Builds The "Red Rocket" Troopy (3 Viewers)

[c2dfj45]

Dobinsons on our Troopy too. We have been a dealer for a while....all our builds are getting their stuff. I've used OME for 25 years on my trucks so it was tough to change over to Dobinsons but glad we did.

Absolutely on of the best places to deal with.....great customer service. Very very helpful and quick to take care of any issues.

 

[Willis]

Dobinsons on our Troopy too. We have been a dealer for a while....all our builds are getting their stuff. I've used OME for 25 years on my trucks so it was tough to change over to Dobinsons but glad we did.

Absolutely on of the best places to deal with.....great customer service. Very very helpful and quick to take care of any issues.

Helps that you guys are in Florida. Shipping to Oregon is brutal.

We wanted to work with Ironman now out of Oregon, but I haven't been impressed in the slightest by product or service.

 

[c2dfj45]

Helps that you guys are in Florida. Shipping to Oregon is brutal.

We wanted to work with Ironman now out of Oregon, but I haven't been impressed in the slightest by product or service.

Yeah....the FL thing works well. For once. Ha.

 

[goexplore]

Dobinsons on our Troopy too. We have been a dealer for a while....all our builds are getting their stuff. I've used OME for 25 years on my trucks so it was tough to change over to Dobinsons but glad we did.

Absolutely on of the best places to deal with.....great customer service. Very very helpful and quick to take care of any issues.

Without wanting to hijack, it's a shame the same can't be said for our local Dobinson's product here in UAE. I've had the MRR on my Troopy for a year now and the rear's are shocking - absolutely no damping in them. The dealer says there's no problem.

I'll be switching to a Koni Raid damper shortly.

 

[theglobb]

Just some more eye candy I've taken recently. Met a guy at a stoplight who said he drove one of these around in Costa Rica as a "Gun For Hire" back in his 20's, and seeing the Troopy brought him back to some of the best times of his life. The light turned green before I could ask him any more but I thought that was pretty wild. As for the Red Rocket, everything is running perfectly.

 

[theglobb]

It's been about a month since I've last been on mud (guess that's a good thing cause I didn't have any problems with the Cruisers). Anyways since then, I've taken it out on the beach a couple more times. My dad and I have put seats in, having to fabricate the mounts and all, just got seatbelts in yesterday so we will have to rig something up for those. It's really a great vehicle other than the whole 40ish second 0-60 time, but you don't buy these to go fast. My friends and I plan on going on a road trip eventually ending up in Boulder, Colorado sometime in July, and the only vehicle that has enough space for 8 people and some cargo would be the Troopy. Sooo if anyone has any advice or first-hand experiences with the 3B at altitude +1500lbs I'll greatly take it. Thank you all and stay safe!

 

[gilmorneau]

Well, I guess you could say I have some first hand experience driving 3B powered Troopies across the USA--I've done it a few times with a couple of different Troopies. I picked up @umpqua 's Troopy at the port in New Jersey and drove it all the way to California without incident, then he picked it up and drove it up to Portland. My current Troopy shipped to the port in Oxnard, CA, and I drove it from there to Boulder (over the Sierras and the Rocky Mtns, again, without incident). I've since driven that one across the USA to the East Coast and back, as well as several trips regionally here in the Southwest. Never had a hint of a problem with either of them.

My advice: take it easy. The 3B will go up modest grades without too much trouble. Steep grades are where it falls down a bit. Keep an eye on your temperature gauge and your exhaust. If the temp starts to climb, and you're blowing black smoke, ease up some. Mashing down the throttle won't make a 3B go up a hill faster, it'll only make heat and smoke. With a 3B and 1500lbs, get accustomed to the right lane (and maybe using your flashers) on big climbs.

Other than that, normal "driving an old car across the country" kind of stuff--check your fluids, belts, hoses and stuff like that regularly along the way. General preflight like brakes, tires, wipers, cooling, etc. If everything is in good shape, highway miles are easy miles for a car.

That Troopy is coming full circle returning to Boulder! You going to school out here, or just going climbing?

 

[D21FJ60]

Love it. So much character. Any interior pics of the seats you put together?

 

[theglobb]

Well, I guess you could say I have some first hand experience driving 3B powered Troopies across the USA--I've done it a few times with a couple of different Troopies. I picked up @umpqua 's Troopy at the port in New Jersey and drove it all the way to California without incident, then he picked it up and drove it up to Portland. My current Troopy shipped to the port in Oxnard, CA, and I drove it from there to Boulder (over the Sierras and the Rocky Mtns, again, without incident). I've since driven that one across the USA to the East Coast and back, as well as several trips regionally here in the Southwest. Never had a hint of a problem with either of them.

My advice: take it easy. The 3B will go up modest grades without too much trouble. Steep grades are where it falls down a bit. Keep an eye on your temperature gauge and your exhaust. If the temp starts to climb, and you're blowing black smoke, ease up some. Mashing down the throttle won't make a 3B go up a hill faster, it'll only make heat and smoke. With a 3B and 1500lbs, get accustomed to the right lane (and maybe using your flashers) on big climbs.

