Battens Safari Hightop

[Batten44]

Hey Guys so the other day i picked a 91 GQ 4.2 Diesel Safari Hightop. Have done some slight mods to make it more roadworthy and reliable, and into a 4wd /camping Beast.

Im pretty new to all this car stuff and its a steep learning curve atm but im learning alot.

I have done a few things so far and ill post up some more pics and info. but here she is atm.

Here is what she looked like when i fist picked her up!

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[Batten44]

First things first some new 33's and removing those Stickers! (there were about 12 all over the back)

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[rusty_nail]

Looks neat mate! Those safaris are pretty neat

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

[Batten44]

Looks neat mate! Those safaris are pretty neat

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

Yep just a bit off rust around the sun roof, but im tackling that atm.

Pretty happy with it for 5k

[Batten44]

So i have been having some issues lately with my factory rear diff lock and was reading that apparently the Nissan solenoid system is shithouse.
i ordered a "Mac Systems" replacement and installed it tonight.

Was super easy to install but after some frustration and googling i relised that the vacuum lines need to be swapped back to front. i could also get rid of the Y peice on the left.

It works great now!

here is the before and after pics

Before
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After
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[Bigcol]

love them blue cable ties..............


heheheheh

[threedogs]

I like your thinking,,, Ill follow your build with great interest.
Not a big fan of the Safari but slowly growing on me as a tourer.
Love the tint though.

[Batten44]

I like your thinking,,, Ill follow your build with great interest.
Not a big fan of the Safari but slowly growing on me as a tourer.
Love the tint though.

Yeah i wasn't specifically looking for a hightop (didnt even know they made them) but im loving the extra roof space in the back.
Only problem is all the electrics are getting a bit dicky now (windows mirrors ect)

[Batten44]

So after a busy couple of weeks i have replaced the cooling system as i had a leak from the water pump, so just decided to do the whole thing! better to be safe than sorry.

So new radiator, hoses, water pump and thermostat and overflow
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Also took the opportunity to do the belts and drive pulley while i had the rad out.

[threedogs]

Coming along very nicely,
radiator was filthy but ok I take
re-do your earths as well they seem to fail a lot

[Batten44]

Yeah Rad was pretty rusted, but still working. At least now its one less thing i need to worry about on a trip

any specific earths i should be looking at? just need to give them a clean?

[threedogs]

Any you can find, they cause heaps of problems

[Bigcol]

my old GQ had heaps of earth straps, keeps them Nissan gremlins out as well

1 x from gearbox to chassis
1 x Batt1 neg to chassis (as well as the factory one that goes to body and chassis)
1 x Batt2 neg to chassis
1 x exhaust manifold to chassis


never had problems with my electrics again

the guy I sold it to, he removed the extra ones off the batteries - waste of time he said..............
and had earth faults................... till he sold it

[Batten44]

Oh great thanks guys ill get on it over chrisy!

[threedogs]

Spied this, thought it may come in handy
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DC-DC-Converter-Regulator-24V-Step-Down-12V-Power-Supply-/331059693034?hash=item4d14b205ea

[Batten44]

Spied this, thought it may come in handy
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DC-DC-Converter-Regulator-24V-Step-Down-12V-Power-Supply-/331059693034?hash=item4d14b205ea

Thanks but my Safari is 12v!

[Batten44]

So I decided to remove the back and rear seats out of the car and build a bed. I decided to go with the “qubelok” system from capral aluminium. One of the guys at work recommended it to me. It worked out heaps cheaper than going with the cube version that’s sold at Bunnings. And a lot cheaper than a set of custom draws.

The ally was about $16 per 5m and the connectors are $1 or so each. It ended up costing a few $100 to build the whole system, including plywood across the top and glue for the carpet and some hinges and accessories to make it more streamlines and give me access to more space.

I was able to mount my 40l Engel underneath the bed and have installed a trapdoor so I can still access my fridge and have a bigger flat surface for sleeping.
I bought a long trunks from supercheap to use as draw storage and store my Webber babyQ on the other side.

All and all, im pretty happy with the build especially for a few hundred. But im sure someone with more handman skills could make it look a bit better than me, it took me and my brother about 2 days to complete.

All of The Seats Removed
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Building the Frame
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Completed with Wood and Carpet on Top
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My Little Trapdoor So i can grab a beer :)
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