Going on a diet

[Fullsizexj]

First thing was to remove the exo cage
http://bbs.off-road.com/wwwthreads_uploads/1533379-P1010041.JPG
Then I have begun cutting away body parts
http://bbs.off-road.com/wwwthreads_uploads/1533380-P1010042.JPG
This is all Daves fault, I saw how his turned out and liked it, one of these days I will learn to stop looking at jeep pics on the internet, I still have alot more cutting to do, lucky for me for this project I will only have to but a taurus fan which is on the way already and some 5 point harness's, I already have everything else to do this project

[BrettM]

so why the rockwelled buggy and this?

[Fullsizexj]

I have decided to do this because it is quicker and easier to get done, the rockwell project has been scraped, I decided that for the stuff I like to do it just was not gonna work for, just way to big, axles are gone now, I still have the chassis and drivetrain, I may just go ahead and use the motor for a stroker project and eventually flip the D300 and stick it in this one

[OT]

Hahaha, for a minute I thought you rebuilt the buggie frame in the shape of an XJ.:thumbup:

[Goatman]

I want to see some wheeling pics. :)


Internet, Internet, Internet, Internet....................

[Fullsizexj]

Okie Dokie Richard, Hard to do when driving but I will find some for you, you get any more done on your new project ?

[Goatman]

Naw, just collecting parts right now. I went on a wheeling trip to Fordyce last week/weekend, and I've been preparing for a big job interview/presentation, so no time for the project. Next week I'll be back on it, I'm ready to start bending some tube and making suspension mounts. Now I think I'm going to do the suspension mounts before I do the tube work.

[Fullsizexj]

That is a good idea, hard to make mounts work around tube but it is real easy to make the tube work around the mounts

[steelmen]

anything new?

[Fullsizexj]

Hopefully this week it will get started, did some trading with Travis at Roark Fabworks so he is gonna do the tube work for me, I still have not run power to the shop I built out back and I want to get this done fast, want to go on some runs real soon here so I can get some pics for Richard. I should have the Taurus fan delivered today along with the 5 point harness's I ordered for it, that should be about everything I need to do it, I already have all the tube for it and have finished stripping it down to the point I can hand it over to him to do. Sold off the old exo and the Warn 8274 and already had a 9000 lbs winch to put on it now. I still thinking on picking up a couple 2500 lbs ATV winches to use for axle winches but That is not a big hurry at this point. I will be using the Fox air shocks I had for the other project so that is already handled too

[Fullsizexj]

Got all the parts loaded up in the truck this morning, tomorrow morning I am hauling it over to Travis so we can get started. I will try to get pics as we go but I do not know how often I will get to drive over to KY at this point and he is on dialup so pics may be slow in coming

[Fullsizexj]

updated pics, all the sheetmetal has been removed including the windshield
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RBXJ001.JPG
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RBXJ002.JPG
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RBXJ003.JPG
he is finishing up the 2 tube chassis you see in the background today and then he will start the tube work on mine

[Weasel]

eh great so now we are going to have a bunch of mini-richard's running around? :spin1:

bring on the tube!

[KSXJ]

to bad you arn't closer, would love to buy the exo from ya!

[BIGWOODY]

going to be ready for a Harlan ride soon?

[Fullsizexj]

That is the first place I want to take it, been dying to get back out there

[vintagespeed]

updated pics, all the sheetmetal has been removed including the windshield
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RBXJ002.JPG
he is finishing up the 2 tube chassis you see in the background today and then he will start the tube work on mine

Throw a pair of disc brake brackets on the weight saving list.

You guys can have your buggies. I'm keeping my roof.

[David Taylor]

You guys can have your buggies. I'm keeping my roof.

Hey, I have a roof.
http://pic.piczo.com/img/i218010761_77294.jpg

[vintagespeed]

Hey, I have a roof.

Sure, it's pretty and all but some of us aren't into the show n' shines Dave.

That's okay, when it's cold & rainy on the trail (someday) all the wimmins can ride with me. :D

[xj8_8]

Hey, I have a roof.
http://pic.piczo.com/img/i218010761_77294.jpg
Any idea what yours weighs? Im planning to do about the same to mine over the winter.

[David Taylor]

Any idea what yours weighs? Im planning to do about the same to mine over the winter.

about 3480 trail ready.

[Dirk Pitt]

about 3480 trail ready.

