Montero Build

[winkosmosis]

I like these vehicles a lot. I've always wondered how well they'd do offroad with the full independent suspension.

To cut the flares, a hacksaw might work better than a Sawzall. Yes, I know people are very eager to use a Sawzall on everything, but it's just plastic.With a hack saw, you greatly reduce your chance of messing up. Worked great on my XJ's bumper endcaps, where the Dremel was much harder to keep straight.

BTW, why did you go with Pathfinders vs BFG ATs?

 

[datrupr]

I've always wondered how well they'd do offroad with the full independent suspension.

I was concerned about it too when I was looking at them. After a few trips through some fairly serious stuff I have to say it does pretty well. I had to turn around in the rock garden portion of the Smiley Rock trail, but it was not due to lack of capability, more to the fact that there is no underside protection. I didn't feel like denting or puncturing my gas tank.

To cut the flares, a hacksaw might work better than a Sawzall. Yes, I know people are very eager to use a Sawzall on everything, but it's just plastic.With a hack saw, you greatly reduce your chance of messing up. Worked great on my XJ's bumper endcaps, where the Dremel was much harder to keep straight.

Good advice. I think that might work better. I'll give it a try over the sawzall. Thank you.

BTW, why did you go with Pathfinders vs BFG ATs?

Priamrily price point. Much cheaper than BFG, and they are made by BFG for Discount Tire. The tread pattern is very similar. I had a set on my Trooper and was very impressed by them. I have had no issues so far with the tire on either vehicle. Once these wear out out, I'll probably move up to a 255/85 in the BFG M/T's

 

[datrupr]

All right, ladies and germs. As you figured, the mods on the mighty Monty have begun again, though they will be spread apart, and there aren't many of them. Anyway, Stage II has begun:

Stage II, Section 1.1 (SII:1.1):

Thanks to Jeff (agavelvr), I think I have now joined the world of glamping with this:

It came with the transit bag, both power cords, and a wireless thermometer. I think I got it for a steal, but I could be wrong. None the less, I don't really care.

Right now, it is secured via the factory tie downs with ratchet straps front and rear.

Soon, thanks to Graham, I will be getting a slide lock for it and it will be more secure. All I need now are the feet for the slide lock. Anyone have some they want to part with? I'll be willing to pay for them.

Also, I still need to mount the thermometer and come up with a solution to keep the fridge running while the truck is off, and to also keep from draining the battery. But, thanks to Rex, I think I have an idea for that.

Stay tuned, more to come. :box:

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Very nice!!! Shall I send you an application for the Glamping Society??

 

[datrupr]

That would be great, Heidi. An application for the Galmping Society to make us official members.

I found a good location for the wireless thermometer. I just have to mount it. I'll post pics as soon as it is complete.

 

[datrupr]

Update:
Slidlock - In transit
Slide Lock Feet - In transit. By the by, Expedition Exchange does carry just the feet for the Engle and Norcold fridge Slide locks. Not to bad for a set of four price wise, and I have to say, dealing with John there was a real pleasure. So far, top notch service from EE. They carry a lot of stuff too, not just for LR owners anymore.

Stay tuned.

 

[datrupr]

Stage II, Section 1.2 complete.


I have the thermometer mounted where I want it.

 

[datrupr]

Stage II, section 1.3

I got a little more work finished this weekend.

I needed a secure place to put the fridge, so I started to build this:

It is still a way off, but it works for now. On the right will be a drawer for recovery, spares, and tools, then I'll build another drawer on top for kitchen stuff. Also, I plan to build another small drawer below the fridge for more storage. It took me about 2 hours to build and so far cost me less than $25. When it is all finished I will cover it with grey carpet to match the rest of the interior.

Now I'm just waiting for my feet for the fridge and I'll pist up a pic when it is installed.

 

[datrupr]

Stage II, section 2.1.

Well, I really didn't like the stance of the Montero, so I put it under the knife (or hacksaw in this case), and gave it a little liposuction.

As it was stock:

I have found on the trail that the low hanging built-into-the-cladding "mud flaps" tend to get caught up on stuff. So, I took care of that:

And it looks a little more off-road worthy and gives it the appearance of being a little higher off the ground.

Stay tuned, more to come.

 

[Monstero]

Looks good man. You will like those flaps cut off. I would have done the same but since I had the factory running boards they were already cut when I took them off. Now its time to get some sliders.

 

[datrupr]

Thanks, man. I wish I had the runnig boards so I could have just removed them and the flaps already cut. I am thinking about slider designs too. I'm also saving my pennies to buy one of your sweet rear bumpers.

 

[Monstero]

Ya....let me know when you are ready and we will build ya one. I cant tell you how much I love me sliders...

 

[olympiccop2002]

Are you going to just cover up the storage area or are you going to make an access door?

 

[datrupr]

Are you going to just cover up the storage area or are you going to make an access door?

I am going to put a drawer in there as well as build another one above it. Then I'll cover the whole thing with carpet. It is just dependant on funds at the moment. Drawers and carpet will be last.

 

[datrupr]

Stage II, section 1.4

Got my feet in for the fridge (Thanks EE), and got the Slide Lock secured (Thanks Graham), and the fridge is now mounted. I think this weekend calls for more lumber and to build the second drawer space, oh, and more paint too.