Project "Frank" - The Un-Gaying of a 110

[Wolf Fabrication]

While at Rausch Creek my front SG diff guard fell off whilst wheeling a rock pile and I bashed my front diff. So what better time to install a Rovertracks diff guard. I also bent up and welded on an integral axle/diff skid plate to further protect things.

[ersatzknarf]

Jonathan,
Are you still running the 315/75R16 tires on the Wolf rims ?
How are you liking it ?
(we were looking for those 'unobtanium' 255/100R16 michies and this is looking like a much more viable alternative)

Thanks,
Frank

[Wolf Fabrication]

Jonathan,
Are you still running the 315/75R16 tires on the Wolf rims ?
How are you liking it ?
(we were looking for those 'unobtanium' 255/100R16 michies and this is looking like a much more viable alternative)

Thanks,
Frank

I love the KM2s. For the 315s I am running 1.5" spacers and a 5" lift to clear them though.

[ersatzknarf]

Thanks for the fast reply.
Really like this Rover :)

We have the spacers. A 5" lift to clear those tires is certainly something to cause me to think further. Thank you for clarifying that.

Cheers,
Frank

I love the KM2s. For the 315s I am running 1.5" spacers and a 5" lift to clear them though.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Let me clarify a little. The 315s fit on a 2-3" lift, but will rub when turning unless you adjust your stops. They seemed to tuck nicely under the fenders. When I added spacers to improve turning radius that pushed the tires outsides the flares, thus requiring more lift. With 5" of lift everything now works and looks good.

More lift also requires some suspension mods, so keep that in mind.

[ersatzknarf]

Understood. Thanks, again.

[ELCIDd90]

Let me clarify a little. The 315s fit on a 2-3" lift, but will rub when turning unless you adjust your stops. They seemed to tuck nicely under the fenders. When I added spacers to improve turning radius that pushed the tires outsides the flares, thus requiring more lift. With 5" of lift everything now works and looks good.

More lift also requires some suspension mods, so keep that in mind.

5 in lift, are you using rovertym springs? How are the manners on the road with the 5 in lift?

[Wolf Fabrication]

5 in lift, are you using rovertym springs? How are the manners on the road with the 5 in lift?

I'm using the MM4x4 (UK) 5" lift kit. To my knowledge, no one is making a 5" 110 rear spring, so I had to use 2" spacers. The kit - http://www.mm-4x4.com/5-super-lift-kit---as-fitted-to-our-defender--bbc-top-gears-range-rover-3485-p.asp - has everything you need. I just built my own similar suspension.

Surprisingly, the truck drives awesome and I have no issues. I think stiffer shocks help keep the truck level in corners and I have almost no body roll. I don't even have sway bars.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Installed the Rotopax mount and fuel cans last week. I really like these cans. They are simple, plastic, 1 or 2 gallon cans with internal spouts. The cans mount through the middle with a rotary handle that locks. I mounted two 2 gallon cans. I could also mount a 2 gallon water can.

I also built a custom rear drawer for all my gear. It's 30"x30"x12" and built from 1" 16ga square tube and angle iron, skinned in aluminum diamond plate. To save weight, the drawer itself is a steel frame with wood bottom and sides. The exterior is finished in bed liner.

[grnrvrs]

I also built a custom rear drawer for all my gear. It's 30"x30"x12" and built from 1" 16ga square tube and angle iron, skinned in aluminum diamond plate. To save weight, the drawer itself is a steel frame with wood bottom and sides.

Why did you choose those dimensions? Seems odd to loose a few inches on each side and then not have it be level with the wheel arches. Curious about your design rationale. Is it a function of the slide out drawer width v back door opening?

[bjf]

Looks cool. What ever happened to the NAS 110 you were restoring to sell?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Looks cool. What ever happened to the NAS 110 you were restoring to sell?

It got sold from under us!

[bjf]

Are you still involved in buying and selling trucks?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Why did you choose those dimensions? Seems odd to loose a few inches on each side and then not have it be level with the wheel arches. Curious about your design rationale. Is it a function of the slide out drawer width v back door opening?

30x30 allows it to slide in the back of the truck and clear the door hardware and allow for longer gear to sit along side it. I chose 30" deep so I can fit a trunk between it and the rear seats.

I wanted it level with the fenderwells, but that would have made the drawer itself only 7" deep. By going 12" that created "pockets" on the wells for gear to sit. Believe me, it makes sense in my Rover fantasy world.

------ Follow up post added March 16th, 2011 06:02 PM ------

Are you still involved in buying and selling trucks?

I am, rare, exotic, and muscle cars. Somewhere in there are Rovers.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Finally got around to building a front bumper. My goal was a clean, low-profile look, with the best approach angle as possible. The only real limiting factor is the size of the winch. The bumper is made from 1/4" steel plate, with 1/2" plate at the frame horns. I used Equipe swivel shackles and also added two jack points on either end, oh, a bottle opener. It's also got a THICK coat of powdercoating.

And yes, that is a chicken coop flooring grill (design thanks to Ron Peppard).

[ron]

hey i've seen the front grill somewhere ....hhhmmmmm

[Wolf Fabrication]

hey i've seen the front grill somewhere ....hhhmmmmm

I love the idea. It's cheap, rugged, and looks somewhat decent on the front of a Rover. I am now trying to find a Series grill badge to put on it.

Did you get your rear end fixed (on your D90)?

[hillstrubl]

like the grill, got a source for it?

[130Tdi]

like the grill, got a source for it?

farmtec.com cool people. have you pay after it arrives. bizzare in todays world.

[Wolf Fabrication]

like the grill, got a source for it?

I've got some left over at home you can have.

[ron]

the diff is at Matt Browns in ME getting fixed... all the ring pinion bolts were finger loose and took out 2 nice chunks of my ring gear.

i drove home 500 miles in front wheel drive

[Wolf Fabrication]

the diff is at Matt Browns in ME getting fixed... all the ring pinion bolts were finger loose and took out 2 nice chunks of my ring gear.

i drove home 500 miles in front wheel drive

That is awesome! You definetely deserved the trophy!

