The TROOPY Project, First Mods 

Sorry about the delay and re-upload, the corrupt audio is now fixed and I've added skip points if you have already been watching

Troopy owner here. The later series GXL mirrors are upright, slightly convex and are a great upgrade to what you've got, but cost a bit. I've actually gone for the MSA mirrors - they come with electric controls and are better than the Clearview I had previously. Fantastic mirrors. Spare tyre on the back door - you will bugger the hinges if you put too much weight there. Easy to buy a second hand skinny 225/85R16 tubless tyre and rim from the current model - they only weigh 29kgs and are almost the same diameter as your 285/75R16s. Rear wheel carrier add a lot of weight - if you go that way buy one that incorporates a 3500kg towbar like the Kaymar - saves you adding a 25kg towbar. In years gone by I had the same seat arrangement on a troopy and like you I removed the rear most seats to use for storage - 2 problems - the front passenger seat needs the longer GXL runners to enable people to get in the back and secondly for safety, you'll need a decent cargo barrier to protect anyone sitting in the rear seats. Actually the rear seat passengers only have single lap belts. Best option is to remove all the sideways seats and install a rear bench that incorporates its own seat belts.

to stop rust near gutters spray penetrol or lanotec on the inside where the walls meet the roof , theres a gap where the rooflining goes down,soak that area spraying towards the outside all the way around , even above the windscreen . This area gets condensation ,so rust starts from the inside. Rear door hinges will not last with that tyre .Also rust proof where the wipers are mounted, the chamber below the grate gets full of crap towards the guards , thats where the drips on your feet will come from !!!!

Long time Troopy owner here I’d definitely recommend a wheel rear carrier for next mod mate it’s all good around town but with 4x4ing the weight wheel on door they all sag

Maaaate, lovin’ the troopy project! After having one for 18 years I would definitely recommend a rear bar and wheel carrier. The door hinges will thank you and it’s heaps nicer every time you open the door, lots of choices out there now, anything is better than nothing. Go with the same mirrors that you know, it’s comfortable for you. Rust will be an issue in the long run so go for some protection while it’s still clean. I’ve seen a big difference and I’m the one that got rusted out! Once you stand or sit comfortably inside your truck on a rainy day or get in and out you will love it! Cut that roof if you have the cash??!! Huge shift from just a truck to a home away from home. Go stand in one and envision…. Wishing you all the best with the journey. Thanks for doing what you do, appreciate it. Peace brother

Do not do anything with the mirrors, as you will more than likely place a reversing/rear view camera on the back end of the vehicle. The troopy is looking good, I was looking for somewhere to get my windows tinted and now I need not, thankyou Ronny.

Thank you, have just bought a Troopie, and you are helping me think through what is needed and what is not. Keep the posts coming. Excited.

Super excited for the troopy! Thanks so much for the art you put out

Thanks for the re upload, fantastic episode, looking forward to the build series on the troopy

It's great to see the Troopy being used and in action for us viewers without waiting for the complete build. Kudos. 👍🏻

Awsome Ronny thanks for sharing. Excited to see the transition 👍

Good luck on your maiden voyage with the troopy, Ronny! Love your channel.

2nd troopy will never go anything else. Welcome Ronny Who does the ladder

Swap the mirrors from 76 series pov pack, so they are black, or if you want the yucky chrome can get the gxl ones. Heaps better than the stock mirrors for seeing behind, direct fit, and made of metal. The factory troopy mirrors there for making it look like you have mirrors and makes fiesta beside you feel safer.

Long time subscriber- great video as always. I just bought a 1995 Troopy (I’m in the US) that I’m planning to build into a full-on expedition vehicle. Please keep us posted on this build. These questions and ideas are fantastic!

Looks great could see the excitement when you said heading off 😊 I love my D-Max with canopy but there is something about a troppy , enjoy 😊

Ronny, thanks for reminding me how tinny closing the doors used to sound. Sound deadening is money well spent I reckon. Highly recommended!

