Datrupr's Mod Thread

[kevin]

This roof rack thread has my interest. I looked for aftermarket racks that would meet my needs, and did not find much. I too am considering building my own. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[datrupr]

OK, to get off of the rack topic for a moment, I just got the Sirius adapter box for my new JVC stereo and got it all installed yesterday. I would post pics, but there isn't really much to it. The only part that is really photograph-able (is that a word??) is the antenna, and that is not really all that exciting. The Sirius receiver is just a small box that plugs into the back of my Sirius ready head unit. I installed the receiver under the passenger seat, ran the antenna and plugged it into the head unit, and WOW!, I have Sirius!!!!!:victory: The install was pretty simple and only took about and hour, the hardest part was actually running the antenna, since I do plan on getting a rack I did not want to run it to the back roof of the truck, so I ran it up inside the windshield molding and up the front center of the roof of my truck. This is pretty cool, because now I have radio pretty much anywhere I am. I think I am going to have to give it a thorough work out on the way to the trail tomorrow. But, if anyone does want a few pics just let me know and I will snap a few and post them up. I do recommend for those considering a stereo upgrade to get a head unit that is already XM or Sirius ready, the install is really easy that way. On the GV I had to buy another Sirius unit (much less expensive), but the install was much more difficult. I am so psyched up about the satellite radio, how cool is it?

 

[datrupr]

OK, I now have to report on the Sirius Satellite radio. I have to say that it is really cool. The sound is almost CD quality, it works just about everywhere, and the range of channels is enormous! I can listen to just about anything I want any time I want, and anywhere I want. All I can say, if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up. The Sirius subscription is $12.95 a month and $7.00 a month for any additional units added to your account. We paid our subscription for a full year, and now we are set up until next year. Well worth it in my book. Since having Sirius I have not listened to any of the local radio stations or any of my Cd's. I can't wait to get down to Mexico and see how it does down there. This system totally ROCKS!!!:victory:

 

[bigreen505]

Yeah, I hear ya there Scott, but the CFO is releasing funds only for a rack at this time. I was really bummed too, because the full OME expedition heavy suspension is only $465 or so from Rocky Road. But, she thinks a rack is more important and she will not listen to my reasoning. I am actually considering just ignoring her and going with the suspension, but that might get me fired, and I don't want that right now.

Tell the CFO that an upside-down Trooper is not a good value and certainly doesn't need a rack.

 

[Scott Brady]

Good report on the Sirius radio. Tunes are a critical component of expedition travel :ylsmoke:

 

[Zaphod]

I can tell you from experience that Sirius works as far south as Monterrey, Mexico, and even about two hours south of that.

I made the decision to mount my antenna at the centerline of the truck just forward of the rear spoiler. Seeing as I don't currently have a roof rack, and seeing that even if I do get one I will still have my direct iPod interface (I have an Alpine), it seemed like a good idea. I am also uncompromisingly anal when it comes to wires and installations. I want it to look stock, or I don't accept it. Period.

Datrupr, I have to thank you for something. I am going to modify my truck with the 4WD true tweak. I had been hoping to find a 4WD switch that DIDN'T say "4WD Auto" like mine does, and lo and behold, THERE IT IS IN YOURS!

So, off I go to get a 4WD switch for a 98 Trooper! :jump:

Oh, and thanks for the pic of the CB. I have been looking for a model to do precisely what you did. All I will be adding will be a frame around the unit to filll in the gap between it and the dash. Like I said: uncompromisingly anal. :victory:

 

[datrupr]

Zaphod, I am the same way as you are in terms of I like things to look stock, so I try to go for the cleanest install possible. As for the switch, it doesn't have to be from a 98, just from any Trooper not equipped with TOD. Mine did not come with TOD so I did not have to worry about the mod, but I understand it is fairly simple. I think the 4WD switch is going to be the same as the late model Rodeos as well. Good luck with the conversion and keep us posted on its progress, and we would like to have a full report as to its performance once completed. Thanks for the helpful tip on Sirius, it is good to hear about its range from another user with experience. Also, thanks for the compliments on my CB set up. If you have the factory in dash CD changer you should not need to fab up a bracket, just modify the mounting brackets from the CD changer to line the CB up where you want it.

 

[Brian McVickers]

Aaron
Did your brother ever sell his Disco?

 

[datrupr]

Brian, I don't think it is sold as of yet. I also don't think he is trying really hard to get rid of it either, he doesn't really want to get rid of it, but he kinda has to, so I don't think he is really pushing it that hard. I will check to see if it is sold though. Why, you wanna buy it?

 

[Brian McVickers]

It most likely has not sold yet because of the roof rack he has on it. They are not very appealing and dissuade many perspective buyers from moving forward with the purchase even when they are very interested in the vehicle itself. He should sell the roof rack separately or better yet he should just give it away and not deal with trying to find a buyer for it too!

 

[datrupr]

I will see if I can't persuade him further on the roof rack.

 

[Zaphod]

I ended up ordering this baby:

Firestik antenna to follow.

 

[Zaphod]

Good luck with the conversion and keep us posted on its progress, and we would like to have a full report as to its performance once completed.

I don't know if I'll be able to tell, really. I'm so new to this that I'm pursuing making all these mods as a hobby first, then for practical use later. I'm also hoping to learn more about how my rig works so as to be more independent with it.

That even make sense?

If you have the factory in dash CD changer you should not need to fab up a bracket, just modify the mounting brackets from the CD changer to line the CB up where you want it.

I'm talking about a decorative frame that will wrap around the radio and finish the edge between it and the dash. I used the one from my old Alpine on my new one, and it looks as if it came from the factory that way.


BTW, concerning the dashboard switches: I have plans to get three fog light switches and the 4WD switch. Do the switches come with the plug in back, or do those come seperate?

I worry because it will be infinitely easier to wire the switches in if I can plug them in and then wire the harness rather than hard-wiring the switch.

Any ideas?

 

[datrupr]

I am not sure about the switches. As I have no fog or aux. lighting at the moment I have not purchased any of the switches. I am going to go with factory switches when the time comes, but I would bet on the fact that they already come eqauipped with the plug. I know my truck is already wired from the factory for fog lights, so when I add more lighting all I have to do is find the wires, plug them into the switch, and then run them to the lights. That is of course if the stock wiring is enough for the lights

 

[datrupr]

OK, I posted a quick quip about this on the adventures thread, but while at the Sportsman's Expo on Saturday I just could not pass up the offer going on at the 4Wheel Parts booth. $45 for the 48" and $10 for the isolator, no tax! Better than buying it on line.:victory: