| Rockaholic's Modifications |
| Interior Modifications |
| Wet Okole Seat covers: I work on a boat in Boston, and I enjoy activities such as skiing and kayaking. As such, I occasionally get back to my truck soaked, so I have dark green neoprene seat covers with the black Wet Okole Dolphin logo on the front seats. Yes, they are neoprene; the same material wetsuits are made of. I recommend these covers, as they not only protect your seats, but they make them even more comfortable (Many friends from work have commented on this). They are easy to install (approximately 30 minutes); with the most difficult part being the front bottom seats due to the lack of space under the seats. You can purchase them from Wet Okole. Rubber Floor Mats: To go with the seat covers, I got grey rubber floor mats (about $20 from K-Mart) to protect the cloth floor. I also have a rubber cargo floor mat, which I unroll whenever I need to use it. Cargo Rack: I built a custom interior cargo rack based on a design given to me by Geoff Varosky. I use this to store my smaller tools and knickknacks that I always take with me and would otherwise clutter the floor. These include my Armor-All cleaning wipes, 30' recovery strap, X-tra wiper blades, bungee cords, and electrical tape and batteries (kept in a small bin). My Battery Pack and Air compressor is kept secure on the floor of my Cargo area. Fire Extinguisher: I have a 2.5# ABC Ansul fire extinguisher that I mounted on the driver side wheel well in the cargo area. I got the fire Extinguisher from AC&M Fire Equipment based in historic Concord, Massachusetts. I used stainless steel self-tapping screws to secure the bracket, and I used my dremel to hack off the ends of the screws in the outer part of the wheel well. I used rustoleum to cover the ends of the screws and to prevent any rust from forming. You'll see a picture of it in the Cargo Rack section. Radar Detector and Change Dispenser: I mounted my radar detector and a spare change dispenser to my dashboard using velcro. The radar detector keeps me from paying heavy fines. The change dispenser allows me to get tollbooth money without having to struggle with loose change in my pockets or cup holders. Cell Phone Mount: I have a cell phone with a leather cover. The cover has a circular knob that clips into my belt holder. To avoid having the phone on my waist while I drive and to have it out of the way, I mounted a clip holder on the dash to the right of the stereo. My phone hangs there while I drive, and this keeps the charging wire away from my stick shift. And I do not talk while I drive...I pull over or let my voice mail get it. Steering Wheel paint: I made a custom painted Nissan emblem on my steering wheel to brighten the inside up. I spent $3.50 on model airplane paint and paint brushes. Hey, it looks nice and livens up the otherwise monotonous grey dashboard. You may have noticed a picture of it on the last page Mini-Maglight: I mounted a mini-maglight just above my speaker on the drivers side door. I removed the molding, and I drilled into the cloth holder and molding to secure it, and the mini-maglight rests comfortably in the holder. Maglight and Wrench set: I mounted a 4-D cell Maglight on my rear hatch in the same manner that Don and Lu have done on their Xterra (see it here). I also mounted a wrench set holder for my SAE wrenches on the rear hatch as well. This makes it more convenient to access my wrenches. I also like where the maglight is, since I keep my tools in the back, and I'll want more light than my mini-maglight can provide if I am using the tools at night. I have to thank Don for his assistance in my install. Cobra 75 WX ST CB and FRS: I have a generic FRS unit, which gets hung on my visor when in use. I have instaled a Cobra 75 WX ST CB radio in Rockaholic I use this when travelling on the trail or on the Highway and to get weather updates. |
| X-terior and Performance Mods |
