Volvo work day

[HafWit]

Today I was fortunate to have good enough weather here in Southern California to get some work done on the Volvo--I know that many people reading this will scoff at this remark, but for me, if I can't comfortably do this kind of work while wearing a T-shirt, then I'll do something else preferentially. As the temperature rose to about 68, I put on a T-shirt and got to work. First, I ran a hot 12V wire from my separate accessory battery to the rear of the vehicle. I have a solar panel on the roof of the Volvo that keeps the accessory battery charged, and this is separate from the 2 batteries that provide my 24V power. I installed a marine cigarette-type socket in the rear that would be used to run my ARB fridge-freezer and other accessories. I then removed most of the pegboard from the vehicle along with the underlying insulation. I have not decided as of yet what to do instead of the pegboard, but for now I prefer the OD-painted metal as is. Next I removed the dim headlights and replaced these with the new style Trucklite 12/24V LED headlights that Max used on his truck. He posted a video of his installation, and I found the installation to be essentially plug and play. I will see tonight how these perform, but almost anything will be better than what I had before.

Cheers,
Greg

[4x4Pinz]

Might I suggest a 24v wire to the ARB refrig area as well. I know that the frig/freeze unit I have in my truck is 12/24/120v and it is nice to have a 24v source ready just in case something goes wrong with the 12v source on the trail.

[HafWit]

That is an excellent suggestion. I will do that as well.

Thanks,
Greg

[HafWit]

I did check out the LED lights at night--they are a huge improvement!

Cheers,
Greg

[Profpinz]

if I can't comfortably do this kind of work while wearing a T-shirt, then I'll do something else preferentially. As the temperature rose to about 68, I put on a T-shirt and got to work

Hmmm 20C, that's JUST T-Shirt weather
Double it (like we are getting on Friday) and then your talking T-Shirts

[HafWit]

Peter,
40 degrees Celsius is beyond T-shirt weather in my book. I prefer the ambient temperature significantly below my own body temperature. On top of that, you can't fairly compare your weather during your summer to our weather during our winter. However, it does make a strong argument for visiting your country at this time of year. One of these years when the kids are a little older we will do just that and probably include a trip to New Zealand for some fly fishing.

Cheers,
Greg

[HafWit]

I forgot to mention also...........Happy New Year!

Cheers,
Greg

[Profpinz]

G'Day Greg,

I don't think they'll be much work getting done in the workshop on Friday! (they've revised the temp to 42C )
I think I could do with some of your 20C

You always welcome to drop if you're in Melbourne, Australia.

Happy New Year

[HafWit]

Thanks, Peter!

If we find ourselves in your area we will certainly try to stop in to visit.

Cheers,
Greg

[thedoeges]

Greg,
Could you give me more details on the LED headlights you used on your Volvo? I searched the truck-lite website and want to make sure I am getting the ones that fit.
Thank you.

Marcus

[HafWit]

Marcus,
The model number is Truck Lite 27270C. I spent some time looking around for the best price and was able to get them for 209.99 each with free shipping from Drivetrain America. Max has two videos linked in one of his posts that document the installation of these.

Cheers,
Greg

[thedoeges]

Thanks!! I am also interested in learning about your wicked exo cage. Where did you get it made? Do you have some pictures?
Marcus

[Andre]

I've got pics of that rack but they'er too large to up load here. I enjoyed fabbing that one.

[HafWit]

As Andre stated, he is the fabricator that made it. He is well-known in the Pinzgauer/Unimog community for a variety of enhancements. I saw many examples of his work and then he and I discussed what I wanted before he got started. We made a few alterations along the way and ended up with the final product. When we get some warmer clear weather here, I'll try to take some more pictures and make an album that I can link to.

Cheers,
Greg