[ersatzknarf]

I concur. They are great to deal with. We ordered some material and one of the packages arrived damaged. Let them know and they had a replacement sent before I could even say "thank you" !

farmtec.com cool people. have you pay after it arrives. bizzare in todays world.

[genie90]

Did you drill those speaker mounts into you're tuffy? Genius! I've been thinking about how to maintain front speakers when I mount my rockware safari doors.
Regards,
Jay

[Wolf Fabrication]

Did you drill those speaker mounts into you're tuffy? Genius! I've been thinking about how to maintain front speakers when I mount my rockware safari doors.
Regards,
Jay

I did. Lined the inside with Dynamat too.

[genie90]

what did you use to cut the tuffy? Now that I'm home from a trip I want to do this mod asap!
Thanks!
Jay

[Wolf Fabrication]

Plasma cutter. Makes quick work of it!

[cgalpin]

What post is this tuffy mod on? I scanned back a ways but don't see it.

[rijosho]

What post is this tuffy mod on? I scanned back a ways but don't see it.

x2 I looked the other day and could not find

[genie90]

Page 4 top post...

Now I need to get a plasma cutter!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Here are two pics from today

[Wolf Fabrication]

Started the rear NAS front seat install today. I'm building a seat box similar to the front that will allow for a lot more storage. There will be a Tuffy center console between the seats and new seat belts. The seat box will get bed liner inside and out and be sealed from water.
Oh, for the purists, the seat box is bolt in and does not require any body mods.

[130Tdi]

you are reducing rear leg room ? my 110 had a similar twin bucketseat setup but they were mounted as far back as possible which also lifted them

one note on speakers mounted in the cubby box. Don't ever put your wallet in there-I had one briefly and the magnets wiped the magnetic strips on a couple of cards.

[Wolf Fabrication]

you are reducing rear leg room ? my 110 had a similar twin bucketseat setup but they were mounted as far back as possible which also lifted them.

It's kind of an illusion. The knee room is the same, the leg room at the heel is reduced 3.5," and that is where someone would tuck their feet under the seat anyway. Either way, I am doing this for the safety and comfort of my kids. I wanted to move the seats back, but that would have meant cutting in to the wheel wells or raising the seats, which I did not want to do.

[rijosho]

I didn't even think about that, Doug, good point. My first thought was that wouldn't having the speakers there also greatly reduce the security feature of the tuffy console?

[bjf]

I didn't even think about that, Doug, good point. My first thought was that wouldn't having the speakers there also greatly reduce the security feature of the tuffy console?

Someone going to take the speakers out to break into the cubby?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Someone going to take the speakers out to break into the cubby?

It's possible, but I used security head screws and tack welded the speakers to the side of box. Plus they are marine grade speakers and have a sizeable steel structure. Someone would be fiddling with the box for quite a while to break in to it.

[130Tdi]

It's kind of an illusion. The knee room is the same, the leg room at the heel is reduced 3.5," and that is where someone would tuck their feet under the seat anyway. Either way, I am doing this for the safety and comfort of my kids. I wanted to move the seats back, but that would have meant cutting in to the wheel wells or raising the seats, which I did not want to do.

I follow you. I didn't like the effect that came with the raised seat. The truck I'm building @ the moment has exmoors new reclining second row seats which are a pretty cool design and accomplish both. Pricey though.

[rijosho]

Great idea on the security head screws.

[bjf]

I applaud your ingenuity on the screws but did you really need them in a wagon? Well you impressed Horsey so I guess it was a good idea.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Finished the seat box and got the seats installed today. I bent up some 22ga steel panels and wrapped the seat box, riveting them on to mimic the Rover panels. I then applied a coat of bed liner inside and out to match the rest of the interior. The NAS seats then bolted in nicely. Next up is the center console and new seat belts.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Sorry for sideways pics. :)

[cgalpin]

Looks awesome, and damn you are fast. I think I washed a load mat and undid about 8 bolts and 10 screws in the time it took you to build that :)

[don]

Damn - that looks slick! Nice fab work and idea on that Wolf.

[Rugbier]

And quickly replaced for a set of Exmoor reclining seats ( 2 HB 1 LB )


you are reducing rear leg room ? my 110 had a similar twin bucketseat setup but they were mounted as far back as possible which also lifted them

one note on speakers mounted in the cubby box. Don't ever put your wallet in there-I had one briefly and the magnets wiped the magnetic strips on a couple of cards.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Installed the brand new galvanized steel middle row doors, Disco grab handles (a request from the wife), fabbed up a new dual battery mount, and fabricated new overhead light protectors. I think the new ones in round tube look better.

Next up, and arriving next week:
1. Tom Woods HD drive shafts front and rear.
2. X-Brake
3. Rear center console
4. X-Deflex unlockable rear sway bar
5. 4.11 gears

[130Tdi]

Installed the brand new galvanized steel middle row doors, Disco grab handles (a request from the wife), fabbed up a new dual battery mount, and fabricated new overhead light protectors. I think the new ones in round tube look better.

Next up, and arriving next week:
1. Tom Woods HD drive shafts front and rear.
2. X-Brake
3. Rear center console
4. X-Deflex unlockable rear sway bar
5. 4.11 gears


Very interested to hear what you think of that sway bar. Saw that in Justins film clip from Billing and thought it was a very cool idea.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Very interested to hear what you think of that sway bar. Saw that in Justins film clip from Billing and thought it was a very cool idea.

I had a long chat with Si from X-Eng while we were wheeling and he convinced me to do it. While my truck is fine empty without sway bars it becomes a scary beast fully loaded with an RTT. I'll have to do a slight change in the install and attach it to the Equipe skid plate vice the frame.

[T1G UP]

i got an X deflex for my 90 csw. there 4 x stronger than a LR arb when locked. should counter act the safari gard 3 link i have for the front of my td5.

great work, keep it up!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Installed the Tuffy center console in the middle row. It's a 10" and I am wishing I did the 12". It makes the middle row much more comfortable for the kids though.

Also installed some headlamp guards in lieu of a brush guard.

[rijosho]

Are you going to fabricate some cup holders for the back seat?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Are you going to fabricate some cup holders for the back seat?

