Builds A Re-Build of 2004 78 Series Troopy 1HD FTE
- Thread starter tlc_4play
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- #22
ANOTHER UPDATE - we getting close to completion now.
Plan is, on friday its off to the panel beater paint shop to have the windscreen replaced and to paint the side fridge slide drop down door to be painted.
Then it should be ready to come home
What isnt seen in the photos is the 3 x 120W PV Panels have been installed as well as the wood box that has a cool underslung table mount slide.
Steering wheel has been recovered in grey leather - whoever did it - did a good job.
The centre console fridge has been fitted and wired.
The QuickPitch en suite shower cubicle has been fitted.
The QuickPitch 270Deg Awning has been fitted.
80% of the drawers have had their catches fitted and covers placed on
At the rear you can see the battery box top compartment with battery accessible under the cupboards false bottom
Inside the battery box compartment
I had 2 extra drawers made up to fit above the NL Freezer as this will always be access from side
The fused switch panel for all of the 12V system (lights, water pumps, air compressor, fridges, power points, inverter etc)
Plan is, on friday its off to the panel beater paint shop to have the windscreen replaced and to paint the side fridge slide drop down door to be painted.
Then it should be ready to come home
What isnt seen in the photos is the 3 x 120W PV Panels have been installed as well as the wood box that has a cool underslung table mount slide.
Steering wheel has been recovered in grey leather - whoever did it - did a good job.
The centre console fridge has been fitted and wired.
The QuickPitch en suite shower cubicle has been fitted.
The QuickPitch 270Deg Awning has been fitted.
80% of the drawers have had their catches fitted and covers placed on
At the rear you can see the battery box top compartment with battery accessible under the cupboards false bottom
Inside the battery box compartment
I had 2 extra drawers made up to fit above the NL Freezer as this will always be access from side
The fused switch panel for all of the 12V system (lights, water pumps, air compressor, fridges, power points, inverter etc)
What’s the story/info on your center console fridge? Been thinking of how I could do that in my Troopy. Had the OEM center console fridges in my 80 and Prado overseas… game changer.
Glad I checked in. Interesting build.
Since you had the alucab top…..any other considerations other than appearance that influenced your decision to remove it? Was it THAT unattractive? Have you noticed any upgrades in quality or features? I won’t remove mine but am interested in your take since you’ve now had both tops.
It looks like the fridge is sliding out the back.? But you cut a hole so it can slide out the side? What am I missing?
Second on the console fridge. I’d “really” like to have one. Not sure if it will fit with the schell seats.
A microwave? Might have missed it but how many hours of lithium are you running?
Thanks for posting the build….
Since you had the alucab top…..any other considerations other than appearance that influenced your decision to remove it? Was it THAT unattractive? Have you noticed any upgrades in quality or features? I won’t remove mine but am interested in your take since you’ve now had both tops.
It looks like the fridge is sliding out the back.? But you cut a hole so it can slide out the side? What am I missing?
Second on the console fridge. I’d “really” like to have one. Not sure if it will fit with the schell seats.
A microwave? Might have missed it but how many hours of lithium are you running?
Thanks for posting the build….
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- #25
Its a 12V/220V 8ltr console fridge using the CF35 compressor, these are readily available in South African overlanding/offroad accessory suppliers.
Is it the "brass monkey" brand? I have seen those before and like them. They have a wireless phone charger built in. No issues with the e-brake?
https://brassmonkey.cool/gh1611_8l_brass_monkey_portable_fridge_freezer_with_qi_wireless_charger
https://brassmonkey.cool/gh1611_8l_brass_monkey_portable_fridge_freezer_with_qi_wireless_charger
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- #27
One critical issue that concerned me about the AluCab pop top was that it was separating from the vehicle roof on the right hand front side, from the looks of the evidence the previous owner or Alucab had attempted unsuccessfully to re-attached it the the vehicle and simply filled the area with expanding foam to prevent water ingress.
Also it was Gen 1 of the Hercules roof and as such the front was perfectly vertical and not slightly tapered as on the newer Gen, and by the looks of this it obviously created serious wind resistance. Yes the vertical front of the Gen 1 Hercules was just plain fugly.
I run a separate freezer and separate fridge - a 40Ltr National Luna Freezer - which pulls out the side of the truck, then I also have a 45Ltr Dometic Fridge which is on the rear drop down fridge slide.
