1983 FJ45 Troop Carrier Buildup

[Hltoppr]

Back to work!

Okay, since the proverbial cat is out of the bag in my Wanderings Thread, I've spent the last few hours with the Troopy bringing her back to the land of the drivable!

Water pump was pretty simple, and gave me the opportunity to pull the radiator (no drain plug on this one...), put in all new hoses, belt, thermostat etc.

The brake booster is now Toyota unobtainium...maybe I could source a new one...for about $1400.00....no thanks...

So, a used booster from a 1983 FJ60 was found at Cruiserparts.net for $150...and installed just fine, although upside down.

Now, I'll adjust and rebleed the brakes, and repair some cracked lines to the master cylinder that aren't leaking...yet, and get back to mods.


My Mexico Thoughts:

I didn't like the fridge being up so high, so I'll not likely do drawers, just a cargo floor with tie downs;

The mileage on this rig was incredible...17-20mpg! So I'm going to try and keep it as lightweight and aerodynamic as possible. This, along with the fact that my daughter is only 19 months old, and I don't think a RTT will work very well, I'm working on a Hannibal Awning/Enclosure setup, coming off the rear and enclosing the rear doors.

This may give room for a port-a-crib for the little one, and cot for the parents, while allowing access to the rear area....

New speakers are a must. The single, stock 4x6's kungfu is weak....Since I'm not a "unique whips" guy, I'll likely just source some Pioneer truck boxes...

I picked up the seat brackets from my welder...so the rear folding seat and belts are the next on the list; after brake adjustments!


Back to work!

:smiley_drive:

-H-

 

[MoGas]

....Since I'm not a "unique whips" guy...



-H-

Are you going to take back the spinner 22s then..........

 

[Sloan]

Got some pics of those seat brackets? I am trying to figure out the best way to build the mounts for the floor and the seat bracing. Thanks.

 

[Hltoppr]

I thought you wanted the DUBS Mogas....:bigbossHL:

I'll get some pics this weekend...super simple...1x2" tubing, drilled to bolt into the original mounting brackets, essentially raising the seat by an additional 2".

-H-

 

[ChuckB]

H,

Now that the trip is over, what are you thoughts on insulation/dynamat? I'm still debating what what to do with the 55 and wondering if carpet+carpet pad was sufficient for you?

 

[Hltoppr]

Well...it's not quiet by any means, but the insulation and carpet really helped; especially in the winter with keeping the cab warmer. Not quite as loud as my other 40 series Cruisers, though.

Once the rear end mods come together, I think it'll be just fine. With the addition of the rear seat and cargo floor, I think I'm going to extend the insulation and carpet up over the fender wells. I think it works just fine, and would keep the interior removable for cleaning.

An upgraded speaker system is a must. I just couldn't hear the single speaker on the highway.

-H-

 

[Hltoppr]

Life is strange...I had sold my RTT and awning/enclosure to a friend here in Flagstaff....

He's getting a new truck, so he doesn't need the tent/awning anymore...so...I'm buying it back...

so...added to the comfort factor is this setup!

-H- :costumed-smiley-007

 

[Speaker]

I knew you'd cave. eepwall:

 

[Hltoppr]

I have absolutely no idea where I'm gonna store a RTT...:yikes:

-H-

 

[SOAZ]

I thought you wanted the DUBS Mogas....:bigbossHL:

I'll get some pics this weekend...super simple...1x2" tubing, drilled to bolt into the original mounting brackets, essentially raising the seat by an additional 2".

-H-

Just hear me out! This could be the best mod you ever make to the Troopie:
http://www.hub-cap.com/spinnerhubcaps/WH653-14.htm

:victory:

I got addicted to this truck from your mexico post. Next thing I knew I was researching troopies etc! DOH! I gotta stop that. They just have so much personality!
Great truck. I'll stick to my 4runner, but the day I have an extra garage spot the day I start shopping for one again!:yikes:

 

[Hltoppr]

As a motorcyclist...I'm not a big fan of spinners of any kind...they make a stopped car look as if it's turning in front of you...seriously harshes my mellow...

But I get a kick out of the cheapos...I've seen 'em before!

Troopies are great...not quite as comfy as a 4Runner; however...:beer:

-H-

 

[Sloan]

I don't know, I think the iron cross spinners might just be the final touch for the Troopie. :26_7_2: I still kick myself every once in awhile for the Troopies I passed on in the past. Marv offered to sell me a 75 Troopie body and frame for a $1000. All I had to do was go home, move all my 40 parts to the Troop and voila it would become a 75 and smog exempt. That one still grinds on me every once in awhile.

 

[ChuckB]

Well...it's not quiet by any means, but the insulation and carpet really helped; especially in the winter with keeping the cab warmer. Not quite as loud as my other 40 series Cruisers, though.

Once the rear end mods come together, I think it'll be just fine. With the addition of the rear seat and cargo floor, I think I'm going to extend the insulation and carpet up over the fender wells. I think it works just fine, and would keep the interior removable for cleaning.

An upgraded speaker system is a must. I just couldn't hear the single speaker on the highway.

-H-

I know what you I have two speakers in the cargo area and I can barely hear them on the highway as well.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Hltoppr]

I still kick myself every once in awhile for the Troopies I passed on in the past. Marv offered to sell me a 75 Troopie body and frame for a $1000. All I had to do was go home, move all my 40 parts to the Troop and voila it would become a 75 and smog exempt. That one still grinds on me every once in awhile.

Geez...as it should! That would be a sweet rig!!!

-H-

 

[MoGas]

I have absolutely no idea where I'm gonna store a RTT...:yikes:

-H-

I guess I better get working on the trailer......