Sam's Samurai Project

[sam16v]

Hi all new to the forum but had my zuk for about 6 months. Still yet to drive it. Bought it off ebay without even seeing it, turns out it had no engine a short MOT and overall was in a bit of a sorry state. Was intended to be a cheap toy but ive got a bit of a habit of geting carried away with things..



Bit of a root around and was pleseantly suprised by small amount of rust! small patch on one outer sill, windsceen surround and front panel. Set about stripping to almost a bare shell, all rust was cut out and replaced with good metal, a few dents were filled and soon enough she was ready for a respray.




Me and a mate converted my lock up into a make shift spray booth, then time for the paint job. Turned out better than i had expected mainly due to the poly paint we used. Under body was treated to a shed load of underseal!


Then time for the fun bits , set about reassembly cleaning or replacing parts as i went.


Fitted an engine from a low mileage 1998 Vitara complete with fuel injection, Immobliser etc




Time for a lift! made up my on saddes for a spoa, Llama Add a leafs, extended both props, , Vitara Power steering conversion along with mercedes high steer, After lots of saving decided to bite the bullet and purchased the 33-12.5 Kumho Kl71's on 10 inch rims. Which neccesated fitting a pair of Vitara Ring and pinions to sort the gearing.




A few little jobs left to do then time for the MOT. Need to get a spare wheel for it, and a few more mods planned. Heres how she sits at the moment.




Cant wait to drive it let me know what you lot think and look forward to meeting some fellow suzuki enthusiasts!

[Tramp]

Great build, I think I remember seeing this on difflock, I can remember the hazard warning tape on the bullbar You have really gone to town with this, And I like it alot, I do have a thing for tin top sj's and yours is great,

Keep up the good work

[albertross74]

jesus christ, that looks bad ass as fuck mate!

Definitely up there in the top 5 nicest 'zukis I've ever seen!

[ScottieJ]

Wecome to SCUK matey! I was following that build on difflock as well, must say i'm very impressed with the standard of work it is one hell of a tidy result! just out of interest what paint did you use for it?

Are there any more plans for the future?

[sam16v]

thanks for all the replies! yeah did start a build thread on difflock but dont go on there much, threads seem to repeat themselves every few weeks, and it gets boring. Promise i will keep this thread upto date though am liking SCUK.
Have got a few plans for it....
Tempted by a set of Mudbuster wheel arch extensions from the states (keep the old bill happy)
I have a 410 transfer box that may be going on depending on how the gearing is?
also have a Low mileage vitara 16v engine, ecu and loom etc that may get tweaked and put in if the 8v struggles?
Lots of little plans but basically want to keep it looking like a tidy Samurai with a lift, but with reliabilty and hopefully driveability

[sam16v]

Oww sorry scottie Paint is a super tough polyurethane paint as used by the MOD. Very hard to scratch is almost like a plastic coating

[ScottieJ]

is it from pronto paints by any chance? if not could you let me know as i might get some (not the same colour) for my missus sj build.

[ScottieJ]

Cheers for the PM it does sound like it's pretty similar to the paints that pronto paints produce as they are single pack Polyurethane based paints. have a look here http://www.prontopaints.co.uk/products/military.html

I used their paint for mine but in true offroader fashion I rollered it on will be spraying th missus sj though as it wont be seeing as much offroading as mine does. I find it handy to be able to touch up scratches with a paint brush and still blend in with the crap finish

also where abouts in the country are you from?

[sam16v]

Yeah thats it mate 537 was the colour if i remember correctly? good stuff easy to use too. And im in Swansea. South wales

[Edweird]

Carried away is good!!! You truck looks amazing. It's like a miniature monster truck! Awesome work there. Cangratulations.