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Ollie's "BugEater" Build
First of all... Where did "BugEater" come from? Well, I'm a Cornhusker (Huskers now) at heart. Back in the early 1900's the Nebraska football team's name was actually the BugEaters. So there you have it. The "BugEater" is set-up for emergency response and recovery on a daily basis. It converts to expedition mode in a few hours time. It likes to play rough occasionally too. I bought it 3 months after they released the FJ-Cruiser. I bought it fully loaded minus the roof rack. I perform all my own work on my rig except for front end alignments.
Just a baby with 200 miles on it... http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1156/...e926a702_o.jpg Here's as she sets today... http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3377 Here's a shot of me in front of it. A few of us were featured on Land Cruiser magazine. I got this shot on the day of the photo shoot. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/...6d252626_z.jpg SUSPENSION & DRIVE TRAIN: ProComp Xtreme Mud Terrains (305/70/17's) on PrComp Wheels Icon Racing Front Coilovers OME Heavy Coils in the Rear with Sway-A-Way Racerunner Shocks Factory Rear Electric locker Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) - Factory A-TRAC Hack (Allows use of A-TRAC and Rear Diff Lock at the same time on older FJC's) VSC Disable Mod Rear Locker Anytime Mod ARMOR: ARB Front Winch Bumper w/Warn CE XD-9000 Winch Warn Rear Bumper OEM Rock Rails All-Pro Skid Plates (Front, Transmission, Transfer Case, and Rear Diff) Self fabricated rear control arm forward mount armor. Self fabricated rear control arm armor. (Encase factory control arms in 304 SS tubing.) Communications: Kenwood TM-D710 Dual Transceiver Radio w/APRS (GMRS/FRS Capable) Yaesu FT-857D Multi-Band (2M to 80M) HF Tranceiver w/ATAS-120 Screwdriver Antenna (GMRS/FRS and 11M Capable) Uniden CB w/Firefly antenna on a Bandi mount SPOT Messenger NAVIGATION: Garmin GPSMap 478 Chartplotter Garmin GPSMap 60Cx APRS linked with GPSMap 478 Chartplotter HP Pavillion Laptop (on RAM Mount) linked with GPSMap 478 Chartplotter for running Delorme 6.0, TOPO 4.0, and Google Earth (when available). ILLUMINATION (4 ea) PIAA 510's facing forward on roof rack. (2 ea) PIAA HID RS800 9-Inch Shock Lamps on Front Bumper Hella Fog Light on each side of roof rack for side illumination. (2 ea) Rear facing Hella fog lights for rear illumination. (6 ea) Peanut lights on undercarriage for rock lights. Red LED inside dome light conversion for night vision protection. Hi/Lo HID headlight conversion. MISCELLANEOUS: Twin VIAIR 480 Compressor System w/2 Gallon Air Tank Dirty Parts Dual Battery System Odyssey PC-1700 MJT Primary Battery Dual Optima Yellow-Top Batteries for additional juice. 50 Quart ARB Frig-Freeze 10 lb Self Made CO2 System ARB X-Jack Molly Rear Cargo Barrier w/Gun Rack 7 Trumpet Train Horn and Alarm System Blue Sea Lighting Control System controlling all exterior lighting. ARB Safari Snorkel Scan-GuageII Engine Monitoring Computer Oil-less MAF Engine Air Intake Filter Internal On-Dash Video Camera Mount for awesome action footage. Self-Fabricated Gear Storage Box (POW-MIA) |
BugEater Cabin
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Cargo Area
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I originally installed an Extreme Outback Extremaire compressor in my rig. It was a great compressor. I had it installed in my cargo area inside my truck though. It is a loud compressor and I got tired of hearing it running in my truck when charging my tanks. Additionally, I had it installed on top of my subwoofer and when I changed my stereo to an aftermarket one the subwoofer was made ineffective. The dead woofer was taking space which could be better utilized for more economic gear storage. I started doing research but couldn't find a smaller compressor that could perform as well as my Extremaire. I finally came to a solution when I installed the ARB bumper. I ended up buying a Viair 480C Twin-Pack compressor system. The ARB has enough space in each bumper wing to mount a compressor. I just had to come up with a way to get the intakes up out of the wheel well area due to water crossings.
