Alright then Kris, just for you mate (I swear it has nothing to do with getting out of studying)...
Bit about me to start with, I'm 24, from Wagga Wagga NSW, working as an Avionics Aircraft maintenance Engineer (I fix planes...). Studying to get my Engineering License.
After crashing my Mini, and getting sick of my commodore not being able to follow my mates in their Utes out camping and 4 wheel driving, I spent months looking for a great vehicle. How great? Well after buying the new rig, it convinced one of my mates he had to spend over 90G's on a new cruiser just to beat me. I picked up the Troll from Kris in Canberra back in feb, the first couple pics show how it was when I got it (I threw on the blue driving light covers)
2008 ST Patrol 3.0L CRD.
55000kms
Nissan Alloy Bull bar
IPF900XS converted to HID
Side steps
Safari Snorkel
2inch lift thanks to some Koni Shocks and Dobbinson coils
80 channel UHF
Second battery with solenoid Isolator
In-Dash Navigation with Reverse Camera
Scan gauge
probably a few other bits and pieces I've forgotten.
First things first, as living out of town on a small farm, and going up in the mountains water skiing and snow skiing as I do, coming across Roo's are a big concern, and that Alloy bull bar just wasn't going to cut it. Neither would it handle a winch... so on they both went. My choice for taking a huge chunk out of my wallet were an ARB Deluxe bar with ARB fog lights. Hanging on the bottom of the big chunk of steel is an Avenger Mako TDS 12000lbs winch with some bright red Synthetic rope.
I've also upgraded the dual battery system to a RedArc VSR Isolator. Managed to acquire some 50mm2 cable, so there's no worries about the power getting through! Also thrown in two fuse distribution blocks, one set up as hot battery, the other accessories. Accessories has a three way switch, so it can be on with the keyed accessories, or on when I want it. Rewired the standard 12v sockets to the second battery to enable charging without having to leave the keys in the car, and no flat battery!
Bought a nice set of Sand Grabba floor mats throughout the car. Worked wonderfully over the weekend, with a car load of people trudging through the snow, they managed to catch all the melted snow and keep the carpets (relatively) dry! Whilst I've still got the woolen seat covers on the front that came with the troll, they will soon be replaced with a nice set of MSA or Black Duck canvas seat covers.
Starting to build up my recovery gear, picked up a 8T snatch strap a few months back, and then an ARB Recovery kit for my birthday. Also grabbed some equalizer brides off eBay, along with some recovery points for the front. Got one on the drivers side, but yet to decide how I'm going to do the left hand side yet.
Other bits and pieces on the cards:
- Rear drawers - got plenty of plans, just waiting for the time and the money.
- Table for the rear door
- Scrub bars
So far done most of my playing around up around the Tumut and blowering dam area. Played in the snow last weekend around Cabbramurra and Kiandra. My mates all piled in to my car to go for a 4WD because they didn't think there's would make it (all Toyota drivers!)
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