2010 RAYSJEEPS annual Chili & Gumbo cookoff

RAYSJEEPS is planning our annual chili and gumbo cookoff. Coming soon late January or early February 2010. First and Second place trophies. And, for Showmanship the winning team gets two tickets to see ??? at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR).

Chenango group (Dave & Yavone) won 1st place last year, Under the Bridge (John, Lynda) won 2nd place. The Blackshear group won 3rd place chili as well as 3rd place gumbo.
The Mardi Gras Moms won 1st place gumbo and the Dumbo Gumbos won 2nd place gumbo as well as Showmanship for two tickets to see ZZ TOP at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR).

EXTREME JEEP BURNOUT VIDEO

This is no ordinary jeep!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOR5btU8uWU&feature=related

Sidewinder Bronco Peak Jeep Trail

Check out this video “One of the Best”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGmyyBhptZI&feature=related

Welding on your Jeep

One of the most useful skills that a jeep owner can have is the knowledge and ability to weld. It seems like the older the jeep tends to break more often. Knowing how to fix stress cracks, reinforce weak joints by welding on steel support plates, or cutting and shaping parts and adapters out of raw steel plating is an asset that is worth its weight in gold.

There are two types of welding that we will talk about, arc welding and oxy-acetylene. The latter will also include some pertinent information on cutting torches and fabrication of parts and tools.

But we will first cover some basics dealing with arc welding. It is a positively charged electrode and a negatively charged steel plate commonly called a ground complete a circuit at the end of a welding rod. When the rod is held a given distance from the item to be welded, the current jumps the gap creating an enormous amount of heat. The heat melts the rod end and a puddle of liquid metal will result which can be controlled to make a weld.

There are many types of arc welding. A few are carbon-arc, metal-electrode, gas metal-arc, atomic-hydrogen, MIG, TIG, and many others. For our purposes we will focus on two basic types of arc welding; AC and DC. It is difficult to explain the difference in simple, down to earth terms so let’s just settle for some of the main differences and advantages of each.

AC (alternating current) is probably the most common and most economical of welders. The distinct advantage that AC arc welding has is that there is virtually no magnetic blow, which causes excessive splatter and uncontrollable arcs. The basic features are a good forceful arc, an easy arc to maintain once it is begun. It is great for heavy steel plating because of deep penetration. The negative factors are that the initial arc can be difficult to start and that burn- throughs on thinner plates of metal can be a frustrating problem. All in all though, a simple AC welder is a good all around tool for general repairs.

DC, or direct current, provides for a more variety in welding. Direct current, by nature, can be manipulated in ways completely different than the alternating cycles of AC. One example of this is that by changing the polarity of current flow different welding characteristics can be realized. Straight polarity, when the current flows from the rod to the base metal, provides a fairly standard arc for a variety of metals. Reversed polarity, when the current flows from the base metal to the rod, provides for 2/3 of the total heat to be centralized in the welding rod tip. This superheats the electrode metal and shielding gas from the flux causing the molten metal to travel at a high velocity resulting in very deep penetration to the base metal. These variations in the types of DC units can accommodate welding on thick or thin metals. This can give quite a bit of flexibility when trying to avoid burn-throughs with thinner base metals or working on deeper weld penetration on thicker plates.

There are many articles on the different types of welding rods/electrodes and their welding characteristics that you can fine on the internet.

As with any trade there are certain hazards which must be addressed when arc welding.

•  Avoiding radiation from the arc, ultraviolet and infrared rays
•  Flying sparks, globules of molten metal
•  Electrical shock
•  Fumes
•  Burns

Protective clothing and specialized eye protection must be used in order to reduce these risks. An arc-welding helmet with protective lens reduces the amount of harmful eye radiation and protects the head from splatter and heat. The hair, hands, arms and other skin surfaces must be covered, preferably with heavy leather to shield out other harmful radiation produced by the intense arc. Don’t wear regular coverings like heavy cotton or wool as arc welding is accompanied by flying sparks and molten metal pieces that will ignite such clothing. Also avoid pants with cuffs, tennis shoes, thin gloves, and shoes with thin soles.

Avoid electrical shock by working on a dry floor with thick rubber shoes and by wearing dry leather welding gloves. Also make sure to use insulated electrode holders and have the equipment properly grounded. Keep the area properly ventilated to avoid inhaling the burnt fumes. The fumes generated in the welding process may contain highly toxic metal oxides. Keep in mind that you are welding with molten metal. The arc is hot, the metal is hot, and everything in contact with the metal is hot. Watch for falling metal globules; they burn quickly through tennis shoes and unprotected pants. When done welding use tongs to pick up the metal; it does not cool quickly and even when quenched in water beware of the superheated steam it produces when dipped and the heat it retains when removed.

