My VX...a work in progress.

[JULIAN911]

I'm extremely impressed if that brush guard was on eBay, I would click the "buy it now" button

Tone, can we fab something like that?

[raver_boi_88]

no not really, I just kinda looked at the pic and posted a comment I guess i should read first. lmao

[Kenny]

I had one similar on my Xterra so here's my $0.02 worth.
I rear-ended a crazy person driving a Grand Prix in my Xterra at 15 mph and although the brush guard took little damage, it destroyed my hood, lights and grill when it bent back from the impact. It just pivots on the bottom bolts, with simple upper bracing through the grill. If I didn't have it on I would probably only have needed a new bumper. I'd be afraid to damage more parts than necessary on my VX as I get the feeling parts will become rare and costly.

Also, why hide those cool contours the VX has on its own in the front??

Lastly, I recommend powder coated aluminum as the painted metal looks like crap after a few years with all the rust spots. I was grinding and touch up painting constantly.

[JoFotoz]

I think you are 100% right...

...and my main concern is also the potential for damage due to the guard either bending back ,
or 'wrapping round' if it takes a hit....as you point out.

The present set up has its flaws , and is an ongoing effort to fab something unique and not available in the aftermarket .
(The "nudge bar" just doesnt do it for me...!)

And lets face it........ driving a VX has more than a little to do with individuality!....


I will be away cruising a yacht back to San Diego from Alaska for several weeks ...

..but priority #1 when I get back is to address the mounting options .
(Then , as you say , powder coat the whole thing)

I offered this up for viewing as a "work in progress"...

..and any ideas / input are VERY welcome.
(The main area of concern being a strong upper support set up)

Perhaps ...if between us all we finalize a bullet proof ( or near as poss!) solution..

..then a batch run for those wanting the same "look" may be viable.


atb

jo

[JoFotoz]

Is what "English"...???

And yes..I'll take some mount pics , but it'll be a couple of weeks before I can.

jo

[moon buggy]

Nice job...if we had 2nd VX I reckon the ultimate 4wd look yuo've got is 'the go'... good stuff !!..we've kinda got the road warrior look with with our current VX ..and then a 2nd one with wild tough off roader look !!...hey yours might be just scary enough anyway to do the road warrior thing as well...NICE job well done

[JoFotoz]

Thanks...I appreciate your "good stuff'
(yea I'm a POMMIE..I understand Aussie!)

But I still lust after a HOLDEN UTE.....

The V8...
The "Business like" stance...
The 'Nulabor'...at 120mph!

...and the chance to kit it out "Road Warrior" stye!

BTW...

Best party I EVER had...Aussie Bi-centenial..Sydney harbor.

OHHH..Goose Pimples..It was THAT good!

jo

[Numba1goalie]

Any chance you could disclose the MPG your pulling with those 33's and the lift and such?

Your pics just about just made me change my mind on leaving my VX stock.

[JoFotoz]

I can only give you an approximation.....

I put the wheels and rims on at 12800 miles ( yea..on a 1999!)...

..and I have still only JUST gone over 13000.

I did a 160 mile run on Sunday...mostly freeway.

I think I got about 12 MPG....but have not filled up yet.

I'm still on "British" gas price comparison...even after being here 15 years!

I really dont care....my other ride gets 8 mpg!

Thankfully , I only do about 5000 a year between two vehicles....
...Oh the JOY of working from home!

Hope this helps...

Jo

[Numba1goalie]

Well it helps. But I was wishing and praying you were pulling like 17-18MPG. but oh well. I am still liking it and I think I might do the same thing as far as lift and tires.

Any sign of wear on your CV boots or CV?

[JoFotoz]

Within the first 30 miles after the lift...drivers side CV boot ruptured!

My "DD" & the input I got said that this happens cause the boots get "used' to a given angle..

I've replaced it , and so far , so good...but a front drop (1.5 inches) is not out of the question.

I'm on a steep learning curve here!

jo

[morgan-tec]

Lookin good man, and i gotts love the intake, looks awsome in there. GReat creativity on the brush gaurd that is my bag of tricks so i really can appreciate it and what it took to make it. Keep up the good work.

[Numba1goalie]

That sucks about your boot. I guess if I ever did any kind of lift I would just replace all of those while im at it.

[AlaskaVX]

That sucks about your boot. I guess if I ever did any kind of lift I would just replace all of those while im at it.

I recomend the 1.5" front diff drop brackets from Darlington offroad, however I have still worn out boots. And you might as well let the boots tear before you fix them as it is some work to do it. I need to invest in some spare boots so I can replace them before I need to replace the axle.

[JoFotoz]

Yea ..the Darlington brackets seem like the way to go...
...easier than fabbing some up for sure!
I'll be looking closely at fitting them when I get back from Alaska.

Looks like I'm flying to Ketchican on Saturday and we leave Sunday or Monday...so meeting up doesnt look like its on the cards...shame.
I would of loved a ride in a SuperCharged VX!!!



Here's a pic of my ride home from Alaska....




I'll talk to you about the C/F hood insert when I get back...

..and thanks for all your input.

atb

jo