The center console fridge (CF35 compressor) is 8Ltr - very compact and it fits inbetween my 2 x BMW 3 Series seats with lots of space to spare. These fridges are readily available here (in South Africa) if youre interested i can send links to the local sellers. Im certain it will fit perfectly inbetween most single front seats.
My Lithium battery is 12V x 218AH - which means I can comfortably use up to 200AH, combined with 30A Victron DC-DC charger, 30A Victron MPPT (for the 3 x roof mounted 130W Flexible PV Panels) These two controllers are connected in such a way that will charge the Lithium battery simultaneously.
I went with the 218AH Lithium because originally I wanted to install and use an Induction cooker plate, although these are great i decided that the induction cooker couldnt do much more than my existing gas cooker plate. Another motivation was to cater for the Bean to cup coffee machine.
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- #28
The brand of my particular console fridge is APLICOOL. yes it has a cordless cellphone charger, and 3 x USB charging sockets (1 on front and 2 on rear)
No issues with E-Brake at all
https://www.efficientexpress.co.za/...ool-Vehicle-Centre-Console-Fridge-CF8.mp4?_=2
I like this little fridgy guy. I suppose you may not know this yet if you have no practical usage experience, but do you know how much heat it generates? I assume this means the rear heater (if you have one) has to go as well? I imagine in south africa, there are not too many Land Cruiser with a rear heater... lol.The brand of my particular console fridge is APLICOOL. yes it has a cordless cellphone charger, and 3 x USB charging sockets (1 on front and 2 on rear)
No issues with E-Brake at all
https://www.efficientexpress.co.za/...ool-Vehicle-Centre-Console-Fridge-CF8.mp4?_=2
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- #31
Small Update
3 x 120W Solar PV Panels mounted, together with wood box with underslung table mount slide.
The ensuite shower - with hot water system and shelf for towel and toiletries. Also inside on the top right shelf, there will be the water level guage that will indicate the remaining water level in the 2 water tanks (1 x 30Ltr & 1 x 70Ltr)
We have added ADDITIONAL rubber door seals, there is normally just a plastic extrusion here, this has been replace with this additional door seal available from Pro AutoRubber
This is the beige plastic extrusion that was removed and replaced with the additional rubber seal
The bottom drawer has had its cover glued on, the top drawer is awaiting its cover
I imported a C-Pillar 2 gauge Pod from Aussie to accommodate the Victron Battery Monitor and the Madman Engine Management System that monitors Turbo boost and EGT
This huge box is my tools, spares and Fluids storage box - its huge - bigger than the picture portrays. It will have a hinged lid.
This shows the side mounted drop down table beneath the kitchen gull wing
BTW there are two side mounted water tanks, mounted in the body panels of each side, each tank is 30Ltr - the filler point for the LHS tank is visible in the bottom pic. The other 40Ltr water tank is mounted under the chassis and is gravity fed from the RHS water tank, Also mounted under the chassis is the 20Ltr air tank
The water is pumped out and also has a gravity feed tap (facet)
3 x 120W Solar PV Panels mounted, together with wood box with underslung table mount slide.
The ensuite shower - with hot water system and shelf for towel and toiletries. Also inside on the top right shelf, there will be the water level guage that will indicate the remaining water level in the 2 water tanks (1 x 30Ltr & 1 x 70Ltr)
We have added ADDITIONAL rubber door seals, there is normally just a plastic extrusion here, this has been replace with this additional door seal available from Pro AutoRubber
This is the beige plastic extrusion that was removed and replaced with the additional rubber seal
The bottom drawer has had its cover glued on, the top drawer is awaiting its cover
I imported a C-Pillar 2 gauge Pod from Aussie to accommodate the Victron Battery Monitor and the Madman Engine Management System that monitors Turbo boost and EGT
This huge box is my tools, spares and Fluids storage box - its huge - bigger than the picture portrays. It will have a hinged lid.
