JimmyC's 2010 150 GXL build

[JimmyC]

Installed my Ultragauge yesterday. Mounted to the top of the steering wheel with double sided tape (at the moment). Looks pretty good. The photo doesn't help much but I only have to lean forward a little to see the odometer.
https://s22.postimg.org/fqeg6f9wh/Ultragauge.jpg

[Hollywood]

I was leaning on my bullbar chewing the fat with my neighbour and looked down and noticed the wiring had been rubbing. Managed to get a Dremel tool onto the edge of the guard and take a small section out before it did any real damage.

[Carni]

Yesterday I got around to installing LED bullbar indicators and parkers after getting sick of blowing bulbs. Upon investigation I found the back of the wires on the ARB bulb type ones had rubbed though and were exposed. Picked up new ones from my local ARB, $109 for the pair. I know you can get cheaper but the 'can't be bothered waiting' factor was high!

Did they rub through on the cutoff section of bumper? That's where mine were rubbing but I got it before it went too far.

Exact same thing happened to me. But they were rubbed through on the drivers section by the time I noticed

[JimmyC]

Did they rub through on the cutoff section of bumper? That's where mine were rubbing but I got it before it went too far.

Yeah that's where mine did it! If the lights were in good condition i would have taken a little notch out of the bumper to compensate but decided against it.

[Hollywood]

Did they rub through on the cutoff section of bumper? That's where mine were rubbing but I got it before it went too far.

[JimmyC]

So my Utragauge arrived today, Looking forward to installation!
Yesterday I got around to installing LED bullbar indicators and parkers after getting sick of blowing bulbs. Upon investigation I found the back of the wires on the ARB bulb type ones had rubbed though and were exposed. Picked up new ones from my local ARB, $109 for the pair. I know you can get cheaper but the 'can't be bothered waiting' factor was high!
https://s10.postimg.org/6nhc8dapl/14...85972735_o.jpg
https://s10.postimg.org/r8w409sah/14...50652266_o.jpg
https://s10.postimg.org/o3bia29o9/14...22698273_o.jpg

I also got around to changing the ugly big industrial push button override switch for my SBI12 to a nice new one. Looking proper flash now!
https://s10.postimg.org/818z3o9yx/14...405833_o_1.jpg

[kenny5000]

Ordered an ultragauge from the US. Sent via USPS shipping which I've only read now on their website about how much they advise you not to use it! Fingers crossed it shows. Also ordered a replacement switch for my SBI12 override and a dual usb outlet blank.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/291567165...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/111889126...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Slowly working through all the little problems with the car I have overlooked for the last 2 years. Small broken trim blips and alike. Big Job!

I have had heaps things sent through USPS (some expensive) with no issues, I would be more worried about Austpost!! One item in particular that coincidently was ordered from the US and shipped by USPS was found on the road a few suburbs over by a thankfully honest person who hand delivered it to me.

[JimmyC]

Ordered an ultragauge from the US. Sent via USPS shipping which I've only read now on their website about how much they advise you not to use it! Fingers crossed it shows. Also ordered a replacement switch for my SBI12 override and a dual usb outlet blank.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/291567165...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/111889126...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Slowly working through all the little problems with the car I have overlooked for the last 2 years. Small broken trim blips and alike. Big Job!

[JimmyC]

So the chief financial officer has let me at some of my tax return $$. Tossing up between a scangauge, ultragauge or projecta battery monitor. Any thoughts?

[JimmyC]

New driver's side CV boot, wheel bearing and hub replaced. Hopefully it's smooth sailing from here on out!

[JimmyC]

Replaced my aux fuel filter today and switched to a 5 micron. Also switched it from a pre to a post filter. Tip for others is before installing the fm100 for the first time make sure the fittings will move and undo. Mine were very very tight

[JimmyC]

Well I found out what the noise was... Luckily not the air-con compressor. The new serpentine belt installed had large lump on the flat side of it. Must have caused the noise somehow on the tensioner. Replaced belt and noise gone. Funnily the new-new alternator is making a squeaking noise when turned by hand too. Maybe it's just an OEX thing?
Somehow have taken off some more of the plastic in the wheel arch yesterday. Not sure how it happened but time to start searching for a replacement!

[JimmyC]

Finally received the refund from Repco on the alternator. One less thing.
However now it seems the air conditioner compressor has developed a noise. It makes a noise to what id describe if there was a ball bearing bouncing around inside it. Only does it when the engine is cold and when the engine warms it goes away to almost nothing. Aircon still works so this is a problem for future me to deal with.
Looking at buying a used compressor for about $250 as a new one is $900 plus. Anyone have any tips for this?

[JimmyC]

You decided against a foxwing style awning in the end Jimmy...obviously...the ARB awning is a good one, but I'm about to fit out a new Prado shortly and am looking at a foxwing...as we found we wanted cover over the rear cargo area as well...any thoughts or comments about the foxwing style of awning...did you consider one?

I had a good think about it but in the end it came down to the fact the fox wing awnings are huge on the car when folded up.Plus I couldn't justify 3x the cost for one. Maybe in the future.

Mine went at 162000, wasn't game to do it myself.
Local Auto Spark supplied and fitted for $546 while I wandered around the local auto shops.
I think the aftermarket are higher current output than OEM and one supplied to me volts up by 0.5 - 1.0 volts.

$546 is very good for fitted. I was $601 post AANT discount at repco.

[Limo Guy]

Mine went at 162000, wasn't game to do it myself.
Local Auto Spark supplied and fitted for $546 while I wandered around the local auto shops.
I think the aftermarket are higher current output than OEM and one supplied to me volts up by 0.5 - 1.0 volts.