Truck cab Conversion

[Leigh 110]

Hi all, wondering if anyone has attempted to fit a truck cab to a 1988 ex army 110?? have a Defender 1993 ute donor vehicle to use....was also thinking of swaping doors, any help would be great. Thanks

[Barefoot Dave]

G'Day Leigh. Welcome
I haven't heard of any yet.
Keep tuned, I am investigating options.

[MR LR]

There's no reason you couldn't, you wouldn't even need to change the bulk head, just cut the panels and attach a corner cap like factory, then put your rear glass in, the roof, and swap the doors (personally I like the half doors though).

I was going to do what I wrote above, however the Perenties are going for too much money for me to justify as a toy at the age of 19, so I got a Range Rover for those duties.

Cheers
Will

[Leigh 110]

Thanks MR LR, when you mention " cut the panels" what exactly are you refering to?

[Shingleback]

Hi all, wondering if anyone has attempted to fit a truck cab to a 1988 ex army 110?? have a Defender 1993 ute donor vehicle to use....was also thinking of swaping doors, any help would be great. Thanks

Should work no worries, wasn't a perentie but I converted an 84 isuzu 120 single cab ute into a dual cab using a cab off a 2001 td5 dual cab 130. Everything bolted up easy. Look in projects and tutorials for a better description. The perentie chassis is only different at the back, and the under drivers seat tank can stay too. You could move the spare onto the tray and use the big space for a large second fuel tank or something.
Cheers, Andrew.

[2stroke]

Sounds like you're talking about fitting a roof off a Defender single cab onto a soft top 110? Should be a straight bolt on.
I think MrLRJR is talking about going to a full trayback, still doable, just more effort. No cutting required though if you have the whole Defender available to you.

[MR LR]

Ah, I assumed you wanted to make a tray back, as you were talking about swapping the whole cab.

By cutting the panels I meant to cut the side skin, level with the back of the bulkhead, then attaching capping pieces as on a normal ute cab.

Cheers
Will

[juddy]

We were looking at the truck cab kits, theres 20 or so up for grabs, all new from Pumas, that have been converted into Armoured vehicles.

These included the head linings too.:)

[303gunner]

A basic, securable option like fitting the cab roof only would work, but you would lose the benefit of the well designed and strong ROPS bars in the back of the Soft-top Perenties, which would need to be removed.

[rar110]

A basic, securable option like fitting the cab roof only would work, but you would lose the benefit of the well designed and strong ROPS bars in the back of the Soft-top Perenties, which would need to be removed.

If using the existing tub, I think you might need to buy defender body capping. The Perentie capping is customised heavy duty to fit ROPS and hoops for the canvas. The ROPS is behind the turret so I could be wrong. It's a long time since I had a soft top body.

[Leigh 110]

Thanks 303gunner, have looked at ROps, and might squeeze in. I dont want to cut any of the original Army, so will mod the defender truck cab to suit, have fitted a truck cab to my first landy a series 2A, long time ago, presume it simular..... was also thinking of overhauling the power steering box and fitting this also??? any thoughts???? the defender donor car has a 308 holden, I was going to fabricate a mount to fit the holden power steer pump???
going to use truck cab, tow bar, ignition lock, centre seat cubby box, power steering, doors off defender. If anyone is interested in other parts, please advise. Defender has holden 308 motor, LT77, unsure of transfer, front & rear diffs, good chassis, poor firewall(rusty) original dealer fitted air conditioning with vents that pop up over your shoulder (condensor & compressor missing)

[rar110]

Grab one of these Isuzu gear driven hydraulic pumps from a truck wrecker. Bolts straight in to front driver side of the motor.



69291



69292

[Leigh 110]

Grab one of these Isuzu gear driven hydraulic pumps from a truck wrecker. Bolts straight in to front driver side of the motor.



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69292

Thanks rar110, great idea

[MR LR]

You'd actually find that you could even bolt the truck cab off the 2A you previously had on!

[Mick_Marsh]

You'd actually find that you could even bolt the truck cab off the 2A you previously had on!
I doubt it. Different windscreen.

[JDNSW]

You'd actually find that you could even bolt the truck cab off the 2A you previously had on!
No you can't - the windscreen is higher and hence the cab roof is different. The back panel of the cab is interchangeable though.

John

[MR LR]

No you can't - the windscreen is higher and hence the cab roof is different. The back panel of the cab is interchangeable though.

John
Ah that's what I was thinking of.

[Bearman]

You can if you use the series windscreen with it ( will bolt onto the 110 firewall) instead of the 110 windscreen. I have seen it done.

[JDNSW]

You can if you use the series windscreen with it ( will bolt onto the 110 firewall) instead of the 110 windscreen. I have seen it done.
Series 3 not 1 or 2 or 2a.

