Mopartist

I used a shot of self etching primer on the bare metal; and rustoleum over that although I'm sure it will scratch easily.

Well; I got some of the mods done this weekend. I ran out of steel before I got to the "X" cross braces behind the seats; but I think this will be a much improved cage than stock. Oooops; I did have an accident and burned a hole through my rear fender as a glob of molten wire got under the leather cover I put over the resin. Boy does that stuff melt easy!

On the question concerning the snorkle; I had the muffler and the snorkle done at the same time; so the low end HP increase would be from the combination of both as far as I know.

Yeah; I really wish mine was quieter. I'd like to be able to listen to an Ipod while riding.

There ya go Cinda!

Hi rocmoc; The muffler is called a "Hushpower" . It's really not all that quiet but did increase backpressure a little bit thus helping the low end power. The 90 degree bend from the catback and the 90 degree tip was put on by the muffler shop I took it to. They also built my snorkle -Ken

Thanks guys! Yeah I do think it's a good idea to put some kind of "X" brace possibly in the arch behind the seats; replacing the bolt on braces. I'm thinking of putting some kind of mount for a spare tire laying flat on the engine cover; thats the reason for not "X"bracing the rear support tubes.

I was wondering if any of you have done any cage mods? I'm planning on gusseting and welding in some rear and front braces. I was tired of that hinged "bed" on the back. Plus it's so noisy. I'm going to hinge the front of the plastic base so I can stand it directly straight up for getting clearance into the engine bay. I stripped it today and will hopefully have it all welded within the week. I figure it will save another 50 pounds or so as well. Here's what i plan. The red is the new supports; and the green are gussets. (I guess thats kinda obvious huh!) Should work OK I think. I'm really leary about flipping this vehicle. I don't want to have it collapse if it ever does go topsy turvy. -Ken

Did I miss something? Did Joyner go out of business? I was just flipping through the latest "Side X Side Action" issue and noticed that there is no Joyner vehicle included in the 2009 Shootout. They even have a few "kiddy toy" brands I've never heard of. What gives?

I hear ya; but it's just so hard to sit by and watch our "so called" elected leaders absolutely destroy this great country. Our active objection at least lets US know that we were not lead like sheep to the slaughter. I've been a bit empassioned lately because the Feds are TRYING to shut down the bank my wife works for even though they ran their business cleanly and were rated in the top 5 for their peer group. It's all a setup to become a "socialist" country and I'm mad as hell about it. we have a voice; but it's just ignored

One thing we can do that may in the long run help is contact our state representatives; and let them know we want the "Mark to Market" law overturned. This is kinda the same principal as when you buy a new car; and the minute you drive off the lot; it depreciates $5000 or more; except this is about our real estate holdings. The problem with this is that with a home that has depreciated because of a housing bubble popping; the Feds are forcing the banks to "readjust" the value of that home and "eat" the loss in value. This undermines the banks; real estate property; and the consumer. It is only 1 step away from your mortgage lender coming to you and calling your loan either due or that you make up the difference in value in cash to them as a "reinbursement". If you think that sounds unfair; you would be right. We must have a voice. It doesn't matter if you are Democrate; Republican; or Independant. It effects us all. Any financial institution that does not comply with this Mark to market rule by covering their loan loss by 110% will be eventually closed by the FDIC. (I have many family members in banking; thats how I know) If the American public can get this administration to overturn this rule; the economy will turn around. Do some research on the topic and contact your representatives. Our lives are at stake

I agree Lenny! I wish I understood more about how to fight the "system". It is so out of whack; we are just about cooked. There has to be something more we can do as citizens other than wait for the next election. I wouldn't doubt if someday we end up in a "revolutionary" war if it keeps going as it has.

That does remind me of one time; my wife and i went up into the Cascade Range and found an area where we saw some Jeeps in the "snow park" parking lot. I asked one of the guys if it was legal to ride there. He told me it was; and that it was a 5 mile loop. So I unloaded the Trooper and we took off on the trail. Within a 100 yards or so; it started getting rocky; and the rocks got bigger and bigger. It was a trail; but pretty difficult and steep. We went in about a mile; and i turned around because it was all "Lava" flow; and some of the edges were really sharp. Here's the area in this picture. I wanna say also that I LOVE that the Trooper is EFI. We were at about 7500 feet elevation. My Honda Rincon would barely even run at that altitude; but the Trooper ran fine.

Well; I must say that Oregon is really not that friendly toward off road vehicles. Most of the off road areas have excluded class 2 vehicles. Motorcycles and ATVs have many areas to go; but they put those posts in the ground 50 inches apart to keep UTVs out. (I've heard that a Razor can fit through; but still not actually "legal" in these areas) The only "legal" areas I have found (so far) are in Christmas Valley Sand Dunes in Central Oregon and the Oregon Dunes Rec Area on the coast around Coos Bay. Both are very fun places. Christmas Valley is desolate. There is nothing very close there; but that also keeps the crowds away. Oregon Dunes on the Coast is a VERY awsome place to ride with MILES of sand to rip through. I hope in the future they will open more areas. I have to drive 90 minutes to get to Christmas Valley; and 6 hours to get to the Coast. All I keep hearing however is that with time it will become MORE restricted!

Wow; thanks for the info on Reno! I live in Bend, Oregon and this state is VERY biased against off roading. In the not too distant future; my wife and i are considering relocating. Redding California was one of the top considerations; and Reno was the other one. We have family in Henderson Nevada; but it's too hot for me there! Reno would be a nice compremise. Not too hot in the summer; and not too cold in the winter. Bend is like living in Alaska during the winter time. (Although this year has been very mild) Is Harry Reid REALLY an off roader? -Ken (Mopartist)

Oh absolutely! I was getting sand blasted before; now nothing comes off the front tires into the seats. Now if I can only solve the dust draft problem

I thought I'd chime in here and say that I got some truck fender flare material from JC Whitney for about 35 bucks if I remember right. They have different contours for mounting; and I chose the flat surface one. (I think you can see it in the pic attached) I had to trim the fender lip off in order to get a nice "blendable yet square" fit. I used 1" screws with locking nuts every 4 inches or so. Then rounded the front of the flare with a box knife to blend into the fender. I think the material was the "standard duty" model. http://www.jcwhitney.com/EASY-TO-TRIM-RUBB...13135_10101.jcw

Hi guys; I just thought it would be kind of a fun topic to discuss what our plans for this year are for our Troopers. I have been taking welding classes at my local community college and want to get some real use out of the skills I learn. Mine "Trooper" goals for this year are: 1. To replace the front shocks with better ones. 2. To reinforce the roll cage in order to protect me and my wife if we should turn over. 3. To add a grab bar on the passenger side 4. To build a front bumper/skid plate 5. To aquire a good crossover GPS so I don't get lost

I looked at the pics of your Trooper. Wow! Now THAT is VERY cool!

This thread would be great if it had pics