WAITING FOR THE TRAIL.............

I would like to start off the blog by saying we have been officially recognized as a "NAPA Auto Care Center". This is one more step in our quest to be the best full service and performance shop! This is a very proud day for all of us here at Performance! As a NAPA Auto Care Center we follow the NAPA AutoCare Code of Ethics:

• To perform high quality diagnostic and repair service at a fair price using quality Napa parts
• To employ ASE certified technicians
• To be dedicated to customer satisfaction
• To exercise reasonable care for the customers property while in our possession
• To obtain prior authorization and provide a price estimate for work performed
• To provide a system for fair settlement of customer complaints should they occur
• To maintain the highest standards of our profession
• To uphold the integrity of all members of the NAPA AutoCare Program

Come see what makes us different, and join the family!

89 Toyota Landcruiser FJ62

We have this cruiser for a work over to get it ready for the trail. We had a major overhaul of the motor, transmission, and the transfer case. The original drivetrain had 280,000 miles on it, and it was tired. We replaced all three with much lower "new to me" mileage parts. We also installed a set of Hella headlights to turn the darkness into a better place for wheeling, and looking out for Bambi.

We have gutted out the interior in preparation for the "Lizard Skin" spray in liner. Here are some of the benefits. LizardSkin® SC formula is an advanced, water-based composition of high-grade acrylic binders with sound-damping particles. Proven sound damping technology enables LizardSkin® SC to dramatically reduce noise when properly applied. It also protects surfaces from moisture and corrosion and can withstand temperatures to 300° F. (149° C


We also use LizardSkin® CI for insulating projects too! Look over the comparisons to see
which one you should have in your ride!

Seamless LizardSkin® Ceramic			Old-fashioned Cut & Paste Insulation
Thickness: .040"-.060"			.5" to 1"
Seamless			Many seams that separate over time
Covers body, frame and ribs			Body sections only
Apply anywhere			Not inside door panels
Applies directly		Vs.	Requires adhesives
Fast application			Labor intensive, difficult
Water resistant			Absorbs and retains water
Seals/Protects Surface			Can accelerate corrosion
Biodegradeable, non-toxic			Adhesives contain toxic chemicals
Cleans with soap & water			Solvent usually required
Low installed cost			Product installation can be pricey

We use Lizard Skin in a variety of applications, which are only limited by your imagination, not to mention we are an authorized dealer!

COMANCHE

We got a little more done on the indian. We added more paint onto the cab, and fenders front and rear. The trim is going back on, the doors have been installed, and the front axle has been welded up with the needed parts ready for assembly. We have also
finished up with all of the control arms and they are ready to be installed.

THE MONSTER

The final push this week to get the Monster out to the customer by Friday! We installed the front hydraulic bump stops and got the battery box in. Tube fenders front and rear have been added along with plumbing the brake system. The side exhaust system has been finished and waiting to come to life.

We installed the seats, along with the seat belts, and have incorporated all of it to the cage for the ultimate in protection. The steering column has been added, and custom fitted to the owner.

The first thing you notice is the tubing surrounding the windshield. You could probably get more protection, but you would have to hire a team of a dozen spec ops men to do it. We also added grab handles in multiple spots for those "special moments" with the one you wheel with, slapping afterwards is optional.

Although we know that everyone’s instinct is to grab for all these handles in the tense moments, we would like to mention a few “safety” items here. The driver usually has a good grip on the steering wheel, but did you remember to keep your thumbs on the outside? Hook your thumb inside, hit a rock or some other immobile object and you may quickly find your thumb dislocated. For the passengers, keep your hands in at all times. If you get nervous, grab your seatbelt or the bottom of the seat. Grabbing that “oh sh@#” handle up above you may result in your fingers being pinched against the ground if the vehicle rolls onto its side. The handle in front of you might be ok, but will probably leave you sore because you tense up a lot and are over extending some muscles and whatever else your body is made of.

Here we have a shot of the rear bumper we fabricated, and the fuel cell is ready for the final install.

Here is a shot of the right rear tube fender from the rear end. This tube will house an LED light, but if you take a closer look, we installed another tube inside it. This second tube will actually house the wiring for the LED light.

This tube is routed to the inside of the rear of the jeep where the wire loom will run to power the lights. Clean install, because anyone can drill holes and use rubber grommets, we like to go the extra mile. We believe that the proper engineering will make not only make the vehicle better, and more reliable, but also make the customer very happy.
So for anyone that might be thinking about fabbing their own jeep like the one here, let me give you someinformation. We used 270' of 1.75" DOM tubing, and 45' of 1.5" DOM tubing. This has allowed us to fabricate a complete chassis with only 450 pounds of weight! By the time we finally get it done, the jeep should bearound a total weight of 5,200 pounds, not bad.