This shows the side mounted drop down table beneath the kitchen gull wing
BTW there are two side mounted water tanks, mounted in the body panels of each side, each tank is 30Ltr - the filler point for the LHS tank is visible in the bottom pic. The other 40Ltr water tank is mounted under the chassis and is gravity fed from the RHS water tank, Also mounted under the chassis is the 20Ltr air tank
The water is pumped out and also has a gravity feed tap (facet)
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- Thread starter
- #32
The vent that can be seen on the console fridge is for the fan that draws air in and onto the fridge condensor
Correct Ive not been able to use it yet - however i do have a similar console fridge in my FJ40 and there is next to no noticable heat generated
Absolutely we dont have Land Cruisers here with rear heaters although it does get cold here (relative by SAfrican standards) in winter
Correct Ive not been able to use it yet - however i do have a similar console fridge in my FJ40 and there is next to no noticable heat generated
Absolutely we dont have Land Cruisers here with rear heaters although it does get cold here (relative by SAfrican standards) in winter
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- #33
UPDATE
Well the Make Over is finally finished.
Ill run through and explain what the pics show.
Not seen in the pics but shown in previous pics, the 12V system is mounted inside the body side panel under the Gull wing en-suite shower box comprising:- Victron 12V 30A DC-DC charger, Victron MPPT100/30, Victron 12v -800W Pure sine wave inverter, Victron 220v-12V 15A battery charger (shore power operated) BlueNova 13V 218AH Lithium Ion Battery, Victron Battery monitor. All of the Victron equipment also has Bluetooth monitoring and setting.
Mounted inside the rear body panel is a NARDI 12V 390CFM 5bar 600W air compressor. All around the vehicle there are multiple Hella, Cig Lighter, USB and 220V (inverter and Shore power) outlets.
There is also a very well concealed lockable stainless steel safe that can accommodate a laptop and an I-pad and paperwork, and passports and wallet.
These 2 long drawers are for the food stuffs;- tinned veg, tinned fruit, biscuits, rusks, cereals, etc etc
This drawer under the rear fridge houses the gas cooker and the easily accessible containers of coffee beans, Cremora, sweetener. This also has a small sliding table top.
I still need to decide what will be kept in most of these drawers but there are 8 drawers in total
Above 1 column of drawers is a cubicle with a removable lid, this is intended for fruit
This hinged top opening box is for tools, spares, fluids etc - it is huge
Rear fridge slide extended and then dropped
The 12V fused circuit control switches
Stainless table mounted on slide underneath the wood box
Well the Make Over is finally finished.
Ill run through and explain what the pics show.
Not seen in the pics but shown in previous pics, the 12V system is mounted inside the body side panel under the Gull wing en-suite shower box comprising:- Victron 12V 30A DC-DC charger, Victron MPPT100/30, Victron 12v -800W Pure sine wave inverter, Victron 220v-12V 15A battery charger (shore power operated) BlueNova 13V 218AH Lithium Ion Battery, Victron Battery monitor. All of the Victron equipment also has Bluetooth monitoring and setting.
Mounted inside the rear body panel is a NARDI 12V 390CFM 5bar 600W air compressor. All around the vehicle there are multiple Hella, Cig Lighter, USB and 220V (inverter and Shore power) outlets.
There is also a very well concealed lockable stainless steel safe that can accommodate a laptop and an I-pad and paperwork, and passports and wallet.
These 2 long drawers are for the food stuffs;- tinned veg, tinned fruit, biscuits, rusks, cereals, etc etc
This drawer under the rear fridge houses the gas cooker and the easily accessible containers of coffee beans, Cremora, sweetener. This also has a small sliding table top.
I still need to decide what will be kept in most of these drawers but there are 8 drawers in total
Above 1 column of drawers is a cubicle with a removable lid, this is intended for fruit
This hinged top opening box is for tools, spares, fluids etc - it is huge
Rear fridge slide extended and then dropped
The 12V fused circuit control switches
Stainless table mounted on slide underneath the wood box
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- #34
Continued
VHF Radio and 12V power points, USB power points and Voltmeter mounted on roof console shelf
Drop down table for wash-up bowl
Rear door drop down table coffee station
Gas bottle mounted to rear door (bolted for security)
Gull Wing Kitchen box, houses;- Spices, sauces, cooking oil, plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery, pots n pans. HAs built in 220V outlet, + USB and also a quick-disconnect attachment for the piped gas for the gas cooker.
