Kiwipete's VX

[kiwipete]

I have started this thread to serve as a basis for a timeline on the mods of my new VX Cruiser, which has stemmed from this post http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=40961 .

I am going to order another set of Auber gauges for AT oil temp, EGT and possibly water temp. Is there anything else I should consider?

What mounting options are there in a VX? perhaps the pocket below the stereo and put the PRS where the ash tray is?

On another note, what size AT oil cooler should I look at getting?

[Jerry]

Is there anything else I should consider?

security system including phone alert / gps tracker, cobra alarms have waterproof sirens, don't bother with the "5 star" systems

[Big]

I use

http://www.trademe.co.nz/business-farmi ... 778812.htm

for temp sensing on the radistor and trans cooler cold side so I can see the difference on each side.. Manily got them for the trans as I have a thermostat switch that comes on at 82 and off at 65 but I really wanted to know what the temps were doing.. I got 3 from aliexpress for the price of 1 here.. my probes goto 120 degs so plenty for water and trans.

[kiwipete]

Is there anything else I should consider?

security system including phone alert / gps tracker, cobra alarms have waterproof sirens, don't bother with the "5 star" systems

Yes I meant to ask about a security system.
The only down side with a GPS tracker is it is useless once inside a container.

[kiwipete]

I use

http://www.trademe.co.nz/business-farmi ... 778812.htm

for temp sensing on the radistor and trans cooler cold side so I can see the difference on each side.. Manily got them for the trans as I have a thermostat switch that comes on at 82 and off at 65 but I really wanted to know what the temps were doing.. I got 3 from aliexpress for the price of 1 here.. my probes goto 120 degs so plenty for water and trans.

Food for thought, many thanks.

[Jerry]

The only down side with a GPS tracker is it is useless once inside a container

If the GPS/Alarm rings you when its going off you can try and deal with it at the time rather than wake up and find your truck gone. depending on the system it can start tracking when the alarm activates, you can still get shock and tilt sensors for them.

Its not foolproof but every bit can help

PeteFJ40 had some leads on a system I think from memory

[wjw]

Hey Pete,

I put the Auber gauges in the blanks alongside the ash tray, also have the largest trans cooler I could fit in ($180), will be around wednesday/thursday evening if you want a look.

[kiwipete]

Hey Pete,

I put the Auber gauges in the blanks alongside the ash tray, also have the largest trans cooler I could fit in ($180), will be around wednesday/thursday evening if you want a look.

Yeah I just might have a squizz if that suits.

[wjw]

Hey Pete,

I put the Auber gauges in the blanks alongside the ash tray, also have the largest trans cooler I could fit in ($180), will be around wednesday/thursday evening if you want a look.

Yeah I just might have a squizz if that suits.

Sure, txt me before you head over... just in case I'm busy dealing with the kids...

[wopass]

Segidins have good trans coolers bro, priced up a TC18 for my bro and was 80 buks from memory?

[wjw]

Segidins have good trans coolers bro, priced up a TC18 for my bro and was 80 buks from memory?

http://www.segedins.com/

Product Enquiry & Order
Segedins Auto Parts Ltd

Product Code : TC18
Description : TRANSMISSION COOLER 10 X 17 X 3/4
PRO GAUGE TRANSMISSION COOLER 10 X 17 X 3/4
HEAVY 6 OR 8 CYL
Unit Price NZD : 71.39 Each (Excl Tax)
Qty Required :

[wopass]

Segidins have good trans coolers bro, priced up a TC18 for my bro and was 80 buks from memory?

http://www.segedins.com/

Product Enquiry & Order
Segedins Auto Parts Ltd

Product Code : TC18
Description : TRANSMISSION COOLER 10 X 17 X 3/4
PRO GAUGE TRANSMISSION COOLER 10 X 17 X 3/4
HEAVY 6 OR 8 CYL
Unit Price NZD : 71.39 Each (Excl Tax)
Qty Required :

yea that one, was recomended for towing applications. never owned one but looks the goods.

[kiwipete]

Segidins have good trans coolers bro, priced up a TC18 for my bro and was 80 buks from memory?

http://www.segedins.com/

Product Enquiry & Order
Segedins Auto Parts Ltd

Product Code : TC18
Description : TRANSMISSION COOLER 10 X 17 X 3/4
PRO GAUGE TRANSMISSION COOLER 10 X 17 X 3/4
HEAVY 6 OR 8 CYL
Unit Price NZD : 71.39 Each (Excl Tax)
Qty Required :

yea that one, was recomended for towing applications. never owned one but looks the goods.

Invoice SubTotal: $71.39 + Freight: $22 + Tax: $14.01 = Grand Total: $107.4

This looks pretty good but I will run it by my auto trans guys first.

[kiwipete]

Can I get conformation that the VX is 24volt starting and 12volt for everything else?

What battery do you use for connecting a winch, is there a preference?

[crazyclark31]

Yes that's correct. 24v start 12v running. The main battery is the left hand one.(from drivers seat)

[FORGE1]

Is there anything else I should consider?

security system including phone alert / gps tracker, cobra alarms have waterproof sirens, don't bother with the "5 star" systems

A good one to consider is Warlock Car alarms. We just had their pager system fitted to my wife's WRX so far so good. The last one got stolen and it had a 5 star AVS system so we don't bother looking at those types now.

