My Jimny (Ratel) for Rateltaai.
Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2021 11:54 am
Chas asked me to share my latest project: Manny said I should stop now.
The Jimny started as a stock standard 2013 model, it was only fitted with roofrack, rocksliders and snorkel.
Next and most important: I started with 75 (3inch) EFS lift bigger tyres, 235/75/15= 29inch. Then wheel spacers to allow for a wider wheelbase, more secure. Followed by full Noizeboys 65mm exhaust. Orra Radio, and Pioneer radio. On my Cape Town trip, I bought a DC/DC charger and a 120 a/h Lithium battery. Last to follow the seating was cramped and its only me and Esther, so had Marven Equipment make and fit me a two drawer aluminium system. Lastly the camping lights and cabin lights allowing for a Brad Harris connector for the fridge.
The Jimny lights are just brighter than candle lights , so I fitted two in-obtrusive Ironman LED spots.
But on my 2nd last Spookspruit trip I got stuck in the deep mud-hole, not good.
My next project started, I did not want a heavy metal bumper, so I designed a cradle tied to the chassis, that could hold a small winch, recovery points and super strong.
Before the bumper started the front axle weighed 670kg, and rear 660kg.
So the challenge was set and tough to beat, anchor points to the chassis is few, and your not allowed to weld or drill new holes.
The first Saturday was cutting the plastic bumper, (rough cut only), then measure I made templates from a Pizza box. Cut three plates at work, the rest I did myself at home, sick as a dog, but it had to be ready for the Spookspruit farewell ride.
the end result weighs 690kg's, my weighbridge weighs in 20kg increments , so I believe it weighs closer to 12-14kg's , the Runva winch weighs around 4kg's 4500lbs/2.7ton. Next followed two recovery points, fitted with M12 sets to the new bumper.
Fitting the winch I was set a challenge the controller wires to the battery is very short, 300mm, so I had to fit it in the engine bay, there is very little extra space, so I welded a bracket and fitted it to the firewall, remember recovery is with an open bonnet.
I wanted to retain the Jimny look,
The Jimny started as a stock standard 2013 model, it was only fitted with roofrack, rocksliders and snorkel.
Next and most important: I started with 75 (3inch) EFS lift bigger tyres, 235/75/15= 29inch. Then wheel spacers to allow for a wider wheelbase, more secure. Followed by full Noizeboys 65mm exhaust. Orra Radio, and Pioneer radio. On my Cape Town trip, I bought a DC/DC charger and a 120 a/h Lithium battery. Last to follow the seating was cramped and its only me and Esther, so had Marven Equipment make and fit me a two drawer aluminium system. Lastly the camping lights and cabin lights allowing for a Brad Harris connector for the fridge.
The Jimny lights are just brighter than candle lights , so I fitted two in-obtrusive Ironman LED spots.
But on my 2nd last Spookspruit trip I got stuck in the deep mud-hole, not good.
My next project started, I did not want a heavy metal bumper, so I designed a cradle tied to the chassis, that could hold a small winch, recovery points and super strong.
Before the bumper started the front axle weighed 670kg, and rear 660kg.
So the challenge was set and tough to beat, anchor points to the chassis is few, and your not allowed to weld or drill new holes.
The first Saturday was cutting the plastic bumper, (rough cut only), then measure I made templates from a Pizza box. Cut three plates at work, the rest I did myself at home, sick as a dog, but it had to be ready for the Spookspruit farewell ride.
the end result weighs 690kg's, my weighbridge weighs in 20kg increments , so I believe it weighs closer to 12-14kg's , the Runva winch weighs around 4kg's 4500lbs/2.7ton. Next followed two recovery points, fitted with M12 sets to the new bumper.
Fitting the winch I was set a challenge the controller wires to the battery is very short, 300mm, so I had to fit it in the engine bay, there is very little extra space, so I welded a bracket and fitted it to the firewall, remember recovery is with an open bonnet.
I wanted to retain the Jimny look,