HJ 47 building for overland expedition

[rideglobally]

thanks...first time posting, i was in the tech forum just moved it here, i am building an expedition vehicle from a 1981 hj47 landcruiser crew cab, i plan to take it to so. america, southeast asia, china, africa etc... the vehicle is now in the process of being rebuilt. one of the immediate challenges is building the camper shell, obviously want to build it from the lightest and most durable material possibe, i am thinking aluminum. if you have experience or links that i can look at please let me know. the camper shell is only 6.5 foot wide x 8 long foot x 6 foot high. i am also gathering info on true and tested equipment, suspendsion, clutch, gps, solar panel, porto patties etc...list is long. thank you very much, i have enjoyed visiting the site, i will post a picture of the hj47 soon as i figure out how to do that.

[JohnnyC]

OME suspension ....will not let you down in the trail...and nice on the road

[MO-Troopy]

I am building a camper that is a little different. It is built on the same platform, (Troopy 1980 HJ45). It is turbo intercooled. I am building an integral camper that allows direct movement from the cab into the camper area. Sleeps 4. Seats 5. 520 amp/hrs (AGM type) of battery for the house. Diesel generator. ARB lockers all around. 33 inch tires on 16 inch rims. 100 amp/hr starting battery (AGM type).
You can stand up inside of the camper part and walk to the back. Diesel cook stove, microwave, sink, 40 gallon fresh water. Wet restroom. Sleeping is over the cab and on fold down table. Canopy for outside. 5 speed. Custom stereo and TV/Computer (Apple mini). GPS that uses the TV/Computer monitor.
The vehicle has just been through a body off restoration and the batteries are in place as well as a rebuild of the motor with addition of turbo and intercooler. On top A/C. Racks for mounting canoes etc. 4 mountain bikes on front/rear (2 each).
Total Diesel is 48 gallons. It is getting 24mpg fully loaded if I don't keep my foot in it.
Jeff

[bugsnbikes]

okay fellas----for starters- we need some pics !!!!

[KCCruiser]

PICTURES! please.

[fernandol]

you can get a lot of ideas here http://forum.ih8mud.com/expedition-builds/163354-overseas-non-us-expedition-wheelers-wild-stuff.html lots of links.

Also pics please

[rideglobally]

thanks, i am trying to get a picture to show, having a little problem with that, soon as i can i will send you one, very interested in hearing more, if you can open this let me know IMG_0233_2.JPG it is a picture on my cruiser it is still being rebuild...thanks

[rideglobally]

can you open this IMG_0233_2.JPG

[rideglobally]

here is picture you may have to paste it on your brouser, sorry... http://gallery.mac.com/sinag#100048

[rideglobally]

here is a picture, thanks http://gallery.mac.com/sinag#100048

[Mickldo]

We build these canopies at work for the electricity board. They make great camper shells too. They are made from 2.5mm aluminium sheet with 40mm sq ally box section framework inside. The doors have a proper water track folded into the mullion frames. Even if the good seals do leak the water just drains around to the bottom.

[JohnnyC]

Originally Posted by rideglobally

here is a picture, thanks http://gallery.mac.com/sinag#100048

thats a great looking rig...great base to start with

[roscoFJ73]

I bet thats a WA built dual cab,one of 400 built mainly for the railways and mining companies. Great conversion,sadly most of these are being slowly written off doing menial tasks until they die.

[rideglobally]

thanks, it has a H2, 6 cylinder diesel engine. a power steering will be installed, because i will be putting larger tires, does anyone have suggestion for a good system.......thanks
by the way, in the next 3 weeks i may have intermitting internet connection, will try to respond soon as possible...thanks again

[JohnnyC]

i like that sunvisor over the windshield...any better pics?

they used to have one like that in oz offered thru Theiss

looks like some fiberglass replacement panels

[roscoFJ73]

Originally Posted by JohnnyC

i like that sunvisor over the windshield...any better pics?

they used to have one like that in oz offered thru Theiss

looks like some fiberglass replacement panels

Nearly all were built by Arkana Body Builders.
This is one of their troopies with a better pic of the sun visor

[rideglobally]

i am thinking of making it 6x6 by USA 6x6, any thoughs what are the pros and con? what will it do to the milleage, engine strain, mpg etc...

[roscoFJ73]

Originally Posted by rideglobally

i am thinking of making it 6x6 by USA 6x6, any thoughs what are the pros and con? what will it do to the milleage, engine strain, mpg etc...

IMO its best left as it is. It will need an engine upgrade,at least a turbo. If you need some more room,put a full length roof rack up top.

[rideglobally]

thanks, most friends say the same, currently it has a total length of 18 inches, i am thinking of adding another foot when i put the camper on.

[dieselcruiserhead]

this is actually totally untrue:

Originally Posted by JohnnyC

OME suspension ....will not let you down in the trail...and nice on the road

[JohnnyC]

Originally Posted by dieselcruiserhead

this is actually totally untrue:

why?

i have known over 100's of cruiser heads with ome with no failures...have you had one?

some say they that its a nicer ride it is ....(Edit: as long as you dont use their shocks) even when compaired to skyjacker soft ride...the only ones that i have seen that are more comfort on road and trail than the skyjacker... is old oem weak springs...and i have seen many an oem broken.

I did say ome were nice (on Road)...not the best...i feel IMO they would be the best for his application.


enlighten me