Chris' car (aka, "project on back burner, building Ark")

[Chris V]

I bought the tank second hand off of TheSamba I think, it was years ago The guy before me is the one who massaged it for a stock 165 spare if I'm not mistaken... It's one of those aftermarket 15 gallon units, but I think it's probably more like 14 now. For the spare I'm thinking just above the rear window on a roof rack, or maybe even over the engine - really depends on the cooling system/intake/exhaust.

Between these adjustable height stools and floorjacks I've built a few things

Today I slotted the fiberglass hood mounts a little and got the hood adjusted to where I'm pretty happy with it... it closes, locks, and seems to keep water out. Bead blasted the wipers arms and got them in primer...and looked at the nerf bar some more.

When I used to use my complete loss outdoor sand blaster I'd wear an old motorcycle helmet and shorts. Took the rack out of the BBQ grill and ziptied it into a garbage can for a work table - it was a sight to see for passers by I'm sure.

[Chris V]

Had to pick up more tubing to build the other nerf bar, and decided to pick up some extra just in case...and guess what happened:





20 footers are a pain to maneuver my oneself

[bajaherbie]

nice job on the large radius....





what did you use?

[Chris V]

Hand bent it around the baja's back tire...I was lucky, got just enough bend before having to cut the fender off (pretty sure all the bolts are frozen SOLID).

[Chris V]

[Chris V]

[namelesswonder]

Oooo that is a very cool roofrack. What are you doing with the front end of it?

[david58]

This really gives me a great idea for my roof rack.

[Chris V]

Thanks, I'm thinkin' I saw BajaHucks (right?) sweet light setup with a linear actuator rod for aiming them - I'd like to go that route down the road...so for now it's going to be left somewhat unfinished It's too much of a luxury item to justify it at the moment $$$.

[Chris V]

Went back out after dinner and got the spare tire mount squared away for the most part...have you any idea how long it takes to cut a stub-axle in half with a chop saw

[Chris V]

[turbobaja]

Rack's lookin real good Chris. I saw a baja @ spring fling with a similar rear contoured tire mount, but with some heavy looking 1.5" tube. I like the tire mount with room left for gear, very slick.

[Chris V]

Would that be the "ARMY" baja? I've heard of this car, and have yet to see it...Guys name is Bret, he's on Olydubs forum.

1-1/2" sounds a bit intense, I've seen a couple that the bottom tube looked to be 1-1/4" and thought that was more than enough

This thing is still just tacked together, and it has no problem holding my ~170lbs with little to no deformation...I've got about 52' of tubing into it right now...give or take.

BTW, plan right now is to run an expanded steel deck in the storage area and bolt an old steel toolbox up there for some spare room...besides the extra space for carrying coolers and whatnot. I'd like to find a mini (trailer size) diamond plate 'bed box' too.

[fusername]

have you any idea how long it takes to cut a stub-axle in half with a chop saw

yes, yes I do, but i like the design plan, finally a good use for all those doughnutted rear drums

that is one gorgeous rack, good to hear its nice and firm
(#29)

[turbobaja]

Ya, it's the army bug. Even has some pretty unique flat fenders up front, like an old jeep. Looks like he definately has fun with it too. Fozz and I were talking at the spring meet, he's thinking about having Bret build him one similar, but with smaller tubing like yours. There's a couple pictures on Olydubs from the meet with his baja/rack.....not that you'd need a visual reference by the looks of things there though .

Very nice work.