1980 HJ45 Troopy: Introduction

[RedTail07]

Just wanted to introduce my recently acquired 1980 Troopy. I bought this back in July, but finally got it in from Oz on New Years Day. The previous owner swapped in a 2H engine, and kept it in good shape. I'm working through getting it titled for now, but once that's over, I plan to start with:

- Removing the roof mounted AC unit (anyone want this?)
- remove the tool boxes, carpetting, etc, in the back, and add in two additional troop seats
- make (or find) a roof rack
- replace the front seats
- replace all the missing toyota/LC/4wd emblems
- fix the horn to where it will work from the steering wheel (i had to rig something up to get through TX safety inspection)

This forum is always a good read, and I've got a lot to learn still. I'll definitely need some help with:
1) best options for patching/replacing the roof (can't find troopy roofs anywhere stateside...)
2) Best way to find or make 2 new troopy seats for the back
3) a good coating for the back end (PO used some kind of roll in liner that has really gummed up and needs to be stripped off)
4) Figuring out how to work the lockers that the PO said this thing has (I think its the two non-factory-looking knobs next to the steering wheel)
5) Figuring out how to get this heater to work (is it an AC also?)

Looking forward to hearing ya'lls thoughts/feedback. I'm sure I'll be around quite a bit...

 

[RedTail07]

Bump for the daytime folks...

 

[mtweller]

Very cool rig. What, you don't like the reffer unit? I imagine it's justified in Oz. What's the electronics box under the light switch?

How's the 2H pull that behemoth around?

 

[RedTail07]

On the AC unit, I'd much rather have something under the dash. Trust me, AC is equally important in TX But that thing sticks up 16" above the roof, plus the reservoir is behind the driver seat and I'm unable to move the seat back any further. I'll have to work something else out before summer.

I've not yet figured out the electronics under the headlight switch. It's some sort of trip calculator. I googled the information on the device and came up with nothing.

A lot of the accessories are only available in Oz, and having purchased this vehicle through austousa, it was site unseen, so I have very little details from the seller. I still haven't really played around with the lockers yet. I'm hoping these two switches next to the Wiper switch are for the lockers.

 

[mtweller]

On the AC unit, I'd much rather have something under the dash. Trust me, AC is equally important in TX But that thing sticks up 16" above the roof, plus the reservoir is behind the driver seat and I'm unable to move the seat back any further. I'll have to work something else out before summer.

I've not yet figured out the electronics under the headlight switch. It's some sort of trip calculator. I googled the information on the device and came up with nothing.

A lot of the accessories are only available in Oz, and having purchased this vehicle through austousa, it was site unseen, so I have very little details from the seller. I still haven't really played around with the lockers yet. I'm hoping these two switches next to the Wiper switch are for the lockers.

On the locker switches - that would make sense. The AC comment was very tongue in cheek btw; I'd be pulling that thing off too, unless you are planning on using her as a meat delivery truck

Very curious to hear impressions on the 2H power pulling that heavy rig. I would think it would be a dog (no offense). Regardless, I'm sure you'll really enjoy getting to know her and having such a unique vehicle.

Ramon

 

[RedTail07]

Meat delivery truck, I like that idea.

Honestly, I'm a little surprised at how well the 2H feels under the pedal. I haven't noticed any power issues getting around town or even up to freeway speeds. I haven't hauled anything or hit any trails yet, but so far I haven't been left wanting. That being said, my other OHV's in the past were a 2000 Tacoma and a 97 4runner, both with the 180 hp 3.4L V6...not exactly beast-like power.