New adventure Toy(ota) in AZ

[expeditionist]

Sweeeeeet! I cant wait to see the build continue. People don't always realize how much work goes into a rally car. Its like building a fully tricked out expo rig but that still looks like a normal(sort of) car. Very impressive work. I think when my '93 Honda Civic Si Hatchback hits 300K, I may have to build it into a rally car. I just love the whole concept of Rally. It has been and always will be my favorite type of motor sport racing.

 

[Jrally]

Thanks for the compliment. It may get turned into a rally car someday, but for now it's going to be my desert expedition vehicle. The plan is to seal it up, to keep the dust out, put some carpet back in the back to keep it quieter and add the tools and storage for 2-3 day adventures through the SW...

-Jon

 

[4Rescue]

That is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! I had a similar set-up with an 89 VW Fox and in reality, besides the really big rocks and stuff that was just too big for it to crawl over...it did better then alot of 4wd's out on the trail. I'm LOVING your set-up mate, it's so cool to see someone build of of an unexpected platform. Can't wait to see more of this rig.

Cheers

Dave

 

[Jrally]

I'm planning on another test day out this coming weekend. During the week, I've got to replace both master cylinders though, after the last test, they both are leaking one internally, one on the floor, inside the car. If I have time I'm planning on getting a start on my roof rack as well, this week. So, expect a few new photos to be coming soon.

-Jon
Roodwerks Eng...

 

[Jrally]

Master cylinders are both swapped and bled. Changing the clutch wasn't too fun, glad there wasn't a front cage section, otherwise my neighbors would have thought I was having a drunk sailor fight in my garage from all the cussing...

-Jon

 

[ARlZONA]

Here is a great rally story, how to compete with the big boy using a $500 Craigslist car.

http://jalopnik.com/5497042/how-to-win-a-professional-auto-race-with-a-500-car

 

[Jrally]

I loved that story, amazing experience for them. (Do I have him beat, if I only paid $400 for my car?? LOL) I'm trying to imagine how much money they would have to have spent to do that, still much cheaper then any other team I'm sure...

-Jon

 

[Jrally]

Not visible progress, but I ordered a custom aluminum gas tank from Mirax Fuel Products today. I sized it to drop into the hole and brackets I arleady had for the plastic cell that was in back. It's only 7" tall, so I'm hoping to get a nice flat floor over the top of it, once it's in place. The filler neck will be coming out the side of the body, in a similar place to stock, but most likely about 6-8" higher. If it wasn't such a small body I would have gotten a much bigger tank, but all I really had room for was 14 gallons. I guess I'll be figuring out creative solutions for carrying 5 gallon cans on long trips. The long 50/50 split trip a few weeks ago, I averaged about 25mpg, so even 14 gallons will take me more than 300 miles, usually enough time to find another gas station.

-Jon
Roodwerks Eng...

 

[Jrally]

The new tank showed up today, looks good. I'm looking forward to getting this thing installed and the back end sealed up. This past weekend I found a fuel fill pocket from a Jeep Wrangler. It'll probably get installed in the c-pillar, just behind the quarter window. The factory location is just too low for my needs.

I also picked up a reciever hitch d-ring recovery piece from Harbor Freight, modified to be stronger of course... (I can't leave well enough alone)

-Jon

 

[RMP&O]

I like it! :victory:

nice fab work...and it looks very fun to drive.

 

[Jrally]

Got a little bit done this weekend, not too much though, house guest...

-Jon

1) Newly widened mounting frame work
2) Test fitting in the hole
3) The Jeep fill box cut into "C" pillar
4) View from back bumper, about 2" taller than bumper

 

[ntsqd]

Cool build!
Needs a snorkel.....
:sombrero:
LOL

 

[alexfm]

Cool build!
Needs a snorkel.....
:sombrero:
LOL

x2! I love this car! On a side note, do you happen to have the part number for the Recovery Ring thingy you got at harbor freight? I go there all the time, and just got a hitch for my rig, and have been looking for something like this.

Alex.

 

[ntsqd]

I was being tongue-in-cheek!

 

[Jrally]

Not sure, but I'll see if I can find it. When I bought it, it was just two flat plates welded to the end of the plated box section. I welded a strap between the two plates, then drilled a drain hole on the lower side, since the ring hole is open to the inside.
I've been thinking about how to make a snokel, get fresh air a bit higher up, out of the dust... (not for deep water crossings) So far, the deepest water has only been 12-13" deep.
-Jon