Perentie trayback build

[AlexR]

I purchased perentie GS 48167 in October and have since set about making it into a single cab trayback. This involved removing the tub and canopy frame etc, sourcing and fitting a truck cab and then building the tray to go on the back.
Here's a few pics:
1. Auction photo
2,3. Removing tub

[AlexR]

A couple more


1. Fitting roof
2. Building tray, the size is 1.8x2.2m
3. What they look like underneath

Feel free to ask any questions (or hurl abuse) 

[Hot Rover]

Nice one. I like what you are doing.
Cheers
Rod

[aussiegregmac]

Have you saved all the bits that came off.

[AlexR]

Thanks rod, it makes me wonder why the army never had some 4x4s in a trayback. Much more practical.

Yes Greg still have all the bits. Is there something you are after?

[dugite]

Alex, I think you may be the first of those who will do such a useful conversion - imagine - a tray back land rover with the spare in the right place at last!

I (and I'm sure others) would be interested to learn about the tub separation you have achieved.

You said to ask questions so here's a few to start 

Like how you measured/marked & cut the sidewalls and how hard/simple it was to separate the "cab back wall" from the rear floor, and did you cut through the gal capping?

... (wish I had a bucket to do my lifting) 

[aussiegregmac]

No Alex, but thanks for asking.  At least in later years either you or some other owner will be able
to restore it.  No probs with the conversion. It's your vehicle and will probably serve well.

Evidence all the Series Vehicles that people have to chase parts and bits for.
At least you have them for whatever might happen.

Regards,  Greg Mac.

[AlexR]

Dugite, it took a lot of swearing and drilling/ grinding off of rivets in hard to get to paces to separate the floor and seat boxes from the back wall. There was also silicone where the two join together, I thought this would just tear away when I lifted the tub but it had to be cut. After this it lifted straight of

To cut the sidewalls I projected the top of the back wall across to the outside and squared/ plumbed a line down (if that makes sense) I think it measures about 170mm across from the door jamb. I did cut the gal capping but it has to be removed and a New top corner one riveted on. The top capping going along behind the seats can stay I'm still yet to get the vertical corner cappings as they're not available new anymore. I could re-use the ones on the tub but they are too short and would need extra pieces welded on the bottom. Or get some second hand series ones.

Greg, unfortunately the tub can't be reused but the canopy, frame and all the other little bits can be. To save the tub you would need to get a back wall from a series or 110 cab chas, but there may be issues with chassis mountings and fuel filler and door striker positions.

[BadCo.]

Awesome, looking forward to the finished product.

[Philthy]

Hi Alex great job.

How does those seats go with the back on the cab for your height? Are the seats bolt upright?

Some 6x6 under tray lockers would be handy. Ive seen a few 6x6 campers without them. Might be a good place to get a set from.

Phil

[dugite]

Thanks for your detailed explanations Alex. I was wondering if taking a look at a production defender or series "back wall" would show extra panel reinforcement to bolster those side panels - perhaps it could be wise to incorporate something similar ?

[Dervish]

Yes, the factory single cab back wall has vertical corner cappings to reinforce the area, as well as having the top cappings you currently need. I can't help but think tracing one of them down and selling the Perentie tub complete might've been a better means to your end, but I'm sure it'll work out this way too.

[FFRMAN]

Hi Alex,

Thanks for the inspiration I think that would be perfect for my farm ute as well, the tub is not the most practical but the Perentie is a good vehicle for farm ute especially with PAS

cheers
Scott

[AlexR]

Hi Alex great job.

How does those seats go with the back on the cab for your height? Are the seats bolt upright?

Some 6x6 under tray lockers would be handy. Ive seen a few 6x6 campers without them. Might be a good place to get a set from.

Phil

Yes I have plenty of leg room. There's way more room than in the civvy defender I used to have. Since that photo I have made some under mount boxes.

Thanks for your detailed explanations Alex. I was wondering if taking a look at a production defender or series "back wall" would show extra panel reinforcement to bolster those side panels - perhaps it could be wise to incorporate something similar ?

Yes the back wall is a bit flimsy but when the roof goes on it braces it. The defender didn't have any extra bracing. The series 3 has two brackets going from the headboard on the tray to the back of the cab which I might do something similar.

[JB2GO]

You added a rear windscreen and a replacement roof basically? And issues relicensing for the new arrangement? Half tempted to try either that, or sourcing a complete interior cab from a thrashed defender but it could be hard to splice them back together.