Including driver?

[Ramsey]

about 3480 trail ready.
before or after a BM?

[David Taylor]

Including driver?
No driver. Tools, spares and gas.

[FarmerMatt]

before or after a BM?

After... He's pretty anal about about that.

[Big Red]

Nice looking buggie. :guitar:

What do you need to make one street legal in Cali? I'm thinking a windshield of some sort, seat belts, original gas tank, side mirrors. Are doors needed at all if you are buckled in? I could do tube doors or 1/2 doors. I don't have a tow rig and trailer and like being able to drive to/from the trails.


Troy

[luvrox]

That is the first place I want to take it, been dying to get back out there

Oh crap Richard its Harlan. I thaught for a second you were coming back to the Hammers again. I had the HD trailer and the Dodge recovery truck all lined up and ready to go out and get ya. :D

[Fullsizexj]

wish I had a truck like yours, you can't even tell your towing with it, how is the new buggy coming, hadn't seen any new news on it on Pirate lately

[luvrox]

Hope to have it out for shake down in mid Jan. Comp season starts Feb. 25 in Vegas. Lessons learned, don't ever build anything from scratch. Untill you have been there you can't even imagine how many parts there are in vehicle.
P/s you hack and chop XJ guys aint realy that dumb after all.
All this grief for a 103" wheel base leaf spring buggy with 36hp. :doh:

[Fullsizexj]

Good to talk with ya again Gary, just finished reading the thread you told me about, man what a pissin contest from people with no experience what so ever on a product. Typical over there though

[AJsArmor]

I should have had you ship me all your old sheetmetal- mine's full of rust living in the salt-belt.

[Fullsizexj]

wasn't much left of it after cutting it off, Here are the latest pics so far as of yesterday
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB004.JPG

http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB005.JPG

http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB006.JPG

[Fullsizexj]

progress from Tuesday
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB007.JPG

[heapxj]

so sweet

[David Taylor]

I like it.

[88rockxj]

just curious but why cut 75% of your xj up just to leave a crappy firewall and floor? why not tube it all and add some sheetmetal that looks/works better? dont take it as a putdown just curious

[Fullsizexj]

Thanks Dave, this is all your fault ya know, you went and did yours in such a way that I liked it alot

[Fullsizexj]

A little more progress has been made
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB008.JPG
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB009.JPG
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB010.JPG

[Jump This]

Thanks Dave, this is all your fault ya know, you went and did yours in such a way that I liked it alot

Its not Daves fault.....I'm thinking that damn farmer from the valley started all this.
I AM NOT CUTTING UP MY CHEROKEE!!!

I'm thinking on buying someone elses to cut up.....

Rick

[Mike L]

Its not Daves fault.....I'm thinking that damn farmer from the valley started all this.
I AM NOT CUTTING UP MY CHEROKEE!!!

I'm thinking on buying someone elses to cut up.....

Rick

Buy mine...................... :gee:

[FarmerMatt]

Don't bring me into this...

Richard,
Is that angle bar on the "B" pillar & behind the seats going to get any more bracing than that? It doesn't look like it's doing to much to me the way it's sitting. Why not the traditional "X" or upside down "V"? I do like the lines of the rig.

[FarmerMatt]

Its not Daves fault.....I'm thinking that damn farmer from the valley

I do believe Mr. Oneton started it... I just made it cool...:wierd:

[Jump This]

Buy mine...................... :gee:
I bet its got good axels!!

[Ghost]

What happened ot the EXO cage?

[Mike L]

What happened ot the EXO cage?

He realized how http://home.austin.rr.com/rosclan/smithers_gay.gif it was. :smoker:

[Fullsizexj]

Don't bring me into this...

Richard,
Is that angle bar on the "B" pillar & behind the seats going to get any more bracing than that? It doesn't look like it's doing to much to me the way it's sitting. Why not the traditional "X" or upside down "V"? I do like the lines of the rig.
I did some trading with Travis over at Roark Fabworks, he is building the cage for me since I still have not put power out to my shop yet, he is building it to WEROCK Pro Modified specs, that is what they call for, I will be going over to check it out this weekend and will look at it better

[Goatman]

Don't bring me into this...

Richard,
Is that angle bar on the "B" pillar & behind the seats going to get any more bracing than that? It doesn't look like it's doing to much to me the way it's sitting. Why not the traditional "X" or upside down "V"? I do like the lines of the rig.

