Got my kit today! [Archive] - American Expedition Vehicles

irishjack

01-14-2008, 05:12 PM

I got my Brute kit today (ordered from Quadratec). I opened it up and I feel like working all night.

It came with no paperwork at all. Are the PDF's on the site the sole source for instructions?

I'll post pics soon.

Jack

Jdemonto

01-14-2008, 06:03 PM

irishjack

01-14-2008, 08:15 PM

http://picasaweb.google.com/oneputtjack/BrutePictures?authkey=w2ozzH-VWEI#

AEV Jordan

01-15-2008, 02:03 PM

How exciting. I remember getting my kit, like it was two weeks before Easter Jeep,

I doubt your grandkids will ask if you remember what you were doing the day your Brute kit arrived or anything like that, but its definitely a fun project none the less.

Keep us in the loop here, and if you have any questions... well, thats exactly what this forum is for.

jh

AEV Matt

01-23-2008, 08:49 AM

No kidding, please keep some photos coming and post your progress. We're here to help along the way. Please consider modifiying your tailgate hinges before you paint, we're working on an "official" modification, but you can find it on the forum here http://forum.aev-conversions.com/showthread.php?t=31 It amounts to welding in a little gusset in the hinge and putting a pc of angle on the back.

Its pretty easy and straight forward.

Matt

irishjack

01-28-2008, 07:52 PM

I drilled out all the spot welds, removed the top channels, and removed the back part of the tub. New pics on the link in the previous post. Check em out.

irishjack

01-28-2008, 10:02 PM

I want a Highline kit for my Brute. Am I gonna have to do that wheel well surgery on my new bed?

AEV Dave

01-29-2008, 10:52 AM

Yes...and no. Depends. If you're going to run 37s, there will be the standard trimming required (do it before paint if possible) For 35s, the wheel openings have been trimmed to the right size, but there will be a slight amount of trimming on the inside of the flares (a small flange that wipes right off with a knife)

dh

AEV Dave

01-29-2008, 10:55 AM

Irishjack,

One more quick note in case you weren't aware. I had a look at your photos, be sure to cover your windshield from sparks otherwise it will be ruined very quickly. The sparks will pit the glass.

Other than that it looks like you are well on your way to Brute ownership!

dh

irishjack

01-29-2008, 12:33 PM

The windshield has a crack and a spider bite. I'm going to replace it.

I am having a blast.

Jack

AEV Dave

02-19-2008, 09:27 PM

Progress?

dh

irishjack

02-21-2008, 02:32 PM

I posted new pictures at the link above today. I am about to remove the pork chops and take what's left of the tub off of the frame. That is scheduled for Sat/Sun. Then the frame gets chopped next week. I've been practicing my beads daily but i think I'm having a pro come in to finish the welds.

As you can see, I've removed the front end in preparation for the Highline kit. Sure wish someone would come up with a shipping special like Quadratec did for the Brute. $2000 even would be just about right.

Speaking of the Brute, I received no instructions with my kit. Everything I have has come from the PDF's online. If that's all there is, I might suggest a little more depth and a few more secrets.

AEV Dave

02-21-2008, 07:44 PM

We're working on more detailed instructions as we go and get feedback. For now, please, please, please post any question you have on this forum as a new post and we'll answer it, this will help future Brute owners as well as yourself.

Also, you know not to remove the porkchop itself right? Don't remove the rollbar either, its what keeps everything square.

Calling in a pro welder only makes sense if you don't have the experience, you'll learn a ton just watching someone that really knows what they're doing, and most of the time they will give you the tips you might need.

dh

irishjack

02-21-2008, 08:39 PM

I misspoke. No I'm not removing the pork chop. Rather, I'm removing the outer "skin" around the porkchop.

The instructions are very specific about the rollbar. They are all staying. Thanks for keeping up with me though. It's nice to know I have a guardian A(EV)ngel

irishjack

02-28-2008, 10:10 PM

http://picasaweb.google.com/oneputtjack/BrutePictures?authkey=w2ozzH-VWEI#

new pics, getting ready to take the tub off.

irishjack

03-04-2008, 06:49 AM

New question.

I am going with a complete repaint in a different color. Should I put everything together and then take them apart and paint the components seperately and put them together painted or paint the vehicle assembled?

AEV Dave

03-04-2008, 09:20 AM

You should be taking the following pcs to the paint shop separate:

grill
cowel cover
grill support rods
tub
bed
tailgate
hardtop
fenders
hood

Most shops will paint the windshield frame and doors on the tub.
Make sure to paint the hardtop inside before the outside and do the area around the windows because it will be seen once the glass is in.
When you line the bed be sure to do it as shown here:
http://forum.aev-conversions.com/showthread.php?t=29
Take all the bolts that need to be painted and stick them in a pc of cardboard so that the painter can paint them for you at the same time.

We recommend modifying the tailgate hinges, cutting for Highline if needed, and bolting the tailgate to the bed and taking it and the front sheetmetal to the paintshop as soon as the kit arrives. While its at the paint shop, modify the cab, by the time you're done, the paint shop will have the bed done and ready to go. Drop off the cab and hardtop at paint, pick up the bed and drop it off at the liner shop. Go finish the frame up. When you're done with the Chassis, the rest of it will be ready to go.

dh

AEV Jordan

03-11-2008, 03:07 PM

I'll either need to make a sticky for this or add/modify it in the instructions but...

