how about a Xplorer on steroids ?!?

[cybergasm]

in the shop : Viper V10 dune truggy (on the welding table)

I would'nt mind seeing a thread about this when it get a bit further along!

But good luck with the explorer truggy it will interesting project to follow.

 

[stephan]

i may have to be more exact with what i intend to do with the EX ;
the EX is intended as a street legal do-it-all "expedition" vehicle. this way i can build a fairly lightweight high HP V8 dune buggy (for when i get the itch to tear up some dunes ) and use the EX for the more mellow dune cruises (with the AC running lol).
but the EX will also be used for mild offroading (not rockcrawling.... been there and done with that mainly sandy washes and mild sightseeing trails in areas like Moab.
btw the pics of the inside are only one part of the cage...there will be a outside "Body armor" structure that will "hug" the body/roof and also serves as a roof-rack if needed.
something similar like on this LR Disco (but sleeker looking);

i also like this rig; (im thinking of maybe doing similar front and rear bumpers)

on the suspension i m looking for quality and not quantity; thats why i will go with my current buggy setup (coil-overs and 3-4 tube bypass shocks). that setup soaks up whatever you throw at it without being too harsh for everyday use.

 

[stephan]

in the shop : Viper V10 dune truggy (on the welding table)

I would'nt mind seeing a thread about this when it get a bit further along!

But good luck with the explorer truggy it will interesting project to follow.

LOL ...here is a little teaser (actually the frame is now almost finished...need to make some new pics )

them v10`s are loooong but at least very narrow

 

[best X]

LOL ...here is a little teaser (actually the frame is now almost finished...need to make some new pics )

them v10`s are loooong but at least very narrow

man that thing looks MEAN!! i would love to have that sucker. you do some very very nice work im keeping my eye on this thread to see where it goes

 

[Dannyboy]

Stephen, where's your shop at? I'd like to pop in and meet you some time, very impressive work.

 

[goatman]

The concept of the stream lining that you showed in the pictures to improve approach and departure is awsome. I'm ready to follow this thread just to learn how that part happens.

 

[stephan]

man that thing looks MEAN!! i would love to have that sucker. you do some very very nice work im keeping my eye on this thread to see where it goes

Thank you
it will take some time until i can start on the Ex....i have a lot of work in the shop that i need to finish first ... but this way i have at least a lot of time to think and plan the details of project .
it helps to actually have a `03 in the driveway... i`m crawling all over (and under) it to take measurements and stuff :

 

[stephan]

Stephen, where's your shop at? I'd like to pop in and meet you some time, very impressive work.

Danny
i`m in the sticks : (its cool and quiet up here...and i can run the music in the shop as loud as i like)... north AZ; between Williams and Seligman... about 3.5 miles of dirtroad right off the route 66 i will PM you my cell# ...would be great to drink some cold ones together and talk car stuff :exporange

 

[stephan]

The concept of the stream lining that you showed in the pictures to improve approach and departure is awsome. I'm ready to follow this thread just to learn how that part happens.

i think moving the tires in the corners and "suck up" the belly is only possible with a all new frame and by re-locating the fuel tank into the back (where the spare tire is right now) for safety i actually like to use a foam filled "Fuel cell" anyway. the fuel tank in the back also helps me to get closer to my goal of a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. i also plan to move some other stuff (like the battery) as low and towards the back as possible.

i really like the look of that Toyota FJ "Raptor".... i think i will dump my idea of the tube bumper nose and go with the stock hood/headlight and fab a steel plate bumper in that style
i actually messed with that Toyota on photoshop:

a wider track (my A-arms will be ~6" longer then stock), no winch (i dont like solid mounted winches... a portable makes more sense to me) and only minimal stuff on the roof (low center of gravity :roll.... i wish i would know how to clone the explorer headlights into that pic :

 

[RoadBully]

I've been inspired...
Sorry for the crappy photoshop,
I think I'm going to get started building mine right away.
Probably finish it in white rhino liner.

 

[conig]

looks like a road armor bumper to me.

if you have never done business with them don't they charged my cc twice and after 6 months i never got my bumper. this was for a 99 tahoe which should have been there most cookie cutter bumper ever.

 

[RoadBully]

looks like a road armor bumper to me.

if you have never done business with them don't they charged my cc twice and after 6 months i never got my bumper. this was for a 99 tahoe which should have been there most cookie cutter bumper ever.

Oh no... I'm not buying one.. I'm building it.

 

[conig]

oh i know your building, but the next question from someone without the skills was going to be were do i buy. lol

 

[RoadBully]

oh i know your building, but the next question from someone without the skills was going to be were do i buy. lol

ahhh... gotcha.

 

[stephan]

Oh no... I'm not buying one.. I'm building it.

lol...same here; building it is half the fun

Thank you for the photoshop ... IMHO the Ex nose with the grill that "dips down" is perfect for that style of bumper.... i like that agressive look

the "Aussie style" fender protection/body armor side tubes are actually helping me to cover/blend in the wider track

edit; great job blending in the lower grill openings (the Ex will need them in the sand to keep cool)