Hot Wheels

[SWbySWesty]

Ok, I got a 6 ton jack and some bulbs for the dome lights (even it doesn't light w the passenger front...probably loose or corroded). Got a dirtbike sitting in a hitch carrier ready for Big Bear tomorrow!

[spencyg]

I have a question for van land: What do you guys use for changing tires to lift. Using a hi-lift (probably) but what mounting points do you use? If I had aftermarket bumpers, I'd use those, but I don't. This is next up in my build...having a full-size spare and the ability to install it, too(common sense)!

10 ton Bottle Jack w/ Extended Base Plate....its the only way to do it safely with larger tires on a rig this size. A farm jack is just asking for another trip out of the desert via helicopter.

Awesome looking van. Those 315's really set it off...give me bad ideas for Boomer's next sneaks...

SG

[SWbySWesty]

It's pretty cool to see "Hot Wheels" with a motorcycle on the back and hardly noticing. The van drives smooth with some weight on/in it! Although I learned that even forestry roads with washboard are MUCH better on unloaded 1-ton suspension when you air down to 18psi....at 40psi I thought I was going to lose a filling!

loaded up.jpg

[SWbySWesty]

Hot Wheels now carries a SPOT device for backcountry motorcycling adventures and a newly licensed HAM radio technician

[SWbySWesty]

Went out to the Mountain Rendezvous...
Camping night 1 w/out the group. I jerry rigged the solar panel; however, after talking to some people at the event, I rigged it creatively enough to only warrant small changes, so I'm happy about that.
image1.jpg

Then, for those interested, I removed the rear seat so I had lots of extra space to carry the dirtbike inside and then set up my cot. Here's the sleeping arrangement:
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and lastly, I won Tembo Tusk tie downs...those should prove useful!

[SWbySWesty]

Now that I'm back, I washed Hot Wheels, wiped down the dust from the interior and hardwired a permanent solution for my solar panel. The wires you see in the photo run to the panel in the sun. I connect through the grill (just like a battery charger). Now I need a good storage solution for it while underway - the last thing I want is to have something fall/bounce on the panel and break it. Any ideas?

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[Chevrolado]

Rad van! Very cool. Love to see cool rigs in the same general area as me. Good to know there is good company around.

[SWbySWesty]

Naturally, without any paperwork I was not looking forward to changing some fluids...however, I was pleasantly surprised today when the differentials came out clean (recently changed). Looks like this van was well loved. I did find that the air locker compressor relay is going bad...what did I expect for 22 years old?

[cowboy4x4]

maybe I missed something, but did you decide to keep the van ?

[SWbySWesty]

Yes, I've decided to keep it. It's paid for and has zero problems. I'm slowly paying my medical bills (ironic) but I got one hell of a deal on this van and won't find a better specimen. I can't afford the newer vans and I don't use it enough to justify the added expense of a diesel.