Ditch the spare on the door and go for a swing away rear bar setup, stops the door sagging and flogging the hinges out . I have a 35" on my kaymar rear bar and that works fine.

Thanks for the video Ron.

Love the ram mount idea!!!

Love your channel, keep up the great work!!!

Definitely get a rear bar sorted asap! The bigger rear door will sag and start to become difficult to open. The panel is also known to crack on the left-hand side under the window where it is at it's thinnest. On the mirror front: get a set of GXL 70 series mirrors. Give you the extra width and height and provide a factory look for half the price of after market tow mirrors. Also suit the existing bolt holes!

Great videos! I drove professionally well over 30yrs. My first instinct is to add larger side mirrors for highway and town driving. Living in the states where the cities are getting more crowded and more crime, theirs always someone that appears out of nowhere. And thinking on the safety side, pulling into a parking lot or (?), to mess with your phone or I-pad, or to eat your lunch, I don't like to be surprised by someone walking up on me. That's just my two cents!! Keep up the great channel,,

24 year Troopy owner. Mirrors - replaced with OCAMs but only for towing a wide boat, otherwise don't need them or replace with 76rs - it's a skinny vehicle - get a rear camera. Leave the roof alone - just put your swags up there. Rear door rattle - you can adjust that top bracket & pop a washer in to move it a smidgen lower - mine is 29 years old & no rattles - get a gas strut to assist opening. Definitely spray cavity wax in internal seams for rust protection. Uncovered vinyl on the floor will develop wear holes over time. That bent aerial is a pain to replace - there's a tricky grommet to get to - just did mine

I absolutely love the Troopy! Hands down the Troopy is THE BEST land cruiser ever made. My dream 4WD is the Troopy and hopefully one day I will get. Well done Ronny!!!! Best choice you ever made I reckon!

Ceramic tint and sheepskin covers made our 90 series far more comfortable. Also went for a sheepskin steering wheel cover. Much nicer on a hot day. We also got sandgrabba mats to save the carpet. Has come in handy with a wet dog, and also living in blacksoil country in the wet season.

Hi Ronny, so exciting you see your new Troopy getting modified, looking forward to seeing what is coming next! The GXL version has larger mirrors which fit into the original mount, no drilling needed. They come in a silver finish but you can spray them black. Look much better than some huge towing mirrors. Cheers mate !

The ladder looks sick!

I like how Ronny is asking questions as he a relative novice with Troopies. Good sign someone knows their own limitations and experience and willing to learn

I've just done an around Aus trip which included plenty of corrugations. Cordillo Downs track, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta, Gibb, Kalumburu, the Tanami and others all with a 285/75/16 BFG KM3 fitted to a steel 105 series Land Cruser rim hanging off the back door. No problems. I carried a spare on the roof which I never needed. Most people set up the Troopy so that virtually everything is accessed through the rear doors which means that at nearly every stop you have to open them for one reason or another. I thought about the Kaymar rear bar but decided I couldn't live with the inconvenience.

Needs a TROOPCARRIERS of AUSTRALIA across the top of the windscreen. Nearly 10,000 members in Australia. Been a member for 10 years.

Loving your Troopy build. A secret I have learned for anyone fitting a steering cover. Leave the cover in the sun for half an hour before you do the job. Makes it a bit softer and more forgiving goes on alit easier. With your spare tire, take it off the door and put it on an independent rear swing out. The wheel weight off road will damage the door hinge alignment. Thanks for the content. 🇿🇲

Been keen for this! Looks good👌🏻

Excited as about the troopie !

Awesome keep rolling

Very nice video and the troopy is beautiful! My VDJ76 Wagon Workmate got exactly that tire size and mounted on the door at first. The door hinges had to be fixed and a rear wheel carrier went on pronto. Don't do this to yourself.... 🤗 All the best from Tilly (the Landcruiser) and Annie

Looks amazing😜

Yes for that size wheel you definitely want to get it off that door. As for the space behind the panels I installed my twin compressor and electric system (before ASW 😜) and I found a fantastic place for the 4l air tank. Let me know if you or anyone wants to see it.

