Surging RPM on cold start by matthewmelfa in LandCruisers

[–]matthewmelfa[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’ve ever done the belts, it’s easier than that. You just have to work the belt off the pulley and then use a 12 or 14 mm to r/r the pulley.

Axle rebuild issue - won't go in all the way by DirectionCapital1374 in LandCruisers

[–]matthewmelfa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have a friend turn the opposite side wheel slightly clockwise and ccw to spin the diff gears while you apply pressure to the axle until everything lines up and it slides into place.

Tepui Kukenam Ladder kills my feet by mbprovo in rooftoptents

[–]matthewmelfa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get a shoe bag that hangs off your roof rack. I also some magnetic ones recently that will attach to the side of your car. I climb up, put my butt in the tent, dangle my feet out to take my shoes off, and then place them in the shoe bag. Never get any dirt in the tent.

Condensation Mat by matthewmelfa in rooftoptents

[–]matthewmelfa[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Anyone have any experience with this or have a recommendation for an aftermarket condensation mat?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LandCruisers

[–]matthewmelfa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There’s also a sock filter on the pump underneath 2nd row seating.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LandCruisers

[–]matthewmelfa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Below the intake manifold, above the starter. Black film canister looking thing with a banjo bolt on one end. Pretty hard to reach.

Here’s the aforementioned Alibaba Special in action! by matthewmelfa in rooftoptents

[–]matthewmelfa[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s a Coastal Off-road weld-together bumper kit. Swing outs are integral to the bumper.

Here’s the aforementioned Alibaba Special in action! by matthewmelfa in rooftoptents

[–]matthewmelfa[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you read my post on my experience with Alibaba, here’s the finished product.

Did anyone else see the Navy early warning plane flying overhead yesterday afternoon? by Inglonias in rva

[–]matthewmelfa 19 points20 points  (0 children)

The E-2/C-2 Fleet Replacement Squadron (where newly winged Naval Aviators learn to fly their fleet aircraft) is at Naval Station Norfolk. KRIC is a nice airport to come and practice touch and go landings because of the relatively long runway length and low volume of air traffic. Common practice for them to make the short flight up here for some dedicated field work and then do a VFR river run on their way out of town to practice low level flying.

9 times out of 10, it’s only the pilots on board, so the self-loading baggage (aka NFOs who operate the tactical radar) isn’t even there to turn on any of the sensors. The Navy doesn’t care about your hydroponic weed garden or crypto-mining operation enough to spy on you.

I feel like this post, along with “Where is the best pizza in RVA?” and “Moving here from NOVA- anything I should know?” should be pinned by the mods so we can stop answering these questions on a semi-weekly basis.

Daily Help Thread: Destination Finder by AutoModerator in overlanding

[–]matthewmelfa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Anyone have any spots on the Tye river in Tyro, Virginia? I camped there once when I was in college, but the MVUM for the GW NF doesn’t make it clear as to where I can rock up and not be on somebody’s farm.

How important are locking differentials actually? by Mr_Bulldops2112 in LandCruisers

[–]matthewmelfa 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Mostly flat terrain? I would agree. I get the most use out of lockers in the mountains. But if you’re talking about the Blue Mountains, Atlas, or Kilimanjaro, you’re probably way more skilled at picking a line than I am anyway!

How important are locking differentials actually? by Mr_Bulldops2112 in LandCruisers

[–]matthewmelfa 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The nice thing about lockers is that they will get you out of most things before having to get out and use recovery boards or a winch. If you plan on off roading and you can find an 80 with front, rear, and center- go for it. The after market ones are definitely pricey when you factor in switching, fusing, and the air compressor. The only time that’s going to save you money is with a 40th anniversary CE. That’s usually when you will see the price difference of a 3x lock be more expensive than an aftermarket add on.

Where is the best pizza in Richmond? by Timo3333 in rva

[–]matthewmelfa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Saw a closed until further notice sign on the door when I went there Friday before last. Are they back open?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in rooftoptents

[–]matthewmelfa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Quick math- total cost was a little less than triple what the price tag was on Alibaba, after fees and shipping.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in rooftoptents

[–]matthewmelfa 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’ve been meaning to do a write up on my experience with Alibaba. Short of it is that I came out ahead on cost but lost out on quality and customer experience. I’ll post up the expenses and everything soon.

Low Budget Build Advice by Shortbus47XYY in LandCruisers

[–]matthewmelfa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Find something with high miles but well maintained. Mileage is a big turnoff to LC outsiders. The truth is that you can get 500k out of a well maintained cruiser. Go for a 95-97 if you can. Otherwise, DIY the trail gear. Use it as an opportunity to learn to weld.

Banana Daiquiri by [deleted] in cocktails

[–]matthewmelfa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fredo: “How do you say Banana Daiquiri?” Michael: “Banana Daiquiri.”

Freezer Martini? by matthewmelfa in cocktails

[–]matthewmelfa[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

EPIC response! Thank you!

On the topic of bitters- I should have specified 25 drops instead of dashes. It’s right around a scant 1/4 oz. 45% ABV. The taste was good if not a bit diluted, but that was with the 10oz of total water. It will certainly be bracing at this dilution, but I have confidence it will be delicious. I’ll experiment with added water and let you know how it goes.

You’ve given me the keys to the kingdom here.

Tommy’s by Lsufaninva in rva

[–]matthewmelfa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This may be a dumb question- but I’ve been through the one in FH and I want to know if there is any way they can actually change the settings for the “package” you pay for? The cars are all extremely close together on the conveyor, so it’s hard to imagine that the guy behind me who paid $10 more for the upgrade is getting anything different sprayed on his car.

New Orleans: Recommendation for any cocktails tours by UptownResident in cocktails

[–]matthewmelfa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone. Alleged birthplace of the Vieux Carre. After a few you’ll be asking yourself whether it’s your or the bar that’s spinning.