notmiller
Observer
Thanks!
If I can't weld it, grind it, or machine it, then I'm not very good at it! That's why I'm handing off the interior to the professionals! But that'll give me time to brainstorm some new ideas.
A Custom UJOR-Sportsmobile Build
- Thread starter notmiller
- Start date
Thanks!
If I can't weld it, grind it, or machine it, then I'm not very good at it! That's why I'm handing off the interior to the professionals! But that'll give me time to brainstorm some new ideas.
notmiller
Observer
Here's some more shots of the shifters installed.
This will be a marathon weekend since we need to get the van to Fresno on Monday and I have yet to drive it. We did start it up yesterday and everything is running as hoped. We still need to lay down ALL the interior insulation. Also need to deal with some soft brakes and a "little" drag link clearance issue. The Deaver spring packs are too tall for the crossover steering. I have two options: remove a couple leaves or make a steering arm spacer. I'm hoping to do the latter.
This will be a marathon weekend since we need to get the van to Fresno on Monday and I have yet to drive it. We did start it up yesterday and everything is running as hoped. We still need to lay down ALL the interior insulation. Also need to deal with some soft brakes and a "little" drag link clearance issue. The Deaver spring packs are too tall for the crossover steering. I have two options: remove a couple leaves or make a steering arm spacer. I'm hoping to do the latter.
notmiller
Observer
Spacer made and saves the day! It's a 1/2" spacer, which was all the existing studs would allow, but it's enough.
On a different note, does anyone know what this computer is for that's mounted just behind the driver's seat on the wall. Is it the actual ECU or something else? It's manufactured by TRW.
On a different note, does anyone know what this computer is for that's mounted just behind the driver's seat on the wall. Is it the actual ECU or something else? It's manufactured by TRW.
This is getting riveting! And it's looking quite nice too.
But oh man, it sounds like it's turning into a Baja race week (ok I'll do the front susp, you do the rear, and we'll work on design presentation in the AM). Good luck dude! Just finished my marathon car build this week, and glad it's over...
-Nick
But oh man, it sounds like it's turning into a Baja race week (ok I'll do the front susp, you do the rear, and we'll work on design presentation in the AM). Good luck dude! Just finished my marathon car build this week, and glad it's over...
-Nick
notmiller
Observer
Your marathon car build? Did Musk have you out on the line trying to meet that delivery date??? j/k Are you prepping the Jeep to sell it? Yes, this build has been quite like the old days. Luckily there's no presentation I have to do, too. But it's a good thing there was a hard deadline otherwise this would've probably taken over a year like some of my other projects!
notmiller
Observer
We bought a couple of the individual kits from Quietride Solutions. We were pretty happy with them. One of the kits was missing some pieces, but they were quick to send out replacements. Some of the pieces took some modifying, but overall, it saved us a fair amount of time with the pre-cut pieces, which is why we went this route. It comes with pre-cut Dynamat Extreme pieces and then pre-cut fiber mat insulation with the foil backing. I couldn't find the same matting material anywhere online.
notmiller
Observer
I hate automatic transmissions!
Well, we were able to get the van done and up to Fresno by Monday but not without some real headaches. Most of it focused around the automatic trans. I've only dealt with manual transmissions, so I had nothing but problems dealing with a computer-controlled transmission. I thought I could just start her up and go and deal with a little inaccuracy on the speedo like a manual trans. My first clue was when I started her up and the speedo was reading about 40mph just sitting in neutral and started making all sorts of noise when switching back to park. I quickly learned that I really did need that Electronic Ratio Adapter that Chris highly recommended I buy. So after ending Sunday completely frustrated, I was able to get it wired correctly Monday morning and, with a code that Chris recommended, I was able test drive it finally at about 10am after 3 straight ~12-hr days of final touches. An hour later we were on the road to Sportsmobile West in Fresno. I really wish I could've broken everything in the proper way, but there was just no time. She ran very well for the 250-mile trip, but there's a driveline vibration at 55mph that I'll have to deal with. Hopefully, when the SMB interior conversion is done, the leaf springs will settle down to the intended 4" lift and maybe that'll solve the vibration. Other than that and some of the headaches in those final hours, we were very happy!
I don't think she's going to quite fit in the garage!
So now Sportsmobile has the van for 3 months, and until then I'll be catching up on all the other projects I've been neglecting, like the master bath that's been completely stripped apart for 3 months. Luckily my wife loves the van as much as me, otherwise I'd be in the doghouse for not finishing that bathroom.
Here's a list of the anticipated mods we'll be working on when it gets back:
- Mount an air compressor/tank and route the ARB plumbing
- Custom mounts for the new 12" Bilsteins coming soon
- High amp alternator
- Underfloor storage compartment
- Front and rear bumpers
- Rock sliders
- Retractable steps
- Stereo and sound system
- Interior temperature sense and automatic engine and A/C start (for dog safety!)
I'm sure this list will always grow, but that's the beauty of the van. It'll be a never-ending project!
Well, we were able to get the van done and up to Fresno by Monday but not without some real headaches. Most of it focused around the automatic trans. I've only dealt with manual transmissions, so I had nothing but problems dealing with a computer-controlled transmission. I thought I could just start her up and go and deal with a little inaccuracy on the speedo like a manual trans. My first clue was when I started her up and the speedo was reading about 40mph just sitting in neutral and started making all sorts of noise when switching back to park. I quickly learned that I really did need that Electronic Ratio Adapter that Chris highly recommended I buy. So after ending Sunday completely frustrated, I was able to get it wired correctly Monday morning and, with a code that Chris recommended, I was able test drive it finally at about 10am after 3 straight ~12-hr days of final touches. An hour later we were on the road to Sportsmobile West in Fresno. I really wish I could've broken everything in the proper way, but there was just no time. She ran very well for the 250-mile trip, but there's a driveline vibration at 55mph that I'll have to deal with. Hopefully, when the SMB interior conversion is done, the leaf springs will settle down to the intended 4" lift and maybe that'll solve the vibration. Other than that and some of the headaches in those final hours, we were very happy!
I don't think she's going to quite fit in the garage!
So now Sportsmobile has the van for 3 months, and until then I'll be catching up on all the other projects I've been neglecting, like the master bath that's been completely stripped apart for 3 months. Luckily my wife loves the van as much as me, otherwise I'd be in the doghouse for not finishing that bathroom.
Here's a list of the anticipated mods we'll be working on when it gets back:
- Mount an air compressor/tank and route the ARB plumbing
- Custom mounts for the new 12" Bilsteins coming soon
- High amp alternator
- Underfloor storage compartment
- Front and rear bumpers
- Rock sliders
- Retractable steps
- Stereo and sound system
- Interior temperature sense and automatic engine and A/C start (for dog safety!)
I'm sure this list will always grow, but that's the beauty of the van. It'll be a never-ending project!
notmiller
Observer
No problem. Also, for the floor we bought foil backed 1/4in foam, 5'x10' roll from the swap meet.
Thanks Chris! Steal away! And thanks for all your help, even on a Sunday night!
