busy. I hope all is well in Houston for you and your family.

Thank you, sir! Planning to get back into the VX market anytime soon? :)


I bought a Proton in CA last August and drove it home to Georgetown, TX. I've been enjoying it and doing my best to keep it from being stock...LOL..

Since I'm in Cedar Park (not Houston), it seems that we're going to have to arrange a meet up, my good man :)

[Mile High VX]

A meet up would be awesome...I'm in Cedar Park all of the time. We go to church in Leander right off of 183. I see a Kaiser every once in a while when I'm at Costco.

[eternal21]

A meet up would be awesome...I'm in Cedar Park all of the time. We go to church in Leander right off of 183. I see a Kaiser every once in a while when I'm at Costco.

You're the mysterious Proton that my friends are always seeing *lol*. May 16, 2020, 4:45 pm, one of my best friends texted me, "Just saw a yellow VX in Leander." *lol*

I'm in Leander quite a bit myself. The Austin contingent has quite a few members.....off the top of my head, including myself, 4 Ebony, one Pink wrapped, 2 Proton, 2 Kaiser.

The Kaiser you see @ CostCo is most likely my sister.

[Mile High VX]

I see it mostly at the pizza place next to 5 guys...:O

I've met Lisa, Greg, and a few others. There was an Ebony in Georgetown but he sold it to a guy in Cedar Park. Had front and rear winches and tons of other mods. He has sold it since then.

When I moved here I had my Dragon but it was totaled on I-35 (hey there's a surprise...a wreck on I-35).

Bought a 2015 Xterra with a manual trans but could never get the VX out of my blood (so to speak) so I traded it for a new CX-5 for my beautiful bride and the search was on...:)

[eternal21]

I see it mostly at the pizza place next to 5 guys...:O

I've met Lisa, Greg, and a few others. There was an Ebony in Georgetown but he sold it to a guy in Cedar Park. Had front and rear winches and tons of other mods. He has sold it since then.

When I moved here I had my Dragon but it was totaled on I-35 (hey there's a surprise...a wreck on I-35).

Bought a 2015 Xterra with a manual trans but could never get the VX out of my blood (so to speak) so I traded it for a new CX-5 for my beautiful bride and the search was on...:)

Yeah, I remember the wreck and Xterra. We chatted about it a bit ago....it was when I saw the remnants up for sale somewhere, I think. Met the front/rear winch guy in Cedar Park....got his contact details :)

There's also a couple here that has a PRISTINE Proton (her vehicle) all original, and it's regularly driven.

Def. not my sis...*lol*