[Tejas@perioimpl]

She's got new lights new. A pair of light force and what a worthwhile upgrade.

The lights came with the Mahindra Classic I had recently re-purchased back.

Here's the thread for that:

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-v...ml#post5181662

Fit the KC Lights in the classic as a swap.

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Got the wiring sorted in the Pajero.

I have too many lights in the vehicle - Light force, Roo lights, reverse lights, awning lights, etc.

I thought that instead of using the power from the existing starter socket, I'd run it direct from battery.

This was so that I don't stress the thinner ignition cables.

The best place to do it was Fours Seasons, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai.

Expensive labour, but what a fantastic job they did.

Main wire with master fuse in green connected to battery:



Negative terminal:



Cut outs nicely fixed:



Individual Fuses (just need to label them now):



Master Cut off:




This last one is the goof up they did. Since the connection was direct from battery, I needed a master cut off because the morning washer may inadvertently switch on some switches while cleaning and it would drain the battery. So I had requested a master cut off in the cabin. However, for some reason, he put it in the engine bay.

This would be a headache where I would need to stop the car, switch it on and then remember to switch off again after the drive and keep opening the bonnet.

Once I get time, I will go an relocate the switch to inside the cabin.

Also got the horn changed to Skoda one. I love that sound.

[jay140261]

I guess one must look you up next time in Mumbai. You must be one of a kind, maintaining the Post for all these years. I came back to the post after a while. I am on the roads but still have all the dreams pending regarding changes. But overlanding for sure.

Saw your post on the mishap you had on your recee run. Happy to know all well and you honed up your experience a bit more. Maybe will participate in your training session once.

Take care and hi to your team mates.

[jono213]

I must say after coming across this thread almost by chance, i've read every bit of it, from the purchase of the SFX to the most recent update and the effort you've put in to transform the pajero is very inspiring, the way you've maintained this thread is immaculate, as someone who's had a knack for cars since he was a wee little fella and who's hopefully getting into college this year, i really appreciate how tastefully you've done this up and i hope i can foray into something like this when i get older, wishing you nothing but godspeed from my end, goodluck!!

[Tejas@perioimpl]

UPDATE:

One cell of the battery went kaput. Battery was 38 months old.

Assuming due to winching and heavy aux lights, there was more load on the cells.

Got a new Exide one replaced with 24+24 month warrantee option.

[Tejas@perioimpl]

The problem with the SFX are it's handles.

Made of plastic. The car auto locks a few seconds after starting (even if standstill) and if some one pulls the handle hard, it breaks.

I was lucky that few years ago when aliexpress was shipping to India, I had ordered a set of 4 handles because I had same issue in past.

The local mechanic modified the handles mechanism a bit to fit the same side (twice the left side ones broke).

Now wondering, what I'll do next time it breaks since Aliexpress doesn't ship.

The cost of 4 handles shipped form AE is cheaper than one handle available here. Both are same quality.

[ruzbehxyz]

Originally Posted by Tejas@perioimpl

Now wondering, what I'll do next time it breaks since Aliexpress doesn't ship.

The cost of 4 handles shipped form AE is cheaper than one handle available here. Both are same quality.

A suggestion.
Why not custom make chrome handles, keeping the locking mechanism same. There are lot of good fabricators in Turbhe, JDS could help.

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Originally Posted by ruzbehxyz

A suggestion.
Why not custom make chrome handles, keeping the locking mechanism same. There are lot of good fabricators in Turbhe, JDS could help.

Explored. Tried. Too expensive to justify the cost. When I have time, I'm gonna try and do some "jugaad" reinforcement on the existing broken handles that I have taken back and see if it works.

[Dry Ice]

Originally Posted by Tejas@perioimpl

Now wondering, what I'll do next time it breaks since Aliexpress doesn't ship.

The cost of 4 handles shipped form AE is cheaper than one handle available here. Both are same quality.

Not possible to get help from a friend/relative outside India? Since you don’t need it immediately, waiting for them to come down maybe fine?

[condor]

Is metal fabrication an option ? If that can be done, then you would have a permanent set.

(Are these more fragile than the fragile looking handles on the old Safari /Dicor ? )

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Originally Posted by Dry Ice

Not possible to get help from a friend/relative outside India? Since you don’t need it immediately, waiting for them to come down maybe fine?

That’s a plan I’ve been exploring. Due to the pandemic, most travel is reduced as well.

Originally Posted by condor

Is metal fabrication an option ? If that can be done, then you would have a permanent set.

(Are these more fragile than the fragile looking handles on the old Safari /Dicor ? )

No idea in comparison to safari.

Fabrication can be done but complicated and may need to be 3d modelled first and then CNC cut and welded.

[NayanArora07]

Hi Tejas Sir,

I’ve been following this thread for the past few years and was excited to see the Pajero Overland build. A few days ago, I officially joined Team-BHP and came straight to this thread for updates, but it seems like the last update was quite some time ago.

I just wanted to check if there are any new developments on the project! One day, I plan to turn my current Thar into an overland project too - it's a dream for the future!

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Sorry for not updating this thread.

In January 2025 I sold the vehicle to a dear friend, Harshvardhan.

He's promised to take care of the vehicle and maintain it and keep this thread alive.

His membership has just been approved and his handle is Offroad.Indian

Here are some parting snaps.

Here's me with my 8 year old. He's extremely upset with the sale and Harsh uncle promised to bring the car whenever he wants a drive:



That's Harsh with his 12 year old taking delivery:




And final parting pic of me and Harsh with the car:




Since Harsh is also training to be an offroad trainer with me, I'll keep seeing the car at Learn Offroad.

Harsh also owns a Hilux and VCross among other vehicles and all of them are kept very well.

What's next for me? I don't know. Nothing decided. I have a Jimny with me for a while and then let's see what lands up in my lap.

The fun for me has always been modifying a vehicle!

Out of all the vehicles I've sold, this one has made me the saddest! What a car she has been and I wish Harsh miles of fun!

[Ashishknainan]

Pajero is one Vehicle I once aspired for, but sadly would never own. What a machine. This was the OG SUV for me while growing up.
Cheers to the new owner!

[BlackBeard]

Originally Posted by Tejas@perioimpl

The fun for me has always been modifying a vehicle!

Out of all the vehicles I've sold, this one has made me the saddest! What a car she has been and I wish Harsh miles of fun!

I have been following this thread since you started it in 2016 and had planned to modify my Pajero GLX bought in 2014 similarly. however my plans remained so, just plans and finally had to let the vehicle go in 2022.

Congratulations to the new owner, hope he does justice to the vehicle.

On the aside, given that your SFX was a BSIII compliant model with a detuned engine and all the additional weight on it in view of all the modifcations carried out how well did it perform off road?