Isuzu Trooper Owners Club UK™

IrmscherTim · * Joined: 30 Jan 2015 Posts: 17 Location: The Fens

Hi chaps,

Im usually very quiet on here as im getting on a bit and tend not to use computers, so be gentle. I absolutely love my Bighorn, but ive just been told there is no way in hell (by two god friends, ones a welder, the other is truck mechanic of 40 years) that the old girl will get through MOT in November. Apparently the rust underneath is just too bad.

As a pensioner my means are severely tightened but my youngest boy said i should consider 'breaking' the old girl for parts. Is this viable or should i just weigh her in? Both are heartbreaking but i need transportation and id really like another Trooper or Bighorn. Shes actually in good nick inside and visually out, runs perfectly too. Just such a shame. Crying or Very sad

So i suppose what i'm wondering is, is it worth breaking? What parts are worth taking off? The cars a 3.1TD Auto, covered 96,000 units, 40,000 of those were kms though so i suppose that's about 70-75000 miles. Irmscher interior, aftermarket alloys, Powerflow SS rear exhaust section.

Thank you in advance,

Tim

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IrmscherTim · * Joined: 30 Jan 2015 Posts: 17 Location: The Fens

Retro Pedro · *** Joined: 04 May 2010 Posts: 242 Location: South East

Like you say, what a shame to have to make that decision.
Have you considered posting pics on here of the rust worm areas and considered having a 'spanner' party whereby friendly folks will have a go at welding it up for bacon butties and tea. Perhaps a few beer tokens on top.
Failing that, I would go for breaking because what I hear is a good price can be had shipping the Isuzu 3.1 engines and gearboxes out to Africa.
Worst scenario would be weighing it in. I haven't looked lately at the price of scrap but I weighed in a 1.3 tonne Fiat Doblo earlier this year and got princely sum of £13.80p for the previliage, and that was with a mate towing it to the scrappers for me.

IrmscherTim · * Joined: 30 Jan 2015 Posts: 17 Location: The Fens

Hi Pedro,

Thank you so much for your reply! The fact that people even have spanner parties is why myself and my son love the petrol head scene. I spoke to Steve again last night and he said if it could be fixed he'd fix it for me for free (were two old fen boys so help each other out) but he said its just basically rust upon rust upon rust, nothing to weld to Sad

Said it was one of the worst hed ever seen...and my son had just replaced the rear pads and caliper sliders Sad

(he initially pointed out how bad it looked).

Any pointers on whats worth taking off? Would the irmscher recaro interior bits be worth much? Or should i just take the running gear out and junk the rest ? Crying or Very sad

Thanks again

Tim

Grandad · ******* Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Posts: 1902 Location: NORFOLK

Hi Tim If you wish to keep it I have a good chassis was an auto bighorn so will have all the right fittings for a straight swap it is half stripped as have been using it for spares

bone1748 · ** Joined: 15 Aug 2010 Posts: 114 Location: inverness

You should break it for sure . You will get £500 + for a good 3.1 engine . They are in demand . Advertise it with all parts available and you should have little problem moving it . Most people will be willing to strip what they want themselves if you explain as you say , you are not 21 ( neither am I ). This truck is very popular with anyone who has one and parts are always welcome in good condition . You should be pleasantly surprised . Don't even consider scrap value . Good luck .

IrmscherTim · * Joined: 30 Jan 2015 Posts: 17 Location: The Fens

OK thanks gents, youve all been very kind and very helpful.

I think my son could break the parts like interior and possibly engine and gearbox.

Thank you guys

Retro Pedro · *** Joined: 04 May 2010 Posts: 242 Location: South East

Is the problem chassis cross member and hanger rot?
Not meaning to doubt your mates judgement but have you stuck a screwdriver in there to prove that it is indeed rotted through rather than flacking surface rust which looks worse than it really is

IrmscherTim · * Joined: 30 Jan 2015 Posts: 17 Location: The Fens

Unfortunately we have , done everything Sad

Rhanagar · Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2016 8:41 Post subject:

Give Dan@Independent Isuzu a ring and see what he says. He may be able to help.

http://www.independentisuzu.co.uk/contact-us.html
_________________
1990 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.I 2.8TD Manual Lotus Edition
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto Lotus Edition

Deceased
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto LS

IrmscherTim · * Joined: 30 Jan 2015 Posts: 17 Location: The Fens

Hi Rhanagar, when you say help, what do you mean exactly? I have no funds for chassis welding (even if it wasnt ruined) if thats what you mean?

But thank you for your message,
Tim
Smile

Rhanagar · Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 11:55 Post subject:

Fix/repair .. or buy it for parts Wink

_________________
1990 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.I 2.8TD Manual Lotus Edition
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto Lotus Edition

Deceased
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto LS

IrmscherTim · * Joined: 30 Jan 2015 Posts: 17 Location: The Fens

Ah ok, appreciate the advice. Very pleasant chap, well at least it was worth a chuckle. Didnt want the car but £100 for the engine (travel costs £200 for 280miles) furr nuff.

IrmscherTim · * Joined: 30 Jan 2015 Posts: 17 Location: The Fens

Rear Light cluster GONE 20
Rear spare wheel cover GONE 10

Rhanagar · Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2016 16:11 Post subject:

I assume you are breaking her .. What are the wheel sizes?
_________________
1990 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.I 2.8TD Manual Lotus Edition
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto Lotus Edition

Deceased
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto LS