I am trying to find some flip up ones for the juice boxes.

[nathanwind]

What are the odds you'd consider a production version of that bumper for sale?

[Wolf Fabrication]

What are the odds you'd consider a production version of that bumper for sale?Not enough profit for the amount of labor involved unless I mass produce like RW, RT, and SG. I'll shoot you an email and we can discuss.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Sexy new Tom Woods HD driveshafts came today!

[jaygoss]

Sexy new Tom Woods HD driveshafts came today!

Very nice! How long did it take for him to make those? Been thinking about the same- I lifted your old rig slightly and have been getting some driveline vibration.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Ordered them through Lucky8. Took two weeks total. Price was actually less than I anticipated too.

[hillstrubl]

I've got some left over at home you can have.

cool thanks. Maybe a HH or something.
we'll be in touch

[Wolf Fabrication]

My X-Deflex kit arrived from X-Eng yesterday. Simon puts together some very nice kit and I am impressed with the design, especially the fact that it used a lot of off the shelf Rover parts to include a spare shaft, drive flange, and tie rod ends.

I had been driving without a rear sway bar, but with 5" of lift and gear on top my truck could be scary at times.

The installation was pretty straightforward. I ended up bolting the sway bar to the Equipe skid plate vice the frame as the skid plate is in the way.

[Wolf Fabrication]

My X-Brake also arrived and made it's way on to my truck. I am very happy to finally ditch the stock drum setup. The kit is awesome and was a pretty easy install. In the end I gained about an 1" of clearance under the e-brake.

[TDI Guy]

How is the handling now with the rear say bar kit? How much was it and where did u get it?

[Wolf Fabrication]

How is the handling now with the rear say bar kit? How much was it and where did u get it?

Only driven 5 miles so far, so I can't really tell. It does feel different though. I got the kit through Lucky8. Not sure how much it is as was part of a drug deal.

[LFORGUE8]

the xbrake......do you have a cable ebrake set up from a d1? or do you have to use the original set up with that caliper?

[Wolf Fabrication]

the xbrake......do you have a cable ebrake set up from a d1? or do you have to use the original set up with that caliper?

Aren't all LR e-brakes cable operated? You just use your stock cable unless your cable enters the back of the e-brake backing plate.

[TS888]

Point of reference, after about 2,000 miles my X-Brake wasn't gripping tight enough to hold the truck. Quick adjustment of the cable sorted it, obviously it just bedded in a little.

[LFORGUE8]

true that all are cable....i should have said cable all the way to the drum..... i used a d1 full cable setup on my 88 rrc since my linkage had gotten all rusted and seized....just wondering if that xbrake would still work as im surprised at the big gain in ground clearance

[Wolf Fabrication]

true that all are cable....i should have said cable all the way to the drum..... i used a d1 full cable setup on my 88 rrc since my linkage had gotten all rusted and seized....just wondering if that xbrake would still work as im surprised at the big gain in ground clearanceI have a Disco 200Tdi and it sits pretty high up, so the little X-Brake skid plate now sits flush with the bottom of the frame rails.

[kevkon]

I fitted my X-Deflex to my 90 and found a noticable improvement in road handling. Used the same mounting method as Wolf. Great product.

[TDI Guy]

I fitted my X-Deflex to my 90 and found a noticable improvement in road handling. Used the same mounting method as Wolf. Great product.

How does it bolt to a NAS truck? What do they cost?

[Wolf Fabrication]

How does it bolt to a NAS truck? What do they cost?

They bolt to the sway bar mount or to the fuel tank skid like we did. I think they run about $450 for the kit.

[kevkon]

Randy, if you or Chris want to check it out let me know. Definately handles a lot better.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Started the 4.10 gear swap! Rear is done, waiting on some parts to finish the front.

[mikeslandrover]

How does it bolt to a NAS truck? What do they cost?

The people you are looking for for the handbrake and anti-roll bar (and a lot of other cool kit) are here:)
http://www.x-eng.co.uk/Index.asp?MID=18

[Wolf Fabrication]

After a few hiccups, like having to change the front pinion flange from 4 spline to 24, and having to replace the front pinion outer bearing, all the gears are in. I was suprised and relieved that I was able to shift front pinion shims around to get a nice wear pattern on the ring.

The 4.10 gears are a nice upgrade. I've lost some of my top end speed, but now I have more low end "umph." I can't wait to try the new gears on the trail. The best part is that now my speedometer is actually spot on!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Installed a 20lb CO2 tank today!

[nathanwind]

Let's see some photos of "installed galvanized cross member" :)

[130Tdi]

Installed a 20lb CO2 tank today!

been running one of these for a while. My last bottle lasted 12mos. Included a fair amount of impact work which uses lots of gas. Only way to go if you have the space.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Started on some bottom of the list projects, to include a universal mount that slides into my jack points. With this mount I can attach a vise as shown, or a folding table top I'm building.

[airbornrover]

Intresting. I have seen a vise kit that fits into a hitch receiver for the back of trucks.

[Wolf Fabrication]

And here's the folding table I fashioned from an old aluminum street sign. It's strong enough for use as a cooking/kitchen table and a few beers.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Sex in a box just showed up.

[TDI Guy]

Nice.. What valving r u using?

[don]

Holy crap - you've got some pretty insane hardware going on there! Can't wait to see pics of that setup installed. Hope it solves that rear end dampening issues you posted about.

[Wolf Fabrication]

I can already tell the RTE rear upper mounts won't work and I'll have to fab up taller ones. Springs should arrive next week and I'll be ready to bolt everything up.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Fabbed up the rear upper mounts this afternoon.

[mikeslandrover]

So just how much movement are you hoping for at the wheel:rolleyes

[Wolf Fabrication]

So just how much movement are you hoping for at the wheel:rolleyes

I'm shooting for 5" up and at least 8" down. The rears are 14" travel shocks. I'm doing some work on the a-arm too.

[mikeslandrover]

I'm shooting for 5" up and at least 8" down. The rears are 14" travel shocks. I'm doing some work on the a-arm too.

Something like this might be a good idea:)

http://www.x-eng.co.uk/X-Joint.asp

[Wolf Fabrication]

Something like this might be a good idea:)

http://www.x-eng.co.uk/X-Joint.asp

I already have that.

