Recon H3 Project

[tomp]

The problem is that it has to fit in my garage, and the H3 is right on the limit.

Modding the garage is much easier than what you are about to attempt

[ReconH3]

Tomp. You are so right, but it's not mine. I rent for now

[twinmill28]

The interior is leather so it washes off very easily. The color may not be the cleanest, but I always wanted that color. If it really gets dirty then at least I have proof I wheel hard I hope to never have to use the roll cage but in July I'm about to have my first kid, and that is why installed one. Even though I live in So-Cal, this was not intended as a show vehicle. When I wheel, I wheel hard. I don't know how many chances I'll get, but the intention is there. Since it is my only ride in Cali, chance are I will one day. The handles is something I did because it actually happened to someone I was wheeling with. I picked the Jeep handles because that is what came to mind. Shame I didn't think about the H1 ones like you mentioned. The liftback will not be functional. I didn't want to have to complicate everything since making it watertight was a lot of work. It would have been nice if it did. Way too much fabrication to make it work properly and not leak. No rear window. I'm used to it from other vehicles. My H3 has the backup camera which will stay permanently on. Since the monitor is exactly the same size as my GPS, I will be putting them side by side in the place of the rearview mirror. The day this rig hits the trails, I'll let everyone know. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Below is a pic of me competing in my TJ, so you can see I don't make show vehicles

Hey, thanks for the great response and pic. I wasn't trying to blast you, and I feel it may have come off that way. I love the interior color, like I said, its my color of choice. Not so concerned about keeping it clean after wheeling, its just after awhile it'll start getting grimy and become difficult to keep looking good. You'll enjoy it nonetheless. Good to hear this won't be a show vehicle, but can be in shows just because its so different. That's too bad the liftback won't be functional,, I don't use the cargo area alot, but it sure comes in handy (like bringing my new winch home yesterday! Seems my neighbor with his Jeep doesn't mind pulling me out of my bad decisions, but he won't always be there when I'm in a pinch! That is an awesome idea to use the back-up camera and GPS where the mirror goes, that will work out awesome for you. Did you put any miles on this before tearing it down, or did it go straight to the body shop?

[ReconH3]

No worries. I'm very hard to offend I have been using my H3 for about two years. just never had the chance to tear up the trails with it. Originally I was only going to do a Rancho lift and some tires and that was it. Then I started to see how week the front end was, so I decided to hold back till I had the money and could come up with a better solution. The cosmetic changes came later since I worked with the sheet metal guys on a different project. When I told them what my ideas where, they immediately jumped on the project. Without them, I probably would have never done it. One thing led to the next...

[Seth]

I really like where you are headed with the 3. It would seem your going solid front axle and I seriously interested to see how that turns out. I really hope you make it out to one of the SoCal runs.

I am curious how you will be able to make good use of the rear cargo area. I guess you could put stuff in by laying down the seat. That rear gate was nicely done, but it does only leave you with a foot and a half of access to the rear, right?

[ReconH3]

Thanks. I hope to one day make one of the club outings. Probably won´t happen till January. You´re right on with the load area being small, but I´m no too concerned. If I ever really need to laod anything bigger, I´ll just get a Uhaul trailer. The slant back will also have tie downs, so gear can also be strapped down.

[Timgco]

any updates on this insane build?

...looking forward to seeing the progress. I can see this truck ending up in one of the 4X mags. hint hint

[Rich]

This'll be fun to watch. I know those are humvee tail lights - are those H1 door handles?

And don't listen to these other guys. You started with the right base vehicle.

[ReconH3]

any updates on this insane build?

...looking forward to seeing the progress. I can see this truck ending up in one of the 4X mags. hint hint

It's moving along. Tomorrow I have some more pics. Mostly cosmetics. It's been a little slow, cause on Friday my son was born

[ReconH3]

This'll be fun to watch. I know those are humvee tail lights - are those H1 door handles?

And don't listen to these other guys. You started with the right base vehicle.

They are aftermarket Jeep Wrangler handles. You don't get charged extra for Jeep handles like you do with Hummer products.

[Seth]

It's been a little slow, cause on Friday my son was born

Congratulations. Keep us posted on the build.

[PhilD]

Very nice work

Be nice if you could put some quick disconnects on the doors, so you can take them off for the trail.

[83rdrecon]

Very anxious to see the end results! Looks great so far.

[Timgco]

any updates?? The new kid should be sanding ont hat slantback with ya.

[ReconH3]

Been slow on the updates for two reasons. One being a Dad takes up a lot of my spare time which would be dedicated to this. Those who are Dads, know what I mean. Especially at the beginning when they need you most. Second I'm waiting on a critical part to be able to continue. I've also been traveling a lot for work, and haven't been around to keep things moving along.

The cosmetic stuff is pretty much done. Still needs interior work, but we're going to wait till it's all done to avoid it getting damaged. Roll cage padding will be covered with leather to match the seat upholstery. Suspension is just about to begin but we are waiting to finish adapting all the ABS stuff to the new drive train. I wanted to keep ABS functional since it still a daily driver, and my Wife with my child will be driving it. Safety before fun. Here's a spoiler to keep you drooling The finished product will have dual reduction while keeping the original transfer. I felt the auto tranny needed it, and at the same time I didn't want to go nuts changing transfer cases and spending a ton of money. This way the interior and 4x4 controls stay pretty much stock. I'll try to keep you guys posted as often as possible.