VXWesty's 2011 VX D4D

[Jeffers Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jeffers]

I finished my Solar Panel project today and I'm stoked with the end result! It's a 120W panel from Redarc and I made up a few brackets and a frame for storage and roof top use.

First step was a couple of 3mm x 40mm x 40mm aluminium rails supported underneath the Rhino platform rack. There's just enough room for the panel to slide in. a couple of bump stops at the front to limit the panel from sliding too far.







Stainless Steel latches secure the unit once in place and I can add a padlock to keep the scumbags away.



Once on the roof, it fastens in place at the front with a couple of S/Steel hinges and M8 security screws going into Rhino channel nuts. The rear end is supported by a custom bracket shown in the next few pics...

Hi VXWesty,

I like the idea of the Rhino Platform on your VX, and I'll probably go with the same on my VX.

I was wondering if you can let me know the hight from your roof to the top of the platform? I'm trying to work out what the difference in height will be compared to my current roof rails. I plan on removing my roof rails and using the legs as you did to maintain the low profile.

Thanks,

Jeff

[VXWesty Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close VXWesty]

Hi Jeff,

It's 90mm from the centre of the roof to the top of the platform.

VXWesty

[Jeffers Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jeffers]

Hi Jeff,

It's 90mm from the centre of the roof to the top of the platform.

VXWesty

Thanks mate!

Cheers,

Jeff

[VXWesty Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close VXWesty]

It's time for an update on recent mods to the Prado...

Back in June I had a 2" lift done, with Lovels HD springs in the front and standard in the rear with a set of Polyair bags running 6 psi. This gives me the flexibility of loading up the rear and having the ability to support the extra weight while still retaining a smooth ride around town. I used the exisiting Bilstein struts/shocks that I had installed a couple of years ago based on the advice I got from Arnie at Autoride.

I have to say the improvement in ride quality is amazing. The steering is lighter but so much more responsive and the car now feels and drives so much better. Off-road it's like a whole different beast - no more bottoming out and the extra clearance comes in handy.

I added even more clearance witha new set of Mickey Thompson ATZ 4-Rib's 285-70-17 wrapped around some cool Dick Cepek Torque wheels. Wow - these things are unreal! I've been on a few off-road expeditions in the past 6 weeks and I now feel invincible. They just grip and keep traction in some wild conditions, water, mud, gravel... they just eat it up.







There was a bit of rubbing on the mudflaps but I solved that with a couple of cable ties - pulling back on the mudflap and securing it to the body mount bolt behind it. At full lock I get a small amount of rubbing on the front driver side where the tyre just clips the ARB skirt panel. No big deal as it only happens under full compression and full lock.

VXWesty

[stevep84 Find all posts View Profile Close stevep84]

Looks great VXWesty.
I'm slowly building a list of arguments to put to the minister as to why we should put a lift in ours. From what I have read the handling improvements are by far the biggest advantage.

[VXWesty Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close VXWesty]

Handling yes, especially if you add weight to the front with bullbar,winch and battery. The extra clearance also means less damage to the underside!

VXWesty

[Sydneydude Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sydneydude]

Hi westy
i noticed there is not much space under the provent for the 1/2" drain tube. What did you do? Did you use something like a elbow piece of tube?

Hi All,

I started work on installing the ProVent oil catch can (purchased from Chip-It) over the weekend. The unit actually mounts really easily to the drivers side rear space in the engine bay. There is an M6 nut already on the side of the engine bay that allows the mounting bracket to sit with just enough clearance to the bonnet strut. I simply drilled and tapped the other mounting point for a secure fit.

I picked up 5/8" hose for to run from the PCV and I'm going to use a length of 1/2" hose as a drain from the outlet on the catch can. Maybe put a tap and small holding tank lower down in the engine bay???

Only problem so far is the catch can uses 1" fittings so now I need to find a 1" to 5/8" reducer joiner. Unless anyone has any better ideas?

[AltitudeAlex Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close AltitudeAlex]

Any more pics of the compressor install very interested about this one

[skips80 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close skips80]

VXWesty are you happy with the 105ahr fullriver under the bonnet? Ive got one sitting in the shed that I stripped off my hilux before I sold it but its just slightly too long for the pirahna tray and from what I understand a little too heavy for up front.