Other than that, normal "driving an old car across the country" kind of stuff--check your fluids, belts, hoses and stuff like that regularly along the way. General preflight like brakes, tires, wipers, cooling, etc. If everything is in good shape, highway miles are easy miles for a car.

That Troopy is coming full circle returning to Boulder! You going to school out here, or just going climbing?

Awesome! Thank you so much for your perspective. Do you think I would need to install an EGT Gauge before the trip? As for why we are going to Colorado, most of them have just graduated high school (minus me and one other) and want to do one last big trip with all of us before we part ways and go to different colleges and all. One of my buddies has an uncle in Boulder so it would be somewhere for us to crash for a bit and then head back. Plus CO is absolutely beautiful (along with most of the trip there) so we just figured we would do that. We still have to plan some so the plan isn't in full effect yet, but it would be awesome to come visit you while we are there!

 

[theglobb]

Love it. So much character. Any interior pics of the seats you put together?

Thank you!! I also absolutely adore it. As for the seats here it is. I have the 4th seat but just haven't put it in yet because it takes half a day to bend and drill the metal to get everything to work together. The red box between the front seats is just a handmade wooden cupholder. (Bungees up top are for surfboards cause I don't have a roof-rack... yet)

 

[D21FJ60]

SICK ! ! !

 

[Owyhee Jackass]

I flew to Alabama and drove mine back to ID with no issues; got several thumbs up, one tool gave me the finger 'cause I slowed him down in a construction zone (one lane and all the Troopy would do was 55 mph uphill in a headwind in Wy)

The only thing to add to what gilmorneau said is plan ahead for fuel stops, not every station has diesel, at least once I had to find a different station and one time had to fill up with the semitrucks as the passenger car side of the gas station, only had gas.

I'd say not necessary on the EGT if you've not modified the injection pump/turbo settings.

 

[theglobb]

I flew to Alabama and drove mine back to ID with no issues; got several thumbs up, one tool gave me the finger 'cause I slowed him down in a construction zone (one lane and all the Troopy would do was 55 mph uphill in a headwind in Wy)

The only thing to add to what gilmorneau said is plan ahead for fuel stops, not every station has diesel, at least once I had to find a different station and one time had to fill up with the semitrucks as the passenger car side of the gas station, only had gas.

I'd say not necessary on the EGT if you've not modified the injection pump/turbo settings.

Awesome! Thank you. I haven't modded anything on it and it doesn't have a turbo so I should be good in that regard.

 

[FJBen]

Awesome! Sounds like an excellent road trip.

I probably wouldnt be too worried about EGT stock, however I would get an aftermarket temp gauge on there even if only for the trip. I would start by making sure that cooling system is as good as it can be and watch it.

As others have stated, in Colorado, low horsepower naturally aspirated vehicles can struggle on inclines mightily. My FJ55 on 35's was like 30mph climbing grades outside of Denver and Ft Collins Take it slow, don't push it and you will get there. I just did a 2,400 mile round trip (not in my Land Cruiser ) and honestly it's hard to recall any of the sights because it was hurry, push it lets go! When I take my cruiser, I'm looking all over, driving slow, not stressed and just enjoying it. And yes I get the dirty looks occasionally too because how dare I drive 60mph in a 65mph zone!!!!


I would just make sure you have a few spares of important things that you might not be able to find at any old store.

As for cooling if it were me going on a whirlwind adventure across the US... I would seriously replace ALL coolant hoses and flush now if they haven't been replaced. Replace the water pump as well. Make sure your fan clutch is working right. Unless the radiator is fairly new, I would take it to a shop and have them test/clean/unclog/repair.

belts - slap new belts on, use the old ones for spares
Radiator hose patch kit - or you can use your old hoses as spare as well
full size spare tire
Tire patch kit
Fuel filter - never know if you get a bad batch of fuel
Diesel treatment, you never know

There are more spares and things to bring on the trip, but heat is the killer of these 3B's. Make sure they are cooling good, especially with extra people and weight going to the mountains.

Sounds like such a great time!

 

[theglobb]

Awesome! Sounds like an excellent road trip.

I probably wouldnt be too worried about EGT stock, however I would get an aftermarket temp gauge on there even if only for the trip. I would start by making sure that cooling system is as good as it can be and watch it.

As others have stated, in Colorado, low horsepower naturally aspirated vehicles can struggle on inclines mightily. My FJ55 on 35's was like 30mph climbing grades outside of Denver and Ft Collins Take it slow, don't push it and you will get there. I just did a 2,400 mile round trip (not in my Land Cruiser ) and honestly it's hard to recall any of the sights because it was hurry, push it lets go! When I take my cruiser, I'm looking all over, driving slow, not stressed and just enjoying it. And yes I get the dirty looks occasionally too because how dare I drive 60mph in a 65mph zone!!!!


I would just make sure you have a few spares of important things that you might not be able to find at any old store.

