1987 Suzuki Samurai Tin Top Camper $6500

[mattocka]

1987 Suzuki Samurai Tin Top model 4x4 5spd 4cyl. $7,500 OBO $6,500 for an Expo Portal Member
*DM me if interested* Los Angeles area

"Budget Overlander"- Built this rig to prove you don't need 20K+ to get out into the wild.

It is with a heavy heart that I am selling the Sugar Cube Sami to make room for the 1976 Series III Landrover RHD Diesel 109 I recently purchased (build thread coming soon!)

This Samurai build was designed to be the most efficient compromise between increased off-road capability & maintained highway-use capability.

*** BUILD THREAD: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/sugar-cube-sami.195320/ ***

Below is a list of upgrades that were performed to enable remote camping in California's various environments.

Upgrades

1.Alternator Replaced

2. Horn wiring upgraded to insulate from elements

3. Front seats replaced with ZOR (Zuks Off-Road) Pacifica seats

4. Upgraded Gauge cluster with LED bulbs and addition of "White Gauge" Stickers for visibility.

5. Replaced all missing interior/exterior decals.

6. Upgraded headlights to HID lights (upgraded wiring harness to handle the increased power)

7. 2.5 Inch leaf-spring lift kit from OMU (Old Man Emu) supplied by Petroworks/ with upgraded shackles

8. Stock tires upgraded to 235/75 R15 to increase off-road capability while maintaining adequate highway manners.

9. Removed rear seats (Will be included with sale) and replaced with custom wood cargo drawer system (50LBs limit per drawer) with flush mounted tie-down points. This box was designed to maximize the space available in the rear cargo area. The box reaches the same height as the wheel wells to encourage a larger flat cargo surface.

11. Extended range fuel tank installed (15 gallon vs 10 gallon stock) from Petroworks

12. 4:16:1 Gearing ratio installed on transfer case to increase vehicle powerband back to stock levels with the 235 tires.

13. Both window crank handles replaced

14. Carburetor Vent Tube (Suzuki Technical Service Bulletin TS 4-06 03109(R) ) installed to eliminate flat acceleration spots

15. Polyurethane bushing upgrade kit applied to both transmission & transfer case.

16. Modified cup-holder mounted between seats

17. Factory radio box repaired to original standard

18. Interior dome light upgraded to LED strip across middle of roof liner (minimal power draw)

19. Upgraded to an aluminum radiator for increased cooling capacity

20. Replaced existing radiator hoses with silicone hoses from Low Range Offroad (Trail-Gear Sourced)

21. Access plug installed above heater core to improve cabin heating

22. Air vent hood scoop installed to prevent additional debris in the vent system

***NOT INCLUDED***
Autohome Columbus Roof Top Tent
Front Runner fold out table

Included with the sale of the vehicle (at the discretion of buyer)
1. Yakima Roof rack bars

2. Original rear seat

3. Original headlights

4. Original leaf springs & gas shocks

5. Replacement clock

6. Gently-ish used Trasharoo rear tire trash system
(Excellent for camping)

7. Custom-built cargo drawer system.

 

[02rangeredge]

man, I'm sorry you have to get rid of this thing but you did an awesome- someone is going to get a great rig, anymore with how small gear can pack the "sugar cube's" size doesn't even matter

ps, great name

 

[xaman]

Super cool rig. What’s the sustainable top highway speed as set up with the RTT?

I drove one from Norcal back to Texas in the 90s, before the west Texas 80mph speed limits. Was a great and memorable trip.

 

[BLand Cruiser]

Nice!! How does it handle with the weight of that RTT?

 

[mattocka]

Super cool rig. What’s the sustainable top highway speed as set up with the RTT?

I drove one from Norcal back to Texas in the 90s, before the west Texas 80mph speed limits. Was a great and memorable trip.

I find with the 4:16 gear ratio, I can comfortably travel at 65MPH. 70 with a breeze and decline road. Without the RTT it will do 75 no problem.

 

[mattocka]

Nice!! How does it handle with the weight of that RTT?

I've positioned the RTT a bit back from the center of the roof. In the event of severe braking, the RTT weight in the back will counter-balance the front heavy chassis. It does pay to be wary of the COG while navigating terrain that might cause full flex on the suspension.