I installed the compressor in each wing and put a QD from each compressor through the top of the bumper so a have a connection source on each side of the truck. I then ran a 3/8" rubber line down each frame rail back to my 2 gallon air tank to feed my air horns and effectively tie the two compressors together so they air volume to each QD feeds off the cumulitive output of them both. I also valved them so if one fails or if I develop a leak in either side I can run off of one side independently sacrificing half the air volume due to the loss of one compressor. I can live with that in a pinch. I will just have to wait longer to fill a tire. http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/...d9c7d1a8_z.jpg http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/...c9b850c5_z.jpg http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/...0204a38c_z.jpg http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/...ca1b3d8d_z.jpg |
Wireless Winch Remote Install
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More progression pics...
I was stowing my new ARB Freezer Fridge in my back seat because I had no room for it in the cargo area. I finally dirched the huge Contico box I had in the cargo area and created a home for the fridge back there. Tonight I fabricated a new cargo box for the open space so I had a place to stow my gear. One of the prblems with cargo boxes is access. If it is a top loader you have take everything off the top to get inside. If it is a side loader it can be a pain to stash everything in the box and utilize all the space. So I made a combination of the two. Side View http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/...8508ed314f.jpg Front View before adding memorial. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/...7ebc846f1b.jpg Installed next to the fridge. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/...1198872a74.jpg All packed up. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/...85826498f2.jpg |
Wiring Mess
Here's some progression shots of my wiring projuect when I did the wiring. What a PITA.
Here's some pics of the relay panel, wiring mess, and reinforcement bar. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/...5bc01c3675.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/...50c38d3e31.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/...0b31d74a06.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/...232ac13635.jpg |
Batteries
Odyssey 1700 Primary Battery (Primary battery is nly for starting and my ham radios. All my other accessories are wired to my secondary battery.):
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1366/...adc7b47b0c.jpg Dirty Parts Dual Battery System (I will be upgrading the Optima to an Odyssey 1500 shortly. Need to fab a battery box.): http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1336/...79b448b150.jpg |
More Electrical
More Electrical Stuff...
Spare Fuse Boxes (Convert to Breaker Boxes): http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/...c4af7273b0.jpg Relay Panel: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/...f93bdeeaae.jpg The Firewall: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/...f8dc458863.jpg |
12V Aux Plugs
Needed some additional aux plugs...
12V Aux Plug Switches (Dash, Center Console, and Cargo Area) - The one above the dimmer supplies power to the lighting switchgear.: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/...a39af91c76.jpg Additonal 12V Aux Plugs: DASH: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2201/...ebfd95acb6.jpg CENTER CONSOLE: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/...6f84d4cd0e.jpg CARGO AREA: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/...53b9e64b60.jpg |
More Switches
Center Console Stuff...
Accessory Switches (GPSMap 498, DVD Player, etc.) http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2308/...675c942bfc.jpg Lighting Switch Gear (Each switch has a built in fuse): http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1038/...b2504b3fc2.jpg Master Arm Switches (Horn, Compressor, and Winch): Note: The FJ horn works in normal mode with the master switch off. When I arm the master switch the FJ horn triggers both the air horns and the regular horn. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/...221f0443b0.jpg This is a shot of Center Console: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/...3506cd5c_o.jpg |
Belly Armor
O&B Fab Lower Control Arm Bracket Armor & O&B Fab Reinforced Factory Lower Control Arms:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1357/...40b25d5dbc.jpg All-Pro Front Skid Plate: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2057/...f0f542e690.jpg All-Pro Tranny Skid: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2039/...d8c3292025.jpg O&B Fab Swaybar Collars: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2367/...511a94aa8f.jpg |
Safari Snorkel:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/...023ceee1d0.jpg 10lb CO2 System & Fire Extinguisher: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/...455ee5567e.jpg Air Horn Set-Up (7 Trumpets Total): Note: If I arm them before getting setting the alarm, they will go off with the alarm system. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2163/...6c46236602.jpg |
Load Out Gear
Industrial EMT Med Kit:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2015/...26fc0c7269.jpg Daily Emergency Load Out (All this gear fits in my cargo box/area): http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/...8b4d8a220d.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/...41a1112644.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/...75eaa361d2.jpg |
Bug Out Bag
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Roof Rack Mods
Got tired of my sliders in my OEM roof rack and decided to make my own platform. Items used, 1/2" dia all-thread, Nylock nuts and fender washers, 3/8" air hose, 1/8" SS expanded metal, and 1/2" conduit clamps. Will paint the outer nuts black when I get the time.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/...69a29c15_z.jpg http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/...2c2523b1_z.jpg http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/...cbc600ef_z.jpg http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/...8d9e8587_z.jpg |
I have had a RAM laptop mount in my rig for a few years now. I started out with a Panasonic Toughbook then migrated to an HP Pavilion dv3 laptop. The laptop mount tray for the RAM mount is bulky and cumbersome. The mount sets over the passenger seat so it is a pain to have passengers on board when you picot the setup over the center console you are banging your hand around on the bottom of it. If you raise it high enough for everything to clear underneath then the laptop blocks the drivers view out the passenger side windshield when the laptop is open. Additionally, when the laptop is clamped up in the RAM tray, the clamps block a lot of the plugs and disc drive access on the HP computer since everything is on the sides of the new computers.
Well, I fabricated a solution yesterday. I got my hands on a 1/4" thick piece of 12" x 12" fiberply board (fiberglass) and cut it down to 7" x 10". I removed the mounting ball from the bulky RAM mount tray and found a good location on the fiber board and marked the hole positions for the mount ball mounting holes. I drilled the holes and counter sunk the top side of the holes so the srewheads would be fluch. I then attached the mount ball to the board and layered the entire top of the board with the loop-side velcro. I layer the bottom side of my laptop, ensuring not to cover any vent holes, with hook-side velco. I now have a super strong holding lower profile laptop mount. I can get to everything on the sides of my laptop, It holds tighter than the RAM Mount tray, and I can now have passengers in my truck without much issue at all. If the velcro gets weak I will switch to dual lock tape. However, if I have to go that route I'm worried about not being able to remove my laptop. Old Laptop Mount Setup http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3250 New Laptop Mount Setup http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3251 http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3252 http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3253 |
Laptop Mount Pad Rev 1
There's a reason that I like various forums. If comments are constructive, you can get some good feedback. On a few of the sites I posted my RAM mount tray modification to people mentioned the vents on the computer not getting enough air. After examining the bottom of my computer more closely I realized that I did need to help my computer breathe better even though it's main vent is in the back. There are various vent areas on the bottom that the tray was covering. The air gets pulled in from the back then pushed through the computer out these other vents. So here's the mount tray after it's been modified for maximum breathablility for the computer. This set up will allow the the computer to breathe even better than when it's setting on a desk since the air will pass right through and not bounce off of a surface below the computer.
BEFORE: http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3253 AFTER: http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3318 |
A few years ago I replaced the factory stereo in the BugEater with a Clarion DVD stereo. I thought it would give me some better quality tunes with the aftermarket speakers I had already installed and the ability to watch some DVD's as well. It turned out that the sound quality sucked and I ended up buying an amplifier to help things out. The first picture below shows the Clarion and the second shows the amp and some Bose speakers I added.
