Enter the 1980 Troopy

[stringtwelve]

Very Nice 80 Troopy!!!! I added 4+ front and rear bumpers to my 1980 Troopy. I love them.!!!!!

Awesome troopy you've got there! I've eyeballed the 4+ bumpers a bit. Just staying on the budget side of things for now.

Probably just because they are CCOT.

Looks great! Are you getting the amby door patch from CCOT, too? If it fits, seems like the best way to go. They may not have the rounded corners for the later ones, I'm not sure. But you can fix that easily enough.

You're probably right about the guards. I'm thinking I will probably cut them down and make dedicated holes for the inner mounting holes instead of sharing with the bumperettes.

The patch is also from CCOT but preliminary fit-up seems to look ok. I'll keep you updated.
I also got a patch for the left front floor even though it's overkill for that little hole and I could have just patched it. Wanted to keep the ribs looking stock though.

 

[Chamba]

That rear cross member looks sweet! Metric tlc makes the nicest taillight guards and specter's are nice too.

 

[stringtwelve]

Good News / Bad News

Well, the good news is that I finally got my remaining American Racing Mojave wheels after 2 months of backorder on wheels #4 and #5.

The BAD news is that I think I blew a head gasket last night!

I noticed a slight coolant leak out of the top of the reservoir when I got back from testing out the 4WD (http://youtu.be/gLi8Jdnd0rA) but I assumed it was from the steep angles I had put her through.
Then, last night I took a short drive to a neighbors house, let it idle for about 3-4 minutes, then drove back to the house for a grand total of 4 miles. I flipped the heater fan on as I pulled onto my street and had zero heat. I shut it down, opened the hood and inspected for leaks... there were none.
I then started to carefully ease the luke-warm radiator cap off to check the level.... It exploded like a geyser! Thankfully it was only slightly hot and I didn't get burned. I'm guessing there was about a gallon of coolant that soaked my engine compartment before she calmed down.
I let it cool for a while then cranked it back up. She spit and sputtered and finally settled into a rough idle with a distinct miss. About that time I saw a steady stream of white smoke coming out of the tailpipe in my side view mirror.
My guess is that the thermostat hung up after my rough riding and crawling causing the system to pressurize, blowing the head gasket slightly, then my second ride finished the job. There's a slight chance that the white smoke was from the coolant that was directed into the intake by my hand and it just needs to burn off... but I'm not holding my breath on that one.

On the bright side, she will look bada$$ sitting in my garage with those new wheels and tires while I work this new problem out.

 

[Copenhagen1]

Damn! That is disappointing. I feel your pain.

Hang in there. Stay strong. At least it went down in your driveway instead of 1000 miles from nowhere. Take some time (1 minute, 1 day, or 1 year) to regroup and then dig back in. That Troopy is awesome and deserves it.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[2manycruisers]

Sorry to hear of the problems.

Like Copenhagen1 said, take some time to regroup and then dig in. If it was an 80, that would be a safe conclusion to jump to, but I don't see what would have caused it from your description. I hope it's not that, but if it is, at least it will be easier to fix than the one on my 80.

Let us know what you find.

 

[Chamba]

Sorry to hear of the problems.

Like Copenhagen1 said, take some time to regroup and then dig in. If it was an 80, that would be a safe conclusion to jump to, but I don't see what would have caused it from your description. I hope it's not that, but if it is, at least it will be easier to fix than the one on my 80.

Let us know what you find.

A blown head gasket in an 80? Never!

I'm with David, I hope it's either a bad radiator cap or a bad thermostat.

 

[hairy_apple]

That pop top is rad, I'd love to see some photos of it and how it works. I really want to do something like that to my 40, and would love to see some photos of the pop top.

Sweet build.

 

[stringtwelve]

False alarm, folks. Turns out the head gasket scare was short lived.
I replaced the t-stat and freshened up the coolant before taking her on a good test run. Everything seems to be fine now. I think I directed a lot of coolant into the intake via my hand when it blew out of the radiator which caused it to run rough and puff some white smoke.

Here's a short video of the Troopy playing in the caliche pit:
http://youtu.be/AL-CaU9bURs

Also, all 5 wheels are now in my possession and waiting for the rubber to arrive at Discount Tire.
I have to give a shout out to Phil at Good Wheel Company.
Out of the 30+ suppliers I called trying to track these wheels down, Phil was the only one to call me WEEKLY and give me an update on expected stock date. When he emailed me, he would follow up with a phone call the same day to make sure I got it. These guys are head and shoulders above anyone I have dealt with in recent history. Please check them out on Amazon, eBay, and directly at: http://www.goodwheelcompany.com/

I'll be installing the spidertrax spacers tonight in preparation for the new shoes!