| ARB Winch Bar: The stock bumper just sucks, no question about it. My X was hit and the front end didn't look too pretty afterwards. As a result, I decided to upgrade to an ARB, which is made of steel and is designed to take out a 125-pound kangaroo at speeds of 35 mph without sustaining any damage. It does weigh more, meaning I'll have more tire wear and my shocks may wear our a bit sooner. However, if anyone hits me, they will sustain all of the damage (in theory). It also provides a place to mount extra lights and a winch. I have plans on adding some paint to the ARB bumper...you'll have to see it when it's done. K&N Filter: I replaced the stock air filter with a K&N filter. It does a better job filtering out dust, allows for better air passage, and it is reusable making it more cost effective in the long run. Custom Soft-Rubber Mudflaps: I got sick of taking my stock hard plastic mudflaps on and off to go offroading, so I fabricated my own set of mudflaps for the X. I had to do a little trimming and had to build a bracket for the flaps. I added a page with full instructions on how to make your own, or to provide you with an idea of how to make your own. I later became aware that the Xcanuks (Don and Lu) had made rear mudflaps for their X, and we had a similar design. That is a coincidence, however, but since they did have the idea first (and since seeing that they did not have stock mudflaps at Mt. Washington inspired me to alter mine) I think they deserve a little credit. Antigua Brand Sliders: I have to thank Will, who fabricated these sliders, and to John Gunterman and Matt Kennedy who helped paint them and make the entire process a blast. These are heavy-duty step rails that will stand up to offroad punishment, and that do not flex under my paltry 175lbs body. They were unfinished by Will, and so I painted them with semi gloss black POR15 with a semi-gloss black chassicoat cover. No, they aren't really called Antigua Brand sliders...it's an inside joke. These sliders look great, and they look awesome with an ARB. Trailer Hitch: I have installed a roundtube trailer hitch to use as a rear step and as rear attachment point for my D-rings for towing and recovery. I used to have a receiver cap with a green X painted on it (never got a photo of that), but it popped out during a watercrossing in Hillsboro, NH. Pictures of the hitch can be seen in my rear view pics. It bolted on to the frame in about 45 minutes, and required that I loosen some bolts on the exhaust. It would have been faster if I had a second set of hands. Transfer Case Skid Plate: I installed this to protect my transfer case from rocks when I go offroading. It was simple to install (10 minutes). It is the skidplate provided by Nissan. Stickers: I have a variety of stickers on Rockaholic. In the front windshield, I have a Martha's Vineyard sticker, a WAAF Aerosmith sticker, a Worcester 6 sticker, a smiley face head and a plush Holiday X (courtesy of Mrs. XCanuk) hanging off the rear view mirror, and a smiley face air freshener on one hand bar. On the wind deflector, I have a Nexterra sticker, Xterra Owners Club sticker, and an American flag. The Nissan has been painted green, but it doesn't show up very well 8(. In the back, I have a WAAF Rush sticker, XOC and Nexterra stickers, an American flag, an Ozzie Saves sticker, and a Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and International Association of Fire Fighters stickers. Horn Bracket: I have flooded my horn a few times, and after the Ocala trip, I managed to pack it full of mud. When I replaced the horn with a stock equivalent, I also decided to bracket the horn so it sits higher than before (about 1.75 inches). This may not have much of an effect, but it may help prevent it from flooding as easily or as often. Anti-Sway Bar removed: I made this very simple modification to gain some rear articulation for offroading. To do it, you just need to undo 4 - 14mm bolts and 2 - 14mm nuts. You will need an addtional wrench to get the nuts off. These bolts are located by the top attachment points of the shocks, and on the axel on either side of the rear differential. This will help me gain traction of a few rocky or hilly spots. |
| Upcoming Mods |
| I have a few mods planned for later down the road. I plan on upgrading to 31" tires (I'm currently shopping, but I like the BFG M/T KO's right now), installing Add-A-Leafs, installing an engine block heater, wet gear basket netting, adding some fog lamps or driving lights, adding some backup lights, upgrading the stock light bulbs to super white PIAA's, more skid plates, a ski rack, Shackles (either Terraflex or 2" SLR), Manual Locking Hubs, Front and Rear Lockers, removable roof mounted daylighters, an air intake system (HKS, or SLR IV), a steering stabilizer, a 3" lift, a winch, and a roof rack for summer carrying uses. After talking with Pathfinder 98 from Florida, I have begun thinking about moving the leafr springs to the top of the rear axel instead of leaving them underneath like they are now. This would provide a 3" suspension lift in the back. Now I just have to iron out all the details and see how plausible it is. After all, if Chevy rice trucks can lower the springs to reduce ride height, shouldn't you be able to do the reverse? |
| Last Updated 01-20-02 |
