Vettereddie's xB pics (56k sorry)

vettereddie · 09-30-2008, 10:34 PM

Well, I've been here a while but not shared much, so here it is. I have a BSP two-toned xB with a wheelchair ramp, and a whole lot of hours modding.

And here's some of the crazy stuff still in work. Some of it I have had to cancel or put on hold for time, funding and reliability reasons. I'll put up posts on the projects when they are complete.

Now you know why they call the club Scikotic, we sometimes get a little crazy.

**ogerdgonz** · 09-30-2008, 10:48 PM

The guns are amazing....are they motorized? if so would love to see a video of them in action.

DTRAIN619 · 09-30-2008, 10:49 PM

WOW!! Just wow!!!!!

Say, is that the Braun ramp set-up you have? I now see what you were saying about the bamboo - nice touch.

And your engine cover... man, that's so sweet.

vettereddie · 09-30-2008, 10:53 PM

I just got the guns in today, they'll be fixed-mount for now but will be operable from a dash switch via servo. I want to wire them into the steering wheel controls.

The ramp isn't Braun, that cost a lot more because of the motorized ramp and rear airbags. This was done by Freedom Motors, their xB2 is just badass.

If you know someone looking for a ride whose disabled, check them out:
Wheelchair Vans, and wheelchair accessible car and suv with handicap van conversions to wheelchair accessible vehicles and handicapped vans

They do PT Cruisers and Honda ELements as well.

SAKURA · 09-30-2008, 10:59 PM

nice transformation.

is the wheelchair ramp made just for yer bbq needs? also, did you fabricate the ramp yourself, or did you have it installed? also, is it on air or the rear height is compensated for ride clearence?

oh btw, aloha!

DTRAIN619 · 09-30-2008, 11:04 PM

Gotcha on the Braun. One of the lady members here had it on her 1st Gen before they stopped production. And yes, that 2nd Gen is just crazy!

Lambo doors, move aside!!!

PCH · 10-01-2008, 12:28 AM

WOW!!!!! I have not been that impressed in a long time. Will probably add comments later, but for now all i can do is just stare at the pics. You've built quite a ride, man

yellow_sub · 10-01-2008, 01:58 AM

suuuuper sick! love all the little details

gothbox · 10-01-2008, 02:08 AM

still looking good man. i love the bamboo floor.
I think the graphics will turn out really nice.

is that the motor that you are building? what do you lack to finish it and put it in?

vettereddie · 10-01-2008, 07:23 AM

Sakura, my wife has MS and needs to used a motorized wheelchair, so that's why I got the xB with the ramp. The suspension is mechnaically lifted, it does not lower. It needs to be raised to clear the lower floor, as well as the gas tank which was shifted down and forward. One of the things I'm working on is rear-wheel half-covers with functional brake scoops. I picked up a set of fender flares that I will be heavily modifying. Freedom motors did the conversion. They're out of Michigan, I actually bought my car over the internet. I had test drove xB's at the local dealer, but did the order, loan paperwork, and everything else by email and phone. I didn't see the car until it was paid for and delivered by covered trailer, was an $800 delivery fee, dropped off at my driveway.

I'm still building the motor. My initial plan was to twincharge it, with a Greddy turbo feeding the supercharger. That is what you see in the picture. However, upon further analysis I decided against it for cost and reliability. The setup would have two heat sources instead of one from both compressors, and no room for an aftercooler behind the supercharger. I'd be relying on methanol injection only (at another $500) to cool and stave off detonation. On top of that, the Greddy blower would be taking in hotter-than-ambient air, and if the intake charge is too hot the rotors can delaminate.

The current plan is to go turbo only. I have the turbo, pistons and the engine. I'll still need rods, bearings, coating the pistons and an intercooler. Once I get the engine parts, I'll do the build, paint the block all black and drop it in for a few thousand miles before putting the turbo on to give the rings time to seat. This will be a long term project. As I have an automatic, I'll also be getting a transmission cooler.

I try to do as much work as I can myself to keep costs down and get experience, though it makes things take longer. I did all the fiberglass and will be doing all the engine work. I did not paint the two-tone but will be painting the grill and speaker boxes since I can do those in a booth. Next on the list right now are the graphics, I have them out for install quotes, the artwork is vectorized and ready for print, and the paintball guns. I've got a show November 9 I want them both ready for.

For the paintball guns, they will be the only "show-only" piece, meaning I will not be driving around with them ready to go. The barrels will stick out of the grill, but unscrew where I will install plugs on the grill. Since the air tanks will also most likely be in the engine bay, I would not want them in while the engine is on and running. I will be putting a heat shield over the guns themselves to keep the rubber o rings from getting dried out. At shows, I will be using foam re-balls instead of paint so I can shoot it off without fear of splatter messing up someone's clothes or ride.

moonray · 10-01-2008, 07:31 AM

I agree with the others -- Very nice!! How does it ride with the back end up so high to give clearance for the box under the back?

surfcitylocal · 10-01-2008, 08:07 AM

Wow. Such attention to detail. You've done an awesome job with that ride. I bet one could stand in front of it for a while and continue to find little details that don't show in the pics. Very well executed. Thanks for sharing.

ArizonaTurbo · 10-02-2008, 12:51 PM

Nice Ride!

PCH · 10-02-2008, 02:04 PM

Really like the aggressive look, especially with the FFF, and how the color scheme is followed throughout the car. Steering wheel controls for the guns should be easy if you have 06.5- i've put few switches on my steering too. The whole thing about your ride looks high quality

Looking forward to more pics.

toaster_pilot · 10-02-2008, 02:21 PM

sharp looking ride, love the custom sub/amp set up

khanhdom · 10-08-2008, 02:01 AM

niceee stuff!

squirrel · 10-08-2008, 02:10 AM

Very impressive!!!!!!!

litos_2006 · 10-08-2008, 02:42 AM

very sick lookin xb

jbo · 11-20-2008, 09:23 AM

Yo Im loving what you've done to the b and the guns are sick some very creative things in the works...nicely done

zax1stgxb · 11-11-2009, 09:14 AM

so it looks like im a year late, but i love this xb!

the mac in the dash is pimp! and you have one of the nicest FFF's ive seen! i would love to see this in person one day!