95 Suzuki Sidekick Lightweight Build

[Willy G]

Hi all,
Some of you have meet me, some haven't yet. Although, I haven't been on this board in a long time, I've been working on everyone else's projects, so much so, that I have neglected my own. Anyways, I just recently had the displeasure of owning an 01 Forester, and I loved what it did, but it blew the last set of head gaskets under my ownership, so I sold it.

Fast forward to last month, and through the crazy world that is Suzuki people, and I just happended to get a Suzuki sidekick as the new daily driver.

So. Imidiately I had to remove the hideous grill the previous owner installed. I left the mad Max mud gaurds until I have an idea to replace them.


Ahh, much better. Here are some pictures to a day trip fishing with the family at Switzer lake and a fast trip up to reddish knob.

 

[Willy G]

I'll be updating this whenever possible, but just trying to play catch up for right now, I've put 2,000 miles on it in less than a month, and have been absolutely amazed about how much like a go-cart these are to drive. Even compared to my samurais.

Here was the start to the front bumper. I'll be modifying the design soon.

 

[Willy G]

Well we get down to the first oil changes, I'll be doing a full head job in the near future, but for now. Time to gain back the lost power with some new plugs and wires,

 

[Willy G]

Last weekend was our club annual ride back in West Virginia, we had a great 4 days of fun. Yes, I can keep up with the big dogs. Just needs a rear spool. Also had the privilege to have the starter go out on Friday... Luckily I have 1 or 5 spares at my shop.

 

[Willy G]

Time to start back on the front bumper this week, so I'd like to thank Warn Industries for their support in this build.



I hadn't expected for them to step up like they did, so again huge shout out to them for suppling me with the proper tools to help others out of bad situations.

A brand new Warn VR-8 winch showed up at my door this afternoon, and with tomorrow off, so tomorrow I'll be mocking this bad boy up!! (Hot weather may vary)


I ordered the VR instead of the VR-S (synthetic) because of the steel cables don't fade or wear as fast. Even though it definitely weighs more, I believe it helps a lot with hill climbs.

More to come in the near future!!

 

[Willy G]

After a long night last night, I slept in and decided to finally put together my new awning. No, it's not one of the cool wrap around ones, but it only cost me $30. And I can leave it set up in camp when I leave for the day.

So, I pulled it out of its plastic to let the chineseum air out of the tarp, and sprayed it down with a good waterproofing spray. And almost got a liberal spritzing to the face, from a broken spray can.

Then on to the bumper. With the new mounting plate in hand, I cut the whole bumper off and set it to the side.

Then notched the winch plate to fit inside the frame rails. And tacked it into place, and set the bumper back up to a perfect fit. I'll be redoing the bottom tubes, but for now the winch is set and I'm waiting on longer lines to put the control box under the hood.

Then went to the main shop and pulled the skids and did a full service and rotate. Glad this thing has been doing as good as it has been.

 

[Willy G]

No updates one the Sidekick, just ordered alot of stuff online for it. So this weekend is going to be fun.

Here are some pictures of a roll cage I put in a scout 80

 

[utherjorge]

That cage looks great.

Looking forward to more sidekick pics: I'm doing work on a similar vehicle and posting it here, too. I had a tracker before a drunk totaled it.

 

[Willy G]

That cage looks great.

Looking forward to more sidekick pics: I'm doing work on a similar vehicle and posting it here, too. I had a tracker before a drunk totaled it.

Thanks man. Glad to hear you survived. I've stared down some SUVs that shouldn't have been in my lane at the time.

I'll be doing some cool stuff next week. The post man forgot some of my packages, but depending on how my back feels. Through it out on Monday. And having an office job is not the best for them.

But, what came today I through on as fast as possible. Vent shades and the most important piece in all 4x4 camping.

 

[Willy G]

More goodies from sidetracked off-road!!



I'm a big fan of led lights, but trying to keep it light (pun intended), I'll be doing a lot of dual purpose stuff. These LEDs are clear white, and Amber orange. The whites will help with deer sighting, and the Amber's really help in fog.

My back is still recovering, but I was able to just put them on. But not wire them yet.


Also, I received my interior lighting strip. I'll be installing these bad boys when I start on the roof rack and kitchen. But it's nice being 12v and remote controlled. It should be nice to press a button and light up the whole campsite.

 

[Willy G]

Well last week I build a side mount for my hammock, and I learned a lot after camping out in the hammock last weekend. First of which, the hammock mounts in round tube are not the right thing. I'll have to cut the ends off and weld some square tubing in there. Second is that I needed additional ground supports. The cars spare jack worked great for it. But needs to be taller.​

 

[Willy G]

Updates from the adventures of Will. Last we left off, I had just finished the hammock setup and had discovered the flaw that thin wall tubing didn't have the shear strength I needed.

So, I have since redone the mounts to use 1" square hitch material and started with a rear 2" hitch for the rear bumper. And it will need some additional support for any heavy weight. So, ignoring all of that, I drove to Fredricksburg to pick up a Ford dually Dana 60, and I must say it does awesome wheelies.

I also picked up another one for spares.

Then I insulated the roof section, and it helped a lot. I need to get more of it, so I can finish the rear section.

And lastly, I went and helped my grandad with his first BBQ cook-off, he won 1st place in the chicken, and 3rd in pulled pork and ribs. The hammock worked great, the back awning and side ones worked great (but I need to remount them), and the 12v lights off Amazon are infact waterproof!

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