Hello, ExPo! It's been a while. Some updates:
From my build thread on XterraNation -
When I initially started coming up with ideas for the Xterra, and finally researching different methods / items / gear / products, I knew it was going to become a trail runner. I wanted to build an unstoppable machine. The first year I had her was spent learning. The second year (last year) was spent building.
This year, my ideas have changed.
My wanderlust has become absolutely insatiable. I feel infinitely restless; I've planned two trips this year alone, and that's not including two trips that were already planned for this year. I'm currently planning a massive & epic journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Overlanding has really become my passion after last year's trip to Michigan's upper peninsula. I want to see everything and do everything, and my goals for the Terradactyl had to change - slightly. I knew she was never going to be a rock crawler, and I was never interested in 35s or an SAS. In order for me to continue with this passion of mine, this year's goals will be focused on creature comforts - upgraded stereo, seats, interior revamp. Things that have never really mattered to me in the past, as it was just going to be short trips on the trails. If we're going to be spending more and more time together on the road, I'm going to need to be comfortable.
Starting this spring (hopefully soon), the following projects will be initiated:
1. Before anything else, the Total Chaos steering kit will finally be installed.
2. Stereo upgrade.
-Blew a tweeter speaker yesterday, so this just bumped up to the top of my priority list.
3. Interior refresher.
-Headliner replacement, installation of the SE rearview mirror (compass & temperature); possible new CB and GPS, both with hidden power cords / wires, because cables are the bane of humanity.
4. Window regulators, because they're all terribly slow. Also the driver door sags and scuffs the top of the rock slider, so that needs to be addressed.
5. Secret mod #1 - roof.
6. Secret mod #2 - tire carrier.
7. Roof rack refresher.
-Rails need to be taken off and repainted, along with the boots and the roof cargo rack.
8. New starter.
9. Seat research.
-Looking at options between Corbeau and Recaro. I've spent a lot of time in Recaro seats, and they're incredibly comfortable. Only problem is that I can't go and do a butt test; everything is a special order around here. If I pick some out and they're not comfortable, I'll be effed.
10. All-weather floor mats and heater block.
-This winter has been brutal, and eye-opening.
11. Underbody refresher.
-Research different ways to mount an on-board air tank, along with a new exhaust system.
12. Winch shopping!
13. Head down to Louisville for some RLC underbody skid plates.
14. Full suspension lift / Desert Runners / undecided 32s.
15. Trailer build.
I've also been considering different options for some limb risers / branch deflectors, only to be equipped on expeditions. The challenge will be finding an attachment point, as my bumper does not have headlight guards to easily attach them to. I think a solution would be to simply drill some heavy-duty eyelets into the top of the fenders, allowing for hood opening & closing, and bracing them from inside the fender with a plate for strength. I've seen it done on a few 1st Gen Xterras, and I might try my hand at it after some more brainstorming.
