Paintlab

New home for the Paintlab!

2006-08-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

Click the title to go to my new home. It's still in progress. I'll be transferring as much of the info on this blogger as I can.
No more updates here.

click the title

The Winch is In!

2006-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Just finished installing my Warn M8000 w/ in-dash winch controls. I'm excited that a major mod is done! With syn line & hawse fairlead, total bumper weight is around 45lbs.

I took my time installing but with the help of my Norcal friends, it all went smoothly and I didn't electrocute myself!

24 with Bobby Lee

2006-08-16T00:20:00.000-07:00

Bobby Lee does a HILARIOUS spoof on the tv show 24.

This is the funniest vid ever!

click the title

Trail tips & tricks from Germany

2006-08-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

This is Peter from Germany. He is a Cruiserhead w/ a ton of great mods and ideas. Luckily, he documents them w/ alot of photos even if his site is all German.
Here's a neat example- using a bicycle patch repair kit to fix a leaking hose. Very cool idea as bicycle patches are cheap and easy to throw into a kit. I guess larger holes can be fixed w/ a tire plug as well. Anyway, great ideas click the title to get to his site.

Evaporative Cooling Radiator booster

2006-08-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

I got a 2nd washer bottle setup and a couple cool OEM Toyota switches on ebay for $15. I got a universal setup for $15 as I didn't want to invest too much into it. The only delay is finding time to make a little mounting bracket.

Evaporative cooling (sweating, misting systems, etc) can reduce temps as much as 20 degrees in auto applications (mainly turbo intercooler application where a trick is to redirect washer bottle spray and cool things down). This idea came to me from a discussion w/ Joyce (someone that races a turbo 3rd gen 4Runner). She mentioned a trick she uses in racing is to redirect the washer bottle spray for some trick intercooler spray.

I found that in 3rd world areas, it is common for them to spray the radiator w/ water for the evap effect. when they start overheating.
The wet cloth in front of the radiator is the same effect, cooling the air before it hits the rad. In AUS, they will set a porus bag filled w/ drinking water on the front bumper; after driving all day, they have ice cold water just from the evaporative effect.

The way it works is the energy it takes to convert water to steam is heat. So, you "suck" the heat out of the metal by hitting it w/ water vapor. Same goes for your skin when you sweat.

The way I understand it, the finer the mist, the more rapid/effective the cooling. I am not sure, in the case of the radiator, if a fine spray from a washer nozzle is enough but will try this and add some simple mist nozzles later.

I don't have overheating problems. My idea is that it will reduce temps by basically giving me a "bigger radiator" during the times I hit the spray. So for those long grades w/ the AC on...or some higher stress event, just hit it w/ the spray.

It's a "free" temporary cooling booster so I think it's a worthy experiment, esp. since I live in the ideal climate for it to work best.

I will update w/ photos this weekend hopefully

Oil Level Gasket

2006-07-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

A simple one bannana fix-

I noticed the oil level sensor gasket was leaking. Not dripping but obviously seeping pretty well enough to cake up

Simply disconnect sensor wire (press tab on wire side of connector) and 4 10mm bolts
I started pulling off the old gasket w/ a flathead carefully. The gasket was brittle and hard.

Here is a full view of the sensor assembly. Just carefully pull it out of the oil pan as the end float is delicate.

New gasket is placed in. Got it from Cruiserdan of course! Flat side down (as seen in this picture) and beveled side of gasket up. It slots in easy.

And simply pop it back in. I tightened the bolts opposing each other to get a even torque all around, not sure if necessary but I figure why not

Baja Taco

2006-07-26T03:08:00.000-07:00

Chris is a real traveller with the 4x4 spirit!
His site is very inspirational and informative. He is very honest with his experience and information- this is a very rare quality. He also pointed me to the best coffee in Flagstaff! As a coffee lover, I am eternally grateful!

You will find alot about his truck on expeditionportal.com forums. Click the title for his great website.

Alaska Trek- The Dude & Desertgirl

2006-07-22T02:07:00.000-07:00

Click the title for a bunch of great photos of The Dude's (&Desertgirl!) Trek into Alaska. It's an incredible journey. Read both their blogs as well, links posted eariler.