[don]

Fabbed up the rear upper mounts this afternoon.

Is that on the 110? Those don't look like the KM2's you had on it? Can't really see the upper mount - but looks like it was done with square tubing?

That's going to have some setup when you are done - with the X-Eng trailing arm kit.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Is that on the 110? Those don't look like the KM2's you had on it? Can't really see the upper mount - but looks like it was done with square tubing?

That's going to have some setup when you are done - with the X-Eng trailing arm kit.

I use a smaller (tiny!) set of tires on the truck when I am working on it - makes it easier to move around and work on. Upper mounts are 2" square .25" wall square tube welded to 1/2" plate.

[don]

I use a smaller (tiny!) set of tires on the truck when I am working on it - makes it easier to move around and work on. Upper mounts are 2" square .25" wall square tube welded to 1/2" plate.

Makes sense. Mounts sound interesting. If you get any more pics of them please post. Cool that you can make your own stuff. I just got a Lincoln TIG machine and will be learning the ways of the torch this winter. One of the things I want to do are sliders - or at least modify the ones I have to fit much nicer.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Front is all done with new springs, Fox Shox, and RTE mounts.

Rears all done too, with new springs, Fox Shox, RTE lower mounts, and custom upper mounts.

The other pic is my ride with hooptie tires.

Tomorrow: Rear disc conversion!

[Arjun]

Looks awesome. When's the next time you're coming to HH? I want to check out the X-Deflex kit you have on.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Looks awesome. When's the next time you're coming to HH? I want to check out the X-Deflex kit you have on.

Whenever the next HH is, prolly next month.

[nathanwind]

Looks awesome. When's the next time you're coming to HH? I want to check out the X-Deflex kit you have on.

Um...Arjun...how about when's the next time YOU'RE coming to a HH for the first time :)?

[Arjun]

Um...Arjun...how about when's the next time YOU'RE coming to a HH for the first time :)?

Dude, you know I don't drink :)

Need to find a plausible excuse for the better half as to why I'm leaving her alone with the kids on a Thursday evening to go hang out at a bar. She's ok with one car event/week. If I start talking HH, I might come home one day and find all my cars gone.

[nathanwind]

Dude, you know I don't drink :)

Need to find a plausible excuse for the better half as to why I'm leaving her alone with the kids on a Thursday evening to go hang out at a bar. She's ok with one car event/week. If I start talking HH, I might come home one day and find all my cars gone.

No need to drink. In fact, at the last one I didn't have a sip. Of course, that's because I was still banged up from the night before hanging with JP "Stormer".

But yes, I understand even Manisha must have a breaking point - she's way too patient with you to begin with!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Got the disc brakes installed today! Special thanks to Keith from RovingTracks for helping me figure this out.

After reading the Disc Brake Conversion thread in the tech section, the compiling of parts and installation was pretty straight forward. I kept my stock stub axles and used early 90 front disc brake hubs. I also chose to grind and finish sand the caliper brackets vice milling them. Still haven't had a chance to test drive it yet, but the pedal feels tighter.

[cgalpin]

Don't those mounting surfaces need to be machined to be nice and square? Otherwise you are not going to get even pressure on the pads.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Don't those mounting surfaces need to be machined to be nice and square? Otherwise you are not going to get even pressure on the pads.

Sure, although I used a dial caliper and level. They are single piston calipers pushing in the middle of the caliper. Any minor deviances will be accounted for in the pad. Even the amount to remove off the bracket can vary from .100 to .140. Mine looked like I needed to take .150 off, but the variance has little effect.

[down_shift]

Don't bang on that bench vice to hard - looks like could use some bigger bolts or washers at a minimum!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Don't bang on that bench vice to hard - looks like could use some bigger bolts or washers at a minimum!

I know :( Military housing. 3" deck screws actually hold pretty well! I have another one on a steel table.

[don]

Looking good Wolf. Have you gotten any drive time on the new setup with both the disc brakes and new suspension? The Fox stuff looks trick.

And what is with you boys from VA? I thought it was us Yankees that were supposed to be the a$$holes and ruining the site, haha

[Wolf Fabrication]

Looking good Wolf. Have you gotten any drive time on the new setup with both the disc brakes and new suspension? The Fox stuff looks trick.

I'm still waiting on a test drive as I finish up a few other projects. Sounds like I may need to rebuild my injection pump. I was also sent the wrong front springs, so I need to swap those out. :(

[oilburner]

I'm still waiting on a test drive as I finish up a few other projects. Sounds like I may need to rebuild my injection pump. I was also sent the wrong front springs, so I need to swap those out. :(

What is it doing (pump)? External leaking is an easy fix and usually happens due to newer ULSD.

[Wolf Fabrication]

I posted a help thread in the tech section, but it's leaking where it meets the timing cover. I'm not getting fluid out the bottom of the timing case though, which makes it hard to believe it's the input seal.

[don]

I'm still waiting on a test drive as I finish up a few other projects. Sounds like I may need to rebuild my injection pump. I was also sent the wrong front springs, so I need to swap those out. :(

Its never easy is it, :) Not sure if you were following my Toy axle thing but its been a lot of wrong parts but a lot of it was my fault/inexperience. Good when these projects finally get figured out tho.

Looking forward to the test drive report. :thumbs:

[Wolf Fabrication]

Well, I've gone down the rabbit hole of repainting my 110. As soon as I saw the semi-gloss olive drab on the Corsetti Engineering 110 I was sold.

Paint is ordered and on the way....

[the rover shop]

Ummm...isn't olive drab a bit ummmm, whats the word I'm looking for..."gay"... why not go with something manly like sandglow ...LOL... I have done a couple of rovers lately in a flat black cleared, looks the same finish as the one in that pic, the clear stops the flat paint from staining...just sent a disco 2 to the paint shop to be done flat black...but after seeing that one above I may change colour...nothing like a drab olive green..

[nathanwind]

Paint is ordered and on the way....

You painting it yourself?

[Wolf Fabrication]

You painting it yourself?

