Racers Ride

[Racer-X]

Well I finally have it finished enough to be proud to post pics. It's an 03 that I bought in Dec of 02. Back when dealers added 5-7K to MSRP. But I had no patience and it was either that or give the 25K down payment to the IRS - a no brainer right?

The Gobi rack I installed myself, It's very simple. I also wired all of the PIAA lighting. All exterior connections are soldered and covered with shrink tape. Wiring the lights is not something I would do again. Just getting the wires into the cab and under the dash took me 4 hours! If you look you can see the factory off road lights that come on the grill for the adventure package have been changed out with PIAA. They just looked cheesy after installing the upper ones.

I'm pretty much finished with the exterior with the exception of getting a Gobi Ladder which I am in the process of buying from a fellow forum member here. As you can see there is very little "bling" and it will stay that way. Even the chrome gas filler cover (not shown) will be replaced with a black one when I get the chance.

Future plans include Rancho 9000 shocks with in cab adjuster. Tint DS/PS windows. Either paint interior trim or buy a LE kit. Possibly a front locker when I'm out of warranty.

I'd like to thank my Wife for her support of my love of this vehicle. She enthusiasticaly agreed to spend 60K on a SUV. The Gobi rack was a christmas gift. The winch was a birthday gift she secretly had installed when it was in for routine maintenance. Anything and everything I do with it she supports even though she does not enjoy off-roading (it scares her). A special lady to be sure.

[Racer-X]

Sean, Thank you for the compliment and I'd love to do the Mojave road. I desperately want to get out with other Hummers more. When are you going? The only weekend I couldn't do it would be Feb 17th -19th, that's my 40th BD party and my wifes taken me to Reno with about a dozen friends.

ree, thanks for fixing that! (No offense H2 rocks) definately no more chrome. I'm undecided about removing what little is there (with the exception of the gas door) With those rims it may be better to leave some on (door handles and mirrors) to tie it all together. The suggestions definately have me thinking though.

IMO the worst thing that can happen is totally finishing it. Part of the fun is modifying and tweaking things and making it look different from the guy down the street. The dealership had mine over the weekend and I couldn't pick it up cause I was out of town. When I went to get it on monday they had washed it, shined the tires, buffed the chrome and parked it a block away smack dab in the middle of new inventory as if advertising to the customers - Buy an Hummer and one day it can look like this.

[Racer-X]

The reason I bought White.....

[Racer-X]

When she was young and firm.

[Alex13188]

looks good man, nice choice on the wheels you cant beat weld

[KenP]

Congrats on having an understanding wife. Now don't let her drive it.

Where are you, anyway?

[HummBebe]

Racer - X,
your rig is Muy MACHO, I like it!!!

An the comment about Brian I agree!

HummBebe heart teh Grampa

[Racer-X]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">After putting on 6 PIAA's, each with their logo emblazoned on the cover, you put their stickers on the front </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

heh, that's what my wife said. OK, I'll take em off.

[Racer-X]

Thank you DDWH. I'm very proud of it.

[ree]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Racer-X:
...
Don't be afraid to tell me I did something wrong ... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

After putting on 6 PIAA's, each with their logo emblazoned on the cover, you put their stickers on the front

I'm not too fond of the lettering on the wheels and the chrome on the mirrors and filler cap. But otherwise, it looks great.

[LoLo]

Looks great! (But makes me miss my offroad lights!!! )

[Racer-X]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I'd like it more with the winch tucked away inside a DRTY bumper </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I first saw those right after I got mine. Makes the H2 look just fricken awesome. Maybe someday.

Then theres the issue of my wife having that one installed without my knowledge - something she is very proud of, getting rid of it would probably hurt her feelings.

There are advantages to being able to slap the winch on the back too. Especially for someone like me who gets in over his head and backs up alot...LOL

[Racer-X]

Would love some feedback and/or ideas for the future.

Don't be afraid to tell me I did something wrong or something needs improvement. I don't offend easy and value everyones opinion.

[Racer-X]

Doh! Good point Hummbebe - all fixed!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> ree, it almost sounds familiar, however my screen name comes from the Speed Racer cartoons my mother had the fortitude to put on VHS incase she ever had a son. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


wait, that won;t work, they didn't have VCR's back then!

[Racer-X]

Thanks TX. That's my baby there! If I had to pick between it and the H2...well, let's not go there.

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Racer-X:
Rodster, already found that thread and PM'd Sean. 99% chance I'm going. Me and my Bro have been talking about doing the Mojave Rd for months now. Hoping he will join me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's great -- look forward to meeting you!

Oh, and don't pay attention to that KenP comment about "real trails". Some day all us n00bs will sneak up to Moab together and practice our stuff. Then maybe, just maybe, we'll wheel with the elders and teach 'em a new trick or two.

[ree]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2 Rocks:
But it needs less chrome. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Fissed.

[Racer-X]

Selecting my rims was the hardest thing for me. I didn't really want all black because they scratch easy. I searched for pretty much two years before finding these. Black and chrome together. The rings are of course for looks and can bereplaced if they are damaged. Or better yet, remove them before going off-road. Six short screws and they are off.

The rims are Weld dune 8's 17"X8" with 4.50 offset. I decided to go with the BFG MT 35/12.50. The extra inch I would have gotten running 37's did not seem worth it with the speedo off-set or warranty issues. Besides, if I need that extra inch, I probably shouldn't be there in the first place.

[DDWH]

Nice looking rig racer! The low level of bling looks even better!

[Racer-X]

another