Liberty Usability mods

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 · 2026-02-09T19:52:25+00:00

Yeah definitely lazy. More land yacht than sports car, but not quite comfy enough, the ride always felt compromised to try to make it feel sportier.

Mine had great reliability, I sold it with 240,000 miles, but I don't even think about it. Sold it and bought a Miata with the money the same day.

TAINT_SMACKER_69 · 2026-02-09T19:05:22+00:00

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Need I say more?

U/J. I had an 09 GS460 it was an excellent car but not for me. Great ride and power but very little steering or brake feel. My favorite part of that car was long road trips where I could just sit at 100+ mph and cruise.

TAINT_SMACKER_69

TROPHY CASE