The asymmetrical wipers on the 110 would probably need some modification (reduce sweep) unless the split screen on the Series 3 windscreen were replaced with a single piece of glass - possible, but means you now have a non-standard screen when you need new glass.

John

[Leigh 110]

Bit confused, does that mean the 1993 defender truck cab wont fit??

[Mick_Marsh]

Bit confused, does that mean the 1993 defender truck cab wont fit??
Ignore the discussion from Mr LR's ill informed post.
It appears the 1993 Defender has the same windscreen as a Perentie.
It should fit. I'd put money on it. I think you may be one of the first to try this sort of thing. Your experience will be valuable for the many others who will follow.

[Leigh 110]

Would like to add photos, as I go, but unsure how to do this......using a mac???

[isuzutoo-eh]

As Mick said, it will fit, the only proviso is if the ROPS is mounted in the way of the cab rear.
A quick visual will tell you yes or no.

Can't help you with the photos, I use photobucket to store photos and use the supplied links to add photos to posts.

[Leigh 110]

thanks will try photo bucket after a bath the kids...... sigh!!

[KCpaul]

Did you go ahead with this? If so how did you go?
I'm considering buying a soft top and doing the same thing so curious as to how you went :D

[jackz]

Truck cab can be fitted, the two sloping brackets on ROPS sockets on body capping and the upper seat belt mounts on the perentie ROPS will need to be removed or shortened.
74318

[KCpaul]

Truck cab can be fitted, the two sloping brackets on ROPS sockets on body capping and the upper seat belt mounts on the perentie ROPS will need to be removed or shortened.
74318

Thanks for the confirmation jackz.
I got a chance to have a closer look on Saturday and came to the same conclusion about the brackets on the capping, but didn't think about the seatbelt mounts.
It's good to know I'm on the right track.

[Dervish]

Thanks for the confirmation jackz.
I got a chance to have a closer look on Saturday and came to the same conclusion about the brackets on the capping, but didn't think about the seatbelt mounts.
It's good to know I'm on the right track.

I was dreading having to cut the seatbelt mounts when I put a cab on my Perentie as I wanted to be able to switch back to full canvas. I was thinking I'd need a second front ROPS bar with the seatbelt mounts intact. Having completed the operation this morning, I can tell you that the seat belt mounts don't have to be cut and the sloping brackets don't need to be cut as much as you probably think they do either.

You can do the whole job without removing the front ROPS bar or the canvas; heck even the existing seatbelt bolts fit the cab roof. Easy job.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/OreganoM1/IMG_7846_zpsbbc278d4.jpg

Don't worry about how it looks, it's just a trial fitting :)

[mark2]

Would be interesting to hear how the noise levels compare: obviously with the truck cab the flapping canvas element would be gone but I suspect engine/ mechanical noise may be higher due to reverberation?

[Dervish]

Would be interesting to hear how the noise levels compare: obviously with the truck cab the flapping canvas element would be gone but I suspect engine/ mechanical noise may be higher due to reverberation?

I couldn't give you a fair comparison, I put a few sheets of Jaycar's Super Sound Deadener on the roof before I fitted it - mostly to stop heat transfer. Obviously the wind, flapping canvas and tyre noises are greatly reduced. It's hard to judge whether the mechanical noise is louder or quieter than before when the soundscape has changed so much, but the total result is a much quieter ride.

[Hellonwheels]

I've purchased a perentie, GS softop. I removed the hoops and ROPS bars. Cut the seatbelt attach brackets from the forward ROPS mounts. Replaced ROPS bars with two rolled bars of same steel (seamless) I then attached the back of single cab ute, full length defender roof ( which is supported by RHS attached between rear bars.) I made up a full width parcel shelf which seals the rear cab into the roof. I've fitted Defender doors and then repainted the whole lot in CAMO.
I've done this not because I disliked the 'freedom' of the half doors and open cab, but because driving in the top end monsoon, I got more water inside the cab with the soft top, also car is now lockable, which means I can have a decent wireless.
The car is now also a LOT quieter to drive you can hold a conversation whilst driving, without having to shout!
All in all I'm happy with the conversion. I've also fitted PAS and some 235/85 rims and tyres, which seem to remove some of the 'sudden' movements in steering.....
I would like to know if anyone can point to where I can obtain some of those brackets used to attach cab back to rear tub, not the bolts with welded spacers, but an 's' shaped bracket with a flat flange attaching to rear tub and welded nut under holes in cab....they are very neat.
Cheers

[whatthe]

A basic, securable option like fitting the cab roof only would work, but you would lose the benefit of the well designed and strong ROPS bars in the back of the Soft-top Perenties, which would need to be removed.