Looks great Ronny! Heads up that if you’re going to do international expeditions that tinting on the driver/passenger glass can be a real PITA as it’s not permitted in many countries. Technically it’s legal on a temp import (TIP) but local cops don’t know that and stops/fines can be an issue.

"Everyone is a photographer until manual mode" this one is 👍

Hey Ronny, larger rear view mirrors with a small convex mirrors are a nice upgrade. Gives you a wider view making it safer to reverse and change lanes on tight spots and when on busy traffic. You can also get a large wide angle reverse mirror that clips on the stock mirror. Easy and affordable upgrade as well. If I could afford a rear bar I would get one. Not only to avoid dislodging the barn door but to protect the rear lights and panels when off-road. I have caused some damage myself and I wish I had a rear bar. A handy upgrade is the toe bar step. Makes life easier since you do not have to climb in and out of the vehicle from the rear. The cupholders sold by the guys of buildin70s are convenient for both, driver and passenger and you get to support those dudes. A drop down table in the barn door is useful for when stopping on the road to cook a quick meal. Spring hat holders are awesome. My girlfriend and myself love them, keep the Akubras out of the way and in good condition. Members of the TOA facebook group are always sharing and posting new products and gadgets installed and tested in their rigs. I really enjoyed watching this video. It reminds me of when I started accessorizing my good old reliable 1HZ troopy I bought on the side of the road from a banana farmer :)

Hi Ronnie, I have a 76 series in NZ plus a Troopy IN Aus. Never had any issues with the door rattling or damage caused by the tyre hanging there. They do get heavy to swing and have adjusted the stops a few times. However, on both vehicles I have fitted rear bars with dual wheel carriers. Why 2 spares. Had 2x flat tyres 3 times over the years.

Zero need to change your mirrors but do get a van mirror so you can see your ball. Absolutely get a rear bar for your tyre, the door moves and hinges break. I went with Outback Accessories, spare wheel right, double jerry left. Awesome product. My Troopy is the best 2011 WorkMate 78 in the world so if you want to know what works and what doesn't...ask me. Way to go Sandgropper

Hi Ronny great build. For the mirrors i would look at 60/76 series mirrors cheers

current diesel prices make me cry for all this.

had an ex mines troopy with 3rd door & it was a game changer, just got a new one & gonna get it installed ASAP there's a place in QLD called SEVA who are authorised Toyota body builders Love your work Ronny

I’ve done a minimal amount of off-roading compared to you, but I kept bending my rear stock bumper on my Troopy. Door was also creaking a bit with the OEM skinny and a bag with a bit of wood in it. I upgraded to a decent rear bar when I put 285s on, I knew the door wouldn’t last and nor would the original bumper!

I loved the tune in the intro. Sounded like Joey Valance's stuff

Looking good man

76 owner here. Troopy is starting to take shape. Love it. Looking forward to see all the mods. How heavy are you envisioning it will be and what lift are you aiming to fit? For the type of trips you do i would get the tyre off the door. If you get a kaymar you might have to chop the ladder a bit but they are 100% worth it, only bar with heaps or rear clearance due to integrated tow hitch.

I’ve got a 315/75/16 mt mounted to my door, I used a spacer I had laying around so I can open the door on the left without clashing. My door hates me lol. I put tape around the bit of metal that sits in the rubber bump to stop it wobbling…for now it works haha

Cool. Not distracted.

Thanks for the re-upload.

Ronny. Greetings ! Also a Troopy owner and fully endorse previous recommendations for an independent spare wheel carrier. I went with the Kaymar (ARB) which provides the option of one or two spares. More secure mounting and takes weight off of rear door. I also run ARB side rails. While expensive, they provide excellent protection for side of vehicle. My tyres are 265/75 which reduce the gearing / top speed slightly, but I get excellent fuel economy at almost 10 kpl.