I was looking at that, and it's kind of interesting. The B area ends up being four triangles, which should be plenty strong. Leaves a nice cross bar to mount the harnesses to. The B pillar uprights are pretty strong that way, but I wonder about the middle of the A and B top bars.......unless it's just not finished yet.

[Fullsizexj]

There is gonna be a tube across the dash with the traditional windshield V so that sould take care of the topbar support for the A pillars, I will have to look at it when I go over there next for the B pillar top bar, I am rear mounting the Radiator so that is a major consideration on the tube work behind the seats.

[Goatman]

Rich, most don't have a middle support on the B pillar hoop. It's strong enough, the only risk is bending it if you landed directly on a rock.

[Fullsizexj]

You are probably right, Travis builds alot of competition chassis and knows his stuff. I have alot of trust in his ideas. At this point, I just tell him what I want it to look like and he figures out the structure and makes it work.

[Joe]

Looking good Richard keep us informed on the progress.

[Fullsizexj]

couple more pics
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB011.JPG
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB012.JPG

[Fullsizexj]

Fresh pics
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB014.JPG
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB013.JPG

[Mosephus]

very nice!

[NXJ]

That looks über-pimp! Really mean looking face..

What are you doing for front suspension, if anything? Is that factory LCA bracketry?

I noticed you still have the plastic vacuum canister hanging? :D

[Skullver]

looking really cool Richard, look forward to more updates!

[xtremexj94]

Looks awesome! I'm so jealous of you warm climate guys that can build xjuggys and not have to worry about mud and snow.

[Fullsizexj]

what warm climate, it is snowing outside right now, just have to dress warm is all :D

[ruggedjeep]

He used to be a warm climate guy... Till he moved :D

[nhrocker]

He used to be a warm climate guy... Till he moved :DThat makes sense...keep the body and exo in the warm climate, ditch the body when you move somewhere cold.:confused1

[Fullsizexj]

It was just a matter of what I wanted to use it for at the time and what I want to do now has changed, so stripping it down makes sense for the reasons I have

[Fullsizexj]

A little more progress, seat mounts Rad mount and Fuelcell mounts are in
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB015.JPG
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB016.JPG

[FarmerMatt]

I still can't help, but question the "B" pillar bracing. It would be hell for stout if you flopped it on the pass. side, but the upper pass "B" pillar corner looks to be laking. I'd like to see him do the exact same treatment in reverse. Upper pass. corner to drivers mid cross bar & lower pass corner to drivers mid bar. This would create an upper & a lower X in the "B" hoop that would be extremely strong & ad minimal weight. Not all triangles are equal in strength with a symetrical equal length legged triangle being the strongest.

I'm really interested in how he'll plumb the radiator. The lines of the buggy look killer Rich.

Matt

[Goatman]

Matt, for that corner to compress it has to move the A pillar, since there is a diagonal from that corner to the center of the A hoop, and it would have to break the weld on the diagonal that runs from the middle of the B hoop to the top. That diagonal is supporting both corners, either by compression strength on one corner or extension strength on the other corner......niether corner can move without something coming apart.

Granted, a weld can break or a bar can bend, but that corner still has considerable structural strength even though it doesn't have a diagonal going to it from the opposite B pillar. I agree that it would be stronger with it's own diagonal, but it should still be strong enough.

[Fullsizexj]

here is a rendering that Little Rich did of it with a skin on it and a body line but I am gonna do the body line different from what he suggested
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/Dirtriot/3d_panel_rule_explination.jpg

[FarmerMatt]

Granted, a weld can break or a bar can bend, but that corner still has considerable structural strength even though it doesn't have a diagonal going to it from the opposite B pillar. I agree that it would be stronger with it's own diagonal, but it should still be strong enough.

I disagree. That diagnal in the roof would only help on a side impact not in a complete turtle manuver. The only structure that corner has in a turtle move is the bar from that corner to the rear.

[Fullsizexj]

for the Radiator, we are gonna run Hrew tube underneath to each end with regular flex hose for the connections on each end, this way I can get a hose anywhere if ever needed, some get that custom long hose and run it from end to end but try and find it in an emergency when you need it

[CanMan]

for the Radiator, we are gonna run Hrew tube underneath to each end with regular flex hose for the connections on each end, this way I can get a hose anywhere if ever needed, some get that custom long hose and run it from end to end but try and find it in an emergency when you need it

Going to run it under it, or through the inside? Adding header wrap to it, wouldn't be a bad idea, depending on where you place it. Just to keep hands off the hot tube.