Thanks for this, Can I ask you what roof this is off?

[Hellonwheels]

83635

[Dervish]

I would like to know if anyone can point to where I can obtain some of those brackets used to attach cab back to rear tub, not the bolts with welded spacers, but an 's' shaped bracket with a flat flange attaching to rear tub and welded nut under holes in cab....they are very neat.
Cheers

I like what you've done with your Perentie, it's a useful layout. All it needs is some roll up canvas sides in the back and it'd be perfect.

As for the 's' brackets, the two places I've dealt with that'd probably have some are Land Vehicle Spares in Sydney and British Offroad on the Sunshine Coast. I'm sure there are plenty of others, but I haven't dealt with them myself.

[BadCo.]

83635

Wow, that's a great looking conversion! Any more pictures?

[archieaja]

83635

That’s a really good looking, practical modification. Wouldn’t have thought of that myself.

Nice work.

[Hellonwheels]

Gday,
Been a bit slack in the Aulro dept! I will take some more pics soon. Im in the process of fitting a Thomas electric winch, just looking for some steel to make a mount behind the bar. Ive been onto the guys who are modifying LT85 bellhousings to match the 4BD1 to a R380 box, not getting much info back, but assuming this is still happening? I have a box and LT 230 in the shed...just waiting. I reckon after that small mod, I will have a rest...oh and yes the intention is to modify/fit the canvas sides to my canopy and perhaps even some removable and lockable mesh sides so I can fill the back up with cold beer or landrover parts and not fear theft when spending time in the big smoke.

[Hellonwheels]

Roof is off a 1994 defender 110. I just removed the skylight glass and blanked with some rolled aluminium. Once it bolted to windscreen and rear cab simple matter of measuring up on my new rollbar/roof supports and welding in some 50mm angle which supports the roof along its full length, and is bolted in 5 places each side, so very rigid mount, stronger than a 110 wagon setup but with not much in the way when accessing the tray.

[Dervish]

Gday,
Been a bit slack in the Aulro dept! I will take some more pics soon. Im in the process of fitting a Thomas electric winch, just looking for some steel to make a mount behind the bar. Ive been onto the guys who are modifying LT85 bellhousings to match the 4BD1 to a R380 box, not getting much info back, but assuming this is still happening? I have a box and LT 230 in the shed...just waiting. I reckon after that small mod, I will have a rest...oh and yes the intention is to modify/fit the canvas sides to my canopy and perhaps even some removable and lockable mesh sides so I can fill the back up with cold beer or landrover parts and not fear theft when spending time in the big smoke.

KLR are working on (and it was supposed to be fitted to one of their vehicles soon for testing if it isn't in already) a conversion to attach an r380 to 4BD1 using the LT95 bellhousing. That saves having to find a rare LT85 Isuzu bellhousing.

[Phil B]

Dervish,

Thanks for the article on the conversion.
I am about to fit a single cab ute roof and back to mine.
Now that you have had it on a while how do you find it?
I am looking to do some longer distance touring and a solid cab seemed the way to go.
I will also be doing some sound/heat proofing on the cab when I put it on.
Any comments on your conversion would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Phil.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

KLR are working on (and it was supposed to be fitted to one of their vehicles soon for testing if it isn't in already) a conversion to attach an r380 to 4BD1 using the LT95 bellhousing. That saves having to find a rare LT85 Isuzu bellhousing.How rare could they be? I've got an LT85-4BD1 bellhousing, but Matt's comment about advising customers to avoid 5th in the R380 for long periods makes me think that the Isuzu MSA box would be a better option for a 6x6 Defender.

[Dervish]

Now that you have had it on a while how do you find it?
I am looking to do some longer distance touring and a solid cab seemed the way to go.
I will also be doing some sound/heat proofing on the cab when I put it on.
Any comments on your conversion would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Phil.

G'day Phil,

I said when I put the cab on that it would stay for the winter. Now that spring has well and truly sprung I can't bring myself to switch back to the canvas. The cab is secure, dry, quiet, sealable from dust and I reckon it looks pretty good too. If you want the wind in your hair, the rear cab windows open and you have as much fresh air as with the canvas. There's a heap of plusses and no minuses I can think of.

I'll still change back to the full canvas on the right camping trips and for shows; but around town the cab is just too good to give up; too practical.


How rare could they be? I've got an LT85-4BD1 bellhousing, but Matt's comment about advising customers to avoid 5th in the R380 for long periods makes me think that the Isuzu MSA box would be a better option for a 6x6 Defender.

