RADO's Off Road Rig- Build Thread

[JMNY]

Nice! Looks great!

Update on the roof basket...

I decided to pull the trigger on a Rola cargo basket.



Looks good, 5" tall, good price and positive reviews. It only cost $184 shipped from etrailer.com and the quality is suppose to be pretty good (according to the reviews).

http://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Cargo-C...ola/59504.html

I'll update with pics once I get the rack.

[VXorado]

Nice! Looks great!

Thanks JMNY.

Few updates:
1.) Headlights ND92 now has my projector/LED headlights and I have his OEM headlights. I'm back to original.

2.) Switches & Air Pressure Gauge I have three sets of trail lights on the VX and decided it was time to wire them to a proper switch panel. I also wanted switches for the air compressor and future air lockers. I found customized switches on otrattw.com.

The 6 slot switch holder that otrattw sells fits nicely in the lower dash bezel. I can take install pics if someone decides to get the same switch setup. I haven't wired everything up yet but the symbols will light up blue with the interior lights. Overall the switches cost around $110.

Also, I decided it was a good time to install an air pressure gauge in the dash. I just relocated the 12v outlet to the center console and installed the air pressure gauge in it's place. I plan on ordering a lit gauge so I can see my air pressure at night. I'll post more pics when that's installed.

3.) CB Radio & Antenna I decided to purchase the Cobra 75XTST compact unit. Several members here including VXKAT & Marlin have had good results with this CB radio. The CB Radio costs $93 at CBworld.com

I always wanted to install a 102" whip on the VX and purchased one locally at RadioShack. I built a CB antenna mount and tied the whip down for daily driving. I really like the look of the whip but it's impractical for trails. I also have a 2 ft Firestick that will work better for most situations.

Whip Antenna


Whip Antenna


Firestick Antenna


Firestick Antenna


New Switches, Air Pressure Gauge & CB Radio


Switches and Air Pressure Gauge in OEM bezel- Zombie Lights probably belong on DUB's Vehicross


Installed LED lights in cargo area that turn on with doors/key fob. I purchased the lights from Clipper Rodeo 03


Installed new tire cover knobs from Jason

[vt_maverick]

Really nice to find switches with the actual correct labels. Lookin' great Jon, wish I had time to do as much stuff on my VX!

[VXorado]

Really nice to find switches with the actual correct labels. Lookin' great Jon, wish I had time to do as much stuff on my VX!

Thanks Ash, I've been working on the VX a lot lately however I think my days are numbered... I'm gearing up the 3rds & Amy is gearing up for babies.

[44ficus44]

so why the headlight change?

[Etfren]

Looking great as always Jon! I really like that switch panel, I am actually planning to put one in the same spot for all my lights.

[LittleBeast]

How did you mount the basket?

[JMNY]

for 139.00 plus free shipping....found it doing some searches.....just in case anyone is interested...at Hitch anything.com

[VXorado]

so why the headlight change?

I had a black hood/ironman and built the headlights to match. I originally was going to wrap the VX in matte black but found it scratched too easily. Once I wrapped the VX in blue, I decided the OEM reflectors would look better.

Looking great as always Jon! I really like that switch panel, I am actually planning to put one in the same spot for all my lights.

Definitely use the CD changer bezel if you're not using it becuase the fit is almost perfect.

How did you mount the basket?

I removed my Yakima bars because it mounted the basket too high and I wanted clear my garage door. I made my own mounts similar too Zeus' write-up in the how-to section.

[LittleBeast]

I removed my Yakima bars because it mounted the basket too high and I wanted clear my garage door. I made my own mounts similar too Zeus' write-up in the how-to section.

Do you mind measuring exactly how much above the rear spoiler it is total? Thanks :-)

[Ldub]

...as always....

[VXorado]

Do you mind measuring exactly how much above the rear spoiler it is total? Thanks :-)

Not a problem. The spoiler curves up higher in the middle and measures 4.5" to the basket vs. at the spoiler edge it measures 5".

Parking in my garage was a requirement when I installed the basket

...as always....

Thanks Dubby. I'm thinking about wiring the zombie light button to illuminate all of the off road lights... just for kicks... or zombies.

[VXorado]

Here's some of the equipment i'll be installing over the next month.

10 & 12 Bolt Diffs with ARB lockers & 4.56 gearing. I've had the 12 bolt diff for over a year and just ordered the 10 bolt diff from indy4x.


Looks like I got the new ARB model for the 10 bolt...


Viair 444c 100% duty cycle air compressor- it will piggy back the york compressor for lockers & SFIFS


Stainless Steel Brake Lines


I've also been building a winch plate lower bumper. Another coat of paint and it will be ready to install.


And I'll be installing a Warn XD9000 into the winch plate


Updates to follow.

[Ala5ka]

Yeah boy!

[JoFotoz]

.........

jo