Troopy Soft Top Restoration/Super Mod

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

I should have started this 2 years ago. But here we are! I purchased a reasonably solid Saudi Spec Troopy Soft top . If anyone knows where it originally came from, I would be interested in knowing its history. I bought it from a nice guy in Utah. As I have been swamped with my own business, I have had the guys at GXR4x4 building the truck for me from my computer photo concept. As there is no where to off road, and I wanted a cool island soft top for cruising around here, I opted for some creature comfort and automatic transmission bolted onto some power instead of restoring it to original. So purists please be kind. As the build is near completion, I will post pix of build as it progressed. Hopefully some of you may be inspired or find it useful. Mark

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

New roll cage designed to be used with original hoops and set in place for fit. You can see the bed was in pretty decent condition.

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

Paint being stripped and rusted floors removed from cabin

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

The concept image. This is my computer rendering of finished Troopy Soft Top.

beaufort-fj60 · Jan 14, 2011

nice, is that shop local? edit.. nevermind, looks like its in FLA

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

New floors in place. Body removed from the frame.

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

Every part has been removed for refinishing or replacement

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

Axles stripped, blasted and primed ready for new parts.

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

Frame sandblasted.

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

Power Steering bracket mounted. Hole cut and tunnel welded.

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

The new presents arrive. Brand new 350 Vortec and new 700R transmission. All new parts. The list is so long I am not even attempting to remember what was purchased. But we replaced everything mechanical with brand new parts. New gears, bearings, seals, brakes...

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

The body stripped of paint and imperfections. It was pretty straight. The only rust was in the floor pans at front. Floors were cut out and new panels welded in place. The few minor dings and dents in bed were filled and sanded. Primed tub is prepped for underbody bedliner spray for protection from the elements.

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

The New motor, Tranny and new transfer case are postioned. Crossmember is relocated.

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

Frame is back from paint shop and suspension is hung. We have used Mule custom made shackles. Axle housing is temporarily installed.

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

Meanwhile the body is nearly ready for paint. The hoops are placed back in for position. Custom built side steps are bolted in place temporarily for fit.

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

The underbody is very straight and tidy. Under body coating is applied to protect from the elements.

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

Knuckles are rebuilt with all new parts. Axles installed on frame.

markieboy1 · Jan 14, 2011

The roll cage and soft top hoops are positioned. My plan is to have a full top as OEM. The addition of zip of sides for warmer weather. I am also going to have a bikini top made that can be used on top of the roll cage, with the removal of soft top hoops for beach weather. We built the cage to fit snugly inside the hoops, but the aesthetics of the design will look quite nice with the hoops removed. Powder coated in silver.