STETLER's R1 RHINO BUILD

waytay · 07-19-2009, 09:42 PM

Just this thread was a full time job..It looks so funny to see trailing arms with out a motor between them!!!!

stetler · 08-03-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waytay

Just this thread was a full time job..

You can say that again!!

Thanks again for the hook up and all the support Rugged Radios!!!!
Can't wait to get my parts I just ordered from you. Wait until you guys see the trick new part Rugged Radios just came up with!!!!!

Here's some pics of my wiring, I still have to mount the GPS, Radio, Intercom, and actuator But the wires are already ran. Just got to cut them down and secure them into the main wiring trunk once I know the exact lengths.

GPS antenna mounted

rear Hella Dust light all wired up and working

New dash Labels for the switches

Wiring fuse panel and relay panel

wiring over the engine. I ran all the wires through Hi-Temp heat sheath and shrink tubed everything.

KJSmith84 · 08-03-2009, 05:55 PM

what new part did they come up with?

stetler · 08-04-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJSmith84

what new part did they come up with?

Sent you a PM my friend

stetler · 08-06-2009, 09:34 PM

It was about 15 deg cooler today in my garage after work today so I decided to work on the rhino a little. I added another toggle switch in the dash for a direct On/Off for the GPS. Not real sure why the manufacture wants it wired like this but I figured I might as well do it.

Also went to the hardware store and bought all the mounting material for the rear braided brake lines. I could of just used ty-raps because nobody is ever going to notice this but I figured I might as well keep this build top knotch and not cut any corners. I used a 1/4" insulated strap and aluminum rivets with thick aluminum back washers made for rivets.

Before:

After:

Hapa · 08-06-2009, 10:09 PM

nice touch,

stetler · 08-16-2009, 08:04 PM

Thanks Hapa.

Ok, We finally worked on the rhino again. A little bit on Friday night after work and then all day Sunday. Most of the work I didn't bother
taking pics of because it was small stuff, such as : welding a hanger for the throttle return spring, wleding on the latches for the side window nets, drilling out the holes for the quick release side steps and light bar, re-routing some wiring, add some more support on the brake lines, trimming up aluminum on the center counsel.
We cut down the chain and installed.
Started the fan shroud fabrication.
added a tab for the PTT button for the passenger and mounted the drivers in the shifter handle.
Got my toggle switch labels I ordered in the mail on Sat., added a toggle for the GPS. Installed the rod ends on the Jeffco Diff.
Installed the Fuel Level contraption and cut out the aluminum to fit it so it looks clean.
Here's a few pics. Going to go get it weighed this week. I'll post up the weights as soon as I get them.

stetler · 08-18-2009, 09:50 PM

Todd couldn't make it over after work today so I decided to do some stuff myself.
I finished up the fan shoud and installed the heat shield. Damn it took me a while to do that!!. I worked on it from about 2:30 to 6:30.

Here's the shoud before I started to attach the fan

Then I added some weather strip or foam to seal up gap nice and clean (really not needed)

Here's the back side

Then I cut off the excess foam and cleaned it up

Then I put it on and I wasn't happy with the corners. it just looked like we didn't spend enough time making it. Too Square.

So I took another hour and knotched the corners and file them down to hug the exact shape of the radiator. At least I'll notice it. Just one of those things, I guess.

Then I measured out the spacing of the rivits and drilled out the holes to mount it to the radiator. For a last touch I added some trick BLUE rivits for a clean look.

tomorrow I'm going to cut off the wire and add a new sleeve over the wire with a weather proof qiuck release plug

stetler · 08-18-2009, 09:56 PM

Next I attacked the heat shield that sits between the seat and the mufflers.

I really thought this was going to be a simple install. Todd already bent it and trimmed it to fit. All I had to do was drill out the holes for the dzus fastners and done !!

Figures, once I set it in I realized that there was no hole for the Krotch belt. So I had to cut that out. Then one of the side seat belts wouldn't fit so I had to knotch that out. After all the cutting and drilling I added some .040 grommet material to assure there won't be any tearing on my belts. Added the belts and BAM, DONE...One ceramic coated heat shield.

Sorry for all the crap little detailed update but I know some of you guys enjoy watching EVERY Little step.

stetler · 08-19-2009, 09:49 PM

14 months and FINALLY today my Rhino Left the GARAGE!!!!!!!!! We got it down to the public e\weigh station. Got it weighed several different ways (empty but whole car, empty but half the car, loaded with 2 people, loaded with 2 people but only 2 axles on the scale) so the suspension can get dialed in PERFECT. Lots of pics here for you guys. Keep in mind that the roof still needs to be finished along with some minor aluminum panels. The ride height is not set. But this gives you a WAY Better look at the whole car finally.