I think a 6x6 would probably be asking too much of an r380. Problem with the Isuzu MSAs is that the ratios are spread so far that they're only ever driven as four speeds anyway. With that in mind, I personally can't see the benefit of the conversion over an LT95 - given that they're both really 4 (usable) speed, the LT95 has better ratios. I know your dilemma though.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

<snip> ...I think a 6x6 would probably be asking too much of an r380. Problem with the Isuzu MSAs is that the ratios are spread so far that they're only ever driven as four speeds anyway. With that in mind, I personally can't see the benefit of the conversion over an LT95 - given that they're both really 4 (usable) speed, the LT95 has better ratios. I know your dilemma though.Most of the MSA conversions are using earlier suffix boxes, I'm looking for an MSA 5R which has higher first making a more usable box.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/isuzu-landy-enthusiasts-section/65782d1379508452-isuzu-gearboxes-calculations-isuzu-gearboxes.jpg

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/isuzu-landy-enthusiasts-section/65784d1379508543-isuzu-gearboxes-calculations-isuzu-gb-5th.jpg

Remember that the LT95 is:
4.07
2.45
1.51
1
so comparable when you consider the greater flexibility with the LT230 t/f ratios.

[Phil B]

G'day Phil,

I said when I put the cab on that it would stay for the winter. Now that spring has well and truly sprung I can't bring myself to switch back to the canvas. The cab is secure, dry, quiet, sealable from dust and I reckon it looks pretty good too. If you want the wind in your hair, the rear cab windows open and you have as much fresh air as with the canvas. There's a heap of plusses and no minuses I can think of.

I'll still change back to the full canvas on the right camping trips and for shows; but around town the cab is just too good to give up; too practical.



I think a 6x6 would probably be asking too much of an r380. Problem with the Isuzu MSAs is that the ratios are spread so far that they're only ever driven as four speeds anyway. With that in mind, I personally can't see the benefit of the conversion over an LT95 - given that they're both really 4 (usable) speed, the LT95 has better ratios. I know your dilemma though.


Dervish,

Thanks for your reply.
I think you are spot on and by the sounds of it I am going the right way.:cool:
48 749 didn't have a canvas on when I bought it anyway so the cost is neutral-I have to do something.
I'll let you know how I go, with some photo's.
Might be good to put both of them together at some stage for a photo as well.:D

Regards,
Phil.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Maybe we should compare like for like.

While the MSA-5R is still revving about 33% higher in first (we are pushing a lot more weight in the Defer 6x6 than the 110 4X4) and that continues through second.

By the time we get to third the difference is only about 23% and in fourth the MSA is only revving 19% higher and still has another gear.

at 110kph the LT95 is revving 2455RPM while the MSA-5R is 2193RPM 11% lower than the LT95 and less fuel.

Changing back the MSA could drop into 4th at 90kph and be doing the same revs as the LT95 at 110 which would have to wait to around 70kph before it could change back.

It would be a pain having to change from first to second so soon after moving off, a bit like Series Landies, but when loaded I'm pretty sure it would be a bonus. Just my opinion.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/coil-sprung-military-land-rovers/87173d1416287221-truck-cab-conversion-lt95-msa5r-comparison.jpg

[Dervish]

Most of the MSA conversions are using earlier suffix boxes, I'm looking for an MSA 5R which has higher first making a more usable box.


I think you've won me around. I looked at it assuming the 14D (1.003:1) LT230 and 235/85r16s, which gives you this:

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/OreganoM1/ScreenShot2014-11-18at35932pm_zpsac344988.png

(Dotted lines are LT95, solid are MSA-5R w. 1.003 LT230). I think first would still be a smidgen low, but still useful and aside from that you get an overdrive. Not bad.

Just out of curiosity, here is the MSA-5R w. 1.003 LT230 (dotted) plotted against an R380 w. 1.003 LT230 (solid). Interesting comparison.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad246/OreganoM1/ScreenShot2014-11-18at40220pm_zpsa82c6aa7.png


Dervish,

Thanks for your reply.
I think you are spot on and by the sounds of it I am going the right way.:cool:
48 749 didn't have a canvas on when I bought it anyway so the cost is neutral-I have to do something.
I'll let you know how I go, with some photo's.
Might be good to put both of them together at some stage for a photo as well.:D

Regards,
Phil.

Sounds great, I'd be keen for a trip out somewhere - perhaps with all the Sydney Perenties?

[Outback]

This company added a truck cab. This is what I thought I would do until I saw the KLR Hardtop version. Hope this helps.

[JB2GO]

This lot are taking the **** a bit, $8k for a lid?
Land Rover 90/110/Perentie Truck Cab Roof (https://www.landybitz.com.au/Land-Rover-90/110/Perentie-Truck-Cab-Roof)

[67hardtop]

This guys prices are all too steep. Rip off merchant.