[Fullsizexj]

underneath it betwwen the unibody frame rails

[Goatman]

I disagree. That diagnal in the roof would only help on a side impact not in a complete turtle manuver. The only structure that corner has in a turtle move is the bar from that corner to the rear.

If you look at that corner, and I assume here we're talking about the upper pass side corner of the B hoop, and follow the force lines to determine what else would have to move (or come apart) for that corner to move, it's considerable.

For example, for that corner to collapse inward at all, the upper B pillar cross bar will have to move sideways towards the drivers side. Assuming that the welds don't break on the upper B hoop diagonal, that upper B hoop bar can't move sideways since the drivers side corner is tied into the middle of the pass side B pillar, which is tied into the middle and the bottom of the drivers side B pillar. Additionally, for that B hoop upper cross bar to move sideways it also has to move the three roof diagonals, basically having to twist the couple of triangles formed by those three diagonals and the upper B hoop cross bar, and to twist that roof structure the A pillars would have to deform. Also, the two rearward down bars add some triangulation to the top of the B hoop making it even more difficult to move.

The only way I see that corner collapsing in is if the upper B hoop cross bar bent in the middle, but it still would have to move/bend the pass side rearward down bar and pull the middle of the upper A hoop rearward (which would be difficult because the middle of the upper A hoop is still tied to the two upper corners of the B hoop through the two roof diagonals, and the two upper corners of the B hoop are supported by the rearward down bars).

Basically, you'd have to hit it hard enough to bend the crap out of a bunch of tubes that are already tied into other tubes..........that would take a pretty hard hit, and I don't think we go fast enough.



Is that clear enough? :D

[FarmerMatt]

Is that clear enough? :D

Nope. There's simply to large an unsupported span across the top of the "B" pillar IMO. It wouldn't take much for the top of the "B" hoop to bend & as it does would pull the "B" pillar in towards the passenger. I guess we'll agree to disagree.
:twak:
:cheers:

Matt

[Goatman]

Nope. There's simply to large an unsupported span across the top of the "B" pillar IMO. It wouldn't take much for the top of the "B" hoop to bend & as it does would pull the "B" pillar in towards the passenger. I guess we'll agree to disagree.
:twak:
:cheers:

Matt

Well, let's see if we can get Rich to do a field test on it to see how it will actually hold up. Any decent size cliffs around there? :shocked:

:laugh: :laugh:

[Fullsizexj]

yeah but that are all mud, kinda defeats the purpose but I will see what I can find anyways

[FarmerMatt]

yeah but that are all mud, kinda defeats the purpose but I will see what I can find anyways

The only true way to test this would be a full on back flip. Goat & I will handle the betting...

[Lincoln]

Matt,

Trying to understand you a little because I'm slow to catch on. Are you thinking in a turtle the pass B will go down or inward? I can kind of see it crushing but I could see the A pillars going haywire before that happens.

???

[slowagon]

Awesome build! About how much tubing did you use in your cage. You've motivated me to start "dieting". Also could you show how the cage tied into the psuedo-frame. Thanks

[FarmerMatt]

Matt,

Trying to understand you a little

Many have tried, but none have succeeded...:conceited

My main concern is the passenger. I believe the cage is weak in the corner above the passengers head. Imagine if (IF) the "B" hoop bent down in that area, there is not enough bracing to keep the "B" pillar area from being pulled inward towards the passenger at the same time. By simply finishing the "X" into that corner you'd have it braced extremely well & it wouldn't add more than a couple pounds to the build. I feel it would make the difference of only having to fix a bent tube after a roll than having the entire passenger "B" pillar tweaked after a roll. Again this is my opinion I the rest of the rig is very well built IMO...

Honestly I doubt that we'll ever really know if it'll hold up because this thread & build will end up just like this one, that's it I'm going Rockwells (http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=61998&highlight=rockwells):firedevil Always the bridesmaid & never the bride...:laugh3:

Matt

[Fullsizexj]

Don't worry Matt, this one will happen, the rockwell one was scrapped and parted out because it was gonna end up just way to big for what I want to do, I still have the chassis sitting out in the garage with the drivetrain minus the axles so it might go another direction someday but is not a priority at this time. The one I am doing now already runs so it was a quicker cheaper way to go and fits what I want to do is all.

