AEV Brute Expedition Build in Dubai

[Oman4x4]

Here she is! Sitting on 37 inch tires with the bump stop mounts all done and the bed and fenders re-installed. Next step - install fuel tank and check clearances of the custom suspension and crazy shock absorbers against the tank. It arrived just in time

This is quite possibly the first photo of two Brutes side by side in the Middle East

And this is quite possibly the second photo of two Brutes side by side in the Middle East

Also note: Pace Edwards electric tonnau cover box - ready to go on the Brute when it's all done

Front Bump Stop Mounts massively reinforced - after seeing a similar design for the bump stop mounts on the Blue Brute had bent the spring perches slightly. The Blue Brute is missing it's front fenders as it undergoes the same improvement.

The Rear Bump Stop Lower Perch in place. The tube hanging down from above it represents the length of the bump stop at full compression. This will be removed and replaced by the actual bump stop. A lot of options were explored but this worked out to be the best location to keep them in-line with the shock absorbers (so that landings are the same as articulation - e.g. one at a time or both hitting together) and also as close to the axle tube as possible.

 

[precision powder]

Slightly off topic but can we get pictures of the caddy and the fj45? :sombrero:

 

[Oman4x4]

Slightly off topic but can we get pictures of the caddy and the fj45? :sombrero:

No worries

 

[Oman4x4]

Sunroof is installed and tested!

 

[Oman4x4]

Ford Ranger power sliding rear window installed:

 

[Oman4x4]

Test fit of the half doors - have adjusted the hinges and set them tight so the gaps are right, and now they will be stripped down and prepared for paint.

 

[precision powder]

No worries

My god they are beautiful!

You must have a thing for red huh?


The build looks like it is coming along great!

 

[Oman4x4]

My god they are beautiful!

You must have a thing for red huh?


The build looks like it is coming along great!

Thank you!

And yep - Red and chrome is definitely my thing ;-)

Only my MX5 isn't red and that's because there were no more in stock and no more manual transmissions coming in... and I haven't found the time or money to re-paint it yet

 

[precision powder]

Thank you!

And yep - Red and chrome is definitely my thing ;-)

Only my MX5 isn't red and that's because there were no more in stock and no more manual transmissions coming in... and I haven't found the time or money to re-paint it yet

Any red? Or just a bright red like you have now?

If it is any red I think this would look killer on an mx-5

 

[Oman4x4]

Any red? Or just a bright red like you have now?

If it is any red I think this would look killer on an mx-5

Normally just bright reds... have been considering a metallic red for the Brute and the MX5, but just haven't found anything that's really what I want. Most of them become too dark - maroon-like - when in the shade. Want something bright red normally but get that metallic flare in the sun.

But I think the Brute is just going to be the factory Jeep red now.

 

[precision powder]

Normally just bright reds... have been considering a metallic red for the Brute and the MX5, but just haven't found anything that's really what I want. Most of them become too dark - maroon-like - when in the shade. Want something bright red normally but get that metallic flare in the sun.

But I think the Brute is just going to be the factory Jeep red now.

Sounds like you definitely want to do an orange base coat with a candy red top coat. I personally like putting my flake in the clear rather than in the color itself. So maybe a clear with red flake, or even a orange or yellow heavy pearl. That should stay a bright red in the shade and really pop in the sun.

 

[Oman4x4]

Sounds like you definitely want to do an orange base coat with a candy red top coat. I personally like putting my flake in the clear rather than in the color itself. So maybe a clear with red flake, or even a orange or yellow heavy pearl. That should stay a bright red in the shade and really pop in the sun.

Appreciate the guidance! The problem I have is I haven't really found anyone here that I'm convinced can do it right. A few people that say they can do it but I've not seen proof. My MX5 had a rear impact and we had to repaint the gun metal grey. It took 11 swatch cards and 3 attempts at painting the car before we got to a stage where I was like... okay... just give me the car back. Even then the results are a bit patchy, some areas more metallic than others.

The metallic was a nice idea but I think now I'd rather just have the simple factory red and know it will be done right, and easy to repair scratches in future

 

[Humvette]

Love the build great job!!!

 

[johnson4x4]

WOW, what an amazing Hi-tech build. I'll be in the area for the next few weeks. I'll deffinately be keeping an eye out for any red rigs. Great build!

 

[4Rescue]

REALLY cool to see this build, and the level of detail you seem to take vehicles to is just... well it's really awesome. Your "collection" of vehicles is something else aye. That DeVille looks beautiful and the FJ45 is equally amazing.

How "rare" a truck would you say this Brute will be for Dubai and in your corner of the world in general??? Are there any others running around (besides the one sitting right next to it)??? One of a handful, one of two??? I've seen some really neat vehicles in that part of the world, even a couple T1's and J8's, but I never remember seeing any JK's and certainly never a Brute.

Good luck going forward, I'm watching this with a big smile on my face waiting to see what you do next... Whatever you have in store, I can only guess it'll be as impressive as the rest of the work you've done already.

Cheers

Dave