When you put the third brake light (center high mount stop lamp / CHMSL) in the top, grab some clear RTV silicon and put a small bead of it around the lamp housing. The third brake light has a seal but they aren't that great and could allow some water in otherwise.

I had one of my interior lamps blow a bulb because (I suspect) a little water got in there.

irishjack

03-12-2008, 06:26 PM

http://picasaweb.google.com/oneputtjack/BrutePictures?authkey=w2ozzH-VWEI#

New pics. The body is off of the frame. Time for the cutting and welding.

AEV Dave

03-12-2008, 07:50 PM

The prep work on the body looks great. Have you test fit the closeout yet? You'll need a friend and take the time to get the hang of getting it on and off without having to bend it outboard. Its a little tricky at first, if you have any issues at all don't hesitate to call us. If for any reason it doesn't seem to fit perfectly, it just takes a little more time. Also, make sure the doors get hung on the tub so that you can check the door gaps and make the doors flush to the body (something the factory could never get right).

dh

irishjack

03-14-2008, 02:43 PM

Okay, I have a pretty good idea, but the instructions arent very clear about where to score the frame for cutting. Am I missing something in the instructions? Please cite page number and paragraph where it explains that. A clear picture with an arrow would be nice.

I'm an English teacher and I'd be happy to rewrite these instructions for the right price.

AEV Dave

03-15-2008, 08:47 AM

See if these help. We do plan on re-writing the instructions now that we have some feedback from end customers on what areas need to be improved. You're right they weren't all that clear on this item.

Basically scribe on the straight line in the top and bottom window on the straight section of frame. Then transfer the line around as shown on page 7.

dh

164

165

irishjack

03-16-2008, 12:57 PM

Thanks Dave. That's much better and just as I supected. You are the best.

Cannonball

06-12-2008, 07:59 PM

I see there has been talk about rewriting the directions since 2007. I just recieved my Kit yesterday and was pretty shocked to learn you can spend this kind of money and still not get an instruction or assembly manual! I was assured that the latest was in the kit along with the new stronger hinges, alas neither were. It would have also been nice if the sales people would have told me the Nth Auto Trans Skid (ordered)would only work with the nths tummy tucker (not ordered). I would have ordered that right away too so it all could have been shipped in the same shippment to save freight.
On the plus side the packaging/crating was very well done. Only box crused was the one with the glass in it. The top was resting on the box edge crushing it. Fortunately nothing broken but one skylight glass has a pretty rough chip in the corner from manufacturing I think.

CB

AEV Dave

06-13-2008, 09:54 AM

Latest Instructions are here: http://aev-conversions.com/products/docs/

Call Mike Reckling (mreckling@aev-conversions.com) for a new pc of glass if nec.

The hinges need to modified and a pc of angle steel needs to be added to the rear crossmember where the gate bolts on. I'm going to try to get some photos up on the forum next week.

The sales guys are being brought up to speed on the Nth stuff, its all so new to us, but I will make sure to bring this up with everyone in sales. I'm sorry that happened and will gladly offer you free shipping on a TT.

dh

blakerevo

01-24-2009, 06:28 AM

Well I am 45 and feel my midlife crisis is about to arrive. In preperation I am saving my money and starting to compile information on doing a brute, My question is how much does this thing really cost? I am estimating between 25 and 30 grand to do it right. I am figuring I can get a good donor for about $7,500 and I want to run 37's. I don't have a ton of experience working on cars or trucks but my father-in-law (slave labor) has always worked on his own cars and even reconstructed an xk-120 from two. Do you think I am in the ball park?

rgstarck

01-24-2009, 07:41 AM

I would say your right in the ball park. Mine is just heading to paint now and with me doing the majority of the work has saved a ton but I will be right in that area for expense. I did all the fitting and welding but have had a body man come and do all the prep for paint. Then a local shop in town is doing the actual painting.

irishjack

01-25-2009, 06:14 PM

http://picasaweb.google.com/oneputtjack/BrutePictures?authkey=w2ozzH-VWEI#

irishjack

01-30-2009, 09:35 AM

Blake, My advice now that I have finished is DO IT. The costs can be more reasonable than you might think if you do it right and take advice from the AEV guys and previous builders. Spend the extra money for the Highline kit. Take care of the sheet metal you take off. You can sell your hood, fenders, tailgate, bumpers etc. (they're probably worth $500) on Craigslist or ebay. If you get a donor with a good hard top that's worth $500+. Advertise for and interview a welder on Craigslist have him come to your place and pay him by the hour. Hire a mechanic from your local jeep dealer to work at your place by the hour. You'll need him for about 8-10 hours. You can do it. You will have fun.

irishjack

02-08-2009, 04:34 PM

We started her up today. Fire up an the first turn. Just a little housekeeping and she will hit the road on Saturday or Sunday. I hope to have it over at Screaming Lizard's Jeepfest in two weeks.

Take a look at the pic link a couple of posts back. There are updated pictures there.

JeepSauce

02-08-2009, 10:22 PM

I like the color! It looks good. Kind of looks like that one AEV guy's Nissan color or whatever. I would look it up so I knew what I was talking about but that's too much effort...

irishjack

02-09-2009, 06:53 AM

It was inspired by Jordan's Brute. They are both Nissan Factory colors but mine is definitely more green. It looks really great in person. It contrasts with the black like no other color I've seen.

Now that its all back together, she gets the wet sand and buff this week.

It will be done next weekend. I hope to drive her to the get together Screaming Lizard next weekend. We started her up for the first time since she was dismantled. Fired up on the first try.