Outer Limits 4x4 Board

hey all

was doing a bit of thinking last night (night shift - i have a lot of time on my hands) and was tossing up the merits of starting another project or doing something with the troopster. I've got the standard troopcarrier rust in the turret and was toying with the idea of soft topping it from the B pillars back. Keeping the B pillars, cutting over the roof to keep a hardtop front bit, and taking it level with the bottom of the existing slider windows. Two hoop rollbars, and a canvas canopy, and a fold down one piece tailgate.

Pros - It would help get the centre of gravity down, It doesn't sound particularly hard panel beating wise, probably easier than fixing the turret. It may not cost any more considering a new turret skin is 2k from toyota and hand building up new metal instead would involve a lot of labour costs.

Cons - Security. and finding mounting points for the RV seats. It may be a RTA magnet even if it gets engineered, and would increase the risk of getting pinged for other stuff.

Can i get your thoughts on whether it would look cool, or how hard they think it would be. And if anyone can photo chop an example it would be appreciated

MILO

I have the same problems, and had the same idea... come on someone must know. Also thought about removing the roof and sides and turning it into an open top ute with rollbars it should be legal shouldnt it? (QLD)

Holy crap! a reply!!

i shouldn't think that legally you would have any problems, as long as there is complying rollover protection. The body isn't monocoque so i should think it would be a case of just getting it blue plated and letting the Dept of transport know to change it on the rego.

and your insurance of course

I'm getting to like this more and more. the only real down side is the security, however the vastly lowered COG would compensate for this.

The old 40 series landcruisers that the army had were like this, very similar to the current perentie body style.

here is my most vulgar attempt at a photochop.

1st is level with windows, which would be easiest

2nd is level with front windows which i think looks better but harder due to having to build up inner skin.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h228/ ... Troop2.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h228/ ... Troop1.jpg

original truck is stoo2's. sorry about using it mate, couldn't find a level pic of my truck. let me know if you want me to take it down

hey guys
I have a hj47 and am considering the same chop. i think it wood be awesome. just like a 40 series shorty but longer. Love to hear about ur experiences.
Jamie

Your gonna turn it into a 75 series 4 runner

If your gonna get something like that engineered... why not get everything else engineered to... oh, yeah, extended shackles arent legal in QLD are they? bummer... hrm...

Aslong as it looks professional, you consult RTA AND the engineer before you even get the paint pen out i reckon it would look awesome, and not be an engineering problem, and would be safer than a rusted out roof turret to