[MB4DI]

Thought, it was the time to upgrade the brake booster of Bolero to Scorpio/Thar CRDe. The resultant effect is just amazing

[ringoism]

Was shifting out of my workshop the past few days (after five years there, owner decided to (dubiously) convert the property into a hotel!!!), so borrowed this Bolero Camper from a friend to haul the bigger stuff with:



Is this OT? Not really, as we've been considering a replacement for the Marshal, and a Camper has been one option under consideration. Though this 2015 model is 14 years newer than our car, they are very similar vehicles, of similar pedigree in truth, sharing the same basic platform. So the best way the evaluate it is probably by comparison.

In the Camper's favor, it has fairly quick, light power steering, a five-speed overdrive gearbox (with a synchronized 1st!), a considerably tighter, less creaky main body structure, marginally better legroom in the second row, slightly more midrange oomph with the turbo motor, with just a bit less engine noise, likely on account of some padding under the floor mat and tall dashboard, if nothing else.

Almost all standard (non-Gold) Campers are painted white, which is not a color I'm fond of, but this one does turn heads everywhere on account of the wider wheels/tyres, the "roll" bar in the box, the snorkel, the robust custom front & rear bumpers, aftermarket grille, and of course, that not-too-subtle winch up front... rather "butch" I must say.

So this is the first vehicle other than the Marshal my kids have been really enthused about and thought they'might like to have in the family (they enjoy riding in the cargo box, of course, just like I did as a kid - back when that was legal in the U.S.!). My wife of course liked the power steering... and thought the vehicle seemed "quiet" (this can be forgiven, as she's spent most of her driving years behind the wheel of old Mahindra 4x4's, felt even the Marshal drove "light" vs. the old Commander she learned on)...

Anyway, it has some downsides: First, it's a much longer vehicle, so considerably tougher to find parking spots and LOTS of rear overhang to deal with. And the wheelbase is also longer, meaning the turning radius and (effective) articulation and breakover angle and etc are not anywhere near as good as the Marshal, which itself is pretty LWB vs. "real" Jeeps... The old indirect-drive Dana-Spicer TC is robust but bad for NVH and is hard-shifting compared with the silky-smooth inline Armada Borg-Warner in our Marshal. While the 5-speed (NGT520?) really makes it run more relaxed on the highway, one thing I seriously dislike about this gearbox vs the old KMT90 is that reverse gear has a VERY high ratio. Have to pretty much half-clutch or put in 4L most of the time, since normally even at idle it moves along really quickly. I'm pretty much like (Tow)Mater when it comes to reverse driving, so sure, I can handle 40kmph when needed (which is never) but most of the time when manoeuvering, something more like a crawl seems more appropriate, and it just can't do that in 2/4H.

As for the rest, well, visibility's great even with the slightly thicker A-pillars and seat being lower (wife didn't like that part). Can see the front fenders, unlike old Jeeps. Ground clearance also roughly same as the Marshal, which is to say plentiful, as is headroom (I'm 6'2"). Springs are very hard/ truck-like, so it jostles everyone very badly in every direction on broken roads, the upside being that in hard cornering on good roads, there's almost no body-roll.

Will close here: is it really tempting as a replacement? Well, depends on how often the cargo box will be used, vs. needing to have locked, waterproof stowage. These are extrémely popular vehicles locally but they do involve compromises. Also in this district, at least, the RTO is not favorable to granting private registrations on these (elsewhere they do), so that creates another annual headache/expense... as well as potential issues during interstate travel?

I think a Scorpio Getaway would probably make more sense forn us as an all-rounder, certainly more powerful and quiet and smooth down the road, with A/C standard - and easily white-plate-able - though I hate the electric TC, resale could be tough, and maintenance costs are likely to be somewhat higher.

-Eric.

[DirtyDan]

Originally Posted by ringoism

...I think a Scorpio Getaway would probably make more sense for us as an all-rounder....

-Eric.

I am pretty sure Mahindra has discontinued making/selling the Getaway.

Toyota is going to bring the Hilux to India soon, rumor is. 2.8 diesel is the current word on that, 20 lakh is what I have heard. Isuzu V-Max and Tata Xenon are still options of a sort. Ford Ranger is coming to India, I am not a Ranger fan, Ranger is not an F-150. Nissan and Jeep are also rumored to be bringing Pickups to India. Hyundai may have something in the oven.

Maybe something new will pop up in India, but right now Simple, Rugged and Cheap seem to be gone with the wind. Even Maruti marketing seems lost. Mahindra marketing really missed the boat on the potentialities of their 4X4 pickups including the Bolero Camper. Why call it a "Camper" and then not have a life style version? Silly question, I know.