 

[stringtwelve]

That pop top is rad, I'd love to see some photos of it and how it works. I really want to do something like that to my 40, and would love to see some photos of the pop top.

Thanks! I'll try and get some detailed pics of the pop-top soon. Maybe even a video of how quick it sets up.
I've kicked around the idea of building a fiberglass mold in order to replicate this top for those that are interested...

 

[thenative1]

Hey String,

Congrats on the Troopy. I've got an '84 Troopy without the awesome pop-top yours has. At the moment I'm configuring it for very basic cruising in and around the beach house. As the kids (currently 6 and 4) get a little older I hope to reconfigure for some camping. Will be very interested to see how your build goes. I'm already envious of your skills and the time you've been able to devote to it.

In general though, potentially count me in on mods/etc. In particular, I'm also trying to figure out how to install good front facing rear seats for the kids. The most common option I've seen is the fold-n-tumble, which I don't love.

Good luck and look forward to seeing/reading more!

Evan

 

[stringtwelve]

Evan, glad to see the Troopy's represented here.

I'm also trying to decide the best rear seat to install since I have a 7 month old that needs a forward facing configuration. I don't like the fold and tumble option either but the choices are a bit limited. I need to just drive the Troopy to the junk yard with a measuring tape and see what I can come up with. We have a GMC Terrain as our primary family hauler, I would LOVE to find a full seat setup with heated and vented leather front seats and the sliding/folding rear from one of the newer Denali versions!!!

Thanks for the well wishes. And good luck to you, also!

 

[SSCR]

Well atleast post pics of the new wheels tires on her!

 

[stringtwelve]

Got the spacers installed tonight. There were a few of you who were interested in the fitment so I wanted to let you know that Spidertrax makes an AWESOME product.

I installed the 1.5" spacers on all four corners. Here's the product link:
http://www.spidertrax.com/Toyota-1-1-2-Wheel-Spacers?sc=2&category=9989
I actually ordered from 4wheelparts.com and got free shipping.

I took a die grinder and wire wheel to clean the old stud threads which had a lot of grease build up. Followed by lacquer thinner and a hand brush. Then a shot of brake cleaner to finish the de-greasing process.
I decided to wait on the lock-tite until I run 50 miles or so and let everything seat fully. I will lock-tite the adapters when I swap out to the new shoes later this week (if my rubber shows up!).

Here's some pics of the install:

Clean, clean, clean.

...Coming Soon.

Before

After

Again, awesome product!

 

[robustbambi]

Great build! I really love that pop top. Thanks for the PM and super glad the spacers work.

 

[2manycruisers]

Glad to hear it was just a thermostat. On my 80, it was "just" the cap....followed shortly thereafter by the head gasket. I don't think you will have that problem with the V8.

can't wait to see it with the new shoes.

 

[gmac]

Very cool troopy. I also purchased a right hand drive troopy with a pop top this summer. Lots of fun. Looks like you are moving right along on re-building yours, very cool. Mine still has the 2F engine and also plan on doing a full rebuild on it one day. Still trying to decide on how to set up the interior. Below are a couple of photos of mine.

Guy

 

[stringtwelve]

Guy,

Awesome Troopy! I have actually seen that one on tumblr before: http://stringtwelve.tumblr.com/post/62778402359/irishpat-1982-land-cruiser-troopy-can-the (I even reblogged it.)

You should start your own dedicated post for it. I would love to see more pictures! (Especially of the current interior configuration.) And, what the heck are those window grates for?!

I've been focused on functionality lately so the interior is on the back burner. Maybe we can put our heads together on some different ideas for the camper portion as things progress.

I was able to contact my pop-top manufacturer (Trakka) and confirm that there are zero parts or design drawings available for my model. So I guess I better learn how to use a sewing machine if I want a fresh top!

Anyhow, congrats on your new Troopy! Keep us updated on your's.

 

[gmac]

Yes, I should start a dedicated post, I'm afraid that at the moment I would not be posting too much, but could start with photos. The widow grates where put there for security in Australia, they are actually kind of cool, as they have insect screens and you can leave the windows open day or night without having to worry about anyone reaching in.
I have not been able to get any info on my top. Looked up the company and tried to e-mail them, but the email bounced back.
Keep up the good work.
Guy

 

[stringtwelve]

Got the call from Discount Tire... my long awaited rolling stock is finally becoming a reality! Pics to follow...

 

[stringtwelve]

Here they are: