ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Build Diaries, How-To, DIY => Topic started by: -CASH ONLY- on November 17, 2009, 05:17:48 PM
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Hi... I'm new to this site, but not new to forum groups. I purchased a Zuki last year and had plans to fix her up and I'm just getting around to starting. I'll post lots of pics to keep us updated with 'eye-candy' even when things aren't pretty. I'm doing the work at my house and trying to keep things on a budget.
My build is based on the wild-thought to make a Hummer like zuk... So, here we go... I've got lots of parts on the way and I'll keep the page current. Should have most of my goodies within 7 days. Thanks!
Step 1. Had to get some new rubber. Well... actually, these are OLD Craigslist specials... These 31" have dry-rot sidewalls, but I'm only planning on using this off-road in sand, water, and mud. Welcome to Florida = sand, water, and mud... Along with the tires, the wheels were rough so I hit 'em with a fresh coat of black. More to follow!
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Not much to mention... I did get the Hummer fuel cover today and scored a set of used Sami doors. Since my rig didnt come with doors I made half doors. But, the new tires are going to sling lots of mud - windows would be nice. I got the pair of doors complete with glass for $10.50. :laugh: Now, lets see if they get shipped :laugh:
This is the locking fuel cover I went with. Its HUGE on the Sami, but part of the theme. I plan to paint it black. Its aftermarket by Bully, some Hummer parts are far too much for this build.
This weekend I hope to have the rear cage 90% complete. I'm waiting on some 1X2" metal to come in.
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Should be an interesting build. What are you going to do for the front end?
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thanks for your comment...
For the front end - I'll post the pics as soon as the parts arrive... I've got a few Hummer H2 parts on the way.
This pic shows much of the Hummer stuff - I think I've got a few more tricks coming, but I cant recall...
I have to make the air intake hood boxes and front grill.
The front grill is going to double as a brush bar.
Its gonna be 1.25 round tube and the center vertical slates are 1x2" square that will have the signature Hummer look.
Today, I removed the dash and seats - got too dark for pics. The supplies for the rear cage and brush bumper arrived and my doors shipped today ----> $10.50 with hinges and working glass :laugh: Finally, i get a break on part$!!! This weekend should be a busy one
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Can't wait to see what the end result is...keep us posted please...
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Hi... All of my parts have arrived including the rear seat.... As projects go, the pecking order changes... Last week(s) was not busy with sami work, but it was busy with 'honey-do's'.... Since it was an easy task to tackle - Today I took a min to look at the front bumper mock-up and put the doors on... Sorry for the picture quality = cell phone - I'll get the real camera charged when there is something worth seeing....
I took a saws-all to the front push-bar. That will be replaced soon, but it was preventing me from adding the hummer bumper.
Then, needed a 2" body lift to accept the front bumper - I'm not done with that - I cut some wood blocks to hold up the body while mock'd-up the bumper. Then, I cut down the hummer bumper to fit the front end. This is only a mock-up and not bolted etc.
The form and fit are coming together - I need to get busy!!!!
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slowly... S-L-O-W-L-Y.... Life just happens some times... Took a few minutes to drop in the hummer hood trim.
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Did you cut out under the trim so it acts as a vent?
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Hi Drone! Yes, I cut the hood, but not the black plactic to create a true air intake - the Hummer vent is just for looks, not really a vent. I'll post more pics when it gets paint time.
Got the seats in today - just test fitting stuff... rear seat is a Mini van rear bench cover in leather matching the fronts. The seat set was rear 60/40 split so I pulled the leather, sewed it together and recovered the mini van seat. The wheel wells are pushed in about 2" in each side to accept the wider/more plush seat - please this seat has great suspension...
Its coming along, but taking far longer than I thought.... Next is to finish the brush/push bar on the front and rear roll bar.MERRY XMAS!!!
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worked all day and this is the only pic I have.... The "roll-bar" is for LOOKS and to support a canvas cover. This is not designed with triangles etc - just to keep the sun off folks as we trail-ride. No doubt being 1-1/4 welded steel pipe its tough - You can say its a beefy-rear bow. Under the body lift, welded to the frame, I added a 2-1/2 square tube on the frame and the rear poles will tie in on this brace. The fronts will be welded to the factory roll-bar. Then, I'll run 1x2" tubes on the top and back.
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Few more pics.... I changed the way the rear bars would connect to the factory roll-bar. I brought the tubes up to a rectangle 1x2" that still needs to be trim etc. Still lots more to do, just tackin' stiff together
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cont'd
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Is there a reason you tied the top two bars into a piece of square stock instead of just connecting them to the existing bar?
