Hole for snorkle

Submitted: Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:08
ThreadID: 41960 Views:2882 Replies:9 FollowUps:4
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Has anyone used a jigsaw to make the hole for a snorkle?
I had a bit of a practice on an old car mudgaurd and went allright till I hit a hidden panel underneath and broke the blade. The finished cut seemed ok but will have to be carefull not to scratch the paint around the hole, plenty of masking tape should prevent that.
The bit that has got me worried is that it's on an 80series landcruiser and there is a crease in the gaurd right in the middle of the hole and the jigsaw might get the jumps.
I'm too lousy to buy a holesaw and I allredy have a jigsaw ;-)
TIA
Graeme
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Reply By: Wayne (NSW) - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:15

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:15
Graeme,

It can be done with a jig saw, but will not be as neat. A hole saw is better. I have fitted hundreds of snorkels and have always used a hole saw. They are cheaper than getting a guard repaired.

As far as cutting a hole in the guard of a 80 series it is one of the easy ones.

If you want to use a jigsaw make sure it has a short blade.

Remember measure twice and cut once

Wayne
AnswerID: 219650

Follow Up By: 4wdNewbie - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:58

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:58
Sorry to hijack, but how much do ya charge for the actual snorkel fitting? Because ive seen snorkels on ebay goin for a steal. And was wondering if it was a really expensive job getting them fitted, thus defeating the purpose of getting one of ebay as opposed to ARB or similar...
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FollowupID: 480229

Reply By: Member - Nick (TAS) - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:24

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:24
Like you I didnt have a hole saw the right size so I drilled about 100 small holes around the inside edge of the snorkel hole and then joined them up with the jigsaw.Just watch that the jigsawbase can leave scratches on your guard.There is a great tool,FalconNibbler that goes in an ordinary drill that cuts beautifully, you just guide it around and the finish is excellant, no sharp edge at all.Think there around $90.
AnswerID: 219655

Reply By: markeaust - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:25

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:25
Graeme,

I have a 105 series and I did the snorkel hole myself...jigsaw worked fine. FWIW, use a new blade (proper hacksaw blade) and have a spare on hand.

A couple of other points:

1. Fit template VERY carefully, lest the thing be crooked!
2. Mask the area well to prevent scratching and take the plunge.
3. Any 'rough' edges can be smoothed with a file to neaten things up.
4. I was tempted to drill some of the holes smaller than what they suggest, but the bigger size holes will give a little 'fudge factor'...just do it as they suggest.

The hardest part was fitting the pieces of 'air tubing togther inside the guard and making them water/air tight....a little fiddly. Not too sure how the 80 series one goes but here is a couple of site links that may help.....

Site Link
Site Link
Site Link
Site Link

Good luck with the installation.

Cheers,

Mark
AnswerID: 219657

Follow Up By: Wayne (NSW) - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:31

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:31
Mark,

I took the park light assembly out and was able to get access to the inside of the guard. That way I was able to do the hose clamp up tight.

Wayne
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FollowupID: 480223

Reply By: GRAEME. - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:35

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:35
Gee you blokes are quick, I thought I'd check for answers later and I haven't even made it outside yet.

I THINK I might have a nibbler here somewhere (or other the road, I'll have to look) so I might give that a practice run. Lucky I have a few old cars to hack up.

Graeme
AnswerID: 219660

Reply By: Crackles - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:51

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 13:51
To minimise the chance of a stuff up just get an engineering workshop with a plasma cutter to pop a hole in. 15 min job tops if you have it marked out for them.
Cheers Craig.............
AnswerID: 219662

Follow Up By: awill4x4 - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 17:55

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 17:55
As a full time Tig welder I can say with certainty that if any snorkel installer were to approach my vehicle with the intention of using a plasma cutter on a painted guard I would be running in the opposite direction as fast as I could.
Regards Andrew.
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FollowupID: 480268

Reply By: Red One - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 16:53

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 16:53
Don't forget to seal the edge of the hole with two pack expoxy
AnswerID: 219696

Reply By: Member - Ian H (NSW) - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 19:20

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 19:20
Don't use a jigsaw. Drill a small hole then use aviation snips to cut a circle the right size. Buy a pair if need be. About $30 at a good tool store. Wiss brand is the best.
AnswerID: 219726

Reply By: Middle Jeff - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 19:50

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 19:50
Hi Greame
I did my 80 with a jig saw and I am hopeless, so if I can anybody can.

Have fun

Craig
AnswerID: 219733

Follow Up By: GRAEME. - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 20:21

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 20:21
Now that's what i wanted to hear, thanks Craig.
Seeing as I'm next to hopeless it should be ok then.

Graeme.
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FollowupID: 480309

Reply By: GRAEME. - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 20:31

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 20:31
Thanks for all the answers.
The lcool act site was exellent, I hadn't seen that before.

I think I've got a job for next weekend.
Might do a few more practice runs and stock up with the masking tape.

Cheers,
Graeme
AnswerID: 219742

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