Squeaky Penguin's (Trip Reports) Build Thread

Are those UCA washers? Don't think I need them, but thanks Ray!



And a couple shots from this weekend:

IMAG0378 by brettbjorgum, on Flickr

IMAG0380 by brettbjorgum, on Flickr

IMAG0383 by brettbjorgum, on Flickr

More here: Colorado Trip Reports

 

looks like a good time!

 

Nice!

 

Brett I just noticed your hood... vinyl? I'm dealing with a little light bar glare issue and considering that route.

 

That's what he's got, I've heard it helps a little with the glare

 

Yeah, it's vinyl. You can get them from Crawlorado, but they're not inexpensive. I got mine from a member on here. You could just get some vinyl and cut it yourself, don't think it would be too difficult.

 

Yeah considering doing that since I can get the sheet for $20. But I know my cuts will not look anywhere near as good as the crawlorado set. Also considering derp as well (as a temporary solution/test) as much as I hate the stuff.

 

Brett what's this change in direction from and too?

 

You're asking about the direction I would take another build if it happened? I want something more suited for longer trips, camping comfort, and highway miles. I'm very pleased with what my truck is capable of, but certainly sacrificed some other things to get there. Other train of thought is to improve my truck by sound deadening, seat covers, try to trace down all the annoying vibrations, less aggressive tires, etc. At the end of the day, it still has 274k miles on it.

Also, I've kinda had my fun with the WRX. Going fast was fun for a bit, now it just seems like a double-priced Impreza that takes expensive gas and gets bad mileage. Would be nice to consolidate to one vehicle, and I'm certainly not DDing my truck again.

 

I can see where you're coming from, Brett. I'll be curious to see which direction you go.

Getting a cheap, reliable DD was the best 'truck' mod I've done. Once I'm past the major mods on my rig, I'd like to sell my 2004 Legacy and get into a basic Impreza hatchback that's 2-3 years old. It'll never get Civic type gas mileage, but I've grown pretty fond of the AWD during the winters around here, so I'm ok with that trade. I figure I can get it paid off quick, save up, and then drive it until 180k or so and then get into another one.

 

I wouldn't let the miles scare you away. Sell the wrx get something else. Redo the truck. What I'm going to be embarking on with Frankenstein as well. Should be too hard just more elbow grease.

Igor is already way more comfortable because I haven't taken "the leap" of mods with him. But would cost more money to do up his suspension to match my driving style. Shouldn't be hard

 

Having a no frills DD is easily the best mod hands down. I don't want it to be fun, exciting or something I want to mod. I want it to be cheap and work when I need it to, that's it. Then all the time money and focus can go into a really well built all around rig. I think the only thing i wish I would have is a double cab, getting more interior space would be really nice. I always love the thought of going LC or 4runner too, but you end up needing to put a lot of the shit that would normally be in a bed, onto a roof then, and that just sucks.

 

Or a trailer, and then down the rabbit hole you go...

The lack of passenger seats is a big deal for me right now. My lady has two kids who really enjoy camping and the outdoors, but can't fit in my truck. The best option I can come up with is to go to a mildly modded double cab, LC, or Runner and do a very basic expo trailer setup.

I sure as hell am NOT selling my truck or trading it after all the work I've done. It will be my solo vehicle as well as for trips with just me and my girl.

 

Works for me

 

Exactly!

Now finding parking for all of those vehicles is gonna be a pain..

 

So leave over crowed front range territory? Sounds like a win win to me

 

It's so tempting, but my skills and education are pretty tied to my industry. Which is limited to a few bigger cities, unfortunately.

If I could be comfortable, and live away from this madness, I would in a heartbeat.

 

ahhh yes. That is true. well lame. I struck gold with my gig.

 

Gotcha. My vote is address issues with the truck and get a corolla or an altima. Prius is practical too but then you are in a prius.

 

I'll never understand dragging a trailer around off-road. Seems like a very impractical solution. No way do you be need to haul that much stuff around to go camping either.

I'm not concerned about cab space, nor will I be pulling a Monte and have two built trucks.

Pretty nice up here.

Glad to be done with the Front Range.

Like Jason, I would like awd, and still prefer manual. Doesn't leave me with many options. Another Subaru, an S40 maybe...