Elders

tersmit · Post by **tersmit** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:24 am

Asseblief Chris, vertel die hele klas waar jy al jou speelgoed gekry het

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 9:36 pm

Time for the next episode in the story called ELDERS.

As you know packing space inside the cab of a single cab is limited - and keeping two SLR cameras close by is not that easy (short of leaving swambo home and freeing up the passanger seat).

So time to build, and fit a custom container for the two cameras, night one.

The idea is to make a custom bracket that bolts to the seat rails. One more cross arm is to be fitted and then the box ontop of it.

I can either use the plastic box, or make a custom metal holder which will be marginally smaller.

last step would be to cut high density foam to house each camera.

hatvani · Post by **hatvani** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 9:47 pm

Chris,

I just reread your post as I'm getting ready to build my packing system in my Hilux. I have aluminum lining in the bin and have a few holes but not at the right places. I'd hate to drill more so I'm thinking down the same line as you did with the plywood. That I could bolt down securely with the existing holes. I see you used 22mm. The heavies part of my load will be a 50l ARB fridge with its slider. Will it hold?

Now that yours in done, would you advise the same mounting?

Thanks.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:52 am

Tom ... probably not .... :)

The 22mm ply wood is heavy. For the next projext I will try to get by with less wood. BUT, that would mean a metal sub structure - thus not sure if the final product would really be much lighter.

The one item which will be doen differently next time is the canopy - low line canopy, which pops up. Thus less drag while driving and more head room when parked.

not to worry, I am just being super critical now. The current layout really works for us, and I wont change anything at this stage.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 5:26 pm

And now Elders has a 60W solar system for those longer stops. :)

and have a look at just how small it packs away. :)

Traveler · Post by **Traveler** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 5:29 pm

Lovely additions.

hatvani · Post by **hatvani** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 6:28 pm

Thanks Chris.

I was only thinking of using the 22mm plywood for the base and attach a "lighter" metal frame to it. Then, cover it with a much thinner plywood as top. Kind of like a sandwich where the filling is the ammo boxes.

I'm trying to avoid more holes.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:16 pm

Tom Because we sleep above the drawer system I ended up with a layer of the wood on the bak to start the assembly, then another layer above the drawer as a sturdy base for the bed.

The elevated metal frame has down stands that carry the weight, AND it is kept in place by attaching it to the canopy brackets, and with the cross braces keeping it firmly in place (limiting any sideways movement)

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 7:57 pm

Tyd om weer te werk aan die kamera box.

Die raamwerk is klaargemaak en met hamerite geverf.

Die houer is binne en buite uitgevoer met mat, daai tipe wat mens in n voertuig kry --- en kyk hoe mooi pas dit in Elders. :)

en TOE begin die werk. nogal uitputtend om sulke detail werk met die "foam" te doen.

Die onderste "verdieping" is vir die 5D met die kort lens. Dan n plaat met nog n laag foam, volgens die form van die 7D. Daar is n stukkie weg gesny uit die rant van die boks vir die lens om uit te steek ....

die wydte van die houer is bepaal deur die sitplekke - 5 mm wyer en dit sou begin skaaf aan die bekleedsel. die breedte en hoogte van die houer is weer bepaal deur die deksel van die "console" .... Maar MIN beweegruimte binne die beperkinge !!

Nou nog net n "deksel" maak - n stukkie van die mat wat oor die kamera hang om dit weg te steek vir nuuskierige oë ....

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:03 pm

Nog so paar fotos om die verhaal te vertel. :)

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 9:29 pm

Nice Chris! Baie netjies gedoen...

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 9:53 pm

Thys ek het lank gewonder hoe om die projek te begin - toe kom my buurman die elektrisien en stel voor dat ek die raam bou vanaf die seat rails .... :)

lekker ding is dit vat minder as 5 minute om die brakcet in die voertuig te sit, so dit is NIE n permanente ombouing nie. Ek haat dit om n gat in voertuig te boor.

hatvani · Post by **hatvani** » Thu Dec 01, 2011 2:09 pm

Not sure which one I like better, the camera or the box! Great job!!

