What did you do to your SMB today?

[Fool120]

I like the new steering wheel cover. My van has a degrading rubber cover that needs replacing at some point.

Originally Posted by PRERUNNERCAMPERVANNER

Hey guys . Did a nice quick upgrade on my steering wheel today. the 12 o’clock position on my wheel was all torn up and starting to split open? Don’t know how common that is . I didn’t want one of those janky slip on covers . I found this leather one from Richmond Auto Upholstery for 75 bucks, took about an hour to stitch up . It sure feels nice!

[Fool120]

Maybe you already found something you like, the pouch was designed for the back of a seat. This is the eBay link I bought from: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Rear-Se...72.m2749.l2649

Originally Posted by SteveW

Good Gawd Rob !!

A search for "netted pouch" on eBay will present some unexpected options .

Steve W
Southern California

[arctictraveller]

About once a year, one or the other of the Aluminess swing out latches fails when the return spring breaks. I carry spares, and while on the last trip, I needed to replace one, but when I tried to remove the mounting screws, one was seized in the threaded insert. Applying a lot of force only resulted in the insert coming loose where it was staked to the latch, resulting in the insert spinning, and not allowing the bolt to come out. Since it's completely enclosed by the mount, the only option was to drill out the stainless bolt so the latch could slide out of the aluminum channel. Drilling stainless can be very difficult, and this bolt was really hard. It needed to be drilled exactly on center, and enough of the bolt removed from both sides to allow the latch to slide out the bottom. Unbelievably, it took almost three hours of drilling, bit sharpening, Dremmel tool grinding, and a couple beers to get it out. The new one went in with lots of antiseize.

[unreng]

Anyone wanna guess what was done (ignoring the missing grille)??

And yes, it's not quite finished. Need to add aluminum mesh, and paint.



These are the replacements:
https://derale.com/product-footer/fl...s/61178-detail + https://www.mishimoto.com/mishimoto-...hermostat.html
and
https://derale.com/product-footer/fl...rmostat-detail
We'll monitor the temps in winter to see if the trans cooler needs to be partially/fully blocked...have never used a oil thermostat before, and read various reviews on temperature functionality. We'll see what happens.
The power steering was done in preparation for hydroboost.

[TomsBeast]

Originally Posted by unreng

Anyone wanna guess what was done

ooh-ooh! I know, I know!










Dude, you went "All In!"
Looks fantastic!

[JoeH]

Originally Posted by unreng

Anyone wanna guess what was done (ignoring the missing grille)??

On of dem dar fancy oil coolers from Mesa, AZ!

[1der]

Battery cables for the two frame mounted is throwing me.

The cooler relocation looks nice. I look forward to the pics on what was done to allow airflow out the back, bottom.

Also wondering if there was a relocation of the IC? Not familiar w the 6.0 underhood layout.

[Scalf77]

Not done today, but in the last couple of weeks



greg

[unreng]

Originally Posted by 1der

Battery cables for the two frame mounted is throwing me.

The cooler relocation looks nice. I look forward to the pics on what was done to allow airflow out the back, bottom.

Also wondering if there was a relocation of the IC? Not familiar w the 6.0 underhood layout.

I'll take some closeup pictures tonight so others can benefit from the battery cable conversion, and what was discovered.

I've never liked stock battery cables. Reading several powerstroke forums, and the issues with truck battery cables, I spent a long time researching, and then making custom battery cables (Ancor 4/0 tinned)...and learning a lot along the way.

I also changed the alternator cable. It was 1/0 for the 270amp alternator, but the mechanic:
* used SAE cable;
* didn't seal the cable where it was crimped at the lug
* no heat shield on the cable in an engine compartment, and next to an exhaust manifold.
* the cable wasn't secured properly...although it was covered with corrugated wire loom, it contacted the exhaust manifold along a 3-4" section = not good!
* the copper was already tarnishing after 3 years of easy living.

Transmission cooler:
Airflow out the back is via two rectangular openings ~8-9" wide, and ~2" tall!?! Probably should have removed the bumper to make the cuts, but oh well. A cordless drill, angle grinder, and mill bastard file. The back is a bit rougher than the front!
It's TBD how well it will function, but it should work better than stock.

PS cooler:
Better location than stock, and better technology.

And one thing not in the picture - Actiontrax mounted to a Thule rack with locking Thule knobs. Makes the van look like it's got spikey hair...

[unreng]

Here are closeup pictures of the cooler + thermostat + speed-holes:




and the Actiontrax mounting: