Update: I'm still waiting on the Aeromotive parts to arrive. And I'm holding off on the Master Kill Switch until I finish the plumbing so I can test one system at a time in case either fail.
- Master Kill Switch & Fuel Line Parts: A bunch of parts arrived for the Master Kill Switch and the Fuel Cell Plumbing (but no pump just yet):
- Fuel Line Adapters: I ran the fuel line plumbing as far as I could without a pump to ultimately tie into. Russell for lines and fittings was an obvious choice. The 5/16" quick connector fit the larger Supply line fine. I had to make an adapter out of fuel line and a doubled-up connector for the smaller Return line - in theory it should be very strong, but we'll find out when we test it. I literally inserted the OEM Supply line into the Male Adapter and ran fuel line across the top of both with clamps on both sides, so it's technically doubled-up.
- Fuel Line Routing: I was able to route them above the frame rails and into the cab using the old fuel access hatch. It is lined with rubber, so the sheet metal cannot tear the fuel line while enduring vibrations/shocks, and clamps down tight so they cannot move. We'll see if it stays here:
- Salvage Doors: I also finished installing the salvage doors, so all "bolt-on" exterior sheet metal is now salvage and ready for KOH abuse. I ended up getting these for a steal with glass, trim, and electronics - so I can ride to CA with the glass in and pull all glass once there.
My only surprise on the doors is that the interior handle is integrated into the trim. It weights nothing, but may interfere with the cage. If so, I'll cut out the interior door handle and bolt it in or weld in some metal ones. We will need interior handles given the safety nets will prevent us from just using the exterior handles. And I'll need to cut into the trim for the secondary locks anyway.
- RCVs: I spoke with RCV on Friday and our front axle shafts are done! They are being shipped to Marlin's shop as early as this week. Our set will be the first set of Gen 2 shafts for the 4th gen ever made! I'm really anxious to see a RCV Gen 2 vs. OEM pic. Supposedly the difference vs. OEM and Gen 1 is HUGE - completely re-engineered CV Joints, additional housing clearance, and added strength throughout.
- Timeline: We had a build-team call on Friday and decided to delay the trip to CA until Mid-October instead of Mid-September. The front suspension and steering prototype simply won't be done until late September at this point and we need 2-weeks of testing before it goes on the 4Runner. I still feel good on the overall timeline, but it certainly pushes the first round of testing back. Everything else, including the Atlas II build, are all on track.
- Front Suspension/Steering: The front suspension/steering prototype looks great and is being built right with on-the-fly "flexibility" so we can tweak the designs, cut, and re-build if needed. I can't go into details, but it will be "Comprehensive". And Wyatt at RockSolidToys is of course anxious to get his hands on the T-Case, Rear Suspension, and Cage!
- Small Stuff: I reached out to Denso about sponsoring with new OEM parts (starter, alternator, etc) to refresh the vehicle. I also reached out to Royal Purple about a full synthetic refresh. I've finished first draft templates for the safety nets and need to transfer to poster board so I can mail to PRP. I'm also working on the rear race light, fuel level sender converter, and Comms/Intercom.
