Jim's Suzuki Stockman 'Jimmy 800' Special

The owner / constructor of this extremely rugged 1970s Suzuki Stockman, Jim, is clearly an exponent of the school of thought that if something's worth doing, it's worth overdoing!

Every last feature on his cleverly re-engineered short wheelbase ute has been carefully thought out and executed with great care.

It has a very neat front bumper / crash bar with a winch; tastefully reshaped early Jeep-styled front guards; Toyota Landcruiser wheels, modified from six to five stud fitting; heavy-duty suspension; integral rock-sliders welded to the chassis; a custom-made tray with a hard-top canopy; and amazing approach and departure ramp angles.

The engine was totally rebuilt and the entire drive-train was carefully aligned to ensure that it worked properly with the vehicle's raised stance, and the electrics are served by neatly bundled, easily accessible wiring harnesses.

800 'Jim-hours' went into the chassis-up rebuild, the engine is an 800 cc four cylinder four-stroke, and it cost $800 for the paint job and a further $800 to reupholster, hence the Jimmy 800 title.

Even the dash is bespoke, featuring a removable fascia and VDO guages.

The rear tray has a removable panel that allows access to the battery and a number of other carefully located components.

When required, the tray and canopy - which don't protrude far beyond the rear wheels, thanks to having the rear chassis rails shortened slightly - can be sealed with a custom-made canvas cover to keep the elements out.

It would be hard to imagine a better restored, more cleverly modified or capable Suzuki four wheel drive!

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

All iPhone images.

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