Above all be aware of others around you. When an arc is struck to start welding the sudden flash can cause severe eye damage to onlookers.

More on oxy-acetylene welding in a later revision.

History of the Jeep PTO

THE PTO: there are different PTO units for different applications. Make sure you get the correct one for your vehicle. Don’t trust a seller to give you the correct application. More often than not they don’t know and say it fits vehicles it won’t (“fits jeeps”). For example, the models 40, 41, 48, 50, 51, and 58 all mate to a Dana 18 transfer case found on early civilian jeeps. However, the 40 and 41 only fit the truck, wagon, or sedan delivery frame and cannot be used on a CJ. The 50, 51, and 58 were designed to only fit the CJ. Also of importance is where the PTO sends the power (front or rear). The 41 and 51 only send power to the front and have a single shift handle. The models 40, 48, 50, and 58 send power to front but also to the rear. These units have two shift handles. The 40 and 50 power both front and rear together (both on or both off). The 48 and 58 allow selective use of implements (front only, rear only, both, or neither). Twin stick PTOs are rare and cost accordingly.

THE DRIVE SHAFTS AND U-JOINTS: the jeep drive shafts are all 7/8″ diameter steel bar stock with machined in keyway slots. Woodruff keys index the u-joints to the slots in the shafts. The shaft lengths vary by application. To circumvent typical obstacles (crossmembers, exhaust, clutch linkage, etc), a common application will have two shafts, three u-joints, and a center support bearing. For example the early CJ uses a 27 3/8″ front shaft and a 22″ rear shaft. The jeep truck, jeep wagon, or jeep sedan delivery uses a 31.5″ long front shaft and a 17.75″ rear.

Three different jeep universal joints are used in each setup. The front u-joint has one 7/8″ opening with a 3/16″ keyway and one 7/8″ opening with a 1/4″ keyway. The center u-joint has one 7/8″ opening with a 1/4″ keyway and one 7/8″ opening with a 1/4″ keyway. The rear u-joint has one 7/8″ opening with a 1/4″ keyway and one 1″ opening with a 1/4″ keyway. Note all shafts use 1/4″ keyways, but the winch uses a 3/16″ keyway and the PTO, which uses the 1/4″ keyway has a larger 1″ output shaft.

Scrambler hardtop repairs

Restoring full length hard tops is a time consuming project. There are many types of repairs I.E. fiberglass, latches, hinges, glass, felt trim, etc. 

Sagging  in the center from length wise down the top(running from front to rear) and sagging across the center going (running from side to side) are major repairs. Stiffeners can be used on the inside of the top. They can be either bent 3/4″ aluminum box tubing or number one lumber,1 x 2’s or 2 x 2’s arched to fit the Original Bend(s). Surface preparation at this point is essential. Round off the outside corners of the stiffener because fiberglass does not like sharp corners.

The next step is attaching the stiffeners to the inside of the fiberglass top. Use a total five flat head wood screws for each wood stiffener and five metal flat head screws for the aluminum.  Drill the holes from the outside of the top into the stiffener. Mix up some bondo and apply between the stiffener and fiberglass. Set the first two screws lightly and temporarily using a flat washer under each head to hold in place then set all five without washers. Let set until hardened. Apply fiberglass and resin, smooth, sand and paint.

MORE TO COME!

Different ways to lock the spare tire on your jeep.

The locking spare tire lock on early model  jeeps, OEM version.  Here is a picture of what it looks like.

A short piece of chain and lock will do.  You can buy locking nuts for all of your wheels and spare.

The REDS are Running – Donald Skrabanek 1993

Electrical Problems Made Easy

For proper current flow to exist the circuit must have the correct source voltage applied and be free of any unwanted resistance in the circuit and the best way to test this is to measure voltage drop in the circuit.

Here are the steps to take to perform a voltage drop test:

1. Connect your DVOM negative lead to the battery’s negative post.
2. Connect your DVOM positive lead to the battery’s positive post and measure its voltage. Record this reading.
3. Connect your DVOM positive lead to the positive side of the load being tested, as close to the load as possible.
4. Operate the circuit, and record your measurement.
5. Connect your DVOM positive lead to the negative side of the load being tested, as close to the load as possible.
6. Operate the circuit and record your measurement.

Let’s take a closer look at these steps. First, we want to test the integrity of the ENTIRE circuit so placing your test leads at the battery is a must. You can make an extension lead for your DVOM so you can always connect to the battery ground terminal with your negative meter lead. Second, it is important to know the source voltage available. If the battery is weak to start with your circuit is already working with a handicap.

In the third step, you are making sure all that source voltage is getting to the load component. Getting as close to the load as possible insures you are testing the entire path. On the positive side of the load you should read within 0.50 volts of your source voltage, i.e. if you started with 14.56 volts you should read no less than 14.06 volts. This applies to most basic circuits. If you are diagnosing a PCM/ECM related circuit you may want to see even less than that.

In step #5, you are looking for unwanted voltage drops in your load downstream because all the voltage should have been used by the load. If you get a voltage reading of 0.50v or more here there is something else taking voltage from the primary component. This unwanted source may be ultimately found downstream of the load maybe even at the battery connection itself.

Some voltage measurement on the ground side of a working load is normal. If an open to ground exists you will measure source voltage on both sides of the load. If the ground side measures 0.0 volts and the component is receiving correct source voltage then the load likely has an internal open AKA you have a failed component.

A common mistake is to use a chassis ground under the dash when testing inside the car.; but don’t forget that chassis ground point still has to make it back to the battery typically through a few more connections before the ground path is complete.

If done properly a voltage drop test will quickly isolate the problem and save you time and money in the process.

Brined & Barbecue Smoked Turkey

Old salty dog releasing another secret cooking thingy.

This original turkey brine recipe suits my own preferences and taste. You may change the ratios of ingredients to suit your taste

Pour the quart of hot water in a large and deep bucket, stir in the salt and molasses until fully dissolved, and then add the lemon, onion, garlic and other herbs and spices. Add the 4 quarts of cold water and let cool to room temperature or refrigerator temperature.

You might also use a large sturdy watertight plastic bag to brine the turkey.

Lower the turkey in the brine and make sure it is fully submerged and leave it for 12 hours. If you can get into the refrigerator the more the better. The next day just take it out and put it on the BBQ pit.

NOAA Extreme Weather Information – phone numbers

 National Weather Service Forecast Office (Houston/Galveston) (www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx) www.texasonline.com/portal/tol/en/emergency Department of Public Safety

Fiberglass versus steel body

I live in Boston and have this jeep.  As you can imagine, it’s all rusted.  I don’t want to get rid of it, but don’t know where to start regarding possible refurbishing.  I’m told there is a fiberglass body I can put on it.  Is that a better way to go than completely changing out all the metal?  Thanks, Rip Reeves (Senior Portfolio Manager-Insurance Client Strategies).

Hello, glad that you contacted me. There are fiberglass body assemblies, I.E. tub ($1500), one piece front-end ($900), and other various parts available from aftermarket retail stores. Most of the pieces are basically blank and you have to drill & cut various holes for fit-up. Naturally fiberglass will not rust and the cloned assemblies fit up pretty close.

 After market steel assemblies are reliably available and have more holes in the right places and are priced a little higher than fiberglass.

There is an associate of mine that sells new aftermarket jeep parts. Go to my website www.raysjeeps.net and then go to the PARTS page and click on http://funjeepsparts.com/webstore. They can help you in new after market parts.

Bobwhite Quail

The Bobwhite, known in the south as the "partridge", is one of several 
species of American quail. It is a chunky ruddy-colored bird, a little 
larger than a meadow lark. The cock has a conspicuous white throat
and a white stripe over the eye. In the hen these parts are buffy. The 
tail is short and dark, and the light-colored breast is flecked with dark
bars. 
They squat motionless and almost invisible, until a person is very
close. When they "flush", with a startling explosive whirl, they fly
some distance at high speed with fast-beating wings and then coast or
"scale" with the wings curved sharply outward.

Throughout spring and summer the male may be heard, morning and
evening, calling from a perch on a fallen log, a fence post, or occasionally a low tree. 
A clear whistle  "Bob-White!" or "Poor-Bob-Whoit!", with the last note loud and ringing. 
The "covey call", a shrill "ka-loi-kee?", is used to call the members of a family together. 
This is answered by a lower-pitched "whoil-kee" which can be imitated to bring quail
 within a few yards of a quiet watcher.
 