Here is a homage pic to Windex Scott! I laughed when I saw it.
Photo by Pasquale&Kristina

Cancer & food plastics

2006-07-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

Cancer News from Johns Hopkins:

1. No plastic containers in micro.

2. No water bottles in freezer.

3. No plastic wrap in microwave.

Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well.

Dioxin chemicals causes cancer, especially breast cancer.

Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.
Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us.

He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body.

Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc.

He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.

Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food.

Cover food with a paper towel instead.

Pulmor Adventure Trailer

2006-07-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting trailer, even avail at Costco for $1800
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11121844&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=51276&hierPath=3960*51501*51276*

If anyone has info or experience with it, please drop a note or comment. I'm curious about it.
Click title for Pulmor website

Hollister Redux

2006-06-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

I got some great pics by Amando Mendoza (yourphoto.com) A professional photographer, here are a few!

Hanna Quality catalytic converter protection doing it's job!

Big Bear Braai

2006-06-26T18:15:00.000-07:00

Big Bear with friends and new friends. It was a fun and educational weekend
Some pics from Holcomb and Gold Mountain
(pics by Joel Rasmus & Gina)

Some pics I took below

Hollister Hills Wheeling

2006-06-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

Weekend in Norcal w/ friends.
Andries and I put in a OME lift into Mark's 4Runner. BBQ, hanging with friends and wheeling at Hollister w/ a bunch of Toyotas.
Afterwards, the Cruisers hit SJ Bautista for lunch.

Also hung out w/ Amando for covert 100 series front suspension work. Fox remote resivoir bad boys for the best setup I've seen! Amando has wheeled thru the Rubicon and all kinds of terrain, these are the next step as he's outgrown the usual options.

It's always great to hang out w/ good friends and get away from the grind!

pic by Demy Mendoza (pic is a bit crooked b/c she was putting on chapstick)

Lots more pics, click the title.

North to Alaska!

2006-06-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

The Dude and Desertgirl are on their way to Alaska via their FZJ80!
Follow their blogs, it is very cool!

Desertdude's Blog

Desertgirl's Blog

Gatekeeper Before and After

2006-06-08T04:29:00.000-07:00

Some of the Norcal Crew went thru part of the Rubicon. Alvaro took this photo of the Gatekeeper. Click title for whole story and more pics

I went back into my Rubicon photos for comparison below. First photo is if I were further in the trail looking back at Alvaro's tailgate. Notice the tree next to Andy's green 40 and Andy (tan shirt) standing in front of it. That is the same tree as above, Alvaro's 80 is next to. If you overlap pics, Alvaro's 80 would be roughly between the 60 and 40, pointed the other way.

Doug in roughly the same spot (next to tree) as Alvaro in first photo. Behind Doug's rig, you can see the trail condition compared to Alvaro's first photo.

Amando, again, same spot.

Cruiser Curtains

2006-06-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

What with all the desert trips and general desire for some privacy (camping, changing clothes at bike races, mtb) I decided to get some curtains. I figure they will help save the interior from the sun as well as keep it cooler.

One benefit on road trips is you can draw the front curtains and keep the sun off you. You know how the visor never blocks enough sun and it gets hot w/ the sun beating on your legs or arm!

These are like a football jersey material- you can see thru it pretty easily from the inside. The rear quarter windows were a bit tricky b/c you have to stick tracks to the rubber. You have to clean the rubber well for the tape to stick. The top is a bit long so I trimmed the track a tad so it sits better- simple.

They are pretty well fitted so they don't look sloppy or like house curtains or something.

They draw open like so. There is a little strap, but you don't really need it to hold the curtain.

From the outside it just looks like dark tint. You can't really see inside at all but from the inside you can see out clearly.

There are 2 plastic tracks that stick w/ 3M double-stick. The curtains have little U-clips that slide easily in the tracks.

It comes with all 4 doors (front doors stop at 3/4 so you can see the rr view side mirrors), rear quarter glass and hatch. It is a really clean install and people have asked if it is OEM, that the Cruiser came with them. Very happy w/ the purchase.

*It came with curtains for the rear hatch but it doesn't fit. The third brake light is in the way so I modified the track to work with it.

Galco's Old World Grocery

2006-05-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

I met John Nese, owner of Galco's in Highland Park. He's the Soda King! He's been on Huell Howser, History Channel and tons of magazines all over the world. His store stocks 300 kinds of soda pop! All great, unusual brands. He also has a great selection of beers too.