 

[AggieLC]

Awesome rig, everyone should own a samurai during their lifetime. I've had 6 and cannot wait to get another. Good luck with the sale.

 

[nastav]

This is a cool samurai....good luck with the sale.
Small, lightweight vehicles feel so cool to drive after driving bloated modern stuff...this one has to be a blast!

 

[oldeskuel]

Awesome rig. I previously emailed you through your craigslist ad. I would love to purchase... but, it would have to replace my extremely reliable and efficient Toyota Camry, and I worry about whether it would be up for the task.

Did you ever consider going with a tall skinny tire? I have read that this can help with fuel economy.

What kind of mpg were you getting with stock suspension and tires?

GLWS

 

[Tree Hugger]

1987 Suzuki Samurai Tin Top model 4x4 5spd 4cyl. $7,500 OBO $6,500 for an Expo Portal Member
*DM me if interested* Los Angeles area

"Budget Overlander"- Built this rig to prove you don't need 20K+ to get out into the wild.

It is with a heavy heart that I am selling the Sugar Cube Sami to make room for the 1976 Series III Landrover RHD Diesel 109 I recently purchased (build thread coming soon!)

This Samurai build was designed to be the most efficient compromise between increased off-road capability & maintained highway-use capability.

*** BUILD THREAD: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/sugar-cube-sami.195320/ ***

Below is a list of upgrades that were performed to enable remote camping in California's various environments.

Upgrades

1.Alternator Replaced

2. Horn wiring upgraded to insulate from elements

3. Front seats replaced with ZOR (Zuks Off-Road) Pacifica seats

4. Upgraded Gauge cluster with LED bulbs and addition of "White Gauge" Stickers for visibility.

5. Replaced all missing interior/exterior decals.

6. Upgraded headlights to HID lights (upgraded wiring harness to handle the increased power)

7. 2.5 Inch leaf-spring lift kit from OMU (Old Man Emu) supplied by Petroworks/ with upgraded shackles

8. Stock tires upgraded to 235/75 R15 to increase off-road capability while maintaining adequate highway manners.

9. Removed rear seats (Will be included with sale) and replaced with custom wood cargo drawer system (50LBs limit per drawer) with flush mounted tie-down points. This box was designed to maximize the space available in the rear cargo area. The box reaches the same height as the wheel wells to encourage a larger flat cargo surface.

11. Extended range fuel tank installed (15 gallon vs 10 gallon stock) from Petroworks

12. 4:16:1 Gearing ratio installed on transfer case to increase vehicle powerband back to stock levels with the 235 tires.

13. Both window crank handles replaced

14. Carburetor Vent Tube (Suzuki Technical Service Bulletin TS 4-06 03109(R) ) installed to eliminate flat acceleration spots

15. Polyurethane bushing upgrade kit applied to both transmission & transfer case.

16. Modified cup-holder mounted between seats

17. Factory radio box repaired to original standard

18. Interior dome light upgraded to LED strip across middle of roof liner (minimal power draw)

19. Upgraded to an aluminum radiator for increased cooling capacity

20. Replaced existing radiator hoses with silicone hoses from Low Range Offroad (Trail-Gear Sourced)

21. Access plug installed above heater core to improve cabin heating

22. Air vent hood scoop installed to prevent additional debris in the vent system

***NOT INCLUDED***
Autohome Columbus Roof Top Tent
Front Runner fold out table

Included with the sale of the vehicle (at the discretion of buyer)
1. Yakima Roof rack bars

2. Original rear seat

3. Original headlights

4. Original leaf springs & gas shocks

5. Replacement clock

6. Gently-ish used Trasharoo rear tire trash system
(Excellent for camping)


7. Custom-built cargo drawer system.

Looking at the date this was posted I’m assuming you’ve sold it already?

 

[Tree Hugger]

Looking at the date this tin top was posted I’m assuming you’ve sold it some time ago?

 

[mattocka]

Hey Tree Hugger, yes I've since sold the Sami. Currently enjoying the thrills of a Land-Rover Series 3 restoration *insert sarcasm here*

 

[mattocka]

PSA: Sold.