Driver: Tim Hardy
Age:47
Occupation:Restoration of vehicles
Where did you come from?:Kelsey, CA
Did you tow it out or drive it?:Drove it
How long have you been off-roading?:Too damn long! 35+ years
What got you into 4x4s?:Living close to Georgetown where they had a Jeeper's Jamboree
Favorite part of the trip:Sand dunes
Funniest thing you saw happen:Me being pulled into Pat's Jeep.
What was your least favorite part of the trip?:When I lost my Yosemite Sam bobblehead off the cowl.
Hardtop, soft top, or no top:Tin top
Would you want to work for a 4x4 mag now that you've met us and seen what we do?:I'd do it in a hot minute if I knew how to use a PC
Would you kick out your co-driver if we had a supermodel to ride in your truck?:I didn't have a co-driver. Heck, I got an extra seat!
Would you do it again next year, or would it be asking too much of your battered body?:Oh, yeah right. Don't even ask.
Favorite truck on the trip (besides your own):Watson's Wally Blazer
Co-Driver:None
Age:NA
Occupation:NA
Vehicle: Suzuki Samurai
Year:1988
Tires/Wheels:35-inch BFG Krawlers/15-inch aluminum American Racing
Steering:Toyota steering box, S-link
Front suspension:Rear leaf springs, shackle reversal, 3 1/2-inch frame extension, narrowed track, moved 1 1/2 inches forward
Rear suspension:Quarter-eliptic leaves, moved 1 1/2 inches forward
Front drivetrain:Stock housing, EZ Locker, 5.12 gears, LAC Birfields, Dutchman inner axles, Hardy-made 26-spline outer shafts
Rear drivetrain:Sidekick centersection, EZ Locker with Ford side gears, 31-spline Ford axles
Driveshafts:Custom 82AC Birfield with chromoly shaft
Tranny:Stock five-speed
Transfer case(s)/ratio(s)/other mods:4:1 Hardy-made
Engine/Mods:1.3L, match-ported carb, intake, and head
Bumpers/rails/rollcage:1 1/2- and 2-inch 0.120-wall tube
Winch:Warn 5000
What (on your truck) gave you problems during the trip?:Winch, transfer case wore out synchro locking ring