Troopy Soft Top Restoration/Super Mod

[markieboy1]

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]

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]

Paint being stripped and rusted floors removed from cabin

 

[markieboy1]

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

 

[beaufort-fj60]

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

 

[markieboy1]

New floors in place. Body removed from the frame.

 

[markieboy1]

Every part has been removed for refinishing or replacement

 

[markieboy1]

Axles stripped, blasted and primed ready for new parts.

 

[markieboy1]

Frame sandblasted.

 

[markieboy1]

Power Steering bracket mounted. Hole cut and tunnel welded.

 

[markieboy1]

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]

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]

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

 

[markieboy1]

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

 

[markieboy1]

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]

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

 

[markieboy1]

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

 

[markieboy1]

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.

 

[markieboy1]

The new axles are complete and New 4Wheel disc brakes and new brake lines are installed.

 

[markieboy1]

The roll cage and hoops removed, the tub is mounted on the frame and prepped for paint.