🛠️ Member Build GED’s ‘23 Braptor in NorCal

[GED]

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[GED]

reserved2

 

[GED]

3rd Starlink install:

Went with a new Starlink mini. I’m impressed by its low power draw : so far, 22 Watts on average.

My new Roof Top Tent is invasive (large), and so I needed to move the mini out of the roof rack, and onto the hood.

I need the mini to be able to have connectivity while driving because if the racing App Lead GPS.

I am using a hacked version of this mount:

https://a.co/d/91xeP68

It’s a great mount, but it uses average screws that I replaced by security Torx screws to reduce the risk of somebody stealing the mini.

I thought that 6 M6 mount points on the hood would be enough:

Drilled the hood which seems to be composite or fiberglass:

Added six jack nuts:

Covered it in heat shield as a preventive protection:

Wrapped the underside of the mini with Gorilla white duct tape to make it more weatherproof (mud & Rain resistant):

Bolted it with 6 x M6 Torx security screws, and ran the Starlink USB-C wire all the way to the trunk in the back where I have my power station:

 

[GED]

Shovel Install:

In California, as part of obtaining your Campfire permit, you agree to bring a Shovel to each campfire...

I used some Quick-Fists into the accessory mount on the tailgate.

The worst part was that the threads were completely gummed up with paint. I had to spend almost an hour with a M6 x 1.0 tap to clean the threads before attempting to screw in the rubber Quick Fists:

The shovel fit perfectly in the very limited space that is available between the tire and the tail light when the tailgate is open more than 90 degrees.

However I did not like how it look in regards to the Bronco, so I used a Sharpie to mark the line where the lift gate window starts.
I painted above glossy black (after having sharpened the blade's edge with a grinder), and the handle white. Looks much better to me:

 

[Bschurr]

Shovel Install:

In California, as part of obtaining your Campfire permit, you agree to bring a Shovel to each campfire...

I used some Quick-Fists into the accessory mount on the tailgate.

The worst part was that the threads were completely gummed up with paint. I had to spend almost an hour with a M6 x 1.0 tap to clean the threads before attempting to screw in the rubber Quick Fists:

View attachment 16694

The shovel fit perfectly in the very limited space that is available between the tire and the tail light when the tailgate is open more than 90 degrees.

However I did not like how it look in regards to the Bronco, so I used a Sharpie to mark the line where the lift gate window starts.
I painted above glossy black (after having sharpened the blade's edge with a grinder), and the handle white. Looks much better to me:

View attachment 16695

Great aesthetic but oh boy is that first use of the shovel is gonna be bittersweet!