This is one of the few places I can get REAL COCA-COLA! See, real sodas have pure cane sugar. NOT corn syrup!

It takes 3 times the amount of corn syrup to equal sugar. That means if you drink a bottle of corn syrup Coke, it's the same as drinking 3 bottles of Real Coke! No wonder kids have diabetes! Avoid the corn syrup!

Anyway, great sodas from small bottlers all over the country. Click title for his website

Nipton, Mojave Desert

2006-05-20T20:50:00.001-07:00

A wonderful trip to a strange but charming place. You better love trains if you stay in Nipton!

some photos by Mary & Scott

Windex Scott had us on plenty of dirt roads so even tho there wasn't alot of "wheeling", it was lots of fun and gave us great views of the Mojave.
A good group of the Fajack-Sainz-Klein annual clan; Rick, Scott & I were the only Cruiserheads but it didn't matter. The trip was about enjoying the area and people. Very special and tranquil. My favorite moments were probably sitting on the porch of the Hotel Nipton in the morning w/ some coffee. Actually, any morning w/ coffee and staring out into the wild is perfect for me. I must be autistic.

Click the title to see more of Windex Scott & Mary's pics.

worst singer EVER

2006-04-24T22:54:00.000-07:00

Worst singer ever! So funny and so sad at the same time. Click title to watch and hear the train wreck

FJ Cruiser Slee Mods

2006-04-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Slee has fitted the African Outback drawer system and Milford cargo barrier in the FJ Cruiser! Man, it looks great. For those that don't know, Slee Offroad is the premier outfitter of Toyota offroad trucks & suv's. Click the title to visit the site.

Real Coca-Cola

2006-04-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

I got a small stash of REAL Coke! It's made with real cane sugar and not high fructose corn syrup. It's only avail in S. America I guess. Even at my friend's wholesale cost it breaks down to about a $1 a bottle!
Tastes really good, clean and no aftertaste or film you get with normal USA Coke.

Help Us Help you, Help Us!

2006-04-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

Listen this is a big deal with no effort from you. Join the Blue Ribbon Coalition. Click the title or here is the address
http://www.sharetrails.org/

Public access to the wilderness and existing trails is a everyday fight. A fight not only 4wheelers have but mountain bikers...any activity! Part of enjoying this amazing country of ours is to use it and tend it so future travellers and generations can do the same!

Get informed, get to travelling and just paypal or snail mail a check to help the BRC fight the battles we need fought.

This isn't about giant monster trucks tearing through mud bogs, this is about you taking your family on a trip into the mountains. This is about being able to see the USA!

INTI roofracks

2006-04-09T17:30:00.001-07:00

Can your rack hold this much weight?

Venezuelan on a Venezuelan rack!

Alvaro Rodriguez has brought in the long awaited, famed INTI roofracks from Venezuela! These have cool, flip-down sides and a mesh frame for offroad light protection. The front part of the rack is a bit higher- this is designed to hold jerry cans. It's a very well thought out design and very tough.
Alvaro has been using a INTI rack on his 80 for the last year. It has been thru the Rubicon, Death Valley and many other trails. It definitely has withstood all the abuse including 3 full-grown, big guys standing on it!
They are available through Mudrak, click the title.

Sedona wheeling

2006-04-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

photo by Pasquale, The Dude

While visiting my parents, I went to Sedona to wheel with The Dude and Christina. We did Broken Arrow, Greasy Spoon and Soilder's Pass. Very fun and different kind of wheeling from CA

Broken Arrow was fun. There was a "baby Lion's Back" that some Jeep/Domestic guys did and watched us as we easily cleared it as well as fun slabs that kick you straight up/down ledges.

One funny part is one of the Jeep tours came by and pointed at our rigs and told the tourists, "Look, that's called Arizona pinstriping". We smiled and said, "That's Death Valley pinstriping!"
The next Jeep tour I was going to ask them, "Is this the way to Starbucks?" but didn't see anymore...next time tho!

We also checked out the FJ Cruiser that was very cool. When we pulled out, Pasquale said, "80's rule!" which was funny but true!

Mystery of DV Racetrack solved

2006-03-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

Click the title for videos on various desert mysteries- like the Racetrack at Death Valley and how the rocks move bythemselves.
Pretty cool stuff