Troopy expedition build - California

[tlcruiserman]

Well, After taking my 97' Troopy (HZJ75) on tree trips now, two to mexico and one to the desert I am zeroing in on what I want to do to it. To date I have done to following:

1hz turbo, updated bull bar & nerf bars, roof tent, remove the seating for 8, remove front bench, added suspension rear seat, built shelf, add kaymar rear bumper, gauges of course.

So I have learned that at least 2 spare tires is a must if you are really going on an expedition. I need to add overhead console for the radios (uhf) as well as a spot for solor converter. Propane tank storage (and probably PI), continue refinement on rear shelf and storage, possible even hood mount spare tire.

Here are a few photos:

Cheers,

Michael

 

[tlcruiserman]

Pictures of work as I go...Here we have new rear disc brakes, turbo, dual batteries (12 volt system on this one since it's from OZ), and kaymar rear bumper. You can also see the side nerf bars and the roof top tent.

Cheers,

Michael

 

[tlcruiserman]

More pics...Front seat with bucket seats and tuffy center console, rear shelf and storage, rear suspension seat from 70 series.

 

[tlcruiserman]

New injector pump (after second trip), different front bull bar and nerf bars, new windshield.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Hi Mike. What was wrong the old bullbar?
Did the new pump make a big difference?

 

[tlcruiserman]

Hi Mike. What was wrong the old bullbar?
Did the new pump make a big difference?

I got the truck with 2 ARB Bull bars, one with winch mount (had rust, very old style) and one without, that had holes already drilled for nerf bars. The winch mount one was mounted on the Troopy. I basted and powder coasted the second one with the nerf bars and then put those on the truck, the first bumper I then cleaned up blasted and powder coated. At some point I probably will but the first one back on the truck with a winch.

The original injector pump went on my second trip (I was about 600 kilometers south of the US in Baja Mexico). So it had to be replaced. Luckily the pump went in a way that the Troopy was still driveable. I could not rev the engine over 2000rpm but under that it had full power so I drove it back never going over 2k rpm (slow going back). The new pump was obviously much better, and I a pretty sure the original pump was on it way out when I got the troopy. At the time I thought that was very strange for a pump to go with only 178,000 kilometers on it but most of my friends in Austrailia say tha is NOT that uncommon on the rotory pump.

Cheers,

Michael

 

[Bryan062087]

How did you import this into US and register it in California??

Looks awesome!

 

[KingBeeIII]

How did you import this into US and register it in California??

Looks awesome!

Don't tell us. It will undoubtedly lead many of us to divorce.

 

[tlcruiserman]

How did you import this into US and register it in California??

Looks awesome!

I bought it already here in the US, and got real lucky, walked into DMV and gave them the paperwork and they titled and registered it. I did not look the gift horse in the mouth

 

[Hangtowncruzr]

I never thought of that, I'll ask my veterinarian if he can register non US vehicles

 

[swamprunner]

You got extremely lucky at your dmv. May I ask how the person you bought it from got it into the US? I've been trying to figure out how to get newer cruisers in for a while but haven't come up with any good solutions. Only way that might stand a chance is to become a registered importer?

 

[roscoFJ73]

Mike ,whats that coming out of the floor where the PTO shifter normally goes?

 

[Hilux]

I've heard of people titling stuff in other country's that was not legal. Something about not honoring an insurance claim and crushing it ASAP after it's found out...

I think in one story it was crushed after a ticket or something...

 

[Grolar]

walked into DMV and gave them the paperwork and they titled and registered it

Do you mean it was already a CA vehicle?
Nice one, in any case.

 

[bull]

Talk to a "Registered Importer"

 

[Hltoppr]

Great Troopy!

For your Expedition Build, I'd highly recommend finding a copy of Tom Sheppard's Vehicle Dependent Expedition Guide. It is an excellent resource.

I know Overland Video: Expedition videos and books may have a few left....Yes, they are expensive, but well worth it, and I saw your Troopy when it was for sale...so at this point the extra cash will be a rounding error....

About the "need" for two spares. I've never had issues with my BFG tires in thousands and thousands of miles of Baja and Mainland Mexico, as well as hundreds of thousands of miles here in the US. I know folks will take two spares through Africa, but other than that, I really think it's just extra weight. Spend the $ you'd spend on a second spare on a good set of tubeless tire repair tools and a patch kit/compressor.

I'm looking forward to the build!

-H-

 

[BiG BoB]

I've had 3 tires go in a day working out around Panawonica (WA Aust), carrying 2 spares certainly isn't overkill if you're doing some proper 4wd work!

The tires were at correct inflation, and I was travelling slowly avoiding stakes etc. it was just bad ground and worse luck.

Sean

 

[Hltoppr]

OZ seems to be one of those places that 2 spares is a must! The terrain is particularly hard on tires....I agree.

-H-

 

[roscoFJ73]

I've had 3 tires go in a day working out around Panawonica (WA Aust), carrying 2 spares certainly isn't overkill if you're doing some proper 4wd work!

The tires were at correct inflation, and I was travelling slowly avoiding stakes etc. it was just bad ground and worse luck.

Sean

Im not sure Socal compares with the Pilbara but it is a damn nuiscance when you have no spares left.
I lost 2 tyres east of Warburton and continued on the Ayers Rock without a spare as Giles had no tyres for sale in my size.
Very nerve wracking not having a spare for 500 klms in central oz

 

[ashooter]

U.S. gummint be damned for not letting Toyota bring these things into the country!!!






Well, at least I got my FJ80.