The difference with Warlocks alarms is the installation, the system was installed in a way that you would have to pull majoriy of the wiring out and the fuse box so to someone wanting to rewire it to bypass the system has to pull it all out. Not like your average place that will just install around the steering column.

[Heath]

Is there anything else I should consider?

security system including phone alert / gps tracker, cobra alarms have waterproof sirens, don't bother with the "5 star" systems

A good one to consider is Warlock Car alarms. We just had their pager system fitted to my wife's WRX so far so good. The last one got stolen and it had a 5 star AVS system so we don't bother looking at those types now.

The difference with Warlocks alarms is the installation, the system was installed in a way that you would have to pull majoriy of the wiring out and the fuse box so to someone wanting to rewire it to bypass the system has to pull it all out. Not like your average place that will just install around the steering column.

The 5 star system is defunct now (an old classification system that isnt well defined). https://www.facebook.com/pages/Obsessiv ... 4236170328 this guy is in Wellywood but has good advice on systems.

Lots of systems out there with overly simple installations. Example being if the system has a key to disable the siren it is usually placed on the firewall or some where simple to reach. Unfortunately this makes it easy to rip out and dunk in a bucket of water - no more audible siren and no more attention grabbing than an accidental alarm - we all hear them and dont look now. Newer systems have computer controlled sirens etc and are buried deep into the engine bay and are almost impossible to reach without tools and time - siren screaming for that long will get attention. If an install can be done in an hour it can be uninstalled in minutes.

GPS/alarm systems seem like a good idea. Some have an sms/3g service and can warn you if the vehicle has been broken into (you may not hear it - public car park while shopping) or moved (set a ring fence of 50m from point of alarming) on a flat bed or towed without being broken into (no noise - that comes when it is isolated in a garage). GPS/3g network towers allows the system to feed you data on where it is while it is moving in real time. Saw one with a switch fitted to the car horn that is accessed on line so when you get close to your cars position you can trigger the alarm to pinpoint its position (Cops cant enter a property without proof of theft - if you can trigger horn you have proof for cops).

Some installers are using old defunct GPS units fitted in the obvious places and a new one hidden somewhere really tricky transmitting long after the decoy is ripped out. Unfortunately there are jammers out there so this might catch the bad guys out - they think it is safe to switch it off but it isnt...

[kiwipete]

Well things are moving along nicely.

I have ordered a new winch for the truck, had an offer too good to refuse from http://www.winch.co.nz

Flight is booked to Hamilton
Accommodation is booked in Wellywood
Alarm installation is booked in Wellywood by http://www.vehiclesecurity.co.nz
Ferry is booked for the return trip home

Now im broke

On a side note, has anyone fitted an endless air system to their 80 series?
I have still got the SD709 here that I was going to use on the Terrano. I want to fit it to the Cruiser; it has a V belt clutch.

[wopass]

when you heading up mate? flick me a message and call into taupo for a coffee on your way through.

[kiwipete]

Road trip time. Heading sth from Hamilton, having a wee break on Taupo.

[kiwipete]

Hamilton to Wellington, just under 595km driven on just over 3/4 tank. Should be a better test Picton to Chch being flatter.
Had alarm fitted today too.

[klompy]

So do you like it Pete or is it still to early to say.

[wopass]

looked like a nice tidy honest bus pete

reminds me of mine when i got it

[kiwipete]

So do you like it Pete or is it still to early to say.

It's road manners are great. It is so diferent to drive than the Terrano.
It will stay as a road truck for a while; well till I can afford to get it dirty

[kiwipete]

looked like a nice tidy honest bus pete

reminds me of mine when i got it

Thanks for your hospitality and hints n tips.

[kiwipete]

Just a couple of wee niggles with the truck, nothing major at all.
Rear passenger door light does not work. I haven't had a close look at it yet, but are they difficult to get open?
Aerial only 1/2 works, looks like it needs replacing, any suggestions?
Hood mounted tilt meter thingybob has a dead light in it too, is this easy to get off?
Got to replace the sound system, its crap, I shall look at replacing all the speakers when I do this too.
Lastly the D light does not light up on the instrument cluster, has this a series of lights behind the instrument cluster, or is there something else I should look for?

[The WEHI]

Just a blown bulb in the cluster for the drive light, some what annoying to buy as not many people stock them http://www.eparrott.co.nz/ These guys probably your best bet for bulbs,

[ChurchurDan]

The aerial has buttons on the dash to set how high it goes up when the radio turns on. If the mast is bent you have to get one from toyota as they thread onto the plastic rope that puts it up and down.

[kiwipete]

The aerial has buttons on the dash to set how high it goes up when the radio turns on. If the mast is bent you have to get one from toyota as they thread onto the plastic rope that puts it up and down.

Yep I understand about the buttons, the whole aerial has seen better days and now I am thinking of replacing it with something bush proof

[kiwipete]

Tis a good thing I took the truck in for a radiator service. Turns out the core was on its last legs. So in is going a brass job!
Thats going to cost.