Build The Adventure begins: Building an Arkana FJ45 Troopy three door.

[geoffnlp]

Started refinishing the dash panels, disassemble everything, sandblasting them priming, spraying with the epoxy paint to match original colors and then clear coating them.

Installed, with completely rebuilt steering column that had everything powder coated, even a new turn signal switch from AUS. because I dropped the original and broke it, DOH.

 

[geoffnlp]

Back to working on the monster again, installing the fenders, quick initial fitting, definitely needing some shiming to fit them correctly. Also will be adding these flares to keep some of the mud off of the body, I know some will like them and some will hate them but I am going to give them a try, I saw them on a couple of Troopies and like the way they look. Cheers.

 

[geoffnlp]

To all my Australian friends on here especially @koxfarm if you could help me out on this picture, it is mounted to the left inner fender well, I am thinking it is a Capacitor that was added on by the previous owner maybe for the stereo system. I've tried contacting some vendors here but to no avail, I am going to sepearate the wiring to find out where they go, but before that I thought I would give a shout out. I need to replace it if it is going to be used again if necessary but can't find out anything about it. Cheers, Geoff.

View attachment 2030507

 

[geoffnlp]

After a Loooooooooooooong layoff, we are back at it, fitting the front panels making it look Old School, tailights and protectors, also stainless steel power steering line for the return. Should be getting it running soon, can't wait to drive it around the block. Cheers.

And Yes that is the missing 10mm socket everyone is looking for...

 

[Jroc561]

What an incredible restmod, excited for you being so close to getting this on the road.

 

[geoffnlp]

What an incredible restmod, excited for you being so close to getting this on the road.

Thanks Jroc, appreciate it.

 

[geoffnlp]

It's been a long road and time since the last post but she is finally running and went for a ride yesterday in the Troopy, ran, drove, and felt Great. More work to be done but it is a great feeling knowing it is driveable now. Cheers, and hope everyone is staying safe.

 

[FJ45VTOZ]

what a handsome troopy

 

[geoffnlp]

what a handsome troopy

Thanks FJ45VTOZ
Cheers

 

[geoffnlp]

Time for putting a RTT on this tall vehicle already, using a James Baroud clamshell XXL.

 

[geoffnlp]

Custom brackets with welded sleeves in body panel then bolting thru roll bar plates inside using Stainless fasteners, Thank God for forklifts, made it much easier then heaving it up.

 

[geoffnlp]

Getting closer and closer, installed the fender flares, turn signals, rear badges yes both sides, I kinda like it, and a few other things, runs like a Champ and drives good too, Cheers.

 

[Slapshot]

Awesome build!

 

[geoffnlp]

Awesome build!

Thanks.

 

[geoffnlp]

It's been waaaaay toooooo long for an update, I hope everyone is staying safe in these crazy times. Here are a few shots of the outside coming together, doors are on, windows are in, hood, winch, bumper, lights are on. Still a ways to go but getting there. Cheers everyone.

 

[cruisermatt]

Nice meeting you today Geoff. You guys did a nice job on this beast of a rig

 

[geoffnlp]

Nice meeting you today Geoff. You guys did a nice job on this beast of a rig

Great meeting you also, Thanks.

 

[geoffnlp]

Took her to the Southeast Overland Expo in Dade City Fl. this weekend, her maiden voyage on the road and did very well, had a good time at the show. it was the first annual Overland show in Florida.