1995 Suzuki Sidekick Ultra-light Expo rig

[Willy G]

Hello all, New here.

Been all over Traveling and wheeling for a while, Decided with the New Daily, I might actually post up about most of them.

To start this Journey, I happened into a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, I've had 15+ of these, Just never one as a Daily.
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Anyways, years of wheeling my samurai behind me, I need something to drive long distance for now. And this was the cheapest I could get. I started this build with removing the Hideous front grill the guy had on it. And slap on a Stockist Grille for now.

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More to come soon.

 

[Willy G]

Started with Front IFS and Gas Tank skid plates from my buddy at Aftermarket4x4. Also did the 4 door spring conversion, Its a 2 inch lift, and the ability to haul more without the front end getting too light.

Also started on the front bumper.

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[xathor]

I've always liked those little things but they are near impossible to find stock or not trashed around here anymore. There was a really clean white one near me, but someone bought it, cut the top off to make a total convertible and dumped it super low on the ground. I used to laugh as he drove the thing in the winter time with a bunch of coats on, I think it was his only car.

 

[Willy G]

They are a lot of fun.
And I'm one of the guys who buys them up. I build 1 or 2 each year for a beater. Then sell the parts to the samurai community.

There may be 5 at my shop by the end of tonight, Depends on a phone call I'm about to make.

 

[Willy G]

Well darn. Picked up another one. Just gonna grab a few parts. And it's going to a friend's. View attachment 59437

 

[Willy G]

Well Friday I decided to tear into the engine to figure out why the darn thing isn't as powerful as it should be. Torn into it expecting the worst. And found this. View attachment 59615 View attachment 59616

Completely gone plugs and wires. Followed up the compression check, but nothing bad cyclinder wise. So, I grabbed some spares off the shelf and she's running great.

 

[Willy G]

Saturday came, and the family came up to do some kayaking. And I didn't get time to finish anything on the bumper, so that's priority number 1 next week.

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Then I decided to take a small trip up Switzer road through flagpole and up to reddish knob, but I still can't believe the water levels from this area.
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[Willy G]

Well it's a start to the bumper. It's just tacked on there to see how I like the design. But it's a little off, from trying to do it single handed, so I'll eventually cut it all back off and redo it when I have more help.
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[Willy G]

Well not too much on the Sidekick build up, work has been completely covered up, but I was planning this last trip to wv. We had a blast. Got some Body damage on the kick.

Well, also, the starter went out on it. Luckily I had a spare or 4. So that was changed when I got back to the shop. and wait for it to cool down and swap in a newer one.

Just going to be a photo dump from last week.
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[Willy G]

Time to start back on the front bumper, I'd like to thank Warn Industries for thier support in this build.
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I hadn't expected for them to step up like they did, so again huge shout out to them.

A brand new Warn VR-8 winch showed up at my door this afternoon, and with tomorrow off, so tomorrow I'll be mocking this bad boy up!! (Hot weather may vary)

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I ordered the VR instead of the VR-S (synthetic) because of the steel cables don't fade or wear as fast. Even though it definitely weighs more, I believe it helps a lot with hill climbs.

 

[DrivinBettyWhite]

Nice little rig you’ve got.. I call mine Nurple.

Sent from my iPad using OB Talk

 

[Willy G]

Good looking tracker!! They did tend to have funny colors on these things.

Have you added any lockers on yours yet?


My personal favorite is the Suzuki Purple.
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[DrivinBettyWhite]

I actually kinda dig the Purple.I wish it had a locker, someday. Fist I need to finish my tacoma before I can do anything else to the tracker. She’s almost done

Sent from my iPad using OB Talk

 

[Willy G]

Very nice. I do like tacos.

Eventually, I'll be building a 4 door verison, with a Toyota SAS, but that is a few years down the road.

 

[Willy G]

Didnt get to much done because I slept in, but I and decided to finally put together my new awning. No, it's not one of the cool wrap around ones, but it only cost me $30. And I don't have to put it back if I'm staying at the same campsite for a few days.
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So I pulled it out of its plastic to let the chineseum air out of the tarp, and sprayed it down with a good waterproofing spray. And almost got a liberal spritzing to the face, from a broken spray can.
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Then on to the bumper. With the new mounting plate in hand, I cut the whole bumper off and set it to the side.
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Then notched the winch plate to fit inside the frame rails. And tacked it into place, and set the bumper back up to a perfect fit. I'll be redoing the bottom tubes, but for now the winch is set and I'm waiting on longer lines to put the control box under the hood.
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Tacked everything into place and headed to the big shop, and did a full oil change and rotate, but mainly went up to the 220 welder to really hot glue this thing together. View attachment 60989

 

[Willy G]

No work on the Sidekick this week. I just ordered some more stuff for it this week.

But in substitute, here are some pics of a scout I did a roll cage in. View attachment 62030
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[Willy G]

Well the post man came today, but forgot a few packages.... So I'll be waiting til Sunday to put some stuff on. New vent visors, and the most important mod every vehical needs....
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[Willy G]

More goodies from sidetracked off-road!!

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I'm a big fan of overkill for lights, but trying to keep it light (pun intended), I'll be doing a lot of dual purpose stuff. These LEDs are clear white, and Amber orange. The whites will help with deer sighting, and the Amber's really help in fog.

My back is still recovering, but I was able to just put them on. But not wire them yet.

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Also, I received my interior lighting strip. I'll be installing these bad boys when I start on the roof rack and kitchen. But it's nice being 12v and remote controlled. It should be nice to press a button and light up the whole campsite.
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[Willy G]

Well, I finally got a vehical with a hammock side mount. And it holds all of little old me
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[Willy G]

Well, I learned so much after camping out in thw hammock last weekend. First of which, the hammock mounts in round tube are not the right thing. I'll have to cut the ends off and weld some square tubing in there. Second is that I needed additional ground supports. The cars spare jack worked great for it. But needs to be taller.