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lance cragen
New member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 1
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 05, 2007 - 06:54 pm: | 
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built a max 2 hardtop this week.gullwing doors.hatchback.roof rack.back rack soon.insulated.bedliner spooged.will be sliding windows in the doors.i have a plow and cheap winch.and bought tracks this week.pray for snow!i have tons of pics if anyone wants to see them.
email me at supersteimy@msn.com |
lance cragen
New member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 2
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 05, 2007 - 08:30 pm: |
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 |
Ron Hutt
Member
Username: Ron
Post Number: 28
Registered: 12-2006
Posted From: 12.213.224.39
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 05, 2007 - 09:09 pm: |
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Wow Lance looks great! Do you eat off those floors?
Ron |
Chuck McGhee
Advanced Member
Username: Chuck_050382
Post Number: 109
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 12.170.193.98
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 06, 2007 - 08:05 am: |
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That top is great looking. What is it made of? the gullwing doors are a neat touch. I look forward to more pictures. |
lance cragen
New member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 3
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 06, 2007 - 08:30 am: |
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dimensional lumber and luon,glued,screwd,shot and caulked.will p[ost finished pics as soon as i get some. |
david berger
Advanced Member
Username: Davidrrrd
Post Number: 496
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 72.72.32.68
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 06, 2007 - 10:46 am: |
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just dont park it between any tree's!LOL
can the windsheald drop forward if it must be a means of escape?
otherwise i like it alot so far |
Bud
Intermediate Member
Username: Budtx
Post Number: 84
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 167.230.104.90
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 06, 2007 - 11:35 am: |
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That is a really neat idea. |
Argohunter
Member
Username: Argohunter
Post Number: 43
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 152.163.100.199
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 06, 2007 - 09:57 pm: |
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How do you plan to secure the hardtop to the body? |
lance cragen
New member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 4
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 06, 2007 - 10:21 pm: |
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we were just talking about that. two bolts under the windshield and two under the back of the body with hardwood dowels under the dash and rear body and big washers with wingnuts and then two bolts,washers, wingnuts at the roll bar locations with hardwood blocks underneath, weather stripped of course.heres some pics for ya ,and I just got my tracks from richard a few minutes ago and already wonder about cleating them with rubber for durability reasons. what do you think?
 |
Dave Evans
Member
Username: Dozer
Post Number: 23
Registered: 01-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - 09:15 am: |
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what does your gullwing top weigh when completed?
are you going to have to increase tire pressure to support extra weight? will it remain stable on a side hill, take photos please Dave |
lance cragen
New member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 5
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - 11:32 pm: |
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im not sure what it weighs,prob. 150 lbs.not sure about the presure yet.top will prob. be winter only for plowin and maybe up and down but not much side hillin.started puttin on tracks and the plow today.gettin excited!!! |
Mike Baker
Junior Member
Username: Fiercefritz
Post Number: 10
Registered: 12-2006
Posted From: 68.186.96.132
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 09:00 pm: |
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Hi Lance,
I'd love to see pictures of your project. You should create a profile and post them to picasaweb.google.com so you don't need to email them.
Mike |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 264
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 199.246.2.9
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 09:29 pm: |
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Lance, your gullwing roof is gorgeous. If you make one for the new Avenger I would want to talk to you. I have a custom made soft top on my Max IV that has worked well for 3 years. Tire pressure is not an issue. Are you going to incorporate an automotive safety glass windshield? |
lance cragen
New member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 6
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 10:39 pm: |
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no safety glass for now.i installed the windows yesterday. lexan all around,with sliders in the doors mainly for defrost reasons.the avenger top could be really cool.a little straighter body lines than little max is.contouring my doors to match the lines was slow goin but worked well |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 265
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 199.246.2.9
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 12, 2007 - 12:23 am: |
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Slaker- Thanks for the pics. I sent you an e-mail W. Philip |
lance cragen
New member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 8
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 12, 2007 - 09:24 pm: |
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 still a long way to go but heres a better look |
Chuck McGhee
Advanced Member
Username: Chuck_050382
Post Number: 116
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 12.170.193.98
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 08:07 am: |
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The top looks incredible on the max. It looks perfect for plowing snow.
I know if I built one of those it wouldn't ever snow here. It hardly has snowed since I got the Argo and the blade. |
lance cragen
New member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 9
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 09:43 am: |
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chuck,you may get snow today!!!we built the plow mounts yesterday and now its rainin and meltin our snow,go figure?!? |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 266
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 199.246.2.9
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 01:30 pm: |
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Lance, I was hoping that somebody else would ask these questions so that I wouldn,t have to. I know that I run the risk of making myself look stupid but can you tell us the purpose of the rack that holds the two cylindrical objects on the back? Also the rectangular frame past the rear of the vehicle? Again my friend, that is a very professional job you have done. W Philip Cox |
lance cragen
Junior Member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 10
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 01:44 pm: |
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the mortar tubes are for tow straps and tools and the bar at the back is for a rear rack yet to be built.i wanted to mount the rack to the cab not the body so i had to make provision for it the very first thing, the bar has been killer to move the top around with thus far! heres one with the plow |
Jack Ouellette
Member
Username: Beungood
Post Number: 42
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 64.12.116.197
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 04:57 pm: |
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Damn that looks awesome ,great job! |
Argohunter
Member
Username: Argohunter
Post Number: 44
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 64.12.116.197
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 10:39 pm: |
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Excellent 
In my opinion this is the best one-off hard top for a Max II that I have ever seen. Any plans to add a windshield wiper and a defroster blower? May come in handy while plowing. |
Argohunter
Member
Username: Argohunter
Post Number: 45
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 64.12.116.197
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 10:44 pm: |
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Philip, thanks for asking these questions. I was wondering what that stuff was too. I expect others were wondering also. |
lance cragen
Junior Member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 11
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 11:12 pm: |
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thanks for the positive response! i was thinking of a hand lever wiper and no blower.? all for the sake of i dont know which direction i want to go with the whole small battery,small alternator thing yet.still need lights to see over the plow too.the plows lookin killer.im just the help in the metal dept.all work is done by my friend.heres todays pic |
Argohunter
Member
Username: Argohunter
Post Number: 48
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 64.12.116.197
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 12:17 am: |
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Just for the heck of it, I'll suggest something. If your pivot point on the plow mount is where I think it is, the plow at full lift will be pretty high. You don't need gob's of lift for the plow to make it work. Make a reasonable estimate of how much air you want between the ground and the blade bottom. I mention this only because lifting the plow too high could damage the tub or body. To prevent damage, add two solid rubber snubbers on the mount frame to intercept the metal to plastic contact. The winch can pull the plow high enough to cause some damage. Curious how you attached the plow frame. Did you attach at both front and center axle or just one axle? |
Argohunter
Member
Username: Argohunter
Post Number: 49
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 64.12.116.197
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 12:31 am: |
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Snubber
 |
Argohunter
Member
Username: Argohunter
Post Number: 50
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 64.12.116.197
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 12:36 am: |
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I forgot to mention that the picture is of the RI factory plow set up which is totally different than what your building. As long as you put the snubber where it will do the most good is what the idea is. |
Tom Phillips
Member
Username: Dozerdawg
Post Number: 41
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 204.96.145.29
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 11:43 am: |
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I've been plowing some snow and found that the fine snow blows up on the windshield and makes it hard to see, so I added a windshield wiper to my Avenger this week, now no snow!!! I'll have to give it a try next go round of snow. It will be nice to see clearly though, I do know that! |
lance cragen
Junior Member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 12
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 01:04 pm: |
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we attatched the plow useing R.I. plates so yes they are bolted to both axles. we hinged it up front so it could be lifted higher for mountain plowin. got a beast of a drive in montana where were going to move.i'll show the side mount tonight. the snubber idea is for me! thanks argohunter. tom, do you think it needs a defrost blower? thanks for the help guys!! |
lance cragen
Junior Member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 13
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 09:18 pm: |
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plows on.fits great |
lance cragen
Junior Member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 14
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 09:23 pm: |
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will replace the bolts with pins  |
Argohunter
Intermediate Member
Username: Argohunter
Post Number: 51
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 205.188.116.8
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 11:35 pm: |
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Lance,
Glad you went with the RI plow frame mounts. Too many homemade set ups use only a plow frame mount on the front axle. That maybe ok for pushing a few inches of light or powder snow. When you get several inches of the wet stuff and you plow a long run,it can be real tough on the equipment. The weak links in the set up show up real quick and could cause damage. If you use the winch a lot for raising and lowering the plow, it will put a drain on the battery. There are several ways to address battery discharge issues and several others including myself have posts on this board on this subject.
Unless you have made other modifications, it will be tough to reach the pull start on your Vanguard with that hardtop on and you have a dead battery.
I run two batteries in my Max because of the winch. I get a lot of below zero temperature plowing so it's even more important to have enough juice because that Max has a slow recharge rate. I also have plug in connectors to jumper the batteries if needed without having to raise up the upper body and I can also hook up a maintenence charger(not a trickle charger)to keep up the batteries by using the same connectors when the machine sits without being used.
If you go with an electric wiper and a heated blower, you will be happy you upgraded your electrics.
I plow with my Max because it's fun. When I need to do real serious plowing, I bring out the bigger toys, but I still play. |
lance cragen
Junior Member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 15
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 04:40 pm: |
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so far so good.plows great.this is my first plow.stays warm and doesnt squeak.i need smaller tires to put my tracks on.  |
Chuck McGhee
Advanced Member
Username: Chuck_050382
Post Number: 126
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 12.170.193.106
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 04:53 pm: |
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Looks great. The lights are a nice touch. You might want to think about some strobe lights for safety.
