In the Beginning . . .
We just bought a 4.2 1HZ Troopcarrier in South Africa.
It’s a high-mileage one, and we will be showing you the full restoration and preparation throughout 2023
The final result ready to take on Africa at its wildest.
Viewer Numbers
From Sept 2019 to Sept 2023 our 2019 Africa build series over 16 episodes received 1,7 million YouTube views averaging 110 000 views per episode.
Feb 2023, three videos to launch the new series, 243K views in one month.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
January - December 2023. This is our current ongoing series.
Africa Build Goals
- A range of no less than 1200 kms built into it.
- A camping set-up that was easy and fast. And by fast, I mean under 2 minutes for the tent up, table out, cooker warming or beer in hand.
- Sufficient load-carrying ability to enable isolated trips of up to 22 days without supplies.
- Security measures.
- Quick pack-away, and easily achieved inside 15 minutes.
This story will showcase the best of the South African 4X4 accessory industry. Australia continues to get the limelight around the world and its time South Africa had a chance to show off its products and services on the world’s most trusted overland channel.
Showcase Land Cruiser build in South Africa
As usual, Andrew get to hand-pick the products and collaboration partners, and no money changes hands.
Global events notwithstanding, the Land Cruiser will then be based in South Africa for yearly expeditions showcasing this amazing and unique continent and peoples.
Build Feb-Dec 2023. Paul Marsh 4×4 will manage the build project out of Cape Town.
- Interior fit-out Paul Marsh.
- Bull Bar?
- EGON DC-Hub, a single unit through which all 12V accessories and chargers are connected.
- EGON Water-Hub through which all water inlets and outlets are plumbed.
- Falken tyres 265/75R16 AT.
- Tyre services. Tiger Wheel & Tyre.
- Terrain Tamer supplies the springs and shocks from their store in Cape Town.
- Terrain Tamer supplies the diesel filter upgrade, catch-can and diff breathers.
- Compressor. Might use a twin compressor from someone else (not ARB) to find a worthy competitor.
- Alloy wheel rims? Must be 16″
- Roof rack by Ezi-Awn. South Africa’s best roof-rack IMO.
- No roof conversion is planned for stage-1.
- 12V Aqua Mk2 6L water heater or a diesel heater.
- Gull-wings?
- Bumper replacement and spares carrier. I like Gobi-X.
- 270° Awning and En-Suite privacy curtain by QuickPitch.
- Seat covers and carpet mats by Takla.
- Water tank. Something special here!
- Spot-lights are Hella Roklume 380.
- Spray Painting by Body Trend Coach Works
- Arm rests by One-Stone.
- I probably have two SnoMaster fridges. 12L centre console fridge + 55L Expedition dual in the back.
- Monitor by Victron.
- Batteries are 2x100A/hr Amptron LifePO4. Sending these from Australia to save costs.
- Chairs and camp table by Ezi-Awn.
Progress
September 2022.
Idea was presented to South African partners, namely Paul Marsh, Joubert Snyman and Brent Hutchinson (Terrain Tamer) met with unanimous approval from everyone.
Project start is planned for February 2023.
December 2022.
Search for pre-owned Land Cruiser started.
January 2023.
An ideal candidate for the build is found and inspected. And we’ve purchase it. It’s a high-mileage 1HZ Troopcarrier.
February 2023.
Troopy collected in Pretoria and driven down to Cape Town. A week’s intensive work followed.
March 2023.
Mechanical refurbishment complete.
April 2023.
Body stripped out in preparation for spray painting. Parts ordered. Replacement bonnet found.