Frankentruck lives!

thetim · Jan 3, 2018

OK, it's a long way from finished, but I'm building a high mobility ambulance for a Madagascan hospital (he said, with fake nonchalance) and today I plonked the roof and sides on the body for the first time. It's all still very sketchy and needs a lot more structure, not to mention the mechanical bits, oh, and the wiring... but it looks the part:

The strange overhang forward of the rear tub will accommodate luggage space, radiators and also allow engine access, by the way.

Shimsteriom · Jan 3, 2018

Well... that's different!

Mr S1 · Jan 3, 2018

Fair play fella, one of the most interesting projects I've seen in a while ! Please keep the pictures and progress reports coming !

1988smithy · Jan 3, 2018

What's it based on, chassis and running gear?
And how did you come to be building a vehicle for a Madagascan hospital? Bet that's a story in itself!

thetim · Jan 3, 2018

It's pretty much the definition of a mongrel - Isuzu cab, heavily chopped 101 FC chassis, Disco 300tdi running gear, Defender 110 rear sides and roof. Various members of my family have helped out at said hospital but I'm not medical. Their Land Rovers go out into the surrounding villages (up to 50 miles) and try to spot emergency cases before they happen, so that e.g. people with high-risk pregnancies can be advised to come to the hospital in the weeks before the baby is due, rather than being stretchered in as an emergency once labour has started, at which point the mother might make it, but the baby won't.

Their 110s tend to get stuck when the roads get soft; I'm hoping this might be a bit more capable. If it helps a little, it will be worth it.

Mr S1 · Jan 3, 2018

thetim said:
It's pretty much the definition of a mongrel - Isuzu cab, heavily chopped 101 FC chassis, Disco 300tdi running gear, Defender 110 rear sides and roof. Various members of my family have helped out at said hospital but I'm not medical. Their Land Rovers go out into the surrounding villages (up to 50 miles) and try to spot emergency cases before they happen, so that e.g. people with high-risk pregnancies can be advised to come to the hospital in the weeks before the baby is due, rather than being stretchered in as an emergency once labour has started, at which point the mother might make it, but the baby won't.

Their 110s tend to get stuck when the roads get soft; I'm hoping this might be a bit more capable. If it helps a little, it will be worth it.

Love it fella

1988smithy · Jan 3, 2018

Great project, I've pressed the follow button so keep the updates coming!

goonarmy · Jan 3, 2018

What' powering it?

thetim · Jan 3, 2018

300tdi (at least, I hope it is - was running when it went in!)

gstuart · Jan 3, 2018

Mr S1 said:
Fair play fella, one of the most interesting projects I've seen in a while ! Please keep the pictures and progress reports coming !

plus 1 , think that’s looks awesome

gstuart · Jan 3, 2018

thetim said:
300tdi (at least, I hope it is - was running when it went in!)

great build and will also follow the progress, as mentioned good to follow an interesting build

DanClarke · Jan 3, 2018

Fantastic! Wonderful project.

raisingveg · Jan 3, 2018

well done m8

thetim · Feb 23, 2018

Small update - finished making clutch and brake pipes. Haven't tightened them all up or bled them yet though.

norseman · Feb 24, 2018

Daft question no doubt but why not use a 101 ambulance to start with?
Sorry to be so simplistic, but it does seem an awful of work converting the 101 chassis to end up with what appears to be effectively a swb 101 mounting a commercial cab.
Either way I admire you skills & tenacity whilst wishing you every success.

thetim · Feb 26, 2018

No, it's a reasonable question. The main reason is that the receiving hospital have 300tdi Defenders and commonality of running gear was really important to them. But for that, I'd probably have used a Hilux! This one has a 300tdi/R380/LT230 drivetrain, Discovery steering box and rear axle, Defender front axle - all stuff they're familiar with. Spare parts for a 101 would have been a challenge in the long term.

norseman · Feb 27, 2018

I had a suspicion that there would be operational reasons for excluding a 101, all makes sense to me now

thetim · May 5, 2018

By way of breaking the long silence, I've been making mods to the inlet manifold, as the air inlet and intercooler are going behind the cab. Space is tight around the manifolds, so rather than a big U-bend, I've swapped the inlet to the other end of the manifold and turned a new hose fitting. Needs to go to a local specialist for welding now.

dieseldog69 · May 5, 2018

I still think this is an awesome thing to behold, looks funky but it will certainly stand out.

thetim · May 22, 2018

Manifold now beautifully TIG welded by Paul at Derby Road and Race (p-drr.co.uk). Gave us a 50% discount for a good cause, too!

Throttle cable's been routed too:

And last but not least, Isuzu Trucks UK donated manual window mechanisms (never offered in this country; no wonder I was struggling to find them!):

Frankentruck lives!

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