[Lincoln]

Many have tried, but none have succeeded...:conceited

My main concern is the passenger. I believe the cage is weak in the corner above the passengers head. Imagine if (IF) the "B" hoop bent down in that area, there is not enough bracing to keep the "B" pillar area from being pulled inward towards the passenger at the same time. By simply finishing the "X" into that corner you'd have it braced extremely well & it wouldn't add more than a couple pounds to the build. I feel it would make the difference of only having to fix a bent tube after a roll than having the entire passenger "B" pillar tweaked after a roll. Again this is my opinion I the rest of the rig is very well built IMO...

Honestly I doubt that we'll ever really know if it'll hold up because this thread & build will end up just like this one, that's it I'm going Rockwells (http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=61998&highlight=rockwells):firedevil Always the bridesmaid & never the bride...:laugh3:

Matt


I actually agree with all the points but I think the a-pillar will get trashed before the B and both would be a nasty hit. Also I bet Fullsize would scrap it long before it came close to a roll like that so fixing isn't an issue. :D

[Fullsizexj]

well it is really close to being done now, only thing left is a few of the skin tabs to go, was hoping to go paint all the tube today but UPS did not deliver the tabs yesterday due to the road being snowed in, so it will get all painted next weekend and then the final assembly and wiring and fuel lines and rad hoses hooked up and then I will bring it home to finish off a couple other little things, no new pics but I will try to get some this week

[Fullsizexj]

all of the welding and tubework is done, Now I have to get over there and paint all the tubework so that he can do the final assembly
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB017.JPG
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB018.JPG

[Fullsizexj]

Tubework is all painted now, gotta go over and paint the Boatsides to match the body and then it will be ready to come home to finish off a few other things
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB019.JPG

[AJsArmor]

SMURF! Detail pics detail pics...I too want to see how they tied in the front.

[Fullsizexj]

SMURF! Detail pics detail pics...I too want to see how they tied in the front.
like this
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/RB017.JPG

[Paul S]

Looks great Richard

Paul

[David Taylor]

Did you move the radiator to the back yet ?

[Fullsizexj]

yup, it is mounted about a foot and a half behind the seats

[steelmen]

updates?

[Fullsizexj]

Picking it up this Saturday, then I have to do some things, gotta install the rad fan do the skins a a few other things to it.

[Onkover]

Great looking build. I even like your pick of color. Be glad to see the final product!

[Fullsizexj]

went over yesterday and we worked on getting it started, fuel lines were backwards so once we figured that out the battery went dead and the starter would not crank, I will be going back today, we have had it charging all night to see if it was just the battery or the starter went bad, he is gonna call me this morning so I wil know if I need to get a battery or starter before I head over today. Should be bringing it back today.

[Jimbo_1321]

update?

[Fullsizexj]

I have it back home and have been working on the skins for it

[Fullsizexj]

O.K. made some progress on the skins, here is another pic for now
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/P1010059.jpg

[nhrocker]

O.K. made some progress on the skins, here is another pic for nowIt looks like it's missing a big Superman logo on the hood... :laugh3:

Really though, it's looking like it's coming together, what's left? How long before we see some action shots? And any idea what the final weight is yet?

[Fullsizexj]

I have to get a fan for the radiator still, eliminate alot of wiring, mount and hook up the winch, reroute the exhaust, wire in the fuel pump hook up the fan for the trans cooler, line-x the floor boards, and a few other odds and ends. Have not weighed it yet but I sure could tell the difference when I towed it home

[RyanM]

looks really good. how often do you get to work on it, sorry if i missed it whats your wb?

[Fullsizexj]

This last weekend was my first chance to really do anything on it, hurt my back a few weeks ago so I have not been doing a whole lot on it, wheel base is somewhere between 102-103 I think, I did not change any of that from what it was the last time I built it up

[XJmania030]

You should do something to the dash. That would really make it look nice. Not like it doesnt now lol.

