Reply With QuoteGood work Andrew, Glad its turned out how you had hoped!
Master
SupporterHi all,
Just thought someone might be interested in my little project. I was going to post updates as the build progressed but I was flat out getting time to actually build the thing, let alone play on the computer. So it's pretty much finished but can post a few photos I took along the way.
Anyway my project is to build my version of the ultimate outback touring machine, being the mighty Defender 130 dual cab with an intercooled turbo Isuzu 4bd1, front and rear lockers in strengthened diffs, and full air suspension to handle the massive variation in loads and to make slipping on the camper easier. My original plan was to buy a tdi or td5 130 and do an engine conversion, but when I had the chance to buy 'rovercares' extra cab 130 which was everything I wanted (except it wasn't a dual cab!) I jumped at it. Being a 130 chassis I thought I could simply unbolt the extra cab and bolt on a dual cab, easier than an engine swap I was thinking.
So now I was on the hunt for a dual cab body and after a bit of drama I got one, a complete 2001 td5 130. In the end I was actually surprised at how easy the swap was, nothing needed to be welded, cut or drilled, not bad considering one vehicle is an '84 and other an '01!
Basically I kept the original firewall and front floor/seat boxes which kept it simple. I unbolted the roof from above the windscreen, unbolted the rear floor from the seam behind the seat boxes, a few chassis brackets, unbolted the sill channel from the firewall and then got a mate to help lift the whole cab off in one piece. The dual cab I hung from the shed roof and drove out from underneath. A mate helped lift off the extra cab outside which we just placed on the ground then I backed under the dual cab and bolted it on, and presto, a factory isuzu dual cab 130 with a heap of good stuff on it! Another bonus is that the extra cab ute was a three seater, so now it is a six seater dual cab which means one of the kids can sit in the front leaving a space between the other two in the back, this really is a HUGE bonus.
While all the interior was gutted I covered it all with 4 bulk packs of dynamat to help sound proof it a bit. I still have a fair bit to finish off the inside but at least I can drive it around. I've been in contact with an engineer an he said it shouldn't be a problem to pass all the mods so hopefully get it done soon.
To do list;
*get engineered
*finish off the interior
*new 255/85/16 bfg km2 on the wolf rims (any one have any wolf rims for sale? need more)
*make bull bar around high mount winch
*sill tanks X2
*make rock slider/steps
*more sound proofing
*get slide on camper
*load up wife and kids
*head bush!
I'm very happy how it's turning out and look forward to finishing it. On a side note, I of course now have a good formally dual cab now an extra cab Td5 defender 130 for sale, you can see it in the vehicles for sale section.
I have a heap more photos of the build if anyone's interested,
Cheers, Andrew.
OldBushie
Good work Andrew, Glad its turned out how you had hoped!
hello andrew,
nice job mate! i've been thinking along the similar lines; getting a somewhat beat up 130 and then building it up to my specs. did you get the engineer's certificate for your swap? any dramas?
cheers,
pasi
Master
SupporterHi Pasi, I still havn't got an engineers report but I have transferred the rego into my name and are driving it around. It's still registered as a single cab so will have to sort it out soon. Vicroads here said a letter from land rover stating that the mods I've done are all factory would be enough but the local dealer wasn't keen to write such a letter and gave me Land rover Australias number which I havn't followed up yet. So still might end up needing an engineers report to get it registered as a 6 seater dual cab but no big deal, just dollars!
If your after a 130 to convert to a 4BD1T first check with your states engineers as rules seem to be a bit vauge as to when the rules changed for engine emmisions etc. I was told it would be ok to convert up to a 2001 model 130 but others have said only up to a 1995 model.
Keep an eye on the auctions, you can pick up a 130 dual cab from about 6K. FWIW I'm wrapped with my isuzu 130, easily the most practical, toughest, versitile, great load carrying, great fuel economy, gobs of torque, put a smile on ya dial type vehicle I've had!
Good luck, Cheers, Andrew.
OldBushie
You'll need an engineers as it is a 130 with an Isuzu in it, what are vicroads on about?
Master
Supporterbecause it is a factory 1984 isuzu single cab that has now been converted to a dual cab using factory land rover parts, they tell me that a letter proving that I have used factory engineered parts and that the dual cab is a factory option will be all they need. It's only because everything was bolt up, no modifying or welding was needed, bit of a unique situation. Will see how I go, not stressed either way. Looking up red book it appears that back in 1984 there was a dual cab isuzu land rover sold, but not as a 130.
Swaggie
Yes Mat used a 130 chassis as the isuzu chassis was rotten with cancer was it not !Originally Posted by Vern
OldBushie
Something like that. I know the car very well, I witnessed the whole build and drove the thing plenty of times, and every time I did I ripped my bloody pants on that stupid door catch
Moderator
Something like that
That reminds me to order some X-eng trouser savers
I keep destroying the stupid nylon rollers on the catch. Mine are constantly wrapped on leccy tape in lieu of the roller, and I think I've only ripped three pairs of trousers over the years now.
AT REST
Yes, those nylon rollers are stupid Ric, especially the replacement co$t.That reminds me to order some X-eng trouser savers
I keep destroying the stupid nylon rollers on the catch. Mine are constantly wrapped on leccy tape in lieu of the roller, and I think I've only ripped three pairs of trousers over the years now.
I turned some replacement rollers up from bearing shop material, put one thin split in them (widening ("V"-ing) it a one end to facilitate fitting and eased them over the pin) - they have continued to work fine ever since.
... anyway - I digress ..... the original subject is very interesting
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