Just a short update. I know some of you remember that some time ago I started building my wife a custom Trooper.
I've gotten side tracked a couple of times(The shop if finally done), but, it's still in the works. Hope to have it drivable before Thanksgiving.
Here's a few shots to tease you folks.
It's finally going out for paint this Tuesday. So it's all stripped down. And nekked! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />




Here's a shot of the the wifes tranny.
My wife hates to shift.



In case your wondering what the hole in the hood is for, look at the engine in the 1st. picture again. That's an intercooler on top of the engine. It's a Turboed Fuels Injected 2.3L port matched Frakenstine motor. Not dynoed yet, but Jerry and I estimate it should be somewhere in the 260 horses range. We'll know better once I get the engine sorted out. I have a friend who has a Dyno.



If your wondering how the hole is going to work, I should add that the intercooler will be getting fresh air under it with some plumbing from the grill and blowing UP through the hood.

There is a way to mount an 8,000 lb winch behind the stock bumper and in front of the AC condenser. And before you start jumpimg me with the Safety Patrol thing, it's all reinforced behind the bumper to the frame so it looks stock. Did you notice the landing lights built into the bumper? (Hint: THey're behind the little louvers.) Also, since we tow our junk behind the motorhome we needed to be able to tow it right? It's the same towbar I use on my Rodeo.



I'll post up some pictures once it comes home from the painters
.
The next major expense wil be for the a light tan custom soft leather interior.

Here's what else is in store for it. 4:77 gears with LSD in the rear and an ARB up front with manual hubs on all four corners, a Full Floater Corp 12 bolt rear axle, electric windows, Alarms with remote start, 33 inch tires, and lots of chrome for the lady. Everything is bought and ready to start installing once the paint goes on. Did you notice I finally found a Round Eye '86' Grill for it?
Not sure how far we'll go with the audio, but it will have bluetooth built in.

True this will be more of a Mall Crawler / School Teacher rig than I'd like, but it's her money and her truck. And she is a School Teacher!
Besides I'll still get to drive it, occasionally!


Curtis

Cool man, You always seem to do alot of neat projects.
What color are you going with btw?

Its good to see some projects on here again.

_Chris.. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

x2

Curtis, you're in inspiration to us all. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> "Mall Crawler / School Teacher rig" my <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" /> That is way cooler than most peoples trail rigs <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Umm, you can't just throw that out there like that. This nugget deserves a thread all its own... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> Anything in common with your FF D44???

--Dan

Woops, Did I let that cat outta the bag.

Well, anyone who knows me knows I've been talking about it for some time.

Yes, it will be a variant of the Rodeos Full Floater.
I've machined some spindle adapters for the Corp 12 bolt. and will be using the Rodeo front hubs and brakes rotors on the rear. My only obstacle now is the brake bracket. I'd like to use the neat Rodeo dual brake set up, but think the Trooper disc calipers will do for now.

I picked up some axle ends from Jerry the last time out his way and it sure is a lot easier to fabricate this stuff when you don't have to pick up the entire axle housing to work on it.
The axles will be made here in Texas by a Drag Racer Buddy of mine who did cut the Rodeo splines for me the last time.

I guess I should start a thread on them as soon as I get the "I" Mark converted to Diesel.
Gotta run!

Curtis

looks like fun Curtis. Are you going to put dual cases in it as well? I am curious what that part between the tranny and t cas is with the plate on it right in front of the front out put shaft, just part of the tranny?

Troy

I can sympathize with that. My wife's RS is taking a while to come around too!



good to see you finally putting this idea to practice! takes me back to the days of learning from your odd ball Isuzu D44 FF conversion.

At any rate, keep up the work man... what a monster she'll turn out to be!

-Rob

NO Dual T cases for this girls truck. The Tranny is an Aisen Warner 30-80 4 speed. Like whats in the Toyotas! SO, If I don't like the engine I can always put in a Toy TDR V6 and really make it scream.

You gotta know I always have alterior motives and contingencies for the things I plan to do. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Melissas Trooper is Officially at the Painters as of 2:30 this afternoon. Boy is she gonnna flip when it comes home.
Did I ever tell you guys I hate to paint cars. Well, not the painting part, BUT THE PREP, I HATE IT! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

Lucky for me my Cousin loves to do body work and paint.
SO, I let him do all my paint chores.

I'll get some pictures over the next week while he's prepping it, if I can.

Curtis


Sorry Chris, I forgot to tell you new guys it will be BRIGHT Yellow Urathane with gold and silver metal flake.
I had one of my show bikes painted that way and it really pops with chrome on it. My Cousin want to bring in a Professional Pin Striper to add some red to it. I dunno!

I can't wait to see it, all of these local isuzu projects going on really makes me want to start one on my troop.
I've just been too busy restoring a sailboat with my dad, and building a trailer for it.

Did you see the pics that Matt posted over on pirate4x4??

Its a pretty good chop job. and yellow <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I'm working on a photo chop job now for your other project truck troop..