Heritage Landcruiser Troopy Build 2011-2015
transformation
The bare bones interior . . .
Winning the ugly bush ambulance look-alike competition. . .
Until we spayed it dark olive and began a transformation that was to create the most famous Troopcarrier in the world.
4XO world cruiser HERO troopY
The first Land Cruiser VJ78 to enter South Africa in 2011, it was used for Toyota South Africa's press pictures, and then as the test-bed for the prototype development of the Alu-Cab Hercules roof-conversion in Cape Town, South Africa between 2011 and 2012.
FITTED
Modifications and accessories:
Bull Bar. Airbag compatible TJM.Bash plate. Gobi-X. Protects steering rods.
Suspension upgrade – EFS springs and XSJ gas shocks, greaseable rear spring shackles.
Powerbrake upgraded front brake discs and pads (with spare pads)
Turbo-charger. This is a low-pressure turbine, designed to boost power with a limiter to maintain engine reliability.
Steering damper (IFS gas)
VPS Protection film on bonnet, front wings, headlamps, rear wheel-arches
Air-springs (Firestone) on rear axle. To assist stability when at full load or towing.
Battery split-charge system with Ctek DC-DC and Smartpass high-amp charger.
Auxiliary batteries: Two, 70-amp, full deep cycle Orbital Blue-Top.
Awning (Ezi-Awn Batwing 270°) Time to erect ±30 seconds. Time to close ±45 seconds
Water tanks. Two. ±50L + ±30L. One with tap. One with electric pump and shower. External fillers.
Air tyre pump installed in engine bay with hose.
Tinted glass anti-smash on all windows behind front seats.
Wheel Arch flares – colour coded with protective plastic.
Safari Snorkel raised air intake.
Two anti-theft systems. One electronic with over-ride (OE), plus one hidden cut-off switch.
Sound insulation in rear cabin.
Cantek canvas AutoGraph waterproof seat covers with heated seat pads.
Takmat sound insulation floor covering (not mats) in cab. Covers OE plastic flooring. Waterproof, washable.
Rear axle diff lock actuator – heavy-duty protection plate, replaces flexible OE unit.
Replacement rear bumper for twin wheel carrier with towing ball, suitable for jacking.
Twin spare wheel carrier arms and brackets.
Single spare wheel carrier on rear door for city use.
Two fuel tanks. Standard front: 90L. Upgrade back ±175L, with dash gauges. Range ±900 miles.
TJM 9500LB winch with plasma rope. (Never run)
Winch cut-off switch in engine bay.
Centre floor console. Anodised black aluminum.
Centre floor storage box.
Safe (Steel, with lock, well-hidden in the back)
1000W pure-sine wave inverter with ‘shore power’ system.
Load-bay is wired for 220-V system to run laptops, chargers etc.
Side opening (RHS) with gas struts and locks.
LED strip lights int and ext. A total of six.
MadMan engine monitor including EGT.
Tyre-Co tyre pressure monitor. Wireless.
Roller drawer, storage boxes, interior working surfaces.
Rock-sliders (Full length, Gobi-X)
Rear fog light with illuminated dash switch.
BF Goodrich AT tyres. Two unused. Four with ±8000 miles.
Wheel rims. XD Alloys. 17″. Six.
FITTED - MORE
Tent conversion. Flip-up. Time to erect ±23 seconds. Time to close ±30 seconds. Live-in unique camper design.
Reading LEDs in tent (2).
Hella HID spot lights with switch and auto-off.
Fog lights fitted in bull-bar, with switch.Door pockets – as fitted to 80-series Land Cruiser VX.
Fridge/freezer – 55L double-compartment compressor type with dash remote control.
Fridge – 11L for drinks and snacks between front seats (armrest).
Overhead stowage shelf with power boxes and 220v for charging.
Overhead stowage compartments for light stuff e.g. raincoats etc.(2)
Fire extinguisher rear powder.
Rear access step. Can be swapped for tow ball (included).
Rear access roof ladder.
Solar panel 180W HIT high-voltage.
Blue Sky energy Powerpoint-tracker solar regulator with cut-off switch.
Sound system, integrated Garmin GPS, 4 speakers, DVD player, Pioneer sub-woofer.
Garmin GPS Tracks4Africa software installed.
Privacy roll-up blinds.
Water heater and shower and pump.
Tie down rails.
Rear door alu panels and boxes.
Rear power sockets.
FITTED - MORE
Tent conversion. Flip-up. Time to erect ±23 seconds. Time to close ±30 seconds. Live-in unique camper design.
Reading LEDs in tent (2).
Hella HID spot lights with switch and auto-off.
Fog lights fitted in bull-bar, with switch.Door pockets – as fitted to 80-series Land Cruiser VX.
Fridge/freezer – 55L double-compartment compressor type with dash remote control.
Fridge – 11L for drinks and snacks between front seats (armrest).
Overhead stowage shelf with power boxes and 220v for charging.
Overhead stowage compartments for light stuff e.g. raincoats etc.(2)
Fire extinguisher rear powder.
Rear access step. Can be swapped for tow ball (included).
Rear access roof ladder.
Solar panel 180W HIT high-voltage.
Blue Sky energy Powerpoint-tracker solar regulator with cut-off switch.
Sound system, integrated Garmin GPS, 4 speakers, DVD player, Pioneer sub-woofer.
Garmin GPS Tracks4Africa software installed.
Privacy roll-up blinds.
Water heater and shower and pump.
Tie down rails.
Rear door alu panels and boxes.
Rear power sockets.
Vehicle Details
These are the OE items (factory-built) that are worth mentioning:
Toyota Green Dark Olive (Professional repaint from original white. Colour is Toyota 6H9 Greyish olive)
4,2L 6-cyl, 1HZ engine.
Air-conditioning.
Power steering.
Driver and passenger airbags.
Electric windows.
Central, keyless locking.
Immobilizer with alarm (electronic with bypass).
Five-speed manual gearbox.
Two-speed transfer gearbox.
Hand throttle.
Auto free-wheel front hubs with manual over-ride.
Front and rear diff locks (Electric OE)
AFTER
I ran the vehicle from 2011, while it was still owned by Toyota South Africa. I took ownership in 2015. It was featured in two TV series aired on South African TV.
I did many trips in South Africa and Botswana and Lesotho between 2012 and 2015, after which it was put on a ship and sailed to the UK, were I was living at the time.
The olive green colour has been copied by countless Troopy enthusiasts around the world. I sold it in 2016 and then moved with my family to Australia. The sale of this asset, which in the UK was unique and therefore pricey, funded our family's move down under. This is where we now live. (I am an Australian citizen through my mother who was born in Sydney.)