[Fullsizexj]

Well here is the progress report, been working on all the wireing, what a pain in the butt, I never realized how much wire would end up being useless, I had electric windows, door locks, rear defroster, wiper, washer dome lights seatbelt buzzers and all the other bells and whistles in that dang thing. Hardest part is figuring out which wires went to what and getting rid of the ones I don't need anymore. I have the tailights wired in now with brand new wire from front to rear and all wraped and loomed. I am gonna start on figuring out what the wires that run from the kickpanel to the back of the center console are for and see what I need of that now. Next I have to run wires for the fuel pump, electric fan and trans cooler fan. I think I will do those direct with a switch panel to control them. Next will be under the hood. I still need to get rid of the wiring that went to the factory fog lights and the stuff I had for when it had KC's on it. I have already removed the stereo so I think I will make a switch panel to put in it's place for all the switches to mount on. My list is getting shorter but still a ways to go to get everything the way I want it. I also made the rear half body for it also. Progress has been slow since I screwed up my back a couple months ago. Can only work on it for a little while at a time before it gets too painful.

[RickHB19]

Well here is the progress report, been working on all the wireing, what a pain in the butt. I am gonna start on figuring out what the wires that run from the kickpanel to the back of the center console are for and see what I NEED of that now.

None of them, really. I am in the middle of a complete rewire myself and can tell you I have no wires coming into the back of the console anymore. In that loom you will find wires for the seatbelt light switch, one of the brake light switches, and for the two illumination bulbs for the shifters. That is if its auto, sorry if I missed that. I only kept the 2 wires for the lights, they are on the dimmer circuit, and ground all the way in the back? I just moved them to come out the front of the console and spliced them into the heater pannel light. Hope this helps, I havent had much luck finding diagrams on here, but have acces to alldata at work. the rig is lookin good keep up the good work.

[Fullsizexj]

Yup that is what I pretty much figured that was what they were for, 3 wires came out of that loom also and went under where the rear seat was, I figure those where for the fuel pump and fuel gauge sensor. once I confirm it I will elimnate those also, I have an 88 sitting in the driveway waiting for me to yank the computer and wiring harness's out of so it is easy to confirm

[RickHB19]

Yup that is what I pretty much figured that was what they were for, 3 wires came out of that loom also and went under where the rear seat was, I figure those where for the fuel pump and fuel gauge sensor. once I confirm it I will elimnate those also, I have an 88 sitting in the driveway waiting for me to yank the computer and wiring harness's out of so it is easy to confirm
Confirmed. Fuel wireing goes out a rubber grommet under the rear seat right in front of the stock tank location.

[Fullsizexj]

Made alot of progress since last post, got all the wiring pretty much done now, also eliminated the short/draw on the battery as I had hoped it would do when I started eliminating what I no longer needed. Here is some pics of it up to date
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/P1010061r.jpg
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/P1010062r.jpg
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/P1010063r.jpg

[Fullsizexj]

http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/P1010064r.jpg
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/P1010065r.jpg
http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/New%20xj%20project/P1010066r.jpg

Now I have to rearange the rear rad lins for clearance
arrnge and mount the fuel lines to the rear chassis
redo the exhaust
get an electric fan and connect it for the Rad
clean and coat the floorboards with Line-x or something
It is almost finally done

[Goatman]

It looks good, Rich. What did you use for skins, and what type of fasteners?

[Fullsizexj]

Fenders and doors are lexan and from the B pillar wraped all the way around is that plastic like they use for stock cars. It is atatched with 1.4 " machine srews with those little button style washers

[Goatman]

I plan on using the same plastic that the stock cars use, I got it from the race car shop. I'm not quite satisfied with how it lays on the flat parts, but I'm going to give it a try. At this point, I plan on using pop rivets, I'll see how it works. I used rivets for the top and I can drill out the rivets much faster than any small bolts could be removed.

Your's looks good.

[Fullsizexj]

I had enough of the plastic to do the whole thing, I tried it first but it just warbled all over the place and would not lay flat, looked like crap so I went and got some lexan instead, The plastic is not bad for the rear since the curve in the rear does alot for supporting it from flexing around. I suggest you get some lexan and save yourself the disappointment

[Goatman]

I see yours is all the same color......did the lexan and plastic come that color, or did you paint it? I have yellow plastic to match the yellow hood.

[Fullsizexj]

The plastic was red and I painted the rest with rustolium, there is a slight difference in color due to the gloss of the paint but it will fade in nicely eventually

[Goatman]

Well, that would work for me, since I could paint the lexan with the same paint that I used on the hood.

Have to make a trip to the plastic store.......

