Project Sink or Swim

coming along nicely very interesting thanks for sharing

V-350 wrote: Thank you!! Please keep us updated. Is it an easy build, straight forward, or pain-in-the-butt project?

thanks! To be honest the build has not been too bad, I would say the main pain-in-the butt has been fitting the air conditioning as they have never been built with factory air con before but the biggest pain has been access! Having a solid bottom aka hull, makes working on the engine bay etc real hard work! Lots of stretching and restricted access! Everything has to be accessed from the top! Plus working on the cabin is hard work, with only having half doors and very high sill!

I'm hoping to the have the steering in this week which will be a big boost! Makes it more car like!

There's nothing worse than a solid bottom!

Tried the ceramic coating.....peels off :evil:

Went with the wrap.....jees it gets itchy for a week or 2 after it's been fitted.....not tried painting ceramic on the wrap(might get the initial itchy out of the equation)but it'd be ugly!.......Wish I'd gone with the red wrap.....maybe I'll get some style eventually ::blink::

This has to be my favourite project by far!!

You're lucky I don't live nearby....you'd get no peace!

Could you let me know when you're ready for it's first dip....I'd really like to see it!

Keithy wrote:
Could you let me know when you're ready for it's first dip....I'd really like to see it!

Seconded, would love to be there for the launch (perhaps in our boat!)

Yes, we could have a small amphibious rally.

Amphibian wrote: Yes, we could have a small amphibious rally.

Landlubbers too? :woohoo:

Thats an excellent idea. Count me in.

Sounds good to me

Any chance for an update? Thanks in advance!

The dashboard is starting to look like a dashboard now! When I have had a few moments over the last few weeks I've spent most of my time extending and modifying the wiring loom to the head lights, ABS sensors, transfer case, navigation lights and bilge pumps. Both the drivers and passenger side airbags have been removed.



The additional control panel replaces the passenger side air bag. The control panel shows the engine bay temperature, cooling fan status lights, and controls the bilge pumps, navigations lights. The additional screen to the top right of the control panel is the depth finder. I've not decided on the final position yet but its something every 4x4 needs!

One of the biggest problems with the Surf is excessive engine bay temperatures. This is normally dealt with by an permanently running electric fan to keep air moving through the engine bay, additional heat shields, temperature gauge include alarm and exhaust wrap. The bonnet is also fitted with a large scoop to allow the movement of air.

In additional to the above I have also fitted a 2nd electric fan to the remote air cooler, fitted additional heat resistant mats to protect pipes and wires etc and finally I have insulated the air conditioning pipes that run very close to the manifold.

Its been an additional challenge as this is the first ever Surf to be fitted with air con!