I am. I'm a novice, but I've painted a few customer trucks with decent results. I figure if it's going to be thrashed, why waste $$ on an expensive paint job. The paint looks like shite now anyway.

[bjf]

Taking it apart?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Taking it apart?

Sorta. I'm pulling all the doors, hood, cage, and everything else bolted on, then will mask everything else. Not ideal, but...

[Wolf Fabrication]

Had a small issue with the front shock reservoirs - the way they were mounted the schrader valve contacted one of the tower mounting nuts at flex and sheared the valve off. As there were no other ways to mount the reservoir to the shock, I fabricated some T mounts.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Got it about 98% stripped down to where I want it. It looks so sad and pathetic now....

Will be masking and sanding tomorrow, then off to paint in a few days.

[JSBriggs]

...It looks so sad and pathetic now...


Looks like a redneck beachrunner just waiting for a sunny day. Id love to see an action shot of you driving it around town like that!

-Jeff

[Rugbier]

J

lift the roof just from the back and take the side windows out, that will give you room to paint the inside of the tub and floors from outside the truck with comfort as well as not leaving the top part of the capping different colour.

Also go to Harbor Freight and get an Air Brush kit and paint the bulkhead

[mgreenspan]

J

lift the roof just from the back and take the side windows out


Why not take the roof off completely to include side panels and front wings?

[Wolf Fabrication]

The whole inside is line-x'd, no need to paint.

I have all the pro painting gear, including an airbrush.

Y'all are welcome to come over and help.

[cgalpin]

I think the question becomes where do you stop? I mean you might as well pull the windshield, and then....

But yeah I would pull all the glass and the top if it were me :)

[Wolf Fabrication]

I think the question becomes where do you stop? I mean you might as well pull the windshield, and then....

But yeah I would pull all the glass and the top if it were me :)

Yep, you have to draw the line somewhere. This is a trail rig, not a show truck. I had to find a balance somewhere. The only evidence of the old color will be the inside of the windshield frame - period. And that color is Stratos Blue. If I get really motivated I might airbrush the windshield, but it's not likely.

[bjf]

If its a trail rig why bother painting at all?

[Wolf Fabrication]

If its a trail rig why bother painting at all?

The current paint sucks and I want a different color.

[nathanwind]

Think about pulling the glass....it's not that bad, new seal is like $50. Looks like hell when there's overspray on the windshield seal.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Think about pulling the glass....it's not that bad, new seal is like $50. Looks like hell when there's overspray on the windshield seal.

I'm good. No overspay on the seals. I've done this a few times.... :)

[bjf]

Post pics as you go through the process

[Wolf Fabrication]

Post pics as you go through the process

Of course. I have new paint coming as the stuff I ordered isn't quite what I wanted, but I may still use it. It's more flat than I planned, but works with the flat/satin of the other stuff.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Masked the truck, did a few small bondo touch ups, and a test spray today.

[nathanwind]

Where do you get your paint masking supplies in the area?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Online - Eastwood. For basic stuff like tape and paper, I just hit Lowes.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Here's a somewhat blurry, dark photo of the how the paint turned out. I wouldn't paint a stock truck this color, as I think you need lots of satin black to break it up, but mine should come out pretty close to the Corsetti truck I posted photos of earlier.

[bjf]

Doesn't look bad

[Jpayne]

Looking good. Nice color choice.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Here's a shot from last night after getting the hood and cage on. You can start to see the contrast of the satin black against the semi-gloss olive drab. Sadly, as I look at the pic I realize I forgot to install the vents before putting the cage on.:angry

I also dinged the paint in a few places getting the cage back on so I have some touch-up to do. :(

[down_shift]

Tell us about those LEDs.

[tjfslaughter]

Can't wait to see full pics in daylight.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Can't wait to see full pics in daylight.

Ugh, me too! I am hoping to get it finished this weekend.

------ Follow up post added February 2nd, 2012 10:22 AM ------

Tell us about those LEDs.

They are the Rigid Industries Dually 2x2 LEDs. You can get them in all sorts of sizes and configurations.

These lights better suit what I use them for - which is at most 50-100ft in front of my truck. I realized I didn't need the massive baja-style space shuttle landing lights on top of my truck. Those old lights also pulled a lot of power. These new LEDs pull a tiny fraction of that power.

I had them mounted up on top in the standard NAS mounting locations, but their small size made them look goofy, so I moved them down and in front of the cage. I simply used black painted stainless steel hose clamps to mount them.

I plan on installing two more in the rear.

Price per pair is about $190.

[JSBriggs]

They are small enough that it looks like you could move them over to where the bar starts to curve for some light on the periphery.

-Jeff

[Wolf Fabrication]

They are small enough that it looks like you could move them over to where the bar starts to curve for some light on the periphery.

-Jeff

I wanted to do that, but by snorkel is in the way on one side!

[Reese_D90]

I have one spliced into my stock reverse light wire. I don't even have a switch, it just comes on when I am in reverse. It works great.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Making some progress....

Installing the rear door today and will do the side doors this weekend.

It's nice to finally replace all the hardware with stainless and clean up a lot of previously oversprayed parts.

[cgalpin]

Looks like it's going to come out great. You *have* take some video of it driving on those little wheels sometime though.

[James Pierce]

Looks better outside in the sunlight. I like it.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Almost done. Still have a few loose ends to tie up and some cleaning and touch up.

Have some new wing tops coming Tuesday.

[aosias]

Looks really nice. Would be hilarious- little wheels, your son in the passenger seat and the looks you get from other people.

On another note- you have 3 bolts in the cage that look like they are for more cross bars across the top. Is that correct? Curious about those if they are.

[Wolf Fabrication]

On another note- you have 3 bolts in the cage that look like they are for more cross bars across the top. Is that correct? Curious about those if they are.

Yep, those are Wolf bolt in cross bars for the NAS 110 cage. They essentially give me the ability to carry cargo across the entire cage without having a basket mounted.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Behold...

[KKilo23]

Looks better with the little wheels.


But seriously what a transformation...looks bad ass.

[grnrvrs]

Way better than the metro-black.

[aosias]

Looks great!

