Budget Off Roader – Suzuki Jeep

As a first project to practice my skills, I will probably forget about building a small buggy with no suspension and a small engine (see Update 2). I could buy a small Daihatsu or Suzuki jeep that has failed its MoT. It would be cheaper and have suspension. It would however still only have a small engine!

Some people spend more to buy a road legal vehicle, then spend even more to keep them road legal. That is why the Suzukis below have a trailer light board attached to the back of the cab.

I would of course need an A-frame ...

... or even better, a trailer ...

... and a suitable tow vehicle (or fit a tow bar to my existing Landrover).

I could not drive the Daihatsu or Suzuki jeep "as is" as I would do some simple work like remove the trim, carpets, widows and lights. I would also do more work to make it into a better off roader and use the project as an opportunity to convert an existing off road vehicle before building one (nearly) from scratch.

I could;

• Jack it up.
• Re-profile the front and back to improve the approach and departure angles.
• Add recovery points and tow hitch.
• Make a back for the cab.
• Build a snorkel using a drinking straw as the small engine does not need much air.

I would not go as far as wasting money on a winch as these little jeeps are so light they can easily be towed out, or with a few friends, just lifted clear of the obstacle.

I would not buy a bull bar. If I thought I needed one, I would weld up my own.

Welding the doors closed may be stronger than using rope.

I would get some aggressive mud tyres without worrying about their performance on the road. I would add some bits to make it safer like buckets seats and proper harnesses. They could be transferred to the Tomcat or another jeep if I break the first one. I would also need a blonde bird for the passenger seat.

I would also practise my welding by building a roll cage to protect me when the inevitable happens and the jeep rolls over!

This pickup bed was added after the original body had been bent when the vehicle rolled. (Unfortunately these pictures were taken a while ago with a previous camera and therefore are not as good or big as the other pictures.)