As for cooling if it were me going on a whirlwind adventure across the US... I would seriously replace ALL coolant hoses and flush now if they haven't been replaced. Replace the water pump as well. Make sure your fan clutch is working right. Unless the radiator is fairly new, I would take it to a shop and have them test/clean/unclog/repair.

belts - slap new belts on, use the old ones for spares
Radiator hose patch kit - or you can use your old hoses as spare as well
full size spare tire
Tire patch kit
Fuel filter - never know if you get a bad batch of fuel
Diesel treatment, you never know

There are more spares and things to bring on the trip, but heat is the killer of these 3B's. Make sure they are cooling good, especially with extra people and weight going to the mountains.

Sounds like such a great time!

Well, I guess I'm extremely lucky cause the PO had work done on about everything you just mentioned as shown in the picture below! But definitely a great idea for all the stuff you mentioned. I really appreciate it.

 

[FJBen]

Well, I guess I'm extremely lucky cause the PO had work done on about everything you just mentioned as shown in the picture below! But definitely a great idea for all the stuff you mentioned. I really appreciate it.

View attachment 2336750

Oh Robbie worked on it? You are golden! Adventure away!

 

[theglobb]

Oh Robbie worked on it? You are golden! Adventure away!

Hahaha, I got very lucky.

 

[gilmorneau]

Do you think I would need to install an EGT Gauge before the trip?

Do you need to? No. But it's never bad to know more about your engine's condition. Up to you if you want to go to the trouble. Didn't Jamie/Robbie put in an aftermarket temp gauge already? EGT will give you a quicker response to temperature rise, as coolant (and thus stock gauge) heats up relatively slowly, even as head temps can spike. FWIW, I don't have one.

Note when you're doing your planning that Google maps is going to assume your vehicle can drive at the posted speed limit everywhere you go. It can't. Figure a max cruising speed of maybe 60-65mph and you won't be far wrong. Add in extra time for hilly terrain. My preference is to avoid the Interstate highway system as much as possible, since in places speed limits can be up to 80 mph--a 3B Troopy is almost a traffic hazard under those conditions. I like to use the old US highway system and state highways as much as possible. You'll see more interesting places, and meet more interesting people. Probably eat better, too, if you can avoid the usual McD and BK slime. If you enter a little town at mealtime, find the diner, BBQ place, or pie house with the most cars outside. If you're lucky, the waitresses will call you "honey". Lol..

AAA (or towing service with your auto insurance) is highly recommended. You're not going to the third world or anything, so every town will have a garage and a post office. If you need spares, have someone at home overnight them to you, then you don't need to carry so much. And if you need one, look for diesel mechanics, not necessarily car mechanics. The 3B is s super simple motor that will make perfect sense to anyone who's familiar with diesels. Or post on 'Mud--someone will help.

it would be awesome to come visit you while we are there!

Sure. Look me up when you get here.

And, dude, your front bumper looks sweet! But your saggy-ass rear bumper? C'mon!

 

[theglobb]

Do you need to? No. But it's never bad to know more about your engine's condition. Up to you if you want to go to the trouble. Didn't Jamie/Robbie put in an aftermarket temp gauge already? EGT will give you a quicker response to temperature rise, as coolant (and thus stock gauge) heats up relatively slowly, even as head temps can spike. FWIW, I don't have one.

Note when you're doing your planning that Google maps is going to assume your vehicle can drive at the posted speed limit everywhere you go. It can't. Figure a max cruising speed of maybe 60-65mph and you won't be far wrong. Add in extra time for hilly terrain. My preference is to avoid the Interstate highway system as much as possible, since in places speed limits can be up to 80 mph--a 3B Troopy is almost a traffic hazard under those conditions. I like to use the old US highway system and state highways as much as possible. You'll see more interesting places, and meet more interesting people. Probably eat better, too, if you can avoid the usual McD and BK slime. If you enter a little town at mealtime, find the diner, BBQ place, or pie house with the most cars outside. If you're lucky, the waitresses will call you "honey". Lol..

AAA (or towing service with your auto insurance) is highly recommended. You're not going to the third world or anything, so every town will have a garage and a post office. If you need spares, have someone at home overnight them to you, then you don't need to carry so much. And if you need one, look for diesel mechanics, not necessarily car mechanics. The 3B is s super simple motor that will make perfect sense to anyone who's familiar with diesels. Or post on 'Mud--someone will help.



Sure. Look me up when you get here.

And, dude, your front bumper looks sweet! But your saggy-ass rear bumper? C'mon!

Thank you so much for the advice, they all planned on bombing it down I-40 but I told them otherwise. Got them all and took them on I-40 today, needless to say, they are now totally down for taking the old highways compared to I-40. They didn't believe me that having wind against us would seriously slow us down, now they do lol. Now it's time to make a route for us to take and seeing if we can see anything super interesting along the way. As for the saggy rear bumper... I knowww it's so wimpy compared to the front, a 17-year-old only has so much money! haha

 

[gilmorneau]

Now it's time to make a route for us to take and seeing if we can see anything super interesting along the way.

The journey is the destination.

As for the saggy rear bumper... I knowww it's so wimpy compared to the front, a 17-year-old only has so much money! haha

We all feel your pain. We were all 17 at one time.