100 Series Dual Cab Convert

yep - alot are ex miners

Kev (from Qld), just had his 100 series converted by Al (of Member Lyn and Al fame) in Victoria.

He will be along shortly no doubt to give you his thoughts. However, I can already tell you....he has not been able to wipe the grin off his dial since he took delivery and drove "Darkie" back home through a very wet NSW a week or so ago.

I have had my Patrol dual cab (with the Chev 6.5 V8 diesel powerplant), for just over 12 months now......I can't see myself EVER going back to a wagon again....NEVER.

The best way to do it IMHO is to find a 100 series with a few modifications already and then get the conversion done. The cost of the conversions range from $9k to about $15k.
The cost of getting Darkie chopped by Al was $13k plus a few more dollars for some extras that I wanted eg the sealed trundle drawer, the 2nd row of seats upgraded to GXL ones.

If you want a canopy/tray as an all in one then I am sure Al could arrange for you to provide details as what you require in the canopy and arrange a quote etc for you.

I found that Als' price was very competive and his conversions are virtually like it was a factory job.
You have not stated where in Oz you are located so you may need to do some leg work for local conversion places. Although I would not hestiate in shipping one to Melbourne again for Al to chop.

If you want any more info let us know.

Cheers Kev and Darkie

J P,

We've had a converted 100 series for almost 3 years, and it has been most successful for the purpose it was bought for, a people mover.

Can fit 6 staff inside, with swags and/or motorbikes (3) on the back, and away they go.

Have had a few problems with it and they are:

Poor wiring to back of vehicle from new, so that not all the rear lights worked, all the time, and rear tank fuel gauge stopped working within 250 kms. Ended up getting local sparkie to re-wire the lot and its been good since. The converters left all the unnecessary wiring there(wiper, demister etc) when you only need tail, stop, rev & turn indicators

Handbrake is difficult to use, because the cable must be tight in casing. Would hate to drive this around the Vic High Country, with all but useless handbrake.

The rear tank filler didn't like hi-flow pumps, and wouldn't accept anything more than a dribble. We took the tray off, and fixed it enough that you can refuel in under an hour!!!!

We also had problems with the tray mounting points, but this wasn't the fault of the conversion. Tray had 3 mounts down each side, and both front ones kept breaking the base plates off. Removed both centre points and all's good.

Our conversion had 800mm added to the chassis, and the tray was about 2.1 x 2M, so could carry more than it was probably legal to carry. This occasional (???) overloading, and speedy driving by some staff, lead to rear springs sagging, and chassis breaking, before we put ultra-heavy duty rear TJM springs on board. TJM put out this spring, especially for these stretched conversions, and I'd strongly advise anyone to fit these.

Because of the extra length, the vehicle rides exceptionally well, so this doesn't help when in the hands of some rev head, on a rough bush track.

Can see why people buy/convert them. They are a dual cab, but taken to a higher level than the current crop of HiLux, Navarras etc. Something like Roachie's, with the rear canopy would be the way to go, then everything is under lock & key.

Hooroo,
Bob.

Thought you might be interested in our new 100 conversion to a king cab. Were building a camper that will interchange with the tray presently.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/157902-100-ifs-touring-turtle-project-build.html#post2611527
cheers
joe

We live in the Territory and are wanting to get the 100 series from interstate QLD, NSW preferable. Are there any good conversion plaes in either of these states, most recommend Al, in Vic, why is this?

Cheers Kev, sounds like Al is the go!!!

As a qlder it may be more practical to check out Mark and Gerry at RWV. They have built over 200 of these vehicles by now. They also build there own custom trays and accessories. The build quality of the finished product is awesome and the vehicles have featured in many 4wd magazines. Cheers Rob Berrill
http://www.rwvconversions.com/about_rwv.htm

I have no experience with this mob in Brisbane, but their website is impressive, and they've done over 785 conversions:
http://www.creativeconversions.com.au/