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Isuzu Trooper 2.8 TD dilemma...


 
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buddy13
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Joined: 26 Aug 2013
Posts: 38
Location: Malta

PostPosted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 14:13    Post subject: Isuzu Trooper 2.8 TD dilemma... Reply with quote

Hello!

I have been the proud owner of a '92 Isuzu Trooper with the 2.8 Litre Turbo Diesel, Direct Injection 4JB1T Engine for the past 5 years or so. It has had 6 owners through it's life and has now covered almost 140,000km (yes, it was bought new on our small island of Malta).

I love it  Very Happy . Unlike modern cars, it's full of character and I like it's torquey engine, simple no nonsense Design, towing ability (for my small boat) and its usability. Having said that, each year I'm getting ever increasing issues with passing it VRT's. Even though it's very sound mechanically (gearbox, engine, clutch, brakes etc.) the body panels and its interior are showing clear signs of age.

If I were to replace it, I'd have to keep with something as usable/practical, so I'd either have to splurge out for a 2012 (or newer) D-Max/Hilux/Land Cruiser or 'at least' a 2019 Suzuki Jimny.

I'm a Mech. Engineer and I do know my way around a toolbox, but I've never done something similar on a car/bike.

The issues are:

- Rust on body panels, not major but sections of some panels are flaking away eg. under windscreen, mud guards door sills etc.
- Interior eg. Seats, door cards, side panels (rear) etc.
- Rubber around doors, windows & windscreen.
- Tyres
- Soft top wear
- General wear and tear (eg. faded plastics, mirrors etc.)

I'm really at a cross roads. For one, I do not know if I should get it restored, or if it will be easier and perhaps more cost effective to get something newer.

If I decide to restore, could I possibly avoid going through a complete bold & nut restoration, while doing a good job? I say this since I am very limited in garage, tools (& also budget). A complete rebuild, taking the body off it's chassis might be a little too much.

I found a good body repairer/sprayer who asked me for 2.5K Euros for the job of panel rust removal/painting. Then I'd still be looking at interior, wheels & tyres, soft top, parts etc.

Also, he told me that I should stick to Red if I want to avoid taking out the engine, brake lines etc. I'm not sure I like red. I don't want this to be a half assed job so I would like to replace/upgrade any parts required during job, like bushes, shocks etc. How easy is it to find parts for the Trooper today? Decals, rubber, interior etc. are new parts/replicas still available within EU?

I really wish to hear your opinion/advice. Some people say go for the Resto while others say that it's not worth the trouble on such an old van. I've attached some photos, admittedly not the best, but you get an idea of it's state  Wink

https://ibb.co/gmHGDrg

https://ibb.co/M9N0yqS

https://ibb.co/SV9228P

https://ibb.co/r63Kh1V

https://ibb.co/37TNQh6

https://ibb.co/qFDmnKL

https://ibb.co/gmHGDrg

https://ibb.co/M9N0yqS

https://ibb.co/SV9228P

https://ibb.co/r63Kh1V

https://ibb.co/37TNQh6

https://ibb.co/qFDmnKL

https://ibb.co/gmHGDrg
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buddy13
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Joined: 26 Aug 2013
Posts: 38
Location: Malta

PostPosted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 14:15    Post subject: Reply with quote

Apologies cannot find the 'Edit' button to try and link the 6 photos as should be. Hoping mods can help me out Smile.
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gderek7
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Joined: 30 May 2017
Posts: 22

PostPosted: Fri Sep 11, 2020 3:53    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you have the time and money, restoring it can be fun. You can find parts from local salvage yards. As for tires, you have many options. I'm running BFG AT's right now. These tires have excellent traction and are smooth on pavement. Got them from 4wheelonline.
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