130 Dual cab for me

Ive been distracted a little the last few weeks.
Even though the electrics were finished, they actually weren't... Still needed the wiring installed for UHF, Reverse Camera, Trailer brakes, winch and clean forgot about the loom I needed to make for the SLS sensors.:(
While running the winch cables I was thrilled to find the new fuel regulator, thermostat and 2 hoses (all brand new Genuine parts) leaking:censored:
Time and money wasted fixing things which shouldn't even be broken
Air conditioner is now fitted along with the front sound deadening.
Charge circuit from the SC80 to the tray for camper connection has been run which led to my main distraction..

After much searching, thinking, second guessing, looking at finances etc. We have found and purchased a camper.
We had considered most options from a simple aluminium canopy fitted out with water and electrics with awnings and RTT, to the high end Trayons and Travelander offerings.
For our camping/travelling style the first options suited budget but we could see that it would not be long term friendly. Middle of the range options were a significant compromise in quality or features.
The new high end options were IMO simply outside of a realistic budget for the product provided.
So.. we have found a 2nd hand Utility Campers C190 for a reasonable price and I'm happy the last big piece of the project is sorted.
Hopefully it will arrive in Alice within a fortnight and not fall off the truck.;)

Now back to the finishing the battery cradles and getting the power windows into the doors for reassembly.

Funny when things actually end up finished.

Over the pits and registered today without a problem.

The date on my purchase receipt says 16/9/11.
A bit over 12 months of no work while renovating.
1 house sale and relocation, a plethora of family and social celebrations and lamentations and it's done.

New tyres to be
fitted next week and the Aircon gassed.

So how's it drive?
Just love it.
The auto is simply fantastic.
The map is standard and despite the upgraded low stall torque converter, it pulls really well.
Hopefully Jose will answer his PMs / emails soon and sort a mild tune for me.

A couple of brackets to modify on the camper and we should be out on our first trip over the long weekend (Finke desert race)

Rear air bags to fit next which will make the camper load/ unload easier.
Should make for a better ride too.
Currently the Kings progressive rate springs are very good.

Couple of snaps out in the fresh air after a very long time covered up.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...2017/05/43.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...2017/05/44.jpg

Congrats Strangy ! What an epic build mate. Aside from the rebuild which is itself a huge undertaking, You've gone way further and tackled some issues I wouldn't be game to touch - particularly as electrickery is not one of my strong suits lol.

The pics look amazing - looks like it just rolled off the production line.

Well Done !!

Well done Strangy, very smart looking truck. Yours makes my '97 130 look very shabby.
Don.

Well done on a great build.
Looks awesome too!!

Steve

Remember to take the camera to Finke,, [bigrolf]


Very nice Strangy,, [thumbsupbig]

Following the build it is time to feedback on what it's like to live with.

One change needed became readily obvious since the first outing.
With 33" tyres, the Defer 1.4:1 transfer is just way to low geared.
I'm swapping in the D2 transfer over in the coming weeks.
The auto must make a big difference in "off the mark" driving when considering others comments about ratio changes in Defenders.
The D2 case will not be a problem.
The sill fuel tank leaks when full from the poxy sender supplied.
Will fix this when the TC is swapped.
Apart from that..
Nothing but smiles.
I said it before but have to say it again, the auto is just fantastic.

In full travel trim ,camper full 160 lt water and 175lt fuel.
It weighs in at 3370kg
Includes me and swmbo and all food and recovery gear.

The tyres were changed a few days after rego and really happy with those too.
I went Muddies simply because I could.
ToyoMT in 285/75/16


Kimberlys end of May18
and hopefully many more trips to come.

Very nice work, love the colour.

Dave