Tell me if I'm nuts...!!!!!! (7 Viewers)

[markeaust]

Hi All,
I'm a couple of years off retirement (actually in 'semi-retirement now... ) and planning for lots of touring (around Australia) between now and when I finally cark it...!!

I love 4WD's and have been 'wheeling' (as you yanks call it, or 4WDing for us Aussies) for 40 years or thereabouts..). Currently own a 100 series, which I bought with 30,000km on the clock and have modified it as follows:
Suspension: Slinky Rear coils, HD torsion bar, Bilstein custom valved shocks (non-remote res), diff drop.
Driveline: Solid pinion spacers, Rear ARB locker.
Interior: Amateur/commercial radio gear++. Recaro seats, rear drawers, cargo barrier, Clarion Stereo, Morel Speakers, amp.
Exterior: ARB bullbar, Warn M12k winch, Fylyt MOFO's driving lights, roof rack, Slee Rear Bar and side steps/sliders., DARSHE 270 awning.
Underbody: Long Range Automotive Tank 160l (total of 260l for touring)
Engine: EGR delete.
Wheels/Tyres: 200 Series Alloys with 275/70x17's, Falken Wildpeak AT's.

I've been looking at a few YouTube videos and tossing between the following ideas for a touring rig:
1. 78 series Troopcarrier with roof-camper conversion.
2. 79 series dual cab with canopy setup.
3. 100 series (keep what I've got) with lots of mods to make it a magnificent touring beast..!!

I'm leaning towards keeping the 100 series and undertaking the following modifications to keep it long term:

* Body Conversion to Dual-Cab ute.
* Chassis extension 400-600mm
* GVM upgrade to 3900kg including appropriate suspension with remote res shocks as appropriate.
* Wheel/Tyre upgrade to alloy ROH with 285/70x17's (+35 offset)
* Engine: Unichip/Bigger intercooler/+30 injectors, 3-4" exhaust/ bigger airbag and snorkel.
* Manual gearbox upgrade to fix ratios (higher 5th gear) with new clutch 1300nm
* Electrical upgrade including solar input, Redarc system with LifePO4 batteries 300-400Ah
* Retire Recaro seats and repair as required
* Maintenance of all worn parts; bushes, bearings, seals, exterior rubbers etc...
* Canopy setup for dual cab.... would build the interior myself but a quality item.
++++.

I reckon that the above mods would cost close to $100k to get this vehicle to the level that I would like to take it remote and be comfortable etc.. It would last beyond when I'm pushing up daisies....

Is it crazy to spend so much coin on a 20+ year old car, given how good the existing 'base' is (1HD-FTE motor etc)...? Or buy a 78/79 with the diesel V8. Chuck me all your ideas.....

Do up the old or succumb to the 'new'......????

Thanks.......

Mark

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Your nuts. You Live once. Its just money. If you have it, do you. It takes time to mod. Takes time away from touring. Factoring i time and money, maybe shell out and buy a built rig and get living.

 

[GerLC100]

You're nuts and I love to see the build! Always jealous of what you guys do in Australia with the cabs/ UTE/ frame extensions, ...Incredible!

Generally:
1. How do cost compare for 78/79 series and get it on the same target vs. 100k for the 100 series?
2. I'd also consider fuel efficiency, part availability in case something goes wrong. Was the reason I bought a Ford E350 for my van conversion instead of a Mercedes Sprinter!
3. Assuming comparable costs: the 100 would have the huge advantage that you know this car already. You have the full history, know what failed in the past, what could potentially fail, know how to work on the vehicle, know which tools you need, ...

 

[excessive]

you get all the cool Landcruiser's in AU, so I'd go for a diesel 79 series all decked out like they do down there.