Okay, as we ponder enjoying the last day of the weekend, all of those modification plans start flooding our minds! We know you’ve done some fun stuff to your rigs... so, INSPIRE US! Drop some pics of your fun mods.
We keep running into folks that are actually coming up with some pretty fantastic modification designs themselves. Love to see your handywork!
While my '16 Frontier is in no way really ready for the trails, I have started building the tie down and cargo system for it. Eventually the goal is to have a modular quick change system to allow me to switch out the gear based on the type of adventure. It will have bed rails for a tent base, a variety of storage, quick fist hold downs for C02, recovery tools, and fire suppression. Right now I have the L-track in place as a start, most gear will mount to them. For the time being, I made a bungee spiderweb as the first (daily driver) option... I like the L-track because it is an easy install, and has lots of accessories for tie down/bolt down options.
Today, I am working on relocating and upgrading my rear camera. The current camera is in my hitch receiver. Since I will be using the receiver for a rear tow/recovery point, The camera has to move. Figured that I can use this move as a reason to upgrade the camera.... Now to figure out where to mount the new one!
I just joined the group a few nights ago, so, hello! I installed a lift in the rear of my 05' Expedition this week. Hopefully tires are in the near future. Here's a before/after picture.
Got the new camera installed and tested. Much happier, and now I can use my hitch receiver too.
Awesome stuff! It’s fun to see what you’re all up to. I see some great wrenching sessions in our future. Miles, welcome... we’re glad you’re here! Hope to see you on the trail!
Next bit is in place... Still have a bit of wiring and tuning to do, but it's getting there.
Stealth CB, with the lid closed it's out of sight from outside. The speaker out on the radio will be plugged into the aux jack in the image, so I will get the audio through my speakers. The power will be a cigg plug to the outlet shown too. The only really visible part is the antenna. Thinking about adding a small 12v fan in line and cutting a vent hole in the compartment. Going to wait on that till I can use the unit and see how warm things get in the console box with the lid closed.
Custom fit and covered rear-seatless 2dr JK dog bed courtesy of Pimp My Ride, Arts and Crafts edition.
All six of my doggos would fit in there!
Well, I have been busier than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
Where do I start? Okay - Here...
Got the sPod installed after staring at it in my living room for the past three months. I highly recommend the sPod, as it makes the wiring process for electrical accessories SUPER easy!
I will wind up putting a support bracket on the fwd-right side of the sPod mount, as it sort of floats in space and I don't think we need it bouncing around.
All in all, very pleased with the work!
A few more ancillary mods...
Hella Dual Tone horn upgrade...
Baja Design Rock lights.... I added a security feature to these to prevent theft.
Kenwood HAM radio install with removable head unit.
I was able to tuck the brain in the DS footwell. No interference with the pedals at all and right near the firewall pass through.
If you’re looking to rectify your 2dr JK decision, you can mount a rotopax on either interior rear side with 3feet of 1/8” x 3” steel, a drill, a vise and a 3” U-bolt.
My next big mod purchase! https://www.realtruck.com/decked-truck-bed-storage-system/R184707P2016Y451MA.html Lots of room for gear in secure storage! I can keep some of the essentials on board! It will be nice to have recovery gear and first aid in the truck at all times. Might take me a while, right now all of my extra cash is still supporting the needs of our clients at our non profit resource center, DV Sanctuary. When we finally get our 501c3 in the next few months, we can build a stronger base for donations from corporations etc to help with our programs and client services. Until then we rely on friends and family, (mostly my day job paychecks) Once the Sanctuary has the funds it needs, my own money can go into the truck build. I'll get there, It's worth it!
Re-located the antenna, got the wiring finished, and tuned the antenna today...
Pretty solid mount, could even be used as a step. I really like not having the antenna in view as I'm driving. Now I just need to find someone local with a CB so I can try it out.
Got it all buttoned up and such. Forgive the ugly wires, everything is soldered and shrink wrapped under the tape, and it all is well hidden inside the back cover of the arm rest. can't even hear the little fan running. From outside the truck looking in, there is no sign of the radio at all.
Not really a "mod" so to speak. I masked off the chrome emblems and logo and sprayed them black. Little things, I know, but I like the look with no chrome on the truck...
Keman, what kind of paint and or prep have you found that works when painting chrome (nickel) plated parts? Iv'e always had trouble getting to stick for any length of time. looks good!
@Mark and Vicki Lennox
For the most part when I am covering chrome, I use Plastidip It will stick well to clean chrome. If done right, it will last for years with no real maintenance. The trick with plastidip is to use a light coat first, then several heavy coats to build thickness. I use five coats, and go a little heavier on the corners.
I prefer the plastidip because it can be removed if you want a new look later.
There are a lot of brands out there selling "Peel coat" type finishes, I only use Plastidip. I have tried several others and not been pleased with the result. The bumper in the above image was plastidipped more than a year ago and still looks great.
If you need a hard paint finish, Scotch bright the chrome and prime with a two part epoxy primer like 2K from SprayMax available on Amazon. This works best for areas that will no take hits from rock and gravel, as it will chip some.
@keman Kewl. Thnx for information. My XJ has some black plastic peeling on window trim, so I was thinking about just covering all the chrome. It's not a bling mobile anymore, so might do the flares etc in a bed liner type stuff and blackout the chrome. Even most of the factory blacked ones are chrome under the black coating. Any sugests on a decent spray bed liner, or is there really good spray liners?
Love ths thread! So many ideas for projects, so little time and $$ ! lol Keep them comming. I'm so bad about documenting in photos the projects I do. My bad. ( bends over so all can kick me)
Picked up some rack uprights from Compact Camping Concepts a few weeks ago and finally have started working on getting them in place for the bed of the Nissan...
Working on placement, Then I'll figure out the cross bars and a nice roof basket type rack to go on it...
Those look gr8! I like the look and probably far easier to assemble into what you want than the original idea. Way to go!