Enter the 1980 Troopy (1 Viewer)

[stringtwelve]

Thought I would go ahead and post an intro thread for my new 1980 Troopy that we recently purchased from 2ManyCruisers here on IH8MUD.
I'm new to the Land Cruiser scene having spent the last 17 years playing with aircooled VW Beetles.
Our family has been expanding so it's time to move on to something with a bit more space and versatility. We had been considering our next project/toy for quite a while and had looked into several FJ's that just never fit the ticket. When I saw David's Troopy listed on Craigslist my wife and I jumped on it immediately. Four days later David delivered this beauty to our doorstep:

Here are the current specs:

1980 HJ-45
Chevy 350 V8 with Quadrajet
Toyota 40 series power steering (RHD)
Toyota H55F 5-speed Transmission
Toyota LX rear axle with parking brake at wheels
Aftermarket air-conditioning
Ironman suspension with 33x9.50 BFG ATs on chrome 60-series rims.
Included 4.11 and 3.73 diffs.
Long Ranger fuel tank for a total 50 gallon capacity
Brand new Die Hard Platinum 34/78 battery

My primary goals at this time are as follows:

1) Install car seat friendly rear seat. Since this is a popup camper configuration I'm searching for a unit that can fold backwards to make a child size bed. My search has only begun but I would like to find a old conversion van rear seat that I might be able to section the middle and weld back together before recovering with a custom cover.

2) New fluids on all systems.

3) Fresh brake pads on all four corners.

4) Troubleshoot and address the "run-on" after shutdown.

5) Install 3.73 front diff to match the rear. (Currently 4.11 up front.)

6) Research new power plant options. Leaning towards LSx configuration or possibly a modern diesel unit...

7) Frame off restoration. (Pending Time+Money.)

Looking forward to getting to know you all. I'm already neck deep in the FAQ section so hopefully I won't be "that guy" who doesn't know how to use the search function . Although I'm sure I'll still have plenty of stupid questions...

Here's my web album where the Troopy updates will reside: (I'll add it to my signature shortly) https://picasaweb.google.com/102478...&authkey=Gv1sRgCLWI1K7h_9K6dA&feat=directlink

 

[N919HJ]

I thought this one was cool. Congrats!

 

[stringtwelve]

Weekend Tinkering

Got the wife involved this weekend. She pretty much took care of the oil change herself! Not bad for her first time.

Also checked compression in all cylinders and so far everything looks good. I'm trying to chase down the source of the dieseling now. Has anyone ever used the seafoam solution to clean the carbon out of the cylinders? I'm also going to step back the idle speed on the new quadrajet to see if that helps after I confirm the timing is within a decent range.

Someone can't wait to go riding around!

 

[RattleCan]

I have a 350 with a quadrajet, and also had a run on problem that I suspect was due to the engine running hot. Problem seems to have gone away after my Taurus fan install. What temp are you running after warming up? Stock LC radiator?

The octane fuel you use also will cause the engine to diesel. Step up the octane and see if it cures your problem.

Check the timing, is also a cause of run on.

That westy style 40 top is soooo badass. Super jealous.

 

[stringtwelve]

The engine runs around 170 on the highway and 190 in town. I didn't get around to checking the timing yet, I'll get after it tomorrow.
There's a strong gas smell persisting when it sits overnight in the garage... I'm getting the impression that the carb has a slow leak into the intake that may be the source of the smell and dieseling. Maybe a needle valve has some junk in it.
As to the radiator I honestly don't know the difference between a stock LC and an aftermarket yet. Still doing a lot of research. Maybe you can enlighten me from this pic:

In the meantime I did some rattle can customization to experiment on how I want the final product to look...

Before:

After:

I'm thinking desert tan with all flat black trim, emblems, handles, hinges, etc.

 

[Chamba]

Welcome and enjoy the new toy. I'm not a fan of black Bezels but I'm really happy she's gone to a good home out West. David showed me some of your VW projects: very nice!

 

[stringtwelve]

Made some more progress on the Troopy this weekend... finished freshening up the front end. Next on the list is the front axle rebuild and diff swap to 3.73.

Dieseling update: Filled fuel tank #2 with 92 octane, ran it hard on the way home, and got zero dieseling when I shut it off.

Evening Cruise

The co-pilot (Got some funny looks with him in the "drivers" seat.)