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:18 pm

nice try ... but not a keeper ......

While on holiday in Kgalagadi and Namibia I often wanted to use the 5D camera - which is stored at the bottom .... Only solution was to put the 7D (almost 2,5kg) on my wifes lap while I dug out the 5D. GRANTED - still better than not having both cameras in the front, but definately not the "answer" .....

And so episode 2 started - to find a replacement console that could be cut up. I removed the original and stored it safely, then set about with this project.

- cut away parts of the console
- make a new cradle for both cameras (this time next to each other)
- cutting a 3 dimensional foam support for the cameras
- now to make a cover to keep this out of sight.

let the pics tell the rest of this story (the first set just records the process of removing the console) -

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:24 pm

time to get the dimensions sorted ....

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:26 pm

completing the installation ....

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:30 pm

Since I was already playing with the console this was the ideal time for another side project ... :)

Post by **Family_Dog** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:39 pm

Nice one, Chris! I've asked Kirisun to start working on a remote mount kit for the PT8100, we need those because of lack of suitable mounting space in modern vehicles. This means that you will be able to mount the radio behind the back seat and the face plate anywhere convenient on the dash or console. The kit will be suitable for all PT8100 radios, those in the field as well as new ones.

Remember, do not coil up any excess antenna cable. Rather cut it shorter or lay it haphazardly under the carpet, but it should never be coiled for "neatness".

-F_D

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:44 pm

Looking good Chris

jacques kotze · Post by **jacques kotze** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:51 pm

Nice Chris, wat n ou nie als sal doen om sy "speelgoed" beter te kan gebruik nie.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 8:37 pm

Eric, thanks for all the tips and help with this project.

I ran the cable down the B pillar, along the back, and then in the centre console. Running past the radio by about 150mm, looped back to the radio, then cut of the excess. Thus leaving about 300mm of free cable in case I need to move something ... But NO coiling of the cable

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Sun Feb 24, 2013 6:00 pm

So the 60W solar panel shown earlier in this thread did not work for us ....

It may possibly work if you are parked and the panel can lay in the sun the whole day long ..... but we spend most of our day out in the park, stationary most of the time ....

Long story short - we upgraded to two of 80W solid panels that is to be mounted permanently on the roo, with the option of easily removing it if we want to spend time in the shade and place the panels in the sun .....

Ans so started the research into the possible options:

- nothing "off the shelf" ...

- various 4x4 fitment places can manufacture a custom bracket ....

- but by now you know I like to play in the garage ..... :) :)

I decided to stay with the theme of Elders and to make a bracket that will be unobtrusive, painted white to blend in with the canopy, LIGHT and functional ...

I still need to go buy a few bolts before I can finish off the project, but these pics show the progress thus far.

I had the "channels" cut and bent at Brackenfell steel

I opted for 1,2mm galvanized steel plate. At the areas to be welded I sanded away the galvanizing. The inside of the tracks will be treated with "cold galv", and the rest will be painted white with Hammerite.

After confirming the baest dimensions, according to the canopy, I marked out the layout on the garage floor. And so started the big weld ... my first try at an inverter welder .... (the practice runs did not prepare me for the gaps and thin plate ...).

The frame pulling skew caused some re-work ..... o-well, thats in the past and it is done :)

Now to wrap up the "nose cone" to deflect wind and branches .... made my own little plate bender for this ..

Froll · Post by **Froll** » Sun Feb 24, 2013 7:16 pm

Looking good Chris, looking forward to the finished product. Great work.

4x4Maniac · Post by **4x4Maniac** » Mon Feb 25, 2013 8:53 am

Nice Chris! When can I order

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Mon Feb 25, 2013 9:13 pm

the nose cone got done tonight.

just finished painting the whole frame :) :)

will leave it a couple of days for the paint to harden properly.

can finish the wiring inside Elders in the interim ....

PS - loving the inverter welder !! welding 1,2mm plate was never an option with the standard arc welder - okay the arc welder is almost 50 years old !! GOOD for 3mm and up, but not this small stuff. Welding at 40A and not burning holes in thin plate is a new experience ... :) :)

PPS - Werner nee wat jong, te min naweke en te veel projekte ... :)

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:41 am

Paint finally dried .... late last night I did a preliminary fit .....

Now to start with the wiring ....

Traveler · Post by **Traveler** » Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:47 am

Soos altyd is jou werk baie netjies Chris.
Welgedaan.

Post by **Family_Dog** » Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:07 am

Wow, Chris! Looks good but I see there's not too much roof-clearance there! Just do not go for bigger tyres and a raised suspension

-F_D

4x4Maniac · Post by **4x4Maniac** » Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:39 am

Baie Netjies Chris, ek moes maar plan maak en n hoer Garage laat bou by die nuwe huis, anders sou my bakkie moes buite slaap, en hy my bakkie is soos my vrou, hou nie van alleen slaap nie.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:28 am

Eric not too worry .... :)

When we re-did the garage three years back I coughed up and went for a 5,7m wide by 2,5m high door.

Currently Elders is standing almost 2,2m high in her BFG shoes ....

Kan nie meer by die werk onder dak parkeer nie ! Ook nie meer by Pick & Pay se parkeer area nie ... maar ek het mos n 4x4 so stop maar op die sypaaidjie .... hehehe ...

PS - just popped in at Battery Centre, got "thinga-mabobs" that will screw onto the new battery to give me standard teminals to connect to. Now it is a straight swop out that should take only a few minutes. :) :)

then to start wiring in the Panels and the Ctek .... sien nog n laat nag kom .... hehehe ....

Froll · Post by **Froll** » Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:37 pm

Very nice Chris, looking good so far.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:46 pm

got the new battery mounted this afternoon ... had to redo the battery mount, both width and hight .... :)

Thats done, and the battery is in.

The biggest "hurdle" remaining is to figure out how/where to mount the electrical connector between the panels and entry to the canopy ..... will probably stand over for the weekend ....

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Sat Mar 30, 2013 5:39 pm

I have been spending some quality time with ELDERS in the garage .... checking everything for our upcoming trip.

I was shocked to see just how much knocks the bash plate has taken !! Okay only 2 or 3 real "knocks", but a lot of scrapes .... and the mud that collects on top of it has led to some corrosion ....

I removed it, cleaned it, and gave it some TLC to slow down further corrosion.

While under ELDERS I noted that the suspension has some "chipping". The after market bumpers and rock sliders clearly showed signs of corrosion from "gravel and stones" ....

A bit of hammerite were applied to certain areas of the chassis, and proper coat on the rock sliders and the lower parts of the bumpers.

and then I played a bit .... :)

once the paint has hardened I the bash plate will be re-fitted.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Sun Mar 31, 2013 4:40 pm

kyk hoe mooi lyk hy nou .... :) :)

BotswanaConnection · Post by **BotswanaConnection** » Sun May 05, 2013 5:24 pm

Wow! Nice bakkie! Looks great! Love all the moderation's you've done to it!! Looks nice and cozy in the back. Its a good idea to have the beds in tha back, hate having to set up tents everywhere i go.

Post by **Whisky** » Thu Oct 10, 2013 9:14 pm

Chris die spons wat jy gebruik het is dit gewone spons die digste een of is dit die hoë digtheid spons die tipe wat hulle die eetgery en breekgoed in verpak (charcaol kleur). By OW kry jy die ammokaste met die goed in.

Ek het by ons spons fabriek gaan navraag doen en toe die digste spons wat vir stoele of kussings gebruik word en dan die hoë digtheid (baie harde een swart in kleur) gesien.(R230.00 teenoor R500.00).

Ek is net bang die gewone spons sal later van tyd begin verweer en dan verbrokkel wat skadelik vir die kamera kan wees.

Wat is jou ondervinding?

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Fri Oct 11, 2013 7:17 am

Ek het twee verskillende plekke waar ek kan koop.