In a field or near the edge of the woods, the mated pairs build a nest
which is merely a shallow hollow in the ground, lined with dead grass
and leaves open to the sky or under a tuft of grass. In it she lays from
7 to as many as 28 pure-white oval eggs about an inch in diameter. 
Although she leaves the nest on warm afternoons to feed and exercise,
the male also brings insects and other food to her. If something
happens to the hen at this time, the cock has been known to hatch the
eggs and raise the young. During the day, the family devours
enormous quantities of insects and some wild seeds and berries. 
At ight they sleep on the ground in a circle, with all heads pointed 
outward to watch for enemies. If a feeding family is disturbed, the 
parents give a low warning note and the well-camouflaged babies 
"freeze" to become almost invisible. The parents then pretend to be
crippled and try to lure the enemy away by fluttering over the ground,
just out of reach.
As the young mature, the diet changes until in fall, winter and spring
it consists of a variety of wild fruits, weed seeds (especially the 
common ragweed), and waste grain gleaned from fields. Because of
the great quantity of destructive insects eaten, such as the chinch bug,
no bird is more beneficial to the farmer. In northern regions, many
quail die during severe winters with deep crusted snows. 

Because quail nest, eat and sleep on the ground, they are prey for hawks, owls,
crows, foxes, skunks, weasels, snakes, rats and roaming house cats. 
But their most deadly enemy is man, the hunter.
 
 

Baked Pineapple Quail

8 whole quail (skin on) – 1 can (20 oz.) sliced pineapple (drain and reserve juice), 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp. Dijon mustard, 1 tsp. dried rosemary, 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, 1 small thinly sliced lemon, 2 Tbsp. salt and pepper, 3 tbsp. Tony’s,

Preheat oven to 400° F. Arrange quail, breast-side down, in a shallow baking dish. Blend all ingredients and juice mixture over quail. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes. Turn quail breast-side up and arrange pineapple and lemon slices over quail. Baste with sauce and bake until quail are fork tender about another 15 minutes longer.

Batter Fried Quail

12 quail – 3 cups water, 1 Tbsp. salt, 1 cup pancake or biscuit mix, 2 tsp. onion powder, 2 tsp. sea salt, 3 tbsp. Tony’s, 1/4 tsp. seasoned pepper, 2 envelopes instant chicken broth, 1 forth cup vegetable oil.
Cover quail with salted water. Chill at least one hour. Combine remaining ingredients in a paper bag. Remove quail from water, and shake in bag of mix. Fry in hot oil only until golden brown. Serves 6.

Quail recipes – chili

Pre cook 3 lbs. dry kidney or pinto beans. Slightly pan fry (brown) one pound of quail in olive oil.  All other ingredients = 16 oz. stewed tomatoes (undrained), 2 oz. Jalapeno sauce, one large 1015 onion (chunked), 4 garlic clove (smashed), one table spoon Tony’s,  dash of salt & pepper,  one cup broken tortilla chips (optional), 2 tbsp chile powder, 2 tbsp. cumin.

Add all ingredients into the large pot of cooked beans. Bring to a boil and then simmer 15 minutes to heat and cook thoroughly.

Quail recipes – Dutch oven, weekly additions

Dutch oven quail – Roll eight quail in equal combination of flour, cornmeal and Tony’s. Preheat  about  one half cup  of  fat/olive oil piping hot in dutch oven. Brown birds quickly on both sides. Then add a one cup of water, place lid and turn fire low to let simmer for one hour.

BestTech Pest Control

BestTech Pest Control is happily serving the Pearland/Manvel area for pest control, fire ants, termites, rodents, fleas/ticks, etc. Residential and Commercial. Call 281-208-0956 for an appointment for an evaluation. We has been going “green” since it’s inception. By properly identifying pests and the conducive conditions that CAUSE pests we can make more precise applications that help limit the amount of chemicals used in/around your home and family or your facility.

RAYSJEEPS BBQ COOKOFF

Watch for the date of RAYSJEEPS BBQ COOKOFF this summer. It will be a weekend event somewhere in Texas

Roll Cage

The factory roll cage is good enough for street driving but when you go off roading you really need the full roll bar cage system. Some are bolted in and some are welded in. There are after market boltins with CNC clamps. These half collar clamps work well when you do not want weld to the factory roll cage.

Look at the PIC of how my set up is on my Scrambler. The extended vertical roll bars extend through the bed and weld directly to the frame using 90 deg sweeping elbows.  There are frame tiein kits available from Rock Hard for a little over $100 but you can make them yourself  if you are mechanically inclined.

There are brackets that  mount behind the dash, extends down to the floor, with a plate at the floor and a plate under the floor. This bracket fits inside the door post channel so snug to the body that it does not interfere with the use of the emergency brake or release handle.