WH (WK) Preparation for the Pyrenees

[crossed-up]

Thanks both, I've been running around with it over the last week and as well as being functional I think it adds a bit of interest to the rather bland WK interior. I'm still planning on adding some extra mounts on it for phone and CB mic, but not decided on the exact positioning yet.

Spent some time yesterday on phase two of my storage system, which mostly involved making a lightweight 5mm ply cover for the jack/tools area, and removable shelf/table that extends the waffle board shelf out to the tailgate. The jack cover gives a platform for the coolbox, and the shelf will allow two or three duffle bags etc. to be slid in and out through the glass hatch. So far it's only temporarily assembled with self-tapping screws and clamps to sort the dimensions out.

 

[jeepdreamer]

Subscribed for future pyrenees pics! (And your interesting design ideas!)
Being told growing up our family name is Basque, and that they hail from the pyrenees I'm excited to see your trip. I've talked to a guy in that region that has a jeepster commando and his pics were breathtaking. I'm sure you'll have a blast. I'll have to do the trip vicariously though.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[crossed-up]

Thanks Jeedreamer, we're all looking forward to the trip and I hope the photos will do it justice.

I managed to get quite a bit done this weekend finishing off the build. All the major parts are now done, I just need to tidy up some of the details and bracketry. I'm planning on giving it all a god test on a camping trip over Easter.

Some pics...

Making up corner reinforcements for the table.

I decided to fit folding legs to the table. When in place the left hand leg supports the free end.

Finishing off the tool compartment end panel.

To make access to the cubby easier, and to remove some unnecessary material I cut the back out of the drawer box.

I also cut the base out of the jack panel for the same reason.

To tie the whole job together I used some lightweight carpet to cover the drawer box, tool compartment and cubby panel.

The tool compartment cover is only 5.5mm ply to save weight, so I added a double section on the from to stiffen it and mirror the thickness of the drawer box top.

I used roller catches to locate the tool compartment cover.

The bungee is just temporary until I fit some lashing points.

 

[jeepdreamer]

Being that the jeep community (worldwide) seems to be blessed with honestly good people I thought I'd toss this out there.
I mentioned a fella I've emailed with who lives in the Basque region and is a jeeper.
His name is Aitor, screen name of black beast, and you could probably find him here:
http://jeepstercommandoclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9514
English isn't his strong point but he is super friendly. I'd bet if you reach out to him he could suggest good spots to wheel and who knows... maybe he'd even meet up with you guys.
I can't find the pics he sent me (a few years ago) but you're in for a treat wheeling there. Beautiful country is an understatement!

Jeep is looking great. Had to chuckle at the full size floor jack. Don't they have hi-lift Jacks over there?

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[rallygabe]

Jeep is looking great. Had to chuckle at the full size floor jack. Don't they have hi-lift Jacks over there?

I'm sure they do but, being a previous WK owner, there is nowhere on the vehicle to use them!
:smiley_drive:

 

[jeepdreamer]

I'm sure they do but, being a previous WK owner, there is nowhere on the vehicle to use them!
:smiley_drive:

There's always Somewhere.

 

[rallygabe]

There's always Somewhere.

Well illustrated! I have never tried that particular setup. lol

I should have said: factory jacking options are poor...

 

[HercDriver]

Your fabrication skills are impressive.

 

[jeepgc]

How are your preparations coming along?

 

[crossed-up]

Your fabrication skills are impressive.

Thank you, HercDriver, I have had quite a bit of practice over the years.

How are your preparations coming along?

Things are coming along nicely and most of the Jeep prep. is done. There's still some refining to do and some wiring for the cool box battery cutoff. We're planning a camping weekend in the next couple of weekends, then the Jeep summer camp in July at Barton-Le-Clay for a final shakedown. But I've been interrupted by having to do an engine rebuild on my Fiat just ahead of the summer grass auto test and rally events, so will probably end up having to use the Jeep for those too if I can't get it back together in time!

Shouldn't take too long, it's only half a Hemi!

 

[crossed-up]

We took the Jeeps on a 'shakedown' up to Kielder at the weekend on a 4x4 safari organised by the local mountain rescue team. It was a great couple of days with a great group of people, and unexpectedly there was a Wrangler and a Cherokee to make up the Jeep contingent amongst the ubiquitous Land Rovers. We had no major issues other than a puncture on the Renegade and a massive amount of dust to clean off inside and out!

Some pics and a video from my dash cam:

[video=vimeo;166882515]https://vimeo.com/166882515[/video]

 

[kojackJKU]

awesome rigs and fab work! great job. Good to see the gade getting dirty too. in its natural habitat.

 

[crossed-up]

Thanks Kojack, we all had a great day out in the forests.

Some more pics:

Lunch stop...

The afternoon sections were a lot drier and dustier...

Packing up for the trip home...

The aftermath...

The cleanup can wait until the weekend, but I did treat the GC to new air filter as soon as I got home.

 

[SSF556]

Great pictures and video....love seeing the WK out in the wild.

 

[jeepgc]

Looks like a great shakedown trip. Great pics.

BTW, Jeep looks better with dirt on it