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hi... thanks for asking..!
Yes, Let me see if I can find a pic to show you... I never noticed it, but the right side of the targe top is pushed in an inch or so... Kinda like its been on its side or maybe glanced a tree etc. The roof-line from the targa top is higher on the left and the top is pushed over a tad too. And the roof-line on the targa top is higher than the factory bar, this gives max headroom too... If i knew it was only the targa top being bent, I may replace or pull it out, but there is a good chance the wheel-well supporting the factory roll bar has shifted too... Since I plan to cover the rear area, the new tubes serve as the frame for the new canvas, when I used the factory bar directly, the right side was way out of alignment. The targa top was outside on the left and inside on the right. So........ for me, using the square tube allowed me to establish a height and stay within the targa top on both sides. This is due in part to the arch/bow of the factory bar - the angle changes as you get farther from center, an inch L/R on the factory bar changes the height 1/2 inch. I'm sure once its on the trail, I'll never notice...
Not the best pics, but you can see what I'm saying... Prob a few ways to deal with this, but being my first project, I'm keeping it simple.
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That brush guard you fabbed really brings the front together. Looking good.
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Thank you!!!Not much of an update... go the dash installed along with the radio. Put the seats back in and other little things... (drop fuel tank, replace bolts etc... This is the final resting place for the front bumper. Using my BFH to pop that dent out of the left fender - it wont be pretty, but I just wanted to pop it out...
Had a few cool days 40-50s... I hope to paint within 2 weeks or so... ;D
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Hey guys its been too cold in FL to turn wrenches... I few updates... Just a little paint and patching a few rust holes.
I am moving forward with ORANGE
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That looks like a fun project. Can't wait to see the final product. Keep the pics coming.
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Okay... A mini update... Moving ahead with the $50 roller paint job. $30 for paint and $20 for supplies...
Rollin' these in the garage.... 1st coat - got in a hurry and went too thick. I've got lots of sand paper :laugh:!!
The Skull & pistons are going on my rear-gate-cooler-rack that I've yeat to make. The other one(skull) is going on the steering-link. I had a guy on EBAY make them for me with the H2 logo... He does ones for ZUKs or anything you want.... $15!!
We have a baby due in a week so WHO KNOWS when my next update will be...
Also, QUESTION[?] I have a chance to drop a complete automatic 4.3 in my Sammi for the cost of an intake and the hassle of doing it - is it worth it?
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The 4.3 is a pretty heavy engine, I would go for 1.6 or a GV engine first. But it really depends on what you are using it for, I have seen a 4.3 in a Sammy and it looks really good and had a ton of power.
So yea, I guess I added nothing to this discussion. :D
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I have seen a few sammys with the 4.3, they run really good. They have Enuff power for anything you wanna do.
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Nice build. Cant wait to see more
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Hey guys... got home today with our NEW BABY BOY and almost worked on the Sammi... If the rain stops, I'll paint on Tuesday. I plan to get the 4.3 Blazer within 1 week and then I'll have to sit on it until I can dial in the intake and carb. My guess is I'll pull the body off the Sammi, install the engine & drive and then drop the body back on and cut as needed...
As always - more to follow ;)
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Rain - rain - go - Away!! I took a little break from daddy-duty to mess with a few minor things
-turn signals
-radio (water proof)
I replaced the plastic blinkers with diamond-plate. I used the orange marker to trace the shape and cut out. These sit within the rubber gaskets and I added thru-screws for a smooth/flush mount from inside. Prime with alum primer and painted black.
Next, the radio. I'm using a Sony Marine HU in the glovebox a and Waterproof remote on the dash. The remote needs no protection from H2O or UV. The HU on the other hand, cant totally swim... I placed in in a water-tight / water proof plastic container. It sits back in the extreme rear of the glovebox. The HU plays CDs, iPOD, and best of all, plays PANDORA from my Blackberry... I'm using (2) enclosed 3-way outdoor speakers and they should jam...
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back-side....
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Are you moving the side marker lights onto the bumper?
Congrats on the Boy!
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Are you moving the side marker lights onto the bumper?
Congrats on the Boy!
Thank you!! He is our 1st son and I hope to have this project done before he can drive 8)
I'm not moving the side markers to the bumper - one is broken and the other is brittle/UV has killed it. Being an offroad trail truck I wont need signals.
Update: I'm told that the 4.3 Blazer will arrive on Saturday to give its life for the Hummer transplant. My goals are to pull the body and put it on a small utility trailer so I can move it around for paint while the frame gets mods for the new engine.
