Racers Ride

[Racer-X]

Well I finally have it finished enough to be proud to post pics. It's an 03 that I bought in Dec of 02. Back when dealers added 5-7K to MSRP. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif But I had no patience and it was either that or give the 25K down payment to the IRS - a no brainer right?

The Gobi rack I installed myself, It's very simple. I also wired all of the PIAA lighting. All exterior connections are soldered and covered with shrink tape. Wiring the lights is not something I would do again. Just getting the wires into the cab and under the dash took me 4 hours! If you look you can see the factory off road lights that come on the grill for the adventure package have been changed out with PIAA. They just looked cheesy after installing the upper ones.

I'm pretty much finished with the exterior with the exception of getting a Gobi Ladder which I am in the process of buying from a fellow forum member here. As you can see there is very little "bling" and it will stay that way. Even the chrome gas filler cover (not shown) will be replaced with a black one when I get the chance.

Future plans include Rancho 9000 shocks with in cab adjuster. Tint DS/PS windows. Either paint interior trim or buy a LE kit. Possibly a front locker when I'm out of warranty.

I'd like to thank my Wife for her support of my love of this vehicle. She enthusiasticaly agreed to spend 60K on a SUV. The Gobi rack was a christmas gift. The winch was a birthday gift she secretly had installed when it was in for routine maintenance. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Anything and everything I do with it she supports even though she does not enjoy off-roading (it scares her). A special lady to be sure.

[Racer-X]

Well I finally have it finished enough to be proud to post pics. It's an 03 that I bought in Dec of 02. Back when dealers added 5-7K to MSRP. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif But I had no patience and it was either that or give the 25K down payment to the IRS - a no brainer right?

The Gobi rack I installed myself, It's very simple. I also wired all of the PIAA lighting. All exterior connections are soldered and covered with shrink tape. Wiring the lights is not something I would do again. Just getting the wires into the cab and under the dash took me 4 hours! If you look you can see the factory off road lights that come on the grill for the adventure package have been changed out with PIAA. They just looked cheesy after installing the upper ones.

I'm pretty much finished with the exterior with the exception of getting a Gobi Ladder which I am in the process of buying from a fellow forum member here. As you can see there is very little "bling" and it will stay that way. Even the chrome gas filler cover (not shown) will be replaced with a black one when I get the chance.

Future plans include Rancho 9000 shocks with in cab adjuster. Tint DS/PS windows. Either paint interior trim or buy a LE kit. Possibly a front locker when I'm out of warranty.

I'd like to thank my Wife for her support of my love of this vehicle. She enthusiasticaly agreed to spend 60K on a SUV. The Gobi rack was a christmas gift. The winch was a birthday gift she secretly had installed when it was in for routine maintenance. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Anything and everything I do with it she supports even though she does not enjoy off-roading (it scares her). A special lady to be sure.

[Racer-X]

Front view

[Racer-X]

another

[Racer-X]

Selecting my rims was the hardest thing for me. I didn't really want all black because they scratch easy. I searched for pretty much two years before finding these. Black and chrome together. The rings are of course for looks and can bereplaced if they are damaged. Or better yet, remove them before going off-road. Six short screws and they are off.

The rims are Weld dune 8's 17"X8" with 4.50 offset. I decided to go with the BFG MT 35/12.50. The extra inch I would have gotten running 37's did not seem worth it with the speedo off-set or warranty issues. Besides, if I need that extra inch, I probably shouldn't be there in the first place. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Racer-X]

Would love some feedback and/or ideas for the future.

Don't be afraid to tell me I did something wrong or something needs improvement. I don't offend easy and value everyones opinion.

[DDWH]

Nice looking rig racer! The low level of bling looks even better! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Racer-X]

Ya Alec, I just bought that tire cover and don't really like it. I got it thinking it would look OK and would cover the fact that the spare does not match (OE A/T) I've been debating which is the lesser of two evils.

Rattle can the rings? Right now they are powder coated and the wording is actually etched into the aluminum. I see your point though. When it comes time to replace them from scratches maybe Weld would make me some without the wording???

I like the mirror and door handle idea too.

Black grill, I've seen that here and love the look. What are people doing? Bed liner spray?

[Racer-X]

Thank you DDWH. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I'm very proud of it.

[NoMoGMPG]

You wheel it? Then it's all good. I like the look, I'd like it more with the winch tucked away inside a DRTY bumper. Personally, I like the bigger rubber to fill the wheelwell, but if 35's do it for you, that's what matters. I would Line-X the grille with white. Very nicely done overall.

Dave

[LoLo]

Looks great! (But makes me miss my offroad lights!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif )

[Racer-X]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I'd like it more with the winch tucked away inside a DRTY bumper </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I first saw those right after I got mine. Makes the H2 look just fricken awesome. Maybe someday.

Then theres the issue of my wife having that one installed without my knowledge - something she is very proud of, getting rid of it would probably hurt her feelings.

There are advantages to being able to slap the winch on the back too. Especially for someone like me who gets in over his head and backs up alot...LOL

[Racer-X]

Oh geez I almost forgot. Brian at Hummer Solutions has really been a help when I run into trouble picking and/or installing gadgets. Especially with running all the wiring, relays,switches and fuse links for the OR lights.

One of the nicest most helpful guys you could ever meet.

[KenP]

Congrats on having an understanding wife. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Now don't let her drive it. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Where are you, anyway?

[Racer-X]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Now don't let her drive it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Ya, I hear that can be a problem. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif Actually she doesn't care to drive it. She's always afraid somehthing will happen when she's behind the wheel.

