Bob's Truck Build

[big_bob_thefirst]

Hi all, thought it was time i started keeping tabs of what mod's I've been doing to the truck in the last year and thought I would share.

When we moved from Ireland here, I knew I wanted to get something that would let me see this great country down here. So I wanted to get something which could tour and see some of the more rare (less traveled) sites as well. The triton ticked all the boxes. At first I didn't know about the shape, but it definitely grows on you.

So in Oct last year I bought a 2006 ML, with 80,000k. Gave it a good look over and by the state of the paint and standard bash plates, it had never seen a day off road in it's life:

After finding this great site, I started dreaming of what I could do with it. I was lucky to spot a WTS, and quickly scooped up Amanda's old bunny basher:

While I was down there, I had a look at the flimsy bash plates and quickly ordered a new 3mm set from Mitch:

Following that, I was happy for a few weeks.... I then noticed a different truck with some cool wind deflectors, so a quick eBay shop later:

[big_bob_thefirst]

I was definitely content after that purchase... Until we started planning our Christmas trip to Kangaroo Island with a few friends on the back seat, I was really worried about where to put everything. The sports back really limited carrying capacity. Thus a quick visit to Rhino Racks.com and:

That was the last purchase for the truck, it was perfect at that stage, and no need to add anything..... So, after the KI trip, a tour through the Flinders:

and then Robe:

I felt it was time to get a new set of more "robust" rubber. Reading through this site and talking to the guys, the Bridgestone Duelers AT 265/70/R16 looked like the set to go for. I spend most of my time on the black stuff, so didn't need or want anything too aggressive:

I was definitely content with the way the truck was looking and it was perfect... So following the arrival of our new family member (Rocky the golden retriever), I was once again concerned about space. I didn't love the sportsback. I noticed a WTS here of an Mitsu canopy by Tuff Troop. Scott was nice enough to meet me half way and help drop it onto the back. Ended up with:

Quickly repainted to avoid any soccer mom misconceptions:

And thanks to Motoz, managed to get some LED's wired up into the back. Cheers to him in general as he's a great lad to give a hand and give a few pointers. Also a mean chef on the trips...
At this stage, I knew the mod bug had bitten and I warned the girlfriend... So, after a Bordertrack trip with the NTN last May, i started to think I was a bit of a smuck for sleeping on the ground. It was bloody cold down there. The RTT's were starting to look very nice. A good deal from Glen and 4wdSupplies meant a Red Dog RTT was quickly installed:

I also threw on a side awning I got from Tigerz on sale (sorry no pic).

Following the external mods, I dropped the truck in for it's 105k service. I had read about carbon build up, but as the car was outside warranty, I wasn't too sure what to do. So, I got talking to them and they mentioned it was the old manifold, and would have to be changed. After a few days and a bit of discussion, they offered to put it in under "good will" warranty. I thought brilliant! So, went home and order the prevent (eBay) and the EGR blank (GLX-R Alex), so they would be ready after the new manifold was installed:


Next few mods are already planned. I had noticed on the Border track that A LOT of space was not being used under the canopy, so I decided to start building my own drawer system. Last summer I noticed it got a bit warm here in Oz, so a fridge (and thusly a dual battery system) will be needed. That will then be it I think....

[motoz]

About bloody time you posted your build mate !!!

[godzilla_rising]

Amen to that!!!

[big_bob_thefirst]

Ha, cheers dave...

forgot a few rereading it. Also put in an after market cruise control and the arm rest (fantastic).

[motoz]

Ha, cheers dave...

forgot a few rereading it. Also put in an after market cruise control and the arm rest (fantastic).

Classic... Now I've got a forum to post all the pics I took of you struggling to get that inner rear wheel arch sorted...



Seriously though great work thus far. Looking forward to the rest of the transformation.

[big_bob_thefirst]

Don't talk to me about that guard... I have to run some 8mm cable behind that this week...

[Mooons]

A sweet ride and a good write up
Keep the mods flowing mate

[big_bob_thefirst]

Cheers Mooons.

Got the drawers finally finished, well, except the drawer itself. The rest is done tho, which will let me start working on the electrics and fridge system...
I used a similar method a few of the guys on here have used. Cut a frame from 25mm aluminium box section:

Changed the frame after that pic to accommodate the height of the fridge... Measure twice, cut once...
Clad it with timber. I wanted a fridge side and a drawer. The battery / electrics / air compressor will go in the back, and maybe a water tank someday:

Dog figuring out where he'll sit:

Next came the carpet:

And final completed:



I used some angle aluminium to clean up the edges. It's not perfect, not by a long shot, but I'm not the most hands on or trained guy, so I'm very happy with the result. if I can do it, anyone can!

[ratstriton]

Nice work on the draws mate looking good.

[big_bob_thefirst]

Cheers rats. I'm already working on the next mod...

Don't know if I'll put a drawer in or some sort of carrier box. Water and dust proof. Will just have to see how much space I'd lose going that route.

[hvac guy]

Mate don't stress about the draws they look really good
Can not wait to do mine.
Nice build up

[ratzy]

nice build mate! looks very tidy

[godzilla_rising]

Gee mate, those drawers look cool. The whole build is coming along nicely!!

Because I don't have a canopy (yet), I'm tempted to build a box that will sit between the wheels at the front of the tub which will have the battery and associated electrics in. Thus box will eventually tie in with a drawer system Seeing your build (and some of the other guys) is giving me some more inspiration.

How have people found with packing with drawers etc? Easier? Taking less? Using roof racks for some items?

Once again your triton is really starting to come along!!! Well done.

[big_bob_thefirst]

Cheers guys. I'm happy with myself now that they turned out ok.

I haven't loaded them up Godzilla, so don't know how they work capacity wise. I have the same layout ur planning. The battery, electrics and compressor will b going at the "back" of the set. Have the 2 lids to get into that area.

The drawers look like they'll take away some of that "squeezed" in space where u usually get a bit more stuff in. Will have to see how it goes though.

A box at the back would be fairly handy though and will keep things tidy in an area you can't really reach.

[big_bob_thefirst]

I must b the only person who can't run a wire behind the back wheel arch into the tub. There must b some sort of temporal warp black hole that makes cable disappear. Where does it go and why is it stuck????

[motoz]

Sacrifice the one we put in for your canopy LED strip lights. Disconnect it at the switch then tape your 10mm cable to it then pull it back through into the cab.

You'll replace the 5mm feed with the 10mm to connect your dual battery. Then just run all your accessories off the 2nd batteries fuse block your installing.

[motoz]

... How long did it take you to get the inner wheel arch off this time ???

Bwahahahahahahah

[big_bob_thefirst]

That's what I'm doing. It doesnt want to make the bend into the tub. Last feckin hurdle.

Didn't take the wheel arch off. Learnt my lesson last time!

I'm about half an hour away from starting to drilling random holes!!!

[motoz]

Coat hanger maybe ?

[big_bob_thefirst]

Sledge hammer....

[big_bob_thefirst]

Eureka! I 'be got it. Jesus christ. I hope I didn't pull the fuel inlet off...

Pinky finger eventually guided it around the corner....

[Mooons]

How many random holes

[dan.batto]

some yellow tongue is always handy . Shoulda yelled out, got some here....just casual 8hrs plus away!

[big_bob_thefirst]

How many random holes

I care to not answer that...