i303
Active member
I bought my Rox August 4th. I'm determined to make it a daily use vehicle, something we can do in Arizona.
The Rox is new and there's a learning curve. But it's cool. The Jeep that Jeep wouldn't build us. Diesel with a 5 speed. I couldn't be happier.
So, onto lesson learned.
Lesson #1, windshield.
A CJ windshield will bolt on. Avoid used ones. Avoid the older ones with the older hinges. Because that's exactly what I got. I'm having to buy new hinges. Oh well.
eBay had the complete windshield for the 76 to 86 windshield with glass installed. Get that one! But wait! there's more!
Going to CJ windshield now you will have to redo that ROPS system. So either go with a CJ roll bar or you are going to have to spend more to get a new cage/roll bar in now..
Oh, and windshield wipers, yeah. It adds up,
So now maybe that On The Rox $400 to $800 windshield isn't such a bad idea.
I'm already commited to this path. More explained below.
Lesson #2 Turn signals
I brewed my own. I had amber and red Rigid A series lights. A LED capable flasher ($13) and simple, until I get the real turn signal switch, on-off-on switch ($7) and my wire, it was easy. There are unused bulbs right above the brake/tail light bulbs already in the tail light assembly, with wires going to I'm not sure. For one, it's too hot in AZ to mess around in the garage to figure this out and I had to do some work out of the US so I'm out of pocket for a month as it cooled down.
My opinion, $300 for turn signal kit that claims plug-and-play is too much. My home brewed is about as labor intensive either way. And not hard to do.
Lesson #3 Tune
Do it. I don't know what stage does what. I rather keep mine simple and just eliminate the speed limiter. That's it. Whatever horse power it cranks from that point is OK. Maybe later do the other stages.
Unplugging speedo or cutting wires, ehhh, nope. There is some drama going on between DF and VR I won't participate in. Either one will do the job. But don't cut the wires, ok?
Unfortunately when I get back I have other financial commitments. But here are the planned taskings:
1. Finish windshield install (need new upper hinges and do dads)
2. Real turn signal column mounted switch. Not hard to do at all.
3. Figure out what to do about ROPS, Maybe come up with rear to middle bar bolt on/keep middle as is. It's not rocket science dammit
4. Front end lift/level
5. Winch. In retrospect the factory option wasn't bad, I went back and forth on it, Not hard to do.
6. Factory hitch mount.
7. Rear then front lockers - looking hard at the Ox
8. Repaint OD green or flat tan - I want military look and use, I've done this before and want it done completely. I'll do it myself and tub is coming off
9. Temp/oil pres./voltmeter/fuel gauges. Saw how someone already did this. Nota fan of idiot lights and that fuel indicator sucks.
10. Steel wheels. Old school steelies that is. Maybe a tire size up or maybe old school original..lish. CJ6 era that is.
On the horizon is what do I want:
50 state legal plate. It'll happen. And no shenannigans. Even if I use dirt legal and reg it in South Dakota.
I has shooting for the CJ look but rethinking maybe staying Mahindra as in original MM550 look, which is like the Thar. So that means doors, B pillar, W/S again, and canvas top. What can I say? I'm a sucker for goofy military vehicles. And I kinda like the original look.
So if a MM550/Thar parts source can't be found maybe I'll make a trail for one. Indians sort of speak English.
If anyone else is game feel free to reach out and join forces. Or comment if you are thinking likewise.
The Rox is new and there's a learning curve. But it's cool. The Jeep that Jeep wouldn't build us. Diesel with a 5 speed. I couldn't be happier.
So, onto lesson learned.
Lesson #1, windshield.
A CJ windshield will bolt on. Avoid used ones. Avoid the older ones with the older hinges. Because that's exactly what I got. I'm having to buy new hinges. Oh well.
eBay had the complete windshield for the 76 to 86 windshield with glass installed. Get that one! But wait! there's more!
Going to CJ windshield now you will have to redo that ROPS system. So either go with a CJ roll bar or you are going to have to spend more to get a new cage/roll bar in now..
Oh, and windshield wipers, yeah. It adds up,
So now maybe that On The Rox $400 to $800 windshield isn't such a bad idea.
I'm already commited to this path. More explained below.
Lesson #2 Turn signals
I brewed my own. I had amber and red Rigid A series lights. A LED capable flasher ($13) and simple, until I get the real turn signal switch, on-off-on switch ($7) and my wire, it was easy. There are unused bulbs right above the brake/tail light bulbs already in the tail light assembly, with wires going to I'm not sure. For one, it's too hot in AZ to mess around in the garage to figure this out and I had to do some work out of the US so I'm out of pocket for a month as it cooled down.
My opinion, $300 for turn signal kit that claims plug-and-play is too much. My home brewed is about as labor intensive either way. And not hard to do.
Lesson #3 Tune
Do it. I don't know what stage does what. I rather keep mine simple and just eliminate the speed limiter. That's it. Whatever horse power it cranks from that point is OK. Maybe later do the other stages.
Unplugging speedo or cutting wires, ehhh, nope. There is some drama going on between DF and VR I won't participate in. Either one will do the job. But don't cut the wires, ok?
Unfortunately when I get back I have other financial commitments. But here are the planned taskings:
1. Finish windshield install (need new upper hinges and do dads)
2. Real turn signal column mounted switch. Not hard to do at all.
3. Figure out what to do about ROPS, Maybe come up with rear to middle bar bolt on/keep middle as is. It's not rocket science dammit
4. Front end lift/level
5. Winch. In retrospect the factory option wasn't bad, I went back and forth on it, Not hard to do.
6. Factory hitch mount.
7. Rear then front lockers - looking hard at the Ox
8. Repaint OD green or flat tan - I want military look and use, I've done this before and want it done completely. I'll do it myself and tub is coming off
9. Temp/oil pres./voltmeter/fuel gauges. Saw how someone already did this. Nota fan of idiot lights and that fuel indicator sucks.
10. Steel wheels. Old school steelies that is. Maybe a tire size up or maybe old school original..lish. CJ6 era that is.
On the horizon is what do I want:
50 state legal plate. It'll happen. And no shenannigans. Even if I use dirt legal and reg it in South Dakota.
I has shooting for the CJ look but rethinking maybe staying Mahindra as in original MM550 look, which is like the Thar. So that means doors, B pillar, W/S again, and canvas top. What can I say? I'm a sucker for goofy military vehicles. And I kinda like the original look.
So if a MM550/Thar parts source can't be found maybe I'll make a trail for one. Indians sort of speak English.
If anyone else is game feel free to reach out and join forces. Or comment if you are thinking likewise.
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