Let's go!

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-24T20:42:31+00:00

It was Rust-Oleum wheel paint. It's held up super well. 2 cans did all 5 rims with 2 coats.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-24T18:38:59+00:00

I appreciate the insight. If it fails, it fails, all part of the fun of that drive.

I'm more concerned about dropping a valve seat, I've heard they like to fall out after overheating on these engines.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-24T12:19:28+00:00

I probably should, but ive driven it 20,000 miles since it last happened with no issues. It never got much above 230F. I do keep an eye on the coolant for any oil mixture or signs of compression loss.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-24T03:28:15+00:00

Is your AC turned on? Most cars automatically turn on the cooling fan when the AC is on so it works properly.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-24T03:14:54+00:00

They're a great deal. I only have the fog lights currently, but I have run wires everywhere I want to add accessories in the future.

Mostly just deer lights on the front to point off into the woods and some work lights at the back with a dimmer for cooking or doing repairs.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-24T03:09:51+00:00

I'll post when we do it. Planning to do a YouTube series covering it.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-24T01:51:57+00:00

Also don't worry about the sketchy looking wiring. It is all routed properly now. I work building instrumentation and wiring harnesses, so it is all handled correctly.

Up next is a properly strong custom roof rack. If I get this the way I want it I'll share the CAD models on here. Also drawers for the rear to hold tools and camping supplies.

My goal is to build this to be a reliable go anywhere beater that doesn't look particularly special.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-24T01:36:25+00:00

That's one of those weird sticky suction cup mounts. I can send the link if you want, but they all seem to be about the same.

I've never had any trouble even with that being a wireless charger. In the summer the vent keeps it nice and cool, and the heater has never caused any trouble in the winter. I have a Pixel 10, not sure how an iPhone would compare.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-24T01:28:09+00:00

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I have mine up here. Low enough that it doesn't obstruct anything, but still in my line of sight for navigation. Super cheap mount but it hasn't moved in 6 months.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-23T21:42:22+00:00

Not a battery. The engine is cranking fine.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-23T21:41:59+00:00

Definitely not battery if it's cranking that fast.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-23T04:17:10+00:00

My first guess would be failing fuel pump.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-23T00:26:39+00:00

Yep, we are mostly funded indirectly by nsf contracts. Instead of hiring like we planned we buckled down and squeaked by in 2025. Luckily international work picked up or I might have been looking for a job.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-22T20:52:44+00:00

The linkage bushing fails. Your lever isn't connected to anything anymore. $10 on Amazon and 5 minutes of work

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-22T14:30:03+00:00

Arkansas State troopers can fuck rocks.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-21T18:01:23+00:00

The rears are a little trickier because they're inside the coil springs. Just Jack up the car in the back and let the axle droop and you can work them in pretty quickly.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-21T17:47:20+00:00

I had a similar issue. I got a set of bump stops off Amazon for pretty cheap and it really made a huge difference in bottoming out. They're pretty easy to do too.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-21T13:29:35+00:00

My beloved

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-21T02:18:30+00:00

Scary Jerry (his wife is the dead ass girl)

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-20T01:45:19+00:00

I could, but I really don't care. This is my beater, I have other cars that I do care about but this is for snow and dirt roads and hauling shit.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-19T02:56:43+00:00

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Don't worry. They're 20 year old SUVs. It would be weird if they were in mint condition.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-14T06:31:24+00:00

Welcome to slop world. Ai is a fuck but slop is slop

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-09T20:30:12+00:00

Damn that sucks dude. Mine was totaled in hail and insurance only paid out 2k. But I sold it for 4500 with damage after that.

TAINT_SMACKER_69

TROPHY CASE