FYI - Blocker Beams = RUST

[tginz]

I recently purchased and installed a Tru-Cool MAX from Bob Riley for my 01 X, cause I did not like my tranny at 180-200 in the hills. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vomit.gif[/img] The install was easy ONCE the blocker beam was removed. That too is an easy job. Third large nuts on either side, drops down and you have full access to the bottom of the rad., PS cooler, Stock tranny cooler, etc. I had been asking the 250/350 guys about access to the stock tranny cooler lines and I think they thought I was nuts, but the X's blocker blocks more than you think.

FYI - After 3 years and 64K and not driving the X in the winter, my blocker beam was completely rusted along the top and front. What I discovered was that the lower front (4" black) air dam and the rubber mats under the rad. bracket had worn the paint right off the blocker beam and rust was everywhere. Once out, I stripped and painted the beam. When re-installing I put protective tape along the top to front to prevent the direct plastic/rubber to paint abrasion. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

Best way to check is - when underneath lift the rubber mats below the rad. bracket and feel the top of the beam. If it is rough and rusty, you'll know what you've got.

Happy Excursioning! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]

[CHPMustang]

Them roads up there get salted down each winter tginz?

[tginz]

We get salt, sand, and anything else they can dump out there. That is why my X stays inside from November to March. By inside, I mean on jack stands perfectly clean in a heated warehouse under cover... At present, it has not been washed since last July...But then again it has not seen rain since July.... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[CHPMustang]

I don't miss the Northeast and Colorado roads during winter,salt just loves bare metal parts [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vulnerable.gif[/img]

You sure know how to store a vehicle properly [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[tginz]

Scary...But every inch is detailed. In the Fall, I spend a day detailing the UNDERside. Frame, underbody, right down to armour-alling the brake lines, wheel wells, fuel lines, linkages, etc. Looks brand new every spring. Every oz. of fluid, oil, grease is changed right down to brake fluid in the master cylinder & lines. This winter I also added a few new toys. Quad Pod of gauges (see signature), Tru-Cool Max, and fully rebuilt front end (seals, ball joints, dust boots) Every part is painted and detailed before installation. I can drive anal retentive neat freaks over the edge... I love the truck and figure I could have much worse hobbies....

[shamuex2000]

You got it baaaaad! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

[tginz]

You THINK I got it bad....Check out my pics. Get a close -up of the rear end underside shot. That'll tell you how clean it really is and how bad I got it..... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[CHPMustang]

[ QUOTE ]
You THINK I got it bad....Check out my pics. Get a close -up of the rear end underside shot. That'll tell you how clean it really is and how bad I got it..... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]
You'll definitely give me a run for my money Tom [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Robyn]

Tom, you give the late Harrah (of Harrah's Car Collection) a run for his money, and he had a lot of money to run with.

My goodness!

If they made a "Foodsaver" large enough, you'd find a way to shrinkwrap that thing. Part by part.

Not to distract from rusty blocker beams, but Where did you get that "quad pod"? I've lost track of the latest and greatest in the truck accessory world, and your quad pod is the first bonifide 4 pod pillar mount that I've seen, other than two E-series vans that were just doubled up bi-pods.

Are you going to put the grill back over the tru-cool, or leave it open?

[CHPMustang]

I know Jerry at GOS Racing carries the quad pods [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[CHPMustang]

I believe Tom picked up his quad pod at Geno's Garage.

BILL

[tginz]

Hi Guys...Yes, I got my detailing ideas from the National Auto Museum I visited last summer in Reno. Actually their darn vehicles are quite dirty by my standards..

And yes on the other subject Bill is right. I called ProParts in Beltsville, MD early one morning. The owner answered, I liked that right off. He directed me to Genos Garage. You must call them and specifically ask for the Quad Pod as it is not yet listed in their online info. I think it was $76.00 plus S&H. I then called Bob Riley @ The Dieselsitetoo and ordered the gauges and the Ford factory paint to match the interior. With some patience painting and wiring I got a super set-up. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img] The Quad Pod fits like a glove. I did mention to Bill in a PM that the sunvisor does not go all the way forward because of the very top pod. It will go just forward of vertical which for me is just fine... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

tginz

[tginz]

Robyn:

You like the grill off look???? It is going back on soon...Hold on I shouldn't even tell anyone this...I cover all of the chrome areas of the X grill in perfectly clear shrink wrap. It prevents nicks and dings when travelling east to west on the highways. Over the shrink wrap, I have a Gofia grill screen to keep the bugs out of the radiator. However doesn't everyone remove the grill and brush the fins in the radiator clean every 10K or so?

I think I need to see a doctor...actually the $'s would be better spent on an Eagle lift don't you think???

tginz/TOM

[CHPMustang]

[ QUOTE ]
However doesn't everyone remove the grill and brush the fins in the radiator clean every 10K or so?


[/ QUOTE ]
Nahhh,I've got a summer grille screen I install for the summer buggies and a winter cover for the cold months [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

BILL