Die een in Parow het n pink en blou spons (maar mens ook nie vaskyk in die kleur nie want die goed verkleur mettertyd). Hulle blou een is hul digste spons - SAG !

Die plek in Bellville het n medium digtheid spons en n hoë digtheid spons. Ek gebruik hul hoë dightheid een. Ons matrasse is ook van dieselfde spons, en ons gebruik dit nou al amper 4 jaar, geen probleme.

Dit is NIE dieselfde as die wat ODW se kaste gebruik nie - ek weet nie waar hulle daai spons kry nie.

Post by **Whisky** » Fri Oct 11, 2013 2:57 pm

Dankie Chris, ek dink dit is ook die een wat ek kan kry teen R230.00 vir my boks. Dit is 'n baie stywe spons.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:04 pm

Elders gaan so bietjie TLC kry ....

More is hy by MotoCade - Intercooler & EGT

Dan na Hoppy toe vir n free flow ....

19/11 by Dynotech .....

en DAN moet ek Elders se kamper uitpak en uithaal .... Desember kry hy n nuwe kamper canopy (Blinkgat).

die jaar kry net Elders kersgeskenke ... :) :)

Post by **george** » Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:21 pm

Nice baie nice.Ek like blinkgat kwaai.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Thu Nov 07, 2013 6:08 am

LEKKER om met Sarel besigheid te doen.

Ons het al n hele paar eposse uitegeruil. En hy gaan nou vir ons n dop bou wat die meeste moontlike spasie vir ons gaan gee.

Binne gaan ek dit self inrig

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Thu Nov 07, 2013 7:17 am

ChrisF wrote:Eric not too worry .... :)

When we re-did the garage three years back I coughed up and went for a 5,7m wide by 2,5m high door.

Currently Elders is standing almost 2,2mhigh in her BFG shoes ....

Kan nie meer by die werk onder dak parkeer nie ! Ook nie meer by Pick & Pay se parkeer area nie ... maar ek het mos n 4x4 so stop maar op die sypaaidjie .... hehehe ...

PS - just popped in at Battery Centre, got "thinga-mabobs" that will screw onto the new battery to give me standard teminals to connect to. Now it is a straight swop out that should take only a few minutes. :) :)

then to start wiring in the Panels and the Ctek .... sien nog n laat nag kom .... hehehe ....

Looking good Chris, well done

. Went to Sandton City this past Sunday and their parking height restriction is 2.1m

, so after driving around the block, almost completely around found one entrance at the back with a 2.5m clearance

, and just after going up the ramp after the pay booms "dedicated 4x4 parking" bays

, caters for about 10 4x4's which is not too bad me thinks

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Thu Nov 07, 2013 8:17 am

Our friendly PnP has extended their under cover parking - less than 2,1m restriction ..... nice gravel pavement where I can park .... hehehehe ...

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Thu Nov 07, 2013 8:39 pm

7 November 2013 - the date on which Elders went to the "nose specialist" to breath better .....

The BURNCO bumper is not exactly helping airflow over the intercooler .... by moving the number plate a bit lower I can fit in 8 off 40mm holes ..... ANY FEEDBACK / IDEAS ?????

For good measure I also had an EGT fitted - I see it is fitted AFTER the turbo .... what temperatures are "normal" ?? What should be avoided ??

Froll · Post by **Froll** » Thu Nov 07, 2013 9:58 pm

Looking good Chris, cant wait to see the end pics.

Thabogrobler · Post by **Thabogrobler** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 1:04 am

Should'n the EGT probe be fitted on the outlet manifold?

IIRC at 720 thing goes wrong quickly!

Hoe loop die trok nou?

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 6:28 am

Thabo only the intercooler was done on Thursday.

Next week the exhaust - Hoppy to do his magic

Only then the chip and dyno .... So two weeks before I can comment on "how it runs".

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 7:21 pm

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Sun Nov 10, 2013 10:50 am

Looking good,can't wait to see end results

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Sun Nov 10, 2013 3:56 pm

And so the day arived to start dis-assembling Elders.

It is still 5 weeks until we drive up to collect the new camper canoy - yet with a shock I realised there are only TWO open Saturdays left .....

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Tue Nov 19, 2013 6:31 pm

Hoppy did his bit - he replaced the massive silencer with a free flow box. :)

Elders went to Dynotech today - Unichip and dyno tuning. :) :) Have only done 3 or 4 kilometer, but WOW, very very nice .....

Last weekend wwas one of the only two open ones before we head to Joburg. Made the best of it and stripped Elders V1, and started on Elders V1.1.

Got a metal filing in my eye ,,,,, spent most of Sunday night at the hospital. Was there from 12:00 to 1:00, then again from 3:00 to 8:00. Walked over to an optamologist, he immediately spotted the piece of metal and removed - R 1 260 for 10 minutes !! after that night I would have paid even more ...... maar so is die lewe mos. nou weer reg.

here are some pics of the weekends work -

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Tue Nov 19, 2013 6:43 pm

So the new floor was cut to fit, and some items have now been positioned and fictures put in place.

Sunday the boards were varnished.

Today I positioned the "bottom items" as per their positions. The porta potty will be elevated, to form one continuos bench from the jerry cans to the bench that will be built in place (with packing space under the bench)

A slider/packer will be built for the ammo boxes.

The fridge based was positioned above the winch. Next to the fridge there will be work top for the basin and gas stove (looking for a SMALL two plate gas stove ..)

The corner behind the bench may become packing space for braai wood, possibly a 5th ammo box above it .....

maar nou kan ek nie veel meer doen tot die nuwe kanopy op is nie .... die presiese posisies moet perfek volgens die nuwe kanopy wees.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 5:58 pm

Izak at Dynotech did his magic. :)

PITY I did not do a duno graph before Hoppy did the exhaust - I could FEEL the difference !! NOT sure how much the max values increased, with the exhaust only - BUT it was so much more responsive on the pull away, and free revving .....

O-well, here are the figures after the exhaust, and then again after the Dyno ...

262 N.m up to 328 N.m
76,5 kW up to 92 kW

more to the point - before the torque peaked at 2266rpm, now this peak value is exceeded from 1850rpm up to 3300 rpm.

how does he do it ??
- the turbo boost get pushed up slightly
- now the fueling is adjusted for the new boost and air flow as per the air cooler and free flow exhaust, optimising the whole system.

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 6:39 pm

Cool Chris,now you test fuel consumption up to JHB and then down again with canopy on

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 6:53 pm

Thunder02 wrote:Cool Chris,now you test fuel consumption up to JHB and then down again with canopy on

drie KORT weke dan ry ons .... :)

Post by **george** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 7:04 pm

Nice Chris.Looks really impressive.Did you do your IC at Motorcade?

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 7:09 pm

Intercooler at Motorcade, also the EGT

Exhaust as Hoppy (he only did the box that needed replacing, the exhaust shops sells you the complete "system", which you DONT need)

Chip and dyno tuning at Dynotech.

only thing I would differently next time - EGT at Dynotech. Motorcade took the easy route and fitted the EGT after the turbo. DONT think it is a real train smash, but would have prefered it to be before the turbo. the unit itself makes an awefull noise at startup !! They just laugh and say other clients have complained as well ....

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 7:32 pm

ChrisF wrote:
Thunder02 wrote:Cool Chris,now you test fuel consumption up to JHB and then down again with canopy on
drie KORT weke dan ry ons .... :)

Will there be time to GTG for a beer

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 7:36 pm

I will have the laptop with me - let's see how it all goes down.

meeting up with Sarel on the 15th.... mini GTG with some 4x4Comm friends. 16th we fit the canopy, keeping the 17th as a backup in case any adjustments are needed ....

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Nov 27, 2013 8:49 pm

Made a support structure for four ammo boxes.

one or two more things to be done in prep, but then I need the new canopy to complete the new layout .... :)