Dirtco's Adventure Thread

[Dirtco]

I love seeing the orange live on in the engine bay... awesome!

That's the proof that it's the same 4Runner!

 

[Dirtco]

I had originally planned on using aluminum for the roof, but after looking at prices and comparing weight it just wasn't worth it. It also would have added a lot more work when it came to attaching it to the cage. So I used steel sheet metal and welded it into the cage around the perimeter, and spot welded it into the cage to keep it from rattling around.

On the inside I used two forms of sound deadener to control noise and heat inside the cab. It also helps to create a nice finished look for the interior.

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[Jaysen4runner]

Love it!!

 

[theesotericone]

I had originally planned on using aluminum for the roof, but after looking at prices and comparing weight it just wasn't worth it. It also would have added a lot more work when it came to attaching it to the cage. So I used steel sheet metal and welded it into the cage around the perimeter, and spot welded it into the cage to keep it from rattling around.

On the inside I used two forms of sound deadener to control noise and heat inside the cab. It also helps to create a nice finished look for the interior.

So stoke to see your rig out of the garage. That cage looks strong as hell. I finally broke down and bought a welder. After I learn how to use it I might send you a PM for some photo's of how you tied it in.

 

[owyheerat]

Jeremiah,
I knew it would be awesome, and I actually think that is an understatement. I can't wait to hear how it does on the trails.
I really hope I get to see this Beast some day.

Great job!

Durwin

 

[T4Rchadly]

looks absolutely fantastic

 

[the great him]

Wow! So this is what happens when I take a break from t4r? You roll your rig and then cut it to pieces and truggy it!? High five!

All jokes aside glad you are still with us, and have bounced back. To be honest I'm not sure I could do it, so here's to you[emoji481].

Super impressed yet again with what you have Invisioned and created. I went back and read all the way from the accident, I know I missed all the SAS stuff but that's kinda a mute point now wouldn't you say[emoji6]. Again I start off thinking your nuts, no, that's not gonna work out well don't do it yada yada yada and yet again you prove me and my thoughts wrong [emoji106]. Keep up the great work. It gives me hope that if one day I wreck mine I have someplace to turn for inspiration and guidance.

 

[rdruss]

So glad I decided to look at this thread recently! I've been on the site for a couple of years, but just decided to look at this this week and so glad I did!

I love what is under the Sheetmetal of high performance vehicles and this thread is like being allowed into a race car shop and being able watch a metal magician at work, who is not afraid to share what he is doing with whoever wants to watch.

Thank you very much for detailing this experience. You truly are one of a rare breed of people who can visualize something and then go and make your vision come to life, simply amazing is all I can say!!!

 

[Dirtco]

So stoke to see your rig out of the garage. That cage looks strong as hell. I finally broke down and bought a welder. After I learn how to use it I might send you a PM for some photo's of how you tied it in.

Me too! I made the cage as strong as I could without adding a ton of weight, I especially concentrated on the head area of the front and rear passengers. There are a couple areas that I might add additional support to, but for the time being I feel very safe driving it.

As for the welder, do it! It's probably the best investment I have ever made when it comes to tools, it's paid for itself over and over again!

 

[Dirtco]

Jeremiah,
I knew it would be awesome, and I actually think that is an understatement. I can't wait to hear how it does on the trails.
I really hope I get to see this Beast some day.

Great job!

Durwin

Thanks Durwin! I can't wait to take it out on a legit shakedown run, I'll make sure to get some pictures and video!

 

[Dirtco]

Wow! So this is what happens when I take a break from t4r? You roll your rig and then cut it to pieces and truggy it!? High five!

All jokes aside glad you are still with us, and have bounced back. To be honest I'm not sure I could do it, so here's to you[emoji481].

Super impressed yet again with what you have Invisioned and created. I went back and read all the way from the accident, I know I missed all the SAS stuff but that's kinda a mute point now wouldn't you say[emoji6]. Again I start off thinking your nuts, no, that's not gonna work out well don't do it yada yada yada and yet again you prove me and my thoughts wrong [emoji106]. Keep up the great work. It gives me hope that if one day I wreck mine I have someplace to turn for inspiration and guidance.

Yeah, pretty much!

If it wasn't for the recent SAS I would've just started over. I've always wanted some sort of a "dual sport" buggy, something I could take rock crawling and go fast, yet still go snow wheeling, camping, and drive on the street. I feel this was my best attempt considering what I had to start with. It's been a lot more work than I anticipated, but I'm also constantly evolving the plan to make it even better. Thank you!

 

[Dirtco]

So glad I decided to look at this thread recently! I've been on the site for a couple of years, but just decided to look at this this week and so glad I did!

I love what is under the Sheetmetal of high performance vehicles and this thread is like being allowed into a race car shop and being able watch a metal magician at work, who is not afraid to share what he is doing with whoever wants to watch.

Thank you very much for detailing this experience. You truly are one of a rare breed of people who can visualize something and then go and make your vision come to life, simply amazing is all I can say!!!

Thank you!! I wish I could have gone further in depth on the build but honestly it would be a train wreck to follow. I'm constantly moving around to different projects on the truck, and brainstorming different idea's. Luckily all the pieces are starting to fall into place!

 

[rdruss]

Thank you!! I wish I could have gone further in depth on the build but honestly it would be a train wreck to follow. I'm constantly moving around to different projects on the truck, and brainstorming different idea's. Luckily all the pieces are starting to fall into place!

And that too, is what makes your posts so interesting, you are not one dimensional, not just a metal fabricator, but able to address all the systems of the vehicle, to jump around and work on whatever needs attention, ie. the SP9100, very cool!

 

[Fishwerks]

It's so beautiful. Bummed Moab fell through but I'm thinking we will find a way to get together later this year!

 

[Dirtco]

In addition to building the truck I've also had to put a lot of thought into cargo room, weight distribution and what I carry in the 4Runner.

I’m a strong believer in carrying what you need to fix your vehicle and survive if you get stranded, but depending on the time of year and the trails your running those “essential” items will change.

The first hurdle was my OBA system. I’ve ran CO2 for almost my entire wheeling life, it’s super fast and in most cases I had more than enough room for a tank. Well, that has changed a little and I couldn’t find a spot for my 20 pound bottle. I looked at 10 pound bottles but no one up here will fill it, or exchange it. So I started looking around at air compressors, there is a lot of different options out there! I ended up going with the highest CFM Smittybuilt compressor, I know it’s not the highest quality but here is my reasoning. First it was cheap, I bought the 5.65 CFM model on sale for $101.49, the ARB twin is almost $600.00. Second, I don’t plan on running air tools and I have my standard ARB compressor mounted under the hood, so I could technically have both compressors running at the same time if I wanted to air up faster.

With the air compressor and fridge I figured it was time for a second battery, I know batteries are heavy but I positioned the weight in the best place possible offsetting the front battery. I also had to find a solution for my tool bag, so I picked up this tool roll from Amazon.

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[Dirtco]

It's so beautiful. Bummed Moab fell through but I'm thinking we will find a way to get together later this year!

Thanks Chris! We'll find a time to meet up and get some trail time in.

 

[Dirtco]

The hood is painted and back on the 4Runner. I've been working on all kinds of misc stuff that needs to be dealt with, and its been on several test drives around the neighborhood. It's getting pretty close to an actual off road shakedown run!

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[theesotericone]

I also had to find a solution for my tool bag, so I picked up this tool roll from Amazon.

Knipex Cobra's. You got exceptional taste in tools. If you don't have there Plier Wrench set get them. I use them almost every time I wheel.

 

[Black798]

The hood is painted and back on the 4Runner. I've been working on all kinds of misc stuff that needs to be dealt with, and its been on several test drives around the neighborhood. It's getting pretty close to an actual off road shakedown run!

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All that work because you were able to get the windshield straight at the beginning haha. That turned out awesome man can't wait to see that thing work. Really motivated me to get my rear axle swap and cantilever setup in

 

[T4Rchadly]

looks so dang sweet. i wanna see more pictures of the back!