Here is where we started. Stock as a rock GLS
First mods after I went to the 4x4 show in Brissy. Pretty average I threw in a UHF, Oricom.. Rookie mistake. A GME Aerial and a set of spotties. THE BUG HAD BITTEN HARD!!!
Keen to get some decent rubber on the rims I went with an EFS 2" lift and a set of 32" Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs. I chose the EFS because it was chaep.. Mistake number two and later I will show you why. But the Goodyears have been awesome and at least twice a year they run a buy 3 get one free promo. Not sure Coopers do that.
I was instantly in love. It didn't have 500 horses under the bonnet but it could go to Fraser
I cruised along for a few months not doing much but soon the need to step it up kicked in again and TJM bash plates were fitted (the Weeman was a great supervisor). I picked up an ARB rear bar brand new from an ARB reseller in North Lakes for $600 on Ebay (yes still in the box) and some TJM side steps. And an Safari Snorkel from ARB Maroochydore
now with steps...
The addition of some more light in the tub and when reversing was required so the tub got an LED strip and the rear got some nice LED's that fit perfect to the holes created when the factory plastic bar came off. The rear lights are on a 3 way rocker switch in the cab. Reverse/OFF/Solid on
At this stage I was reading alot about the CHIPIT product and thought why not. I had the chip installed and tuned, blank installed and some Autometer Gauges that looked pretty trick. Also a 3" Scotts Rods exhaust and 3"inch dump went on the same day. Completely new truck came back..
Now it was time for the canopy. I was not keen to buy new as the Mrs was starting to ask a bit about how much this was costing and when it would end. I told her $2 and walked away.
Funny enough she never asked again. So after searching eBay for a while I settled on a white genuine canopy that I picked up for $500. It need a respray to match which was perfect because so did my flares..I was very chuffed with the outcome for under $900. 
window tint on the canopy followed very shortly after
The bar was the next pick and after really umming and ahhing over the T13 TJM bar and ARB Deluxe it came down to price and ARB did a great deal. I am still not sure which one it the better bar but you can only carry one I guess. I decided to stay with black as it matched the rest of the bar work, fit in with truck and wouldn't be so worried about it chipping
After watching a 4x4 action DVD on Fraser Island I was determined to get there as soon as possible. I also knew with a wife and two kids space was premium. So with that I looked through eBay at the specials at super cheap. In one weekend I managed to grab a cage for $100, Whisper Trade racks 50% off, a bargain on an awning and a shovel and high lift holder from ARB.
Looking cool and ready for Fraser
Packed and ready to hit Fraser for the first time
We have arrived
Here is my lovely wife at Elli Creek agreeing this was the best $2 I have ever spent.
Time for a wash before getting back to camp.
Now this was our first trip to Fraser and we loved it. We have been every year since for the past 2 years. The only thing that killed it and you would remember me mentioning the EFS error was what happened to my reasonably new shock on our way over Indian head. The thing that pissed me the most was this was the second one to do it.
completely busted away due to a dodgy weld
I now run a 2' Ultimate kit. No dramas and love it
After Fraser I realised the fridge had to be set up different but I didn't want to lose the whole tub to draws so I cam up with this compromise which works awesome. Also threw in some HID upgrades to the spotties and the driving lights.
this set up allows me to take the dual battery system out and leave it at camp with fridge if needed. Also the slide comes out with 4 bolts anchored to t-nuts on the under side of the board. I love it. Also threw in some new LED light strips.
The provent installation was next along with the centre console armrest. This has to be one of the best things I have put in the rig. It is priceless.
I used epoxy heat shrink and inserted the 5/8 hose into the hold instead of having more connections. Worked well.
Get one!!!
The next addition was a winch thanks to my lovely wife. I had a mate come around and we knocked it over in the shed in no time. I have had to use it twice and does the trick for me. More importantly as my wife pointed out the blue rope matches the truck
The gantry system in my shed came in handy
At this stage I had been becoming more frustrated by the ongoing issues with my chips (I had been through 4 faulty ones) and decided to try something new. I dropped the car down to Mercury Motorsports and had an ECUtek tune done. It cost a bit but is worth it. No more dramas and so much reliability back
Not one to stop I was growing more annoyed with the bloddy bull bar wings that ARB put on the bar so I decided to take them off and cut down the water bottle. Once that was done some new plates were made up and installed.
I made a mistake here and put the pump on the wrong side. It looked great until the wheel arch cover would not go back on. I patched the hole and tried again. Success
from the under side
Here are the plates installed. Approach angels are better and it looks tougher
I have also installed the ARB compressor under the passenger seat. I found it really easy to get to and stayed out of the dust. The switch sits nicely under the ash tray waiting for a couple of friends and a new pioneer nav system. The ultra gauge has been a worthy investment and sits nicely up the back a bit with the cable running down the back of the dash
also the Oricom I mentioned earlier was swapped out for a Uniden 7760 which is awesome
Fire extinguisher and LED Maglite round out the cab
Well I hope you like it so far. Plenty more to come I am sure. And last few pics are for me why it is all worth it.
Sandy Cape - Fraser Island
Beerwah
The Family