Love the Troopy mate

Heavier spare and rough terrain will 100% effect the rear door over time. Mainly sag the hinges and crack the lower window frames which all four doors can do quite often on these vehicles. Best off going to a rear bar with swing out wheel carrier. This then also leaves you with an option to gut the bracing out of the rear door internals and make it a storage compartment.

I like how you involve the viewers and I feel like you are open to suggestions and feedback good or negative. My suggestion put the water under somehow

Nice to see you bought a troopie iam on my forth one got to love the troopie. I have set mine up for my wife and i to live out of.

I’ve got a 75 with a tub and mine came with the standard big mirrors. Because I didn’t have the tray that sticks out really far I cut down the factory mounts and re bent them so they fit properly and stick out at the right angle. so now the mirrors fit close to the cab. I also fitted a convex left side mirror and it’s improved visibility hugely. Having the convex big mirror on the left side is so good.

Window are for me important, I was sick of windows literally being shrunk in size and worse, narrowed as you looked back into the vehicle. Clear wide views are more than just aesthetics.

Look'n smick Ronny 👌

Looking good mate.👍🇦🇺❤️🍺

i love it!

Having two Troopy's the best mod I would like to have done would be a gullwing door (opening) on the passenger side somewhere for easy access to gear allowing you to still have draws.No one has done this but it was be great if it was done factory in' future' models if there are any.I would pay the extra. :)

Great to see the Troopy build, with all the internal space I don’t know why you bother with roof boxes.

Awesome Ronny Enjoy👌

now that's a nice functional vehicle..... welcome to Van Life ...

Be careful with mirrors. I put Clearview on my 76, great for towing but very hard to reverse when not towing as the mirror sits so far off the side of the car. Hard to judge the distance to the side of the vehicle. Going to change back or fit maybe gen 2 Clearview that sit a bit closer.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BUILD GREAT VIDEO AND LOT OF DETAILED THERE YES PUT LOT QUESTION OTHER FIND WHAT WORK AND DO NOT WORK WITH TYPE 4X4 FOR FAMILY

Oh I love me that sweet sweet audio 😋

The Troopy really is god level blank canvas for a tourer.

Love the T Shirt mate

Ronny, I have had the same size tyre on my door for 3 years a 120000 ks with no issues. Also the mirrors i guess it depends how much bush bashing you do. I don't mind the factory ones as the tuck in flat to the door. I just put a little convexed mirror on the passenger one to get a wider field of view.

My pickup has vinyl flooring. It's great as I love wheeling and I work construction.

Door will be fine. Keep on top of the adjustment and rubber block at the bottom (yours is missing). Hinges need replacing once movement is spotted (hinges are consumable like tyres). And you will be fine. Just replaced mine at 600000km. I’ve done a little bit of off road work 👍

I've replaced both hinges on my rear barn door, the pins in the hinges wear out with a big spare wheel hanging off them. Put the spare inside until you get a rear bar sorted out

I'm liken the Troopy so far . Yes it needs a rear mounted wheel carrier as with the weight of the wheel it will eventually put too much stress on the door . I also see the wheels are sticking out from the guards a tad so you will need some bolt on guards to be legal or the cops will pull you . I think the mirrors will be okay , they only get bashed off-road anyway :-)

For your mirrors have a look at the genuine Toyota (not cheap look alike) mirrors off the current troopys and 76 wagons. They're quite a bit taller and the mirror lens has a slight convex surface so you get a larger field of view. I personally find this is perfect for my troopy and its a direct swap over from your current mirrors. If you go for tray back style with the large steel triangular arms you'll need to drill a couple more holes in the door skins.

not a troopy owner. but similar on my GQ patrol, as soon as u put a 33 or 35 etc on the door, over time and corrugations etc the door will start to crack in it’s weak spots. i’d definitely recommend a rear bar

Get the wheel off the door! You will eventually get cracks along the metal and the latch won't close fully, that rattle is the latch pulling. Unfortunately the sparewheel carrier is only really meant for the stock skinnies. Those mirrors aren't sturdy enough either, eventually start to wobble at highway speeds. Maybe with the kids get the darche rooftop that has 2 separate rooms, then leave the bottom with the seats as a little living room for wet days. Im running a similar setup for myself and it's a dream as you can get space away from each other when needed. You don't really want to cook where you sleep and drive anyway, good awning and slide out kitchen is way nicer.