I live in Ca bay area. About 15 miles north of berkeley. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif It's a struggle living in this area sometimes. Many occasions I have had confrontations. Once a lady bitched me out for driving a huge polluter. As I just looked at her stunned - she turned, walked away and fired up her 70's VW bug spewing black smoke.

[Alex13188]

looks good man, nice choice on the wheels you cant beat weld

[Racer-X]

Proof she's a dirty girl! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Look close and you will see the dif fluid in the mud. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[Racer-X]

When she was young and firm. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[hmrlvr]

Looks real nice, you did a great job. Thank your wife.

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Racer-X:

Then theres the issue of my wife having that one installed without my knowledge - something she is very proud of, getting rid of it would probably hurt her feelings. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That sounds familiar and in my case it ends like ... getting rid of it would probably hurt her feelings then I'd pay dearly for months, maybe years. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Great looking truck!

[ree]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Racer-X:
...
Don't be afraid to tell me I did something wrong ... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

After putting on 6 PIAA's, each with their logo emblazoned on the cover, you put their stickers on the front http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I'm not too fond of the lettering on the wheels and the chrome on the mirrors and filler cap. But otherwise, it looks great.

[Racer-X]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">After putting on 6 PIAA's, each with their logo emblazoned on the cover, you put their stickers on the front http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

heh, that's what my wife said. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif OK, I'll take em off.

[ROX]

Nice Truck. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif But it needs more chrome. IMO. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bondage]

That looks really GOOD! White usually looks like an ice-cream wagon to me, but yours looks serious! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Good job! Drive it a few hours south and come out on the Mojave road with us next month!?

Sean
ps - I agree on the "Weld" lettering on the wheels. I hate free advertising! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ree]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2 Rocks:
But it needs less chrome. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Fissed.

[Racer-X]

Sean, Thank you for the compliment and I'd love to do the Mojave road. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I desperately want to get out with other Hummers more. When are you going? The only weekend I couldn't do it would be Feb 17th -19th, that's my 40th BD party and my wifes taken me to Reno with about a dozen friends. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

ree, thanks for fixing that! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif (No offense H2 rocks) definately no more chrome. I'm undecided about removing what little is there (with the exception of the gas door) With those rims it may be better to leave some on (door handles and mirrors) to tie it all together. The suggestions definately have me thinking though.

IMO the worst thing that can happen is totally finishing it. Part of the fun is modifying and tweaking things and making it look different from the guy down the street. The dealership had mine over the weekend and I couldn't pick it up cause I was out of town. When I went to get it on monday they had washed it, shined the tires, buffed the chrome and parked it a block away smack dab in the middle of new inventory as if advertising to the customers - Buy an Hummer and one day it can look like this.

[ree]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">IMO the worst thing that can happen is totally finishing it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

X2. Not having another project big or small to think about, plan, and do would suck. It's finished when you sell it, junk it, or total it.

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Racer-X:
Sean, Thank you for the compliment and I'd love to do the Mojave road. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Come on down! Check this thread for details: http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/2306011751/m/8441071251

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> the worst thing that can happen is totally finishing it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

So true. I'm running out of things to do to mine and it's only 11 months old with 6,500 miles!

[Racer-X]

Rodster, already found that thread and PM'd Sean. 99% chance I'm going. Me and my Bro have been talking about doing the Mojave Rd for months now. Hoping he will join me.

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Racer-X:
Sean, Thank you for the compliment and I'd love to do the Mojave road. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I desperately want to get out with other Hummers more. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Moab. April. Real trails. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Racer-X:
Rodster, already found that thread and PM'd Sean. 99% chance I'm going. Me and my Bro have been talking about doing the Mojave Rd for months now. Hoping he will join me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's great -- look forward to meeting you!

Oh, and don't pay attention to that KenP comment about "real trails". Some day all us n00bs will sneak up to Moab together and practice our stuff. Then maybe, just maybe, we'll wheel with the elders and teach 'em a new trick or two. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Racer-X]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Moab. April. Real trails. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


oh HELL NO!!! I saw that video! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Racer-X]

The reason I bought White.....

[HummBebe]

Racer - X,
your rig is Muy MACHO, I like it!!!

An the comment about Brian I agree!

HummBebe heart teh Grampa http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[TXSUT]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Racer-X:
The reason I bought White..... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nice Ranger!!! I'm currently shopping for a new bass boat, just don't tell my wife that I am. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Racer-X]

Thanks TX. That's my baby there! If I had to pick between it and the H2...well, let's not go there. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[TXSUT]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Racer-X:
well, let's not go there. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Trust this bass-a-holic, we won't go there. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[TXSUT]

Oops, forgot to compliment you on your truck too...nice job, looks great! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[ree]

Say Racer-X,
You haven't heard of a band called Racer X have you...formed late 80's/earlier 90's with Paul Gilbert and some other guys?

[Racer-X]

Thanks again TX. If you ever get up my way we should go out for a day on the Ca delta.

ree, it almost sounds familiar, however my screen name comes from the Speed Racer cartoons I grew up watching. Remember Racer X? Speeds long lost brother who raced under the anonymous hood.

[HummBebe]

You are dating yourself http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Racer-X]

Doh! Good point Hummbebe - all fixed!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> ree, it almost sounds familiar, however my screen name comes from the Speed Racer cartoons my mother had the fortitude to put on VHS incase she ever had a son. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


wait, that won;t work, they didn't have VCR's back then! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[HummBebe]

Then you won't mind if I call you Speedracer? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Racer-X]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummBebe:
Then you won't mind if I call you Speedracer? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

As long as you don't call me speedy! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif That's what my wife calls me. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[HummBebe]

Minute Man it is!!!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Racer-X]

DOH! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[DDWH]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummBebe:
Minute Man it is!!!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

HA! Thats brutal HB http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif