Gramps 05 GXL

[Gramps]

Ok, so after the socket in the rear was installed, I moved on to the front socket.

I've been playing with a few different positions for a USB power outlet. In the front of the centre console, hidden inside the console and next to the gear selector. None of these gave me the standard look I wanted. This morning while chatting with the mrs over coffee, I had an epiphany. Neither of us smoke and we keep losing the USB to 12v adapter, so why not get rid of the cigarette lighter and put the USB outlet in it's place????

For a power feed I used the 6 B&S cable I'd just hooked the 3rd console 12v outlet to. I didn't want to use the existing power as the idea was to be able to utilise the 2nd battery and have it available all the time. This means there is a spare accessories power feed sitting behind the ash tray. I plan on using this to power a couple of switches at a later date.

I'm pretty happy with the look and now have a double USB socket readily available.

[Gramps]

Spent a couple of hours this afternoon finishing off my 12v sockets.

Up until now, I had just connected 2 sockets in the rear of the centre console but having 3 kids means that someone had to wait when they were both in use. Since I had previously run two power feeds to the centre console, I just had to hook into the unused one. I didn't pay attention to the new socket when I bought it so it wasn't until I was ready to fit it in place that I realised that the rubber cover was different. Really doesn't look out of place when you're in the back seat as the lighting and the angle of the socket pretty much hides the difference.

[Gramps]

I've been experimenting a little with the thermo fan around town. The fan gets turned on once the engine is up to temp for speeds up to 80kph. Whether it's true or not, it feels as though the gear changes are a bit smoother and drivability has improved. By drivability, I mean in gear power and acceleration.At this stage, I can only judge by the seat of my pants but I would be interested in other people's experience using their fan around town.

[Gramps]

Breather location

With some time on my hands yesterday, I thought it would be a good idea to start on my breathers and to fix the mounts on the thermo fan. The fan was quick and easy, 4 nuts, bolts and spring washers to clamp the fan to the black plastic intercooler cover. With space at a premium, the only place left to mount the breathers, was to the side of the ARB battery tray which holds my compressor. At this stage I've only transferred the rear diff breather over, I will get to the other 3 at a later stage.

[Gramps]

Thanks for this! awesome idea, also used another bracket up the other way on the drivers side vent for external speaker.

Cheers Ms Dee. This site is full of cool ideas that you sometimes wouldn't think of. Thanks for reading.

[Ms Dee]

Well I finally get the mic mount for the UHF sorted. On one of my Bunnings trips I remembered seeing someone on here use a joist bracket. This was a great idea because mounting doesn't involve drilling or adhesives. It's just a 2 second operation that involves sticking it between the silver panel and the dash surround. Once trimmed and shaped, it was painted and put in place. It's been there for a week now and hasn't moved one bit.

Thanks for this! awesome idea, also used another bracket up the other way on the drivers side vent for external speaker.

[Gramps]

Troy,
So far so good (only been a day). At least now I can safely say both airbags will have the same psi.

Adam,
Have you heard of sleep???? What's the go with replying at 2:30am? Lol
If that green sticker on your back window is what you drink, I'm gonna die of thirst. I let my 12 yr old drill out the rear bumper yesterday for the trailer plug, do you trust him to do yours as well?

Once the rear storage is finished and ready for the trip west in a couple of months, I'll get started with the extended breathers. I was hoping to get Iantz's expert help in ticking this one off the list.

[ondaboat]

Next couple of jobs are diff breathers

I'll come round with the cold beer & you can finish off my half ass breather install job I did.

I quickly made a couple of alterations this afternoon. The first was moving my airbag valves from the rear bumper. Now instead of having the 2 valves, I have just the one. I used a T piece to connect both airlines into the 1 valve. Thanks to AJ120 for the idea. That left me with 2 holes in the bumper which had to be covered up. So I moved my round trailer plug up to cover the hole on the left. The other hole can just stay there and remind me to get my act together and order an AJ rear bar as soon as they are available. It's a good excuse to justify the purchase to the missus. 1.[ATTACH=CONFIG]12652[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]12651[/ATTACH]

I was thinking about doing this as well, thus making it easier to adjust so you can sort that out as well.

Gee your a great bloke Gramps!

[foxclan]

Hi Gramps
Nice progress with the rear storage and esky slide.
Interested to hear your point of view on the equalised air bag valve set up.
Cheers
Troy

[Gramps]

I quickly made a couple of alterations this afternoon. The first was moving my airbag valves from the rear bumper. Now instead of having the 2 valves, I have just the one. I used a T piece to connect both airlines into the 1 valve. Thanks to AJ120 for the idea. That left me with 2 holes in the bumper which had to be covered up. So I moved my round trailer plug up to cover the hole on the left. The other hole can just stay there and remind me to get my act together and order an AJ rear bar as soon as they are available. It's a good excuse to justify the purchase to the missus. 1.

[Smithy - 120 D4D]

Cool. I look forward to seeing how out comes together.

[Gramps]

Thanks Smithy.Yeah, everything is screwed together at the moment because my welding is worse than I thought. I want to cover the whole thing with checker plate eventually for a different look, so all the screws will come out and be replaced with some decent rivets.

[Smithy - 120 D4D]

Spent a couple of hours this afternoon on my storage idea for the esky. Since I don't want to buy a 2nd fridge due to the lack of use it would get, I wanted to make use of my 80L Techni ice esky. So far I've got the frame and the slide made up. I use steel for this job just for something different, wish I hadn't because steel obviously isn't my thing. Give me timber any day.[ATTACH=CONFIG]12514[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]12515[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]12516[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]12517[/ATTACH]

Looking good Gramps. looks a bit like meccano, have you screwed that unit together?

[Gramps]

Spent a couple of hours this afternoon on my storage idea for the esky. Since I don't want to buy a 2nd fridge due to the lack of use it would get, I wanted to make use of my 80L Techni ice esky. So far I've got the frame and the slide made up. I use steel for this job just for something different, wish I hadn't because steel obviously isn't my thing. Give me timber any day.

[Gramps]

Next couple of jobs are diff breathers and finish off the slide for my esky. If all goes well I should be able to store the esky on the slide with dry food in large containers on a shelf above it. That will sit next to the drawer and fridge/freezer. Also thinking about fitting a winch cradle to the existing sovereign bar and install a 9500lb winch (not sure what brand). I can always change to a steel bar at a later date if I need to.