http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3319 http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3320 The sound quality improved immensely. The stereo was still a pain though. It wouldn't read my Ipod correctly and often times wouldn't see the Ipod at all. So I returned it to exchange it. Well, even the second one gave me grief but I lived with it. One of the other issues with the stereo was the fact that it had no stereo Aux plug to hook other devices like my laptop to. Well the other day it finally took a dump on me. I have a stereo built into my Kobalt toolbox (and a Fridge) so I decided to hook that up in the BugEater. When I get more cash I'll replace the stereo in my toolbox. I installed the same model stereo that's in my Toolbox in my wife's 4-Runner a few years ago and we love it. The problem is that it is a single DIN stereo and the opening in the BugEater is for a 2 DIN stereo. http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3321 So I had to fabricate a plate for the opening. Below are some pictures of the process. After all was installed and complete, I was very impressed with the sound quality of the stereo. I can watch DVD's on my laptop and there's still an extra Aux connection if I need it. The Ipod works flawlessly with this stereo too. Sometimes more money isn't the best option. Now I just need to give the BugEater a long over due cleaning. An additional bonus is that the blank area above the stereo affords the opportunity for more switches. http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3330 |
Dude... That thing is ricockulous!!! I love the compressors in the bumper, excellent idea. Your tool bag puts mine to shame, big time. I couldn't imagine driving that thing, looks like a jet cockpit! You have to have doubled the initial purchase price of your FJ by now. I like you axe mount too. Super simple, very nice! On the picture where your dashboard dimmer switch is, what is the button that I think was bluish that is a rocker style switch that says "up and down" on it?
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Wow Ollie, i mean your FJ is sick but that wiring is impressive :rofl:
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A friend of mine "funjunkie" gave me a complex with his comment below and I had to make a change.
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http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3336 |
Ollie I want to hear more about the A-Trac and Locker mods. How did you do that?
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^^^yes. more info please.
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Ollie's FJ is the only one I've seen that rivals Shadow Warrior's(RIP) build.
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I will work on a write up of the various hacks for the FJ. |
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Starting Friday the BugEater is getting a fairly major mod. The picture below is a hint...:bigthumb:
http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3342 |
vinyl wrap? paint job? line-x'ed?
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The BugEater is feeling a bit inadequate today. :console:
http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3343 |
Roof rack... got it. In your hint picture it looks like your panels behind the back doors are painted white.
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Going convertible?? :party36:
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A roof rack it is... I was combing through the web and I found a fairly unique rack. There are a few around but I have yet to see any in person. It's a Utility rack by Baja Rack. Of course it won't stay stock looking but it is fairly stock for now. I have yet to see one with lighting on it has for front tabs for lights. I have all the lights mounted on the front and sides but i am doing something different than the way I had my stock rack set up.
A had a time set up to meet up with the salesman this morning and had to have my stock rack off and change some stuff on the way my wires were routed through the roof to accommodate the new rack. Since my old rack was a large diameter tubing rack, I wanted to make it look clean and I pulled all the wiring through the tubes of the rack. The holes through the roof was under the driver's side front rack mount pad so I didn't need to use a bulkhead fitting on the roof. I was able to seal the foot of the rack and no water got in. Well, with the new rack there was no such luck. I had to lift the rack, mark all the wires, cut the wires and pull the out of the roof so I could open up the existing hole and install a bulkhead fitting. I was able to also verify that the wires were clear of the airbags. Here are some pics of that mess... http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3345 http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3346 http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3348 Then today I went to Ramona to get my new rack and of course I couldn't leave the shop until I at least had some of the lights mounted on it. It's a stout rack. I can walk around on it and set up there. What enticed me was the lack of the side rails and how low profile it is. The wind noise has reduced considerably and we'll see if it helps with MPG. I doubt it but I can hope. I'll post up more as I get the fabs done to the rack that I want to accomplish. http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3351 |
wow Ollie, your build is insane! sweet!
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Is this the flat style rack that they introduced not too long ago? It can be ordered with cross bar or mesh style floor if I recall. So what are you going to do with your old rack? How hard was it to do your rack mod with the conduit pipes?
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I have a buddy here that I'm giving the old rack to. On the conduit pipes, are you talking about the new platform I put on the old rack or the conduit I ran through my roof for the new rack? |
Sorry, I'm talking about how you made multiple "rungs" for your rack.
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Since all the structure on the new rack is round, I didn't have a place to mount my lip-mount Diamond K9000 motorized antenna mount up by the front PIAA's.
http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3355 To remedy this issue I modified the light-bar I fabricated for my old stock rack and made a bar for my lip mount. Now all is well in radio land again. Now that that's taken care of it's time to start wiring my lights. http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3357 Antenna Lowered http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3358 Antenna Raised http://www.oausa.net/forums/download/file.php?id=3359 |
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