Rollalong Ranger Pop Top

toyfunraider

Observer
After years of lurking and looking for a project rig I finally pulled the trigger. I guess this falls in the category of "Other". Looking for Bandits and Sunraders seemed to be getting more difficult and expensive the longer I looked. When this Rollalong Ranger came along It appeared to be my best option at only $1500.
After a couple of weeks I've cleaned the interior, removed the carpet and started organizing the storage areas. Shopping at Habitat for Humanity I've found some great adjustable shelves that will fit the toilet area and be removable. I have scored a stainless gas grill from Lowes to go with my free propane bottle and hose. This will be a budget build so It may not go very fast. I scored the propane and hose, set up for a portable grill, while house sitting. The couple put the house up for sale over the winter and just wanted to clear it out for the move. This past holiday weekend I found a 4" memory foam mattress at a yard sale, cut it in half to make an 8" think bed that fit the built in bed area perfect.
I'm searching for a trailer that can carry extra gear and the dual sport. I'd like to be able to leave the trailer behind on long trips and winter outings when all the gear isn't required. I have many ideas for this set up but few dollars.
Attached are some photos of when I first looked at the rig in Grand Junction Colorado. The purchase of this gem was its own adventure more on that later.
 

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Rot Box

Explorer
I'm into different but I've never seen one of those before--cool! :coffeedrink:

Can't wait to see what you do with it. Whats does the interior look like?
 

toyfunraider

Observer
The interior is packed tight. Next time I unload it I'll snap some pics of the interior.

Big plan is to remove and install on a full size diesel.

Now I feel a little better about the purchase, Thanks guys
 

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wanderer-rrorc

Explorer
ya know...ya COULD put a cummins 4cyl diesel down in there...its been done with jeep wranglers...and the diffrent engines Ive installed in rangers over the last 12 years of my love afair...its doable!!

or a good 4.0 tweaked..heck even a 5.0 fits!
 

Bella PSD

Explorer
Very cool!! The body lines even match up perfect with the Ford body, looks to be very well built. Pop that top and get some pictures.:sombrero:

Louie
 
D

Deleted member 9101

Guest
ya know...ya COULD put a cummins 4cyl diesel down in there...its been done with jeep wranglers...and the diffrent engines Ive installed in rangers over the last 12 years of my love afair...its doable!!

or a good 4.0 tweaked..heck even a 5.0 fits!

I would drop in a 5.0 from an explorer with a better cam and 500CFM 4 bbl carb and call it a day.
 

toyfunraider

Observer
I like the 4 cyl. cummins idea and I found a Prerunner finished with a 5.0 for 12k. I'm limited by three things, my tools are in Massachusetts, no garage and $$$$$$$. I think the smartest move will be a Gen. 1 Cummins Dodge. The camper is really well built with a solid fiber glassed floor. It sits on two metal high hats and looks like it will come off with ease.
I'll work on getting some pics today.

Thanks PSD, I've been watching your build for years. It inspired me to go with the pop top.
 
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02TahoeMD

Explorer
Seriously cool find there, I have never seen one of those before. I second the notion to throw an engine in there and get out on the road with it. Cool stuff! Looking forward to seeing more pics. :lurk:
 

redthies

Renaissance Redneck
Apologies to those who say "motor, now!", but I have to agree with the 1st gen Cummins option. The ranger is just not quite roomy enough for 98% of trips. Don't get me started on the duals!:sombrero:
 

toyfunraider

Observer
Great point, fake duals on a 1/2 ton axle. Wait till I take pics of the fake duals.

I go back and forth with placing on a Taco or a full size. Mini truck requires much more work, replace rear axle, replace motor, reinforce frame, extend frame and beef up the suspension.
Full size, mount camper box and move on to the fun stuff like bumpers, tire mounts, awnings and 4x4 components.

The trade off might be size in the woods but I don't plan on technical trails.

Check this one out, me with the big boys....LOL, Sorry none of these pics will up load
 
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