S.S. Minnow Build Thread

[BucknutBob]

Bill, I think as time goes on, you're going to be truly amazed at what you can conquer with lockers, because I guarantee you could've made those obstacles in those clips with your old open diffs. Once you lower your tire pressures, and gain a bit more trust in your rig's capabilities, you won't need to take that zig-zag line again. As long as your suspension can articulate over the obstacle and maintain tire contact (as you were doing on the vids), you can make it with open diffs. The lockers will come into their own when you're trying stuff that breaks tire contact, where an open diff would normally transfer power to the suspended wheel. Find a safe spot where the obstacle is tall enough to put one side in the air, and then you'll really be impressed with your new-found abilities! Have fun out there (and stay safe!).

 

[Footofgod]

Thanks Bob! It's pretty obvious that I am still learning what I am capable of. Looking back at the videos I am seeing lines that I probably could have handled that at the time I was scared to try. I am also trying to be a little safe until I get my new suspension and lift.

 

[Footofgod]

Some imagination required. I want to cut everything above the blue tape (not including the tape). On the front door I'm thinking of a support bar or arm rest on a hinge. Might start cutting today.

 

[KidVermicious]

Are you going to want to open and close the front doors? Might wanna not cut that latch out...

 

[AddictedOffroad]

leave yourself an arm rest. You will want it.

 

[SV_Dude]

Are you going to want to open and close the front doors? Might wanna not cut that latch out...

You can use a handful of different handles in place of that one and relocate it.

 

[Footofgod]

You can use a handful of different handles in place of that one and relocate it.

That's the plan. I'm going to relocate the inside handle to the top or side of the flat part.

Cut the first door. Went easier than I thought. Still debating how I am going to cap it. I don't weld, so I think I will cap it with fiberglass. I put a 2x4 in the door to give some rigidity. I am going to put carriage bolts through that to hold it. I also filled the door with expanding foam.

 

[Footofgod]

Well the half doors are all cut, but will be a work in progress. In the meantime, I have my temporary/winter weather doors on that I picked up for $100 off craigslist. I got rid of all the door wiring except the window controls. I'm not terribly worried about power locks, lights in the door or mirror. I moved the wiring to the outside of the door for quick removal of the door. I have some ideas for quick release hinges without going and buying a set for $85. I'm thinking I can work out some sort of post with a cotter pin to simply place in the hinge. Just pop the post, remove and replace the door. My little staycation is over and I go back to work next week, so my build will slow considerably.

Things coming in the next 2-3 months.

OME lift with panhard drop bracket, diff drop
Ball joints and ball joint spacers.
AOR rock sliders
AOR rear bumper (maybe, after I pulled the stock bumper and hitch it lifted itself 2-3" in the rear. I like that clearance and lighter rear)
Tube doors (maybe,depends on how well the half doors come out)
Front skid plate, aftermarket undercarriage skid plate.

 

[Footofgod]

Just to add, taking doors off and putting doors on by yourself is a real PITA!

 

[Hyde802]

Yup. Get some quick release doors. Make it much easier, especiallyif your going to be doing it often.

 

[Footofgod]

Waiting on parts and money.............So I found ways to keepme busy.

 

[Footofgod]

Here's a better pic of my homemade quick release door hinges. Pull the pin and doors swap out easily.

 

[Hyde802]

^^ Thats a much better pin than what I was using. Ill have to swap them out. What size is that 7/16th by how long?

 

[Footofgod]

^^ Thats a much better pin than what I was using. Ill have to swap them out. What size is that 7/16th by how long?

5/16 x 2 1/2

I tried the 7/16 and it fit too tight. It took some trial and error. Had to order the clevis pins from Fastenal. 1/4" works with a ton of rattle.

 

[SV_Dude]

It looks like that runner is coming along nicely! I'll be there sometime in May, I'll have to get with you and see if you can show me around some of the trails there!

 

[Footofgod]

So I am basically done with the thumb/hand throttle. I just need to attach the cable. I'm going to move the handle so that it doesn't hit the shifter knob.

When I get the cable, it will attach at the hole I drilled in this bracket then attach to the nut on the throttle.

 

[KidVermicious]

Those brake levers are normally springloaded, aren't they? Did you find a way to rig it so it'll stay where you left it, or are you planning on keeping one hand on the shift lever?

 

[Footofgod]

Those brake levers are normally springloaded, aren't they? Did you find a way to rig it so it'll stay where you left it, or are you planning on keeping one hand on the shift lever?

For now the plan is to keep one hand on the shifter. If I don't like that, I'll switch it to the locking type. Trying to use what I have. Basically it will be a way to give it gas with a foot on the break and one on the clutch.

 

[SV_Dude]

For now the plan is to keep one hand on the shifter. If I don't like that, I'll switch it to the locking type. Trying to use what I have. Basically it will be a way to give it gas with a foot on the break and one on the clutch.

I'm interested to see how this will work out. Do you think it will be hard to get used to? It would be trippy for me to not use my foot for the gas.

 

[4Running Daily]

I've been wheeling with a 5 speed for a while now. I just use the hand brake when I need gas and to slip the clutch at the same time.

Is the new throttle control suppose to be better then just using the handbrake?