Hey Ronny Dahl i can wholeheartedly recommend Thorburns Fabrication for a rear bar.. They make the best aussie rear bar for sure. I know because i just got and installed one myself! A wheel attached to the rear door will ruin the door. My rear door on my 96 model is shagged because the previous owner had a muddy hanging on it at some stage. Get it nipped in the bud early and get yourself a Tborburns rear bar. Trust me 👍🏻👍🏻

Depending on the age of the younger ones, a roof conversion may not give enough headroom for sitting when traveling.

used to have to drive one of these when i worked with corrective service in the wheat belt, it was the most uncomfortable 4x4 i have ever driven and glad i didn't have to pay the fuel bill either I'm sure if my memory serves me correct around 20lts to the 100 the A/C cant keep up with the size of the cabin area was just horrible long miler i did 150,000 ks in two years even the offenders hated it. the only thing i liked was it went hard and overtaking power. I hit a duck once and it smashed the driver's headlamp assembly 1500 bucks to replace

God luck. Mirors if this work for you keep them as they are. Roof hm maby but if you travel alone you dont need it. For 2 its ok for 4 where you will put 2 to sleep. Cheers Rny. 🍻

These build videos are great Ronny. Keep up the great work. On a side note what brand bush hat do you wear?

I always found with the standard rear door if opened on a hill from the inside it can fly open and bend the tiny pin that stops it, this eventually means it opens slightly further and can break the rear light.

Best thing i ever did was get rid of the mirrors with clearview mirrors. I kept one for a shaving mirror

LC76 mirrors should should straight on, and they’re a taller/maybe wider mirror

The gxl troops have a bigger mirror. Or the MSA mirrors don't look to Dumbo ear. Not 100% but I don't think you can keep the rear seats with a roof conversion due to lack of head room.

As for mirrors I run 76 series mirrors on mine, taller and give a good enough view yet still look factory and not big bulky aftermarket ones.

Raknarok - YEAH! From Denmark🇩🇰

Previous troopy owner. Door hinges will be flogged out in no time with the weight. Great investment for a rear wheel carrier to pro long the life of the rear door

Yes, rear bar to take weight of the spare, otherwise the weight drags the door down sooner or later

My pin is bent from the door swinging open. Got a new rear bar coming with the tyre and jerry swing and they have a chainsaw rack above the jerry holder to leep the smelly chainsaw outside 👌

Ronnie you might be able to modify a Uneek4x4 76 rear bar with the tyre carrier that opens with the door.

I snapped the hinges on my troopy and it didn’t have the spare on the door and have heard a lot of people having issues with the spare on the door. And I run the OCAM tow mirrors best thing I’ve done being I tow a tool trailer every day I can see past the trailer Cleary

Hey Ronny, get the wheel off the door, it will sag the hinges and cause dramas. 20yrs of troopy. The main door will still sag over time and rough terrain and will need slight adjustments any way.. EDIT, I put mesh inserts, very fine, on the mid back windows on each side to let air flow while sleeping, its fine stainless so mozies and midjies don't come in. Hit it with some fly spray and it's good.

Just throw the little circle blind spot mirror stickons to the mirrors

People give way to Troopy. You don’t need mirrors; it’s that big your instincts will deal with that. Rear door spare, fine as is - Toyota replaced rust/leaking with gradual structural failure (my 97 1HZ needed pressure on the rear door prior to opening, not a problem. Chop top? I doubt it. 🙏

I might be to late Upgrade those mirrors to the gxl model set. I’m yet to do it myself but you get double the size, they’re still small and don’t look like elephant ears and they do the job just fine. I’m sure you’ve done it but Velcro the dashmash down so it’s neat and flat.