I could have used a cab this weekend, we got 4 inches. I plowed for a couple hours saturday. |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 273
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 199.246.2.9
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 07:21 pm: |
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Oh man- looks great coming or going. If you squint just right it looks like a little tank with a hitch ball on the FRONT! I'll bet it stays warm, now when I get my new machine....... |
bill westerfeld
Junior Member
Username: Hillbully
Post Number: 12
Registered: 08-2006
Posted From: 65.54.97.188
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 09:33 pm: |
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with respect to the issue of not being able to get to the recoil starter, you could attach a short length of rope to the recoil handle and tie it to the rear body vent.Then when you have a dead battery, just pull the handle thru the body vent, to start the motor, it works just fine.just remember not to start the motor with the end of rope attached to the vent. |
lance cragen
Junior Member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 16
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 152.53.20.221
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - 12:05 am: |
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it's a hatchback so i havent had any trouble so far. i swapped throttle cables yesterday no problem but see a future sawzall mod on the floorboard |
R.J. roe
Member
Username: Gone_to_the_max
Post Number: 26
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 63.174.244.87
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 23, 2007 - 10:08 pm: |
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lance, great job on the hard top, that is exactly what i need to replace my soft top with. i hope to have that started by summer. what did you use to hold the doors open? how much do you think that the project cost, minus time and labor. i would be interested in some more detailed pictures, or possibly a blue print of some type. GOOD WORK rj |
lance cragen
Junior Member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 17
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 72.250.236.117
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2007 - 12:51 pm: |
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i havent put struts on the doors yet but i will.
probably $300 and about 100 hours!i'll send you some pics. dont forget to insulate. |
R.J. roe
Member
Username: Gone_to_the_max
Post Number: 27
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 63.174.244.87
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 25, 2007 - 10:35 am: |
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here is a picture of the plow frame mounts that i made for my max II |
lance cragen
Junior Member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 18
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 72.250.236.117
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2007 - 01:01 pm: |
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R.J. those look just like the R.I. plates i spent a bunch of $$$ on. nice work! post a pic when you get it mounted. |
R.J. roe
Member
Username: Gone_to_the_max
Post Number: 28
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 63.174.244.87
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2007 - 08:09 pm: |
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lance, those plates are 1/4", and not 1/8" like the factory ones that ri offers. i used them for the last big snow that we got, along with the 60" cycle country plow that i had to modify to fit the max. it was made for a yamaha 4 wheeler. but i got it to work just fine with some cutting and welding. i didnt get my winch in time but i did make it possible to use for the last storm.  |
lance cragen
Junior Member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 19
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 72.250.236.117
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2007 - 08:18 pm: |
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nice max RJ. mine is also a 60" cycle country 4 wheeler plow.I wish i had round headlights! |
R.J. roe
Member
Username: Gone_to_the_max
Post Number: 29
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 63.174.244.87
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 08:23 pm: |
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how thick are the finnished sides? i was thinking about using a pannel core that i can get from work that is 1 1/2" and has a r value of 40. i can get it in a 4'x8' piece, i think that would be my best bet to use that, along with luon on inside and out. what do you think? |
lance cragen
Member
Username: Slacker
Post Number: 20
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 72.250.236.117
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 08:46 pm: |
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mine has a 1-1/2" core with 1/4" luon in and out
and fiberglass insulation.what kind of panel core has such a large r value at 1-1/2"?
sounds very expensive.if you dont like your results you could use it as a chest freezer. lol |
R.J. roe
Member
Username: Gone_to_the_max
Post Number: 30
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 63.174.244.87
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 02:40 pm: |
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the core is made by dow it is some type of expanded polyurathane. the are structural insulating panels. it is blue and realy dense, i could stand on it and not leave boot prints in it. well anyway that is what i thought about using along with 1/8" luon just to try to keep it lite, and easy for me to put on, with out any help. i will have the luon glued to the core at work, it will go through a glue machine and put in a press to assure coverage. i dont know when i will get started on it, but that is my thought. |
R.J. roe
Member
Username: Gone_to_the_max
Post Number: 31
Registered: 02-2007
Posted From: 63.174.244.87
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 06:02 pm: |
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i can get the cores for $10.00 ea. the only thing is that they might have a slight amout of damage to them{very minimal} i even thought about mounting some to the inside of the machine to deaden the noise from the motor. i will use spray foam{great stuff} to seal up all joints that i have to make. did you use some type of seal for the doors? or are they just a tight fit?
i dont think that im gonna go with the gullwing doors just to save me the money for the gas struts. i will just hing them on the rollbar side. |
Larry Wright
Intermediate Member
Username: Xljimmy
Post Number: 77
Registered: 03-2005
Posted From: 70.226.81.243
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 09:26 am: |
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Wow, that cab is awesome. Looks Great. Love the doors and hatchback. |
Shop Talk: Tech Tips and Q&A section