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Where are you in FL? If you're near pasco, I'm itching to get away from home for awhile and lend a hand with something technical like this.
btw this is a cool project you're building.
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Howdy.... thats sounds cool, but I'm almost 2 hrs 1-way from most of Pasco. I live in Polk County and I dont work with any consistency so juming on this together would be a challenge, heck I've been messing this for months just to get this far...
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heh 2 hours you say? I think thats like a PORTION of my commute to any given job site. one of these days maybe I'll drive on ou that way. if you decide to get rid of the original engine/trans, let me know. I can NEVER have enough spare parts with hw much I screw up.
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I cant wait to see someones face in an h2 when you pull up next to them......HAHAHAHA
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yeah... Me either!!! ;)
I'm still on the fence with the v6 project - I'm new to 4x4 (this is my first) and I may just keep the little 1.3 that could and leave it alone.... Stay tuned for that.
Not a lot of progress, but I did get some paint on it.... I used 220 on the factory and covered with 2 coats. Once that dries, I'll go over it with a wetsnd again 2 more coats. Then 2 more coats and final wet-sand then buff with turtle-wax. Of course, I'm doing this outside in the wind, bugs, sand, and whatever else wants to stop by and stick into my paint. :laugh: All-in-all, Idont mind, just wanting to change the color. I rolled the paint and used a brush for the smaller areas...
Final paint:
Wet-sand on Tuesday and paint coat 3
Paint on Wendesday coat 4
Wet-sand on Thursday paint coat 5
Paint on Friday coat 6
Wet-sand on sat and get busy with Turle-Wax
:P
Lets hope I can make time to make it hapen
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DUDE! I LOVE your tailgate!
but yeah, if you decide to go with the V6, just let me know, I'll gladly take the stock drivetrain. thats IF you decide to go onto the V6.
I just got mine started today. it makes me smile to hear my baby running so wonderfully, even after sitting.
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DUDE! I LOVE your tailgate!
but yeah, if you decide to go with the V6, just let me know, I'll gladly take the stock drivetrain. thats IF you decide to go onto the V6.
I just got mine started today. it makes me smile to hear my baby running so wonderfully, even after sitting.
Glaaaad to hear you are up and runing...!! My gate is part of my bumper, thus a body lift changes the height of the gate(where it hits the tub). It was on there when I bought her...
I just learned there was a HUGE mudfest within miles of my house. Its called Triple Canopy Ranch and it looks like a good time..!! Hate to say it but... I'm thinking I'll just stay stock and play it safe... I've had this thing forever and never really got a chance to take it wheelin'... the v6 is just sitting - it was crashed a while ago and has a bent A-pillar, being a 1991 its not going anywhere... At first I got excited, but now, I'm thinking of staying with the 1.3
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Just a tip, if you part the GM out, you wont believe how fast parts go, and how quick you can make money off them.
I just wish I were closer, where I am theres NO good places to go 4wheeling that you dont have to have permission from the owner in writing.
Youve got NO IDEA how freaking excited I am to own a japanse vehicle again, nevermind one that RUNS and isnt makin death rattles when the engine is running. clutch is a little grabby, but I'm guessing some of that is because I'm not used to it yet. might need a new cable though, I'm really not sure.
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rain-rain-go-away... I'm trying to do this 'backyard style' and stay true to a backyard build, but this rain and cold slowing me down.... Just got a few new parts for the project. Hope to post pics to night.
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i know the feeling. i run with guys with automotive shops at their disposal. ive got an outdoor parking spot at my apartment.
they swap axles, install lifts, change out engines, etc. i have a hard time getting a tire changed before the condo board gets on my case... :o
plus its even harder as my kick im working on is also my daily driver, i cant pull it apart without getting it back together and running for the next day.
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I know what y'all mean. its been too cold and rainy lately to do a thing out here. I've been trying to get to pulling my hubs to repack the wheel bearings, but its just too unpleasant outside to do anything.
I'd kill for a full automotive shop at my disposal to work on this thing instead of a crappy outdoor parking place in my apartment complex.
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As Ghetto as this sounds. I've been known to do some projects in wallmarts parking lot........just an idea.... work 48 hours straight doing a tranny swap.....hahahahaha
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wow man, that IS ghetto. but hey, it gits r done. long as the job gets done, it works right? my apartments let me do almost anything really. I've pulled the engine and rebuilt it in my S10 once(GOD what a piece of (colorful word here) that truck was)
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Working on rear today... REAR STEER THAT IS... So far so good... This a 'add-on' I've had an interest in since i was a kid... seeing BIGFOOT with 4x4x4 was super cool and I've always thought of it as a neat, but not needed feature...