Does anyone else find it fitting that the unveiling is the same day that CA courts ruled the gay marriage ban is unconstitutional?

[rover4x4]

Looks much better.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Thanks. Still have a lot a little things to tidy up. I broke a rear turn signal, still need to decide if I reinstall the rear reverse and fog lights, have some more stainless hardware to install, need to finishing waxing the truck, need to install rear LED lights, and the next big project is a pair of hybrid X-Eng X-Joint // Rovertym rear trailing arms.

[Jpayne]

Looks great. That's a sh!t ton of work in a couple week's time!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Looks great. That's a sh!t ton of work in a couple week's time!

Ugh, I know. I've been working on it at lunch, after work, at night, and on weekends. It helps to have a wife and kids who understand the addiction.

[bjf]

Now get a real grill.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Now get a real grill.

Wha?! Why? I like my chicken coop floor grill.

[bjf]

Super ghetto

[130Tdi]

Super ghetto

you don't get a vote

[tommyd]

looks great!

[bjf]

you don't get a vote

Its chicken coop flooring. You really going to argue how cool it is? It's the equivalent of having a mercedes with a broken hood ornament. Eye sore!!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Its chicken coop flooring. You really going to argue how cool it is? It's the equivalent of having a mercedes with a broken hood ornament. Eye sore!!

Well, thanks for your opinion, but the ghetto grill stays.

[Rugbier]

Speechless....

well done !!!!

[ssbartley1]

Nice truck, as a police officer--- the "antique" plates scream, pull me over and look at my paperwork a bit closer.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Nice truck, as a police officer--- the "antique" plates scream, pull me over and look at my paperwork a bit closer.

By all means, please waste your time doing so. The truck is 30 years old. That's like pulling over a '69 Camaro with antique plates. I've had those plates for 3 years and have had plenty of police behind me. Policing antique plate cars doesn't seem to be a huge priority.

[ssbartley1]

Except a '69 Camaro doesnt have its VIN sanded off. I couldnt care less what you choose to do dude, just giving my point of view.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Except a '69 Camaro doesnt have its VIN sanded off. I couldnt care less what you choose to do dude, just giving my point of view.

Are you implying my truck has the VIN sanded off??? It has all the legal plates and markings, and was imported legally.

But yes, antique plates on a shiny car scream pull me over, but it doesn't happen in VA.

[ssbartley1]

This is all I am saying.......Virginia Code, Section 46.2-730, limits use of antique vehicles, trailers and motorcycles registered with antique plates to the participation in club activities,exhibits, tours, parades and similar events and to carrying or transporting passengers, personal effects and other antique vehicles for show purposes. Theymay also be used on Virginia highways to test vehicle/trailer operation, obtaining maintenance or repairs and/or to sell the vehicle or trailer. Antique plates permit occasional pleasure driving (not to exceed 250 miles from the owner's residence) but are not to be used for general transportation purposes, including but not limited to, daily travel to and from the owner's place of employment.

And, no, I dont know (or care) the legal status of your truck. Im saying that old Camaros arent known for being black or gray market vehicles like Land Rovers are.

Anyhow- it is a nice truck, you did a good job on it, no doubt about that.

[Wolf Fabrication]

I am well aware of the code. I drive the truck less than 250 miles a year and only to club events, that's why I trailer it most places officer, sir.

[down_shift]

My dad (and to a lesser extent, I) have been restoring antique cars my entire life and have participated in countless "antique car club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, and similar events" to quote the Virginia DMV rules below. Bonding over old cars with my dad are some of my most cherished childhood and adult memories and I look forward to sharing this experience with my son for my next 44 years.

If pulled over by a cop for no other reason than driving with antique plates when following the rules to the letter, I would be all over the state highway department / sheriff's office. In fact, I would welcome it.

Jonathan - looking forward to seeing your D-110 at next Thursday's HH, a gathering of Rover's owners and thier > 25-yr old Defenders and Series over a few beers that is clearly a "similar event". We trust that your "daily driver" is parked at home during this time. I am also looking forward to seeing you on the "occasional pleasure [drive] not to exceed 250 miles from your residence" as well.

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/vehicles/antique.asp


Antique and Vintage License Plates

If you own a passenger vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer or motorcycle with a model year that is more than 25 model years old before January 1 of the current calendar year, you've got an antique! Depending on how you plan to use your vehicle, you may choose antique, vintage or any one of our standard license plates. Antique license plates are provided by DMV; vintage license plates are original Virginia license plates issued prior to 1976 that you provide. Antique vehicles must be insured (http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/vehicles/insurance.asp) with motor vehicle liability insurance or you must pay the uninsured motor vehicle fee (http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/vehicles/uninsured_fee.asp).
DMV began issuing yearly decals for passenger vehicles and trailers in 1973, which means that passenger vehicles and trailers manufactured in or after 1973 are not eligible to use vintage license plates. You will only be able to use antique or standard license plates issued by DMV on those vehicles. If you own a motorcycle, however, you may be able to provide vintage motorcycle plates that were issued up to 1976. If your motorcycle was manufactured in or after 1976, though, you will have to use either antique or standard license plates issued by DMV.
Is your antique vehicle just for show…?

If you plan to use your antique vehicle or trailer solely as a collector's item, you may register your vehicle with antique license plates or permanent vintage license plates.



Registering your vehicle either of these ways limits your use of the vehicle to:

Participation in antique car club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, and similar events.
Testing its operation, obtaining repairs or maintenance, selling the vehicle or trailer, transportation to and from events as described in number 1 above and for the occasional pleasure driving not to exceed 250 miles from your residence.
Carrying or transporting passengers, personal effects or other antique motor vehicles being transported for show purposes.
You may not use your vehicle for general, daily transportation. This includes, but is not limited to, driving to and from work.
If you are providing vintage license plates, then the year embossed on the license plate must match the model year of the vehicle. In addition, DMV must inspect and approve the physical condition of the vintage plates.


To register your vehicle with antique or permanent vintage license plates, DMV charges a one-time fee. Use forms VSA 14 (http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/vsa14.pdf) or VSA 10 (http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/vsa10.pdf), and VSA 10B (http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/vsa10b.pdf).

Your license plates will be valid for as long as you own the vehicle.
You may not transfer your license plates to another vehicle, but you may surrender them to DMV and then register them to a different vehicle for an additional fee.
Unless the vehicle was manufactured for one license plate only, you must display license plates on the front and the rear of your vehicle.
Using the "Antique Vehicle Applicant Certification," VSA 10B (http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/vsa10b.pdf), you must also certify that you own, or have regular use of, another vehicle, without antique plates, for daily use and that the vehicle or trailer you want to register with antique plates can be driven safely on the highways of Virginia.

[Wolf Fabrication]

We are getting way off topic here... I believe the fine for driving to get ice cream in your antique plate car is $500. I will gladly take the fine over the yearly cost of plates and hassle of safety inspections. But I must reiterate, I only drive to club events, car shows, gatherings etc, and this includes HH.

[Jackie Treehorn]

Having skipped over the debate over the validity of antique plates, I just checked back a few pages to see the final pictures.

That thing looks burly! Nice job.
You achieved the look you were going for for sure. No more metrosexual mall cruiser.

However, with all of that "equipment" including shocks, sliders, etc., I think we are going to jump all over you if you don't post some pictures of Frank actually getting filthy. (now that you're done, it's time to thrash it!)

[o2batsea]

You can get geezer plates, and then flip them over to standard if you want. However, Jonathan is experiencing what many of us in large urban areas do when driving on Historic tags...the cops do not bother you about it.
In my experience, I have been pulled over while driving the 2A by a MD state trooper when I left my rack mounted work light on. This was on I270 near Gaithersburg. He checked my license, registration and proof of insurance, told me to be careful about leaving the light on and went on his way. This occurred after dark on a week night with the truck full of Costco shiz. Clearly I was not doing anything remotely car club related.
I find if you are courteous, patient and friendly towards the Troopers they will not go out of their way to pile on the infractions.
I get much the same about trailers too.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Having skipped over the debate over the validity of antique plates, I just checked back a few pages to see the final pictures.

That thing looks burly! Nice job.
You achieved the look you were going for for sure. No more metrosexual mall cruiser.

However, with all of that "equipment" including shocks, sliders, etc., I think we are going to jump all over you if you don't post some pictures of Frank actually getting filthy. (now that you're done, it's time to thrash it!)

Where have you been?!? The truck has been thrashed plenty - go back through the thread, I posted plenty of pics, or check out the Lucky 8 Easter Expedition DVDs.

[130Tdi]

You can "test drive" your antique vehicle @ any time in Virginia if I'm not mistaken. Given the amount of time Jonathan spends wrenching onnthis truck I think he's got a couple thousand test drives saved up. All you have to do is point to something shiney and say you just bolted it on and you are perfectly legal. Paint looks way better than the Krylon did.

[Wolf Fabrication]

You can "test drive" your antique vehicle @ any time in Virginia if I'm not mistaken. Given the amount of time Jonathan spends wrenching onnthis truck I think he's got a couple thousand test drives saved up. All you have to do is point to something shiney and say you just bolted it on and you are perfectly legal. Paint looks way better than the Krylon did.

Ahh, good point Doug.

And I am higher class than Krylon - I used Rustoleum Professional on the last paint job :)

[cgalpin]

I don't believe it's against the law to nip into Costco on the way back from an event or on a test drive either. Suspensions need testing under different loads etc.

[Wolf Fabrication]

I don't believe it's against the law to nip into Costco on the way back from an event or on a test drive either. Suspensions need testing under different loads etc.

Just yesterday I tested the aerodynamic properties of the new paint.

[down_shift]

Participated with the Cub Scouts during the Leesburg (VA) Christmas Parade to collect toys to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The generosity of the local community overflowed the back of my ST with toys. While it will be seven years before I can participate in this "parade" with antique plates, perhaps I should have looked over my shoulder in apprehension of getting pulled over for suspicion of looting a Toys-R-Us while getting a VIN check slipped in too. Don’t think so however, as it was all thumbs up from the 50 or so local cops lining the parade route.

[ssbartley1]

This post is just as worthless as your last one.

Participated with the Cub Scouts during the Leesburg (VA) Christmas Parade to collect toys to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The generosity of the local community overflowed the back of my ST with toys. While it will be seven years before I can participate in this "parade" with antique plates, perhaps I should have looked over my shoulder in apprehension of getting pulled over for suspicion of looting a Toys-R-Us while getting a VIN check slipped in too. Don’t think so however, as it was all thumbs up from the 50 or so local cops lining the parade route.

[down_shift]

This post is just as worthless as your last one.
PM sent.

[sonoronos]

I believe the fine for driving to get ice cream in your antique plate car is $500.

lol. That would truly suck! Good thing there's no such ice cream fine in Virginia :)

There is also no "shiny new looking antique" fine. Actually, many cars rocking antique plates are restored and are quite beautiful. Some even look better than new.

The big thing that the state worries about are those people who have antique plates and:
1. Use antiques to drive every day to work OR
2. The antique is the only car owned by the individual.

To the state that's considered tax evasion. Without trying to sound too cynical, the state is very concerned about their revenue. There was a segment on CSPAN recently where a representative from the State Police actually talked specifically about this, addressing their primary concern which was individuals using antique vehicles as tax shelters.

As an example, consider Joe Smith, owner of a 1985 Chevy Pickup truck with 400,000 miles and almost every part of the truck replaced with new parts. It's the only car that Joe owns and he uses it to drive to work the same way he did when he first bought it over 25 years ago. Even though the truck itself is worth a pittance, the state wants its yearly registration income of $40.00. Joe has the option of registering it as an Antique, which only costs a low one-time fee. The state allows this, but only on the condition that Joe buys another car to use for commuting and that would cost Joe more money - both to buy the vehicle and also pay the yearly registration fee on that vehicle (at minimum - $40.00 also.)

They acknowledged publicly that some people have decades old vehicles worth $80k+ on the streets and those are exactly the vehicles that the antique registration was designed for. Think early Ferrari 512's and Jaguar E-Types.

Also, there is an expectation by the state that your vehicle meets appropriate safety regulations even without formal testing by the State. This means working indicators, headlamps, safety equipment, etc. If I got pulled over and the cop saw the fuel line and returns line sitting in a diesel can on the passenger side seat, I would be cited. Common sense stuff.

btw, NICE TRUCK!

[o2batsea]

Fixed it for ya...

[ssbartley1]

:riflePM sent.

[mikeslandrover]

:clap:party
looks good
:thehand

[bjf]

It really does look good. What is the stripe? I still think you need a real grill.

[nathanwind]

It really does look good. What is the stripe? I still think you need a real grill.

Bill threw the stripe on...I didn't get it either.

[JSBriggs]

It really does look good. What is the stripe? I still think you need a real grill.

Bill threw the stripe on...I didn't get it either.

Looks like a grand sport stripe. Increases the value.

As for a real grill, might i suggest... http://www.hitchsource.com/images/FG100_open.jpg

-Jeff

[nathanwind]

I thought the grand sport was a double stripe? But I get it now.

[Jackie Treehorn]

Where have you been?!? The truck has been thrashed plenty - go back through the thread, I posted plenty of pics, or check out the Lucky 8 Easter Expedition DVDs.

Okay, that was some legit wheelin', but more impressive was the distance you travelled to get to the spot. Good stuff.
When does the new paint job get christened w/Nantucket pinstripes?

[rijosho]

Okay, that was some legit wheelin', but more impressive was the distance you travelled to get to the spot. Good stuff.
When does the new paint job get christened w/Nantucket pinstripes?

Haha. My buddy just had his Nantucket pinstripes buffed out of his LR3 - didn't think he'd be able to get them off!

[Ren Ching]

I get rid of my pinstripes by covering them up with more pinstripes. :(

SSbartley, et al., I've been pulled several times in VA on antique tags on my way to and from work, including once for apparently cutting off a motorcycle cop. All I said was "yes sir" and "no sir" as appropriate, and he let me go with a warning. Fact is they just don't care. Don't get the VIN sanded off comment, Jonathan's truck is without doubt an early example, as I would hazard a guess most are. And I don't think the VIN fraud that supposedly occurs so often with defenders is either very or easily provable, (though, sadly it does not always need to be for authorities to fuck with you) nor is it as well known as you perhaps think. Most people don't even know what a Defender is.



Haha. My buddy just had his Nantucket pinstripes buffed out of his LR3 - didn't think he'd be able to get them off!

[ssbartley1]

I know him, i have seen his truck, i know they were not sanded off of his truck.

[jaygoss]

Hate to take this thread off track, but I looked back a few pages and noticed a guy painted his truck! I'd just like to say good job Wolfman!!! Looks great- super cool color. Can't believe how much work you were able to complete in such a short time.

Sorry to hijack.

Whoa whoa..wait a minute...isn't this a build thread??!!!

[ssbartley1]

It is a great truck, and he has done a fantastic job on it!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Installed a kick arse custom aluminum rear drawer system, which made my Tuffy rear speaker/storage boxes obsolete. This then freed up a ton of space in the back.

[mgreenspan]

Does it sit flat on the floor?

[Jpayne]

On those rigid LEDs... Did you get spots or floods? I was thinking spots on the inside and floods on the outers. I really like those lights and want to incorporate them at some time. Any feedback since you've had them on a little while now?

[Wolf Fabrication]

On those rigid LEDs... Did you get spots or floods? I was thinking spots on the inside and floods on the outers. I really like those lights and want to incorporate them at some time. Any feedback since you've had them on a little while now?

Love 'em! I did 2 flood and 2 spots just as you mentioned. I played with them driving home the other night. They throw light out just as far as my old IPFs and are plenty good for what I use them for.

I even installed a set in the back.

[ssbartley1]

Looks good- hope you get a chance to work that Guiness bottle opener a bit today!

[usadventureracing]

I am looking to install a lock box in the back of my 110, what kind of box is it? I have been looking at the ruddy boxes.

[jayz]

Truly inspirational. I am interested in that rear drawer also, what kind of sliders are in there. I think that is the major cost building one of those. Good ones are really pricey

[Wolf Fabrication]

I am looking to install a lock box in the back of my 110, what kind of box is it? I have been looking at the ruddy boxes.

It's from Crow River Advance Process Technologies. Was about $650 new.

------ Follow up post added March 17th, 2012 12:54 PM ------

Truly inspirational. I am interested in that rear drawer also, what kind of sliders are in there. I think that is the major cost building one of those. Good ones are really pricey

Teflon rollers actually. The drawer slides great.

[Wolf Fabrication]

After waiting 3 months, more sex in a box showed up....

[canigo]

damn, those are nice! who makes em?

[Wolf Fabrication]

damn, those are nice! who makes em?

X-Eng.

[mikeslandrover]

X-Eng.

http://www.x-eng.co.uk/Index.asp?MID=18

:)

[Wolf Fabrication]

Got the X-Eng rear links installed today. Pretty straightforward and no suprises. Si puts together some nice kit too.

The first pic shows a comparison of the RTE link and the new X-Eng Link. You can see how beefy they are and you don't compromise a ton of clearance. Si tells me he is working on making cranked rear links.

Not a huge fan of the purple annodized aluminum blocks. :(

[JSBriggs]

Wow, Purple anodizing. Talk about early 90's mountain biking! :grin

Come to think of it, the purple, is kind of 're-gaying' it a bit.

-Jeff

[rijosho]

This truck must be seriously confused as to its sexual orientation at this point. You slapped the gay out of it but now you're telling it it's OK to wear eyeliner and thongs.

[mikeslandrover]

The anodising is blue on the web site.:confused

[airbornrover]

Its a Marine thing.:grin

[Wolf Fabrication]

The anodising is blue on the web site.:confused

Ugh, I know. I'm going to let him know purple should be nowhere on a Rover.

------ Follow up post added March 26th, 2012 03:54 PM ------

You slapped the gay out of it but now you're telling it it's OK to wear eyeliner and thongs.

Now that's funny right there.

[JSBriggs]

You could do the EZ-off oven cleaner trick to get rid of the purple. What is wrong with hard (clear) anodising?



-Jeff