Hopefully my job situation will stabilize and I can start on a frame off resto this winter...

 

[SSCR]

Very cool rig! Love the baby shot. Now if I could get my wife to help on my rig.....

 

[SSCR]

By the way you have a stock Landcruiser radiator.

 

[stringtwelve]

Took off the tire carrier and rear bumper this weekend to clean them up and give them a fresh coat of paint... this sucker weighs nearly 200lbs. The rear of the Troopy sits about an inch and a half higher with it off.

I'm going to try and get the waves out of the top plate. It looks like they got it too hot when they welded it onto the brackets. Might be a bit tricky... it may need a whole new plate.

 

[Chamba]

Took off the tire carrier and rear bumper this weekend to clean them up and give them a fresh coat of paint... this sucker weighs nearly 200lbs. The rear of the Troopy sits about an inch and a half higher with it off.

I'm going to try and get the waves out of the top plate. It looks like they got it too hot when they welded it onto the brackets. Might be a bit tricky... it may need a whole new plate.

That rear bumper is an after market rear bumper. They are not usually made to be light but rather to tow things. I'm not surprised your tail rose so much; the one I took off my troopy netted me almost $20 at the scrap yard and that was years ago.

It's looking good, glad it's gone to a good home! Any pics of the tail with the bumper off? I bet it looks nice.

 

[stringtwelve]

It's looking good, glad it's gone to a good home!

Thanks, Chamba! It's already a part of the family now.

I'm thinking about ditching the heavy bumper for something a bit lighter since my eventual goal is a long range expedition build. It's a tough decision though since it's built like a tank!

 

[Chamba]

Thanks, Chamba! It's already a part of the family now.

I'm thinking about ditching the heavy bumper for something a bit lighter since my eventual goal is a long range expedition build. It's a tough decision though since it's built like a tank!

Cruisers are a lot like VWs-they get in your blood. That troopy has some serious potential and from your other builds it looks like it's a perfect match AND it stayed in NM!

Have a look at 4 Plus bumpers in globe, AZ-very, very nice. Dave Gore is the owner and is a cruiser guy (fjwizard'here on mud). That's what I replaced my massive bumper with on my troopy.

 

[stringtwelve]

Got started on the front axle and diff swap this weekend. Also got 5 American Racing Mojaves ordered along with 1/4" spacers, longer studs, and lugs. Still need to track down the tires.

 

[SSCR]

Nice! I want to go with the Mojaves on my next project, let me know how they work out for you. What size did you go with?

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Have a look at 4 Plus bumpers in globe, AZ-very, very nice. Dave Gore is the owner and is a cruiser guy (fjwizard'here on mud). That's what I replaced my massive bumper with on my troopy.

His username is actually lcwizard. Just go here www.4plusproducts.com. Mud members get 15% off.

 

[Chamba]

His username is actually lcwizard. Just go here www.4plusproducts.com. Mud members get 15% off.

My bad, sorry. Yes, lcwizard. The rest is correct: nice bloke, great product.

 

[stringtwelve]

Please tell me a Toyota engine will replace the chevy engine

Sorry, can't promise that... I'm a GM lover This is going to be a long distance, heavy hauler, expedition build so I'll probably stick to the V8 power. Looking at going with the MSD fuel injection eventually.

Nice! I want to go with the Mojaves on my next project, let me know how they work out for you. What size did you go with?

Went with the 17x8's: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARE-39817883
Had to order from 3 different places to find 5 in stock! They must be pretty popular.

Cruisers are a lot like VWs-they get in your blood. That troopy has some serious potential and from your other builds it looks like it's a perfect match AND it stayed in NM!

Chamba, it's getting into my blood more every day... it helps to have such a solid example to start with too. Here's a pic of the rear you requested. Any suggestions on rear bumpers? I didn't see any at the website you suggested. I will probably stick with the heavy duty one if I can get the waves worked out. But I'm open to other options that will lighten the overall weight and still allow me to tow.

 

[Copenhagen1]

I purchased my rear bumper from 4 plus. I liked it so well that I ordered some of his custom spring shackles as well. He makes a fine product.




Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[stringtwelve]

That's pretty sweet. I guess I'm looking for a true bumper with hitch since I already have a body mount tire carrier. This will eventually have a gear trailer behind it so I don't need the cooler carrier.

What tires are you running? I'm looking at the BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2's right now.