ed
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Posts: 5
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Post by ed on Jan 14, 2022 18:04:22 GMT -5
Here is the replacement tent you can expect from www.canvasreplacements.com/product_info.php/products_id/6047?osCsid=3973af547e0d8492cd5fb1a820574c88I previously had the old noodle vent version of this tent and asked them to make the triangle windows. Additionally, they made replacements for the foam hinge/knee protector and the zip up portion that holds the tent when it is closed up. I still need to make the aluminum supports for the triangle windows, but otherwise it is mostly refurbished! They did an excellent job, and I had no issues with their work. The canvas is water resistant, similar to a Cabela's or similar hot tent/canvas tent, but not really waterproof, although maybe in light rain showers. We use a tarp as a rainfly, and it works great. The colors they offer are gray, tan, and a light green I believe. This is the gray. The last couple of years I installed new stainless hardware, new window struts/glass/handle, new hinges, new flip up window supports, new fiberglass tent poles, and was painted to match. Currently I have made, and installed, a wood bench with a dual battery system and storage screwed down to a plywood base with glue on vinyl flooring. I have plans to use my small wood stove (pomoly dweller) to work as our primary heater in the winter with a Mr. Buddy heater as a backup. Eventually I would like to add an overland fridge as well, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
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gary
New Member
Posts: 36
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Post by gary on Jan 17, 2022 14:31:34 GMT -5
Looks like they did a great job. Is your FX4 LII a 2003? Automatic or manual? I have a 2002 FX4 manual with the manual transfer case. It has almost 270K miles on it and still running strong.
I don't know if you have any interest in blackening your fender flares, but I did when mine started fading to gray. I ended up using a black ink dye and it has held up well.
My Wildernest has a new tent also, but it is an original Wildernest tent. My brother worked for the company that made the fiberglass shell. They also installed the tent. After Wildernest went out of business, the company my brother worked for had a auction on left over items. My brother bought a lot of Wildernest stuff for me, which included three new tents. I sold one and used two. The last one is on my Wildernest now. I saved one of my old ones (still in good shape) as a back up and sold the original one. My Wildernest is on its 2nd refurbishing.
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ed
New Member
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Post by ed on Jan 23, 2022 12:12:53 GMT -5
Hi Gary! Yup, a 2003 manual with the manual transfer case! I've read most of your posts actually haha Love the Red Ranger.
You know, I have blackened them once and they never really went to full black and grayed pretty quickly again. Did you put anything over the ink dye to protect it from UV or anything?
That is a sweet connection to have had. They are hard parts to come by. I was happy to have found Sam and Chris for the Wildernest springs (front and rear respectively).
Little off the "replacement tent" topic, but does your rear windoor fit the fiberglass shell still? I've got a 1/4" gap on the passenger side...it's like the shell has sagged over the years. I am not worried about it; the door just is not held closed on both sides by the t-handle. If so, how were you able to fix it? Thanks, Ed
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gary
New Member
Posts: 36
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Post by gary on Jan 29, 2022 14:30:48 GMT -5
Ed, I did have the problem with the passenger (right) side flexing out. I think the spring for the top puts a strain on it and causes it to creep out, if it is not restrained by the bed. I didn't have the problem until I had it off and stored it in a trailer for a couple weeks. It got pretty hot inside. There was no problem the 12 years I had it on my 89 Ranger.
When I put it back on my 2002 Ranger had to pull the bottom back sides in a little before it would line up with the bolt holes. That was good enough to get the right side latch to hold. The right side seal for the rear window did not completely seal so I found a lip seal that fit the gap and trimmed it to size. I glued on the original and it works great.
I noticed later that the right side of the bed was starting to push out and the latch was barely engaged. Apparently, the later Ranger bed sides are not a stiff as the 89 Rangers. I set up a way to use a small ratchet strap to pull it in a little. That works well and I keep it on there all the time unless I need access to the inside. It is easy to connect and disconnect, so it is not a problem to use.
I tried several things to blacken my fender flares including 'Back to Black'. They eventually turned gray again without repeated application. I decided to try a stencil black dye ink. I slipped a plastic film between the flare and the sheet metal so I would not get dye on the paint. I just rubbed it on with a clean rag. I used enough coats to get a uniform finish. I did not top coat it with anything. It has been on there easily over 5 years and still looks good. I have touched it up a few times when I get a little wax on it. It is hard to avoid that when waxing the paint. The dye I used has carbon black in it and it is not affected by UV.
I got a some spare springs also. I have not needed them yet, but it is good to have them if the original springs ever break.
The FX4's with the manual transfer case are getting very rare since Ford only made them for two years. I tried to find a remanufactured transmission to replace mine and they are not available. Actually, the transmission is replaceable but the extension housing to connect to the transfer case is not. So, if you ever need a new transmission don't let the original extension housing go with the old one. That extension housing has the bosses that the transfer case shift linkage bolts to. I understand there is a way to adapt the non-manual shift extension housing to work with the shift linkage, but it is a lot off precision measurement and fabrication work.
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