Building the "Heart of Gold" - Done 3/9/2014

[drewh1]

Ok Last photo, just had to show the rear view. It looks like the lights are mounted on the fenders!

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[citylights]

Awesome teardrop, with a great tow vehicle too! Congratulations!

[drewh1]

Thanks John! You inspired me to get the TV! and your posts helped me a lot as I was building. Hope you are getting out there and camping in your rig! BTW, I am starting to change some things on my FJ. Today, I am cutting out the back door windows and installing these for the dog: http://www.fjfreedomwindows.com/ Also going to put some sliders on. Are you in any of the Cruiser forums? Looks like you have done a few things to yours, winch in front?

drew.

[drewh1]

Congratulations on a successful build of a very nice teardrop! The newly added fenders look great!
...Beautiful pictures. Glad you're having fun with your new teardrop.

Thanks Sharon - I have noticed over my short involvement how active you are and how useful your posts are to everyone here!

drew.

[citylights]

Thanks John! You inspired me to get the TV! and your posts helped me a lot as I was building. Hope you are getting out there and camping in your rig! BTW, I am starting to change some things on my FJ. Today, I am cutting out the back door windows and installing these for the dog: http://www.fjfreedomwindows.com/ Also going to put some sliders on. Are you in any of the Cruiser forums? Looks like you have done a few things to yours, winch in front?

drew.

I love those windows, just expensive! Get one of these from lowes to prop your rear window open... Big ring snaps into door latch, thumb clasp latches onto window. A little electrical tape to cushion the clasp and no rattle. Really helps for air flow front to back. Called the Fart escape hatch!



Here is a list of the things done to my FJ.

Smittybuilt A1 Bumper with Winch, freaking heavy steel N10CE Rock Sliders, Baja Roof Rack and Ladder, Cobra 75 CB, 1200 watt inverter, BFG All Terrain 285/70r17s, and a home built storage box...

Here is a shot of the storage box, high lift jack holder, built in air compressor, and inverter, (teardrop building skills come in handy). I still need to paint and carpet it.







On the list for future,

Aluminum full under body armor
http://www.ricochetoffroad.com/store/page347.html

I am active on this Facebook FJ offroad club and page. I really like how they share FJ info, do modification get togethers to share install expertise, and go on group off-road runs about twice a month.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/vegasfjcruisers/

I like this forum for general FJ research and info, but I don't post there

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/

[drewh1]

Nice upgrades - I like the storage box. I have to do something similar except it needs to hold dive tanks so no drawers.

I have decided to only install a Freedom on my passenger side so if you want one - I have a drivers side I would be happy to ship you. Just don't really need to do both sides as I only have one dog!

drew.

[DMcCam]

She turned out beautiful Drew!!! Please keep us updated with your camping pics.

All the Best,

Dave

[dano]

Drew, looks great !!
Dan

[drewh1]

Drew, looks great !!
Dan

Dan - thanks! BTW, I have a pretty good sized piece of aluminum left over, let me know if you can use for any of your projects.

drew.

[drewh1]

She turned out beautiful Drew!!! Please keep us updated with your camping pics.

All the Best,

Dave

Thanks Dave - I wouldn't/couldn't have done it without your build journal and help! Am definitely going to get out camping soon. have to see if the new girlfriend is TD friendly!

drew.

[citylights]

Nice upgrades - I like the storage box. I have to do something similar except it needs to hold dive tanks so no drawers.

I have decided to only install a Freedom on my passenger side so if you want one - I have a drivers side I would be happy to ship you. Just don't really need to do both sides as I only have one dog!

drew.

I appreciate the offer. Honestly, I don't have any dogs, so it is not a must for me. The back window prop keeps enough air flow. Besides, you can't just install one! Your FJ would be unbalanced!

[drewh1]

Got a question on wheel bearing preload if anyone sees this!

I have about 500 miles or so on my NT trailer now. When I try to jiggle the wheels back and forth, I notice a bit of play in the wheel bearings. I opened them up and found I couldn't tighten the castle nut to the next hole. It is either a bit of play, or what feels to me like too much preloading.

What do you guys think? looser or tighter, or am I missing another solution?

thanks! Had a great trip up to Sonoma again this weekend. Speared a greenling and couple of black rockfish, no lingcod this trip.


Oh - the guy in the $$$$ Airstream came over and admired my TD for about 30 minutes

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[PKCSPT]

Sure looks nice

[Epbowen]

Clean lines.

[David S]

Got a question on wheel bearing preload if anyone sees this!

I have about 500 miles or so on my NT trailer now. When I try to jiggle the wheels back and forth, I notice a bit of play in the wheel bearings. I opened them up and found I couldn't tighten the castle nut to the next hole. It is either a bit of play, or what feels to me like too much preloading.

What do you guys think? looser or tighter, or am I missing another solution?

I was taught to tighten the bearings all the way and then back off to the first hole the pin will go in.
A bit of play is much better than to tight.