TheSamba.com :: View topic - Who's baja is getting a motor rebuild and trans rebuild? Me

Fri Jul 11, 2025 8:13 am

Look like the Led Gravity lights for $700. :shock: :shock: :shock: ouch!

Fri Jul 11, 2025 11:22 am

Those are KC rock lights, the old ones were cheapo trailer lights: https://robonza.com/beetle/index.php/2024/04/12/replacing-the-front-blinkers-with-kc-rock-lights/

Now, those front headlights are amazing! They are KC 7" Gravity LEDs for a Jeep TJ. They are bright as heck, they look amazing and are stupid expensive. I had bought Vintage LED headlights, they were better than 50 year old stock, but not worth $300. https://robonza.com/beetle/index.php/2024/08/22/kc-7-gravity-led-headlights-on-66-beetle/

You can always find a coupon for 5-10-15% off KC if you look around KCREV5 has worked forever for me.

-Joe

Fri Jul 11, 2025 11:23 am

ORANGECRUSHer wrote: Look like the Led Gravity lights for $700. :shock: :shock: :shock: ouch!

Had I known I was rebuilding the engine, trans and a ton of other stuff, I probably would have bought something cheaper :D

-Joe

Fri Jul 11, 2025 12:06 pm

No matter how bright mounting the lights 2 feet off the ground up front is pointless just going to light up the ground 10 feet in front or the woop 3 feet ahead. Angle them back you just light up the sky and blind the shit out of other drivers. Put them on the roof or at least on the hood.

Fri Jul 11, 2025 12:21 pm

I have driving spots on the roof, flood spots on the bumper and headlights in the ... headlights? I like em! I just cruise double track and appreciate that the multiple sets of lights get rid of those shadows that make every rock look like a cliff at night.

The stock LEDs in my wife's LJ are brighter than those KC headlights on the beetle and when you drive the Jeep at night people think you have the high beams on. I think those mopar lights are pretty expensive though.

-Joe

Fri Jul 11, 2025 1:27 pm

Low mounted yellow lights are great for fog and dust visibility.
I put the Lasfit (Diode Dynamics Knockoffs) fog pods on all our cars. Crisp clean cut-off lenses don't blind other drivers. Factory wired for waterproof DT connectors. $130/pair. So far they've survived 10yrs of daily use with no condensation inside.

Money spent on quality round 7" headlights is a good investment. I put Jeep lights in my car. Wish I would've spent a little more on a better brand like Joe did. Being able to see well at night will help keep you safe.

Fri Jul 11, 2025 4:22 pm

She's alive!

-Joe

Sat Jul 12, 2025 9:15 pm

Nice! That sounds decently responsive for a single that doesn't have much tuning time on it. Moab was the best my single ever ran, just due to atmospheric conditions in general, I suspect.

Sidenote, I didn't know you guys even knew about Diode Dynamics :lol: I guess I assumed it was sort of a toasted ravioli situation. I just figured all the Midwest and Northern, and maybe East coast guys used Diode Dynamics, and you guys out west all ran Baja Designs. I live about 30 mins from Diode Manufacturing HQ, I guess it really has blown up over the last few years! DD company open house is August 9th if anyone happens to be in StL, I'll show ya around.

Tue Jul 15, 2025 9:46 am

The engine and new clutch are in. Hoses and wires getting hooked up today.

-Joe

Tue Jul 15, 2025 10:13 am

Getting closer to the day it's finally coming home. :D

Tue Jul 15, 2025 10:30 am

I have to admit there has been a little bit of scope creep in this project.

I originally called them to put on rear discs, a spin on oil filter adapter and new shocks. Which then turned into rebuilding the motor and trans because I knew they were messed up but was in denial. They were just worse than I had assumed. And then we added an LSD, modding up the motor for more power, new front bumper, repainting the old rear bumper, adding oil temp, pressure and tach, new shifter bushings, new clutch, remote oil filter, oil breather, etc.

I really should have had them cut off the trailer hitch on the rear bumper before getting it powder coated, oh well...

-Joe

Tue Jul 15, 2025 10:44 am

they sure are taking their time

Tue Jul 15, 2025 11:32 am

ORANGECRUSHer wrote: they sure are taking their time
Shhhh, Brian. You're saying the quiet part out loud.

Tue Jul 15, 2025 12:39 pm

that's cuz I'm stoopid :oops:

Tue Jul 15, 2025 3:23 pm

Yeah, I know, I was out of town for 6 weeks and did not push them, so part my fault but also... nothing I can do about it.

-Joe

Mon Jul 21, 2025 8:53 pm

It drives!!!

-Joe

Tue Jul 22, 2025 11:42 am

indianpeaksjoe wrote: It drives!!!

-Joe
Sweet!
The only things missing in that video is, You your dog and the car offroading in Moab. Lol!

Wed Jul 23, 2025 6:39 am

Kicking a man when he's down :)

-Joe

Wed Jul 23, 2025 1:34 pm

indianpeaksjoe wrote: Kicking a man when he's down :)

-Joe
Anything I can do to help "Kick" this process along! :D

Tue Aug 19, 2025 8:53 am

It's back!