LHS showing drop down table, SIde, slide out fridge (Freezer) slider door closed
Fridge (Freezer) door open
Fridge (Freezer) slider extended
Gull Wing En-suite shower box. Has a Gas operated, 12V pumped hot water system
Mounted inside the en-suite shower box is a water level gauge that indicates the water level in the water tanks
Built into the side walls are 1 x LHS 30Ltr water tanks, 1 x RHS 30Ltr water tank, this tank gravity feeds into an additional chassis mounted 40Ltr water tank. Water is pumped with a pressure sensitive 12V water pump.
VHF Radio and 12V power points, USB power points and Voltmeter mounted on roof console shelf
Drop down table for wash-up bowl
Rear door drop down table coffee station
Gas bottle mounted to rear door (bolted for security)
Gull Wing Kitchen box, houses;- Spices, sauces, cooking oil, plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery, pots n pans. HAs built in 220V outlet, + USB and also a quick-disconnect attachment for the piped gas for the gas cooker.
LHS showing drop down table, SIde, slide out fridge (Freezer) slider door closed
Fridge (Freezer) door open
Fridge (Freezer) slider extended
Gull Wing En-suite shower box. Has a Gas operated, 12V pumped hot water system
Mounted inside the en-suite shower box is a water level gauge that indicates the water level in the water tanks
Built into the side walls are 1 x LHS 30Ltr water tanks, 1 x RHS 30Ltr water tank, this tank gravity feeds into an additional chassis mounted 40Ltr water tank. Water is pumped with a pressure sensitive 12V water pump.
Amazing. Nice build. Could you step back and get a pic of the whole thing with the new top closed? Curious what the roof line looks like. Do you lose much interior headroom with the pop-tops? Have you weighed the vehicle yet? Ours is about 6500 pounds with camping gear, but nothing as well thought out as yours. Same basic stuff though.
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- #36
I will send a full vehicle pic shortly
Yes you do lose some head room inside the rear of the Troopy with the pop-up tent, would estimate 3-4inches (75-100mm)
The feeling is that all the drawers and empty water tanks have probably added 150kg (330lb)
However, then the awning needs to added (18kg 40lb), the en-suite shower cubicle (8kg 18lb) and the pop-up itself weighs in at 90kg (200lb)
All in the added weight is in the region of 600lb before food and kit.
Yes you do lose some head room inside the rear of the Troopy with the pop-up tent, would estimate 3-4inches (75-100mm)
The feeling is that all the drawers and empty water tanks have probably added 150kg (330lb)
However, then the awning needs to added (18kg 40lb), the en-suite shower cubicle (8kg 18lb) and the pop-up itself weighs in at 90kg (200lb)
All in the added weight is in the region of 600lb before food and kit.
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- #37
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- #38
Fitted a set of recovery trax - doubt they will ever be required
Also I got in before the local gubbermunts 40% import duty kicked in on imported tyres and fitted a set of 6 x 285/75 16 Mud Terrain Radar Renegade rubbers
Some pics of the recent proof of concept trip we did to the Namakwa desert in South Africa
Also I got in before the local gubbermunts 40% import duty kicked in on imported tyres and fitted a set of 6 x 285/75 16 Mud Terrain Radar Renegade rubbers
Some pics of the recent proof of concept trip we did to the Namakwa desert in South Africa
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- #39
UPDATE Part 2
Prior to the desert Proof of Concept trip - I sent the truck to a specialist tuning shop too have a 5 map UNICHIP ECU chip installed.
After "tuning" the FTE is now putting out 187KW and 615NM on its Max setting (which I hardly use) with maximum EGT recorded being below 600 deg C
I mostly use the Touring / Eco mode which adjusts AFR to achieve 165KW and 510NM
It now pulls like a freight train
Prior to the desert Proof of Concept trip - I sent the truck to a specialist tuning shop too have a 5 map UNICHIP ECU chip installed.
After "tuning" the FTE is now putting out 187KW and 615NM on its Max setting (which I hardly use) with maximum EGT recorded being below 600 deg C
I mostly use the Touring / Eco mode which adjusts AFR to achieve 165KW and 510NM
It now pulls like a freight train
What an amazing rig!Fitted a set of recovery trax - doubt they will ever be required
Also I got in before the local gubbermunts 40% import duty kicked in on imported tyres and fitted a set of 6 x 285/75 16 Mud Terrain Radar Renegade rubbers
Some pics of the recent proof of concept trip we did to the Namakwa desert in South Africa
