40MPG 1/2 Ton Pick Up: Proton Arena/ Jumbuck

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Had Toyota released a similar model based in the Corolla, it would have probably led the stereotypical Australian ute to extinction earlier.

[oldtamiyaphile]

Toyota can do no wrong on the Oz market, if they built something similar, they'd still be a top seller. I mean they can still get away with selling four speed autos here

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by oldtamiyaphile

I mean they can still get away with selling four speed autos here

Back here the only Toyota still available with a 4-speed automatic transmission is the Etios, but it's actually not so bad at all. At least it's not so troublesome as some automated-manuals from other manufacturers have been.

[oldtamiyaphile]

First tank data is in.

Just shy of 40mpg, which includes some 60miles of tail out handling testing First FWD I've had that will oversteer to any extent, Lotus tuned suspension and all that

The current wheels are 205's vs 175's stock and a smaller diameter too I can't find the exact ones online but they seem to be C rated on the Euro label, so there's room to improve there.

Right now, I'm chasing a cold idle problem. Starts fine, but stumbles when revved, sometimes stalls, but drives fine after ~3 restarts. Last time I drove it, it revved between ~1500-2000 on it's own until I keyed off and restarted. No ECL or obvious issues otherwise.

Unfortunately it's not OBDII so I'm trouble shooting the old fashioned way (I don't know if/how to read codes using the old flashing light method, I've more or less rulled out the fuel pump, water temp sensor and IAT. I'll try to test the MAP today.

Suggestions appreciated.

Originally Posted by RustyLugNut

This reminds me of the old Chrysler Rampage back in the 80's.

Funnily enough, this could have been the new Dodge Rampage as the Lancer was sold as a Dodge Colt, and this is a pick up version of that.

I'm thinking of putting Dodge badges on it. It's funny how four of my cars are now sort of Fiats. Jeep (now under Fiat), Fiat 500, Renault Trafic (also sold as a Fiat) and the Proton...and Mitsubishi currently supply the pick up sold as the Fiat Fullback.

[oldtamiyaphile]

The Proton's been running around for a while now collecting 'baseline' numbers.

It sure is great having a car like this. I love my big van but it sure is great having a little 'truck' like this for the quick trip to the hardware store etc. Same length/ width as a G2 Prius, cheap to buy, cheap to run, easy to work on, not too worried about car park dings etc. Shame they don't make them like this anymore.

Anyway, onto what I've been doing. Buying a car from a mechanic might seem like a solid investment, but chances are the interior will be full of grease! The interior is pretty much mint, hardly a scratch to be found, but it sure was dirty!

I'm thinking the guy was a heavy diesel mech, as the interior is full of nasty grey dust, and the seat belt left you smelling of grease every time you drove it. I've now managed to get it clean enough, but I still plan on pulling the interior completely when the weather warms up a bit.

The second owner was a painter, so while the interior was full of grease, the exterior was covered in paint Even the wipers were sticking to the glass as it hadn't had a decent clean in years.

De ionizing snow foam followed by clay bar:



Still needs further attention but looking OK:



V-LEDS adjustable LED flasher. I put a China flasher in my Jeep and of course, wasn't happy with the flash rate. I was able to tune the flash rate by physically replacing the timer cap, but I couldn't tune the 'on' time at all.

V-LEDs is much easier



These are VLED's direct replacement globes (not Tritons - I bought some Tritons too but they're expensive, heavy and won't fit the majority of cars easily).

They look many times brighter, but surprisingly, at least in the day time, they're not dazzling at all. Just giving solid light, with the proper flash that LEDs do, rather than the fade in, fade out that fillament bulbs are known for.



I'm waiting on the rear (brake and turn) which will again be VLED direct replacements.

[oldtamiyaphile]

Air dam time

I cut my brackets from Alu paver edging. It's light and sturdy, rust free, easy to work, is already broken up into segments and half the brackets are even pre-drilled.

I cut it with a regular wood working blade. I've used fancy TCT blades in the past but don't think they're worth the expense and hassle of swapping blades.



I used bolts, washers and lock nuts to secure these to factory holes in the bottom of my bumper cover (the holes are there for a factory option body kit).

The air dam itself is 75mm (?) plastic lawn edging that I recycled off my old previous Renault. Attached to the brackets with galvanized, self drilling 'stitching' screws.




This car is essentially a sedan with a 1" suspension lift, so there's plenty of air getting under the car. The airdam has had a noticeable effect on coast distances and noise. Really makes you wonder why the OEM's didn't do something so simple in those days.

[oldtamiyaphile]

What do you dove tail an air dam install with? An MPGuino

My 'Guino had been sitting in a box for 4 years, waiting for a non-OBD car to come back into the collection. I will later be fitting the more sophisticated UTComp, but I plan on pre-wiring in all the sensors otherwise the 'Guino is just as good.


I bought a spare used clock that I gutted almost completely in the end, the new fascia is 3mm polycarbonate. I bought some nice big 'tactile' switches to fit to the new fascia.

Before, boring LCD clock (with a resistor that takes quite a bit of power):







So far I'm only running a butt-dyno calibration, but either way the fuel gauge is suggesting a record tank

[ellenor2000]

Oh, when I get my hands REALLY dirty and some sheet steel welded I'm totes going to do a rebody of an old Ford Ranger inspired by this... but it will have drivetrainery inspired by a Centurion... so idk

[Stubby79]

That thing rocks! I'm jealous. I'd love to have a 40mpg "cruck"! And it's wide open for some amazing aero mods, with a low frontal area you'd never find on a truck.

[BLSTIC]

The factory option lips that came on 1-3 shape lancers? You could go all out and install a GSR/EVO kit. Might help looks while allowing for a flatter undertray.

And an AWD 1.8 turbo from a Libero GT, but that would destroy fuel economy.