Well.... All the cold and rain have stopped my outdoor painting so I did a little homework and started a new project within the project. I'll also be picking up disc brakes on the rear. :angel:
Before you tell me that sammy axles are junk etc - I did this for the fun of the concept. I know rock-crawler systems cost more than one afternoon and 80 bucks... This is my first build so I know I'll pay some stupid-tax!!
Its controled by a toggle switch - kinda TRIM-UP / TRIM-DOWN if you will.... I post a video in a little while...
I've learned that for mud and muck, ball-joints are preferred over HEMIS /CLEVIS connections so i took a front TOY steering link and rod ends and made my linkage. These parts on just tack'd to test... Steering links / parts were free... I got the dual acting / double ended cylinder for $40 and the pump for $40 so far so good
(http://gickr.com/results4/anim_0ac4c5fd-3de6-6284-71ae-2a1c159197a3.gif) (http://gickr.com)
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test with low fluid and leaky fittings... Thanks NAPA!! Any-way you get the picture... Volume is very loud :-\
CASHONLY_01 - MOV02466.flv (http://s868.photobucket.com/albums/ab242/CASHONLY_01/?action=view¤t=MOV02466.flv)
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Single pics from my phone....
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Ok, that is kind of a kick. :)
What are you using to center the steering?
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Ok, that is kind of a kick. :)
What are you using to center the steering?
I dont know.... I guess that will be an after-thought... Until then, I'll poke my head out of the window :laugh:
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this ought to be a very amusing vehicle when you're done building it, for sure.
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Have you seen this:
(http://www12.ocn.ne.jp/~kenboy/image22.gif)
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ha...! NO, but that grill would make life easy!!!
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ha...! NO, but that grill would make life easy!!!
Yes but a lot more expensive, its made by Kenboy in Japan.
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Have you seen this:
([url]http://www12.ocn.ne.jp/~kenboy/image22.gif[/url])
I think that looks awesome. It's amazing what you find on google with "auto kenboy" they make some really neat stuff. There's a yellow rig on this page:
http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news-19-KenBoy+dress+up+your+Jimmy+or+Samurai.html (http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news-19-KenBoy+dress+up+your+Jimmy+or+Samurai.html)
It looks like a modernized samurai, what is it?
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looks like a modified sammy to me.
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It looks like a Samurai, it has the later grill on it which has been chrome plated.
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No no no on that page the link I posted, there's an entirely new rig on there. Looks like a tintop samurai, but completely restyled. Not just a grille, but an entirely new body, it looks neat, like samurai meets 21st century auto design
http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news-19-KenBoy+dress+up+your+Jimmy+or+Samurai.html (http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news-19-KenBoy+dress+up+your+Jimmy+or+Samurai.html)
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This one::
(http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news_pics/19/gallery/4.jpg)
Thats a Jimny, not available in the US. It came out in 1998 so its a 20th century design.
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Exactly that one! (sorry, I was too lazy to download and attach a picture)
It's a pretty interesting design! Never heard of it. Seems like the US gets the short end of the stick a lot
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I think Consumer Reports screwed us out of that one...those bastards!
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Saw this article, though of your project. :D
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1002090 (http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1002090)
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Saw this article, though of your project. :D
[url]http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1002090[/url] ([url]http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1002090[/url])
Wow. If only that guy could mass-produce those bodies, and sell for a (reasonable) price, he would probably move a lot of them. Sounds like they weigh virtually nothing (all aluminum)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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any news on the zuki/hummer hybridization?
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Or some fiber glass versions would be cool. :)
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ha...! NO, but that grill would make life easy!!!
Yes but a lot more expensive, its made by Kenboy in Japan.
My friend make those grill from fiberglass in Indonesia. Anyone need any can let me know. Those with signal light on the grill is not direct fit, it need to have some cutting done on the fender and on the upper and lower lip of the grill. Other than that it is direct fit. All the grill comes without paint.
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this might have been mentioned but what did you get the rear seats out of? Ive been trying to find a full bench and not just half for awhile and just cant find a complete bench or both halfs.
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Hey gang... I should be back on a reg basis - life got busy... Back after it today... Pics to follow!!
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great. cant wait for some updated pics! ;D
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for your rear steer centering you could use something like what road graders use for their center articulation, they have a dial type gauge that shows where center is and the needle moves either side of vertical depending on how articulated it is, if your creative which it looks like you are, you could probably rig somthing up off of the steering knuckles for pretty cheap
matt