[Fullsizexj]

When you get the lexan, mine had a plastic UV type film on 1 side, it will peel off really easy, you will want to make sure and peel it off before you sand and paint otherwise the paint will look really badly lacur checked, don't ask how I found out but it will still peel off if you forget and then you can sand and repaint easy enough :D

[Goatman]

What did you use to cut it?

[Fullsizexj]

Angle grinder with a metal cutoff wheel and then just take some 100 grit and sand the edges smooth

[Mike L]

Very nice Richard. :cheers:

[KarlVP]

Sweet build. We shall see who is "done" first you or FiFo.

[Fullsizexj]

Electric fan for the Radiator is on the way and still gotta redo the exhaust, then it will be pretty much done as far as driveable goes, still a few minor details I want to clean up but not a holdup anymore

[Joe]

Wow Rich that is a great looking rig. So how is everthing going for you and your family on the east coast?

[Ghost]

Looks good will you be at the Crawl?

[Fullsizexj]

Won't be going to the crawl, will be just getting back from the WV jambo my club puts on each year, it is one of the few events my wife actually likes to attend . Going great there Joe, hows your family diong

[Joe]

Great as well

[RalphXJ]

Won't be going to the crawl, will be just getting back from the WV jambo my club puts on each year, it is one of the few events my wife actually likes to attend . Going great there Joe, hows your family diong

Would that be the WV Childrens Charity Off Road Jamboree??? I'll be there as long as mine is still in one piece from the other summer events!

XJ is looking awsome!!

[Fullsizexj]

That is the one, we hold it at Songers White Water and do runs out at Swiss

[RalphXJ]

awsome, can't wait to see the XJ-buggy

[Fullsizexj]

it should be easy to find me there :D

[Fullsizexj]

I am finally down to the electric fan for the rad, I have a Taurus fan on the way, was hoping it would have arived Friday but no such luck, hopefully it will get here tomorrow and I can finally get this thing back out on the trail. Spent all morning getting the exhaust routed and welded up, not much room for routing with the Radiator lines running underneath to the rad in the back and the trangulated 4 link . It was fun figuring out how to do it.

[Fullsizexj]

It is finally finished, got the taurus fan, made mounts for it this afternoon and got it installed, will be taking it out Saturday for the first time to try it out

[XJmania030]

I WANT TO SEE PICS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fullsizexj]

I will see if I can get someone to take pics for me Saturday, It is gonna be at a West Virgina Jeepers Jeep show, they have a huge rock garden set up so it is the perfect place to try it out and make adjustments. And then one of the guys in my club has some awesome trails set up on his property near by so I will taking it there soon also. I just want to make sure everything is working right before the WV Jambo in July

[Fullsizexj]

Took it for a quick test yesterday, nothin big but it was just for a test anyways
I am trying to get the link to work, it is not mine so give me some time. Got it
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v358/dl1carp/Videos/?action=view&current=RichardonRocks.flv

[Jump This]

Those rocks are JUST LIKE Johnson Valley.

:D

Okay, I'm sorry....I can resist anything but temptation.

How did you like it?

Rick

[Fullsizexj]

I am trying to decide if I want to redo the upper shock mounts so that I can lower it some more and end up with more uptravel or to just get some shorter airshocks, right now it has 18" travel shocks and about 6" of uptravel, otherwise it works great. I have a club event in July that I have to attend for the Childrens charity ride os I am not gonna do anything until after that so I have time to think through how I want to do it

[Fullsizexj]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/JeepinWV23/2007%20WVJC%20Show/2007JeepShow005.jpg

[XJmania030]

YEa that would be the only thingi would have to say other then it looks great is just to get it a lil bit lower. But its and awsome xj-buggy.

Good work

[Fullsizexj]

Thanks, I like how it is coming, just a little more tweaking here and there to go

[Fullsizexj]

http://www.drinking12many.com/images/Jeep/Jeep%20Show%2007/Picture%20049.jpg

[teamdescent]

wow, got me inspired. looks great and hope to see it around someday.
oh, and was wondering if you still had the old exo cage around. sorry if it is long gone but i would like to take it off your hands, no matter how gay it might be according to mikeL :)

[Fullsizexj]

Exo was sold long before I even took it off, your not that far away so odds are we will run into each other sooner or later

[teamdescent]

sound good. meet ya in the middle at big dogs or something.