[ringoism]

Originally Posted by DirtyDan

right now Simple, Rugged and Cheap seem to be gone with the wind. Even Maruti marketing seems lost. Mahindra marketing really missed the boat on the potentialities of their 4X4 pickups including the Bolero Camper. Why call it a "Camper" and then not have a life style version? Silly question, I know.

A Camper Gold 4x4 would have been nice, indeed, and easily white-plate-able in many/most jurisdictions.

Gurkha 5-door is rugged/ simple but you're not going to readily find spares nationwide.

Old Fortuners generally reliable and getting affordable and the AWD with manual 4Lo lever pretty foolproof... but friend quoted 1.2L for a front differential??? M&M would be 10-15k tops for that part!

Duster AWD seems to have reliability issues if tBhp threads to be believed (of course they are!).

Pajero/Montero/Terracan/CR-V/X-Cross/SantaFe/Yeti/GV etc, etc will run into spares procurement issues in many parts of this land, at least if required somewhere in the midst of a lengthy tour. Same with Xenon and probably the Aria (which like some others is a softroader with no 4Lo range), and is niggly like the Safari.

Old Endys getting dirt cheap, but by the time the old IDI engine was replaced, so was the manual 4x4 and gearbox... Aaargh!!!

Scorps said to be reliable but later models,as though the electro-TC weren't enough, have added electro-axles in lieu of lockout hubs. These do fail (seen it personally), and they get ridiculously expensive to deal with - ànd to what advantage???

BSIV Bolero 4x4 is cramped but efficient and
relatively simple / efficient... also rare and not gonna be cheap secondhand yet.

hmmm....

-Eric

[Manuuj]

A few years of toil for you and a nice evenings read for me! Lovely thread!
Your Marshall is a looker!

I totally got you when after considering every conceivable option your stuck to the Marshall.

I had the same feelings about my 2009 Fortuner. Unfortunately living in Delhi we have have to deal first hand with all the arbitrary laws that get passed (10 year rule for Diesels) and i reluctantly had to part with mine in 2019 for 7.5 lacs.

I would say if you can get your hands on one now (2009, 2010 vintage) for around 5 to 6 lacs and if it has a full service history ( like mine did) it would be a great choice.
Fuel economy was always decent and in the over 200,000 kms i drove mine it never had a mechanical breakdown.

I'm in touch with its current owner and he is very happy with it at close to 300,000 kms.

Getting back to the main point. I loved your thread and the passion with which you restored the Marshall.

Do please post some interior pics too.

As i mentioned earlier I live in Delhi and if you need some help sourcing parts i'd be happy to help.

I'm currently trying to keep calm about the new 2021 Gurkha but am quite certain that i will not be able to fight of the urge anymore.

What are your views on the new Gurkha?

[dieselhead]

Finally posting the done car pics.

[AdityaDeane]

Originally Posted by dieselhead

Finally posting the done car pics.

This restoration deserves a separate thread of it's own both for Restoration and Ownership Review. Looks dope...

[ValuableRecluse]

Originally Posted by dieselhead

Finally posting the done car pics.

Love the sandy-beige colour. It's similar to shade used on LC70's in Africa. Has a great safari vibe to it.

The maroon seats compliment it well.

How does she drive after the SZ2600 conversion?

Won't a bonnet scoop, or some other way to route ram air be required for a top mounted intercooler to be effective/efficient.

Is it possible to get rid of the bend in the pipe from the intercooler to the inlet manifold?

[dieselhead]

Originally Posted by ValuableRecluse

Love the sandy-beige colour. It's similar to shade used on LC70's in Africa. Has a great safari vibe to it.

The maroon seats compliment it well.

How does she drive after the SZ2600 conversion?

Won't a bonnet scoop, or some other way to route ram air be required for a top mounted intercooler to be effective/efficient.

Is it possible to get rid of the bend in the pipe from the intercooler to the inlet manifold?

Thanks for your compliments.
She drives effortless. At speeds you only hear the hiss of the turbo underload else purrs like a multi valve gas engine.
Will put some thinking into a scoop for intercooler definitely and how to avoid water/dust ingress.
The crooked pipe..yes last minute hurdle..will instal a smooth bend.
Thanks again.

[MB4DI]

Originally Posted by MB4DI

My question to respected members,

Can I install 31 inch tyres to my Bolero?

The crown-pinion ratio is 4.30 in my vehicle.


regards,
MB4DI

Took the plunge and got myself the 31X10.5 R15 MT Tires for the game.
Vehicle height has increased by almost 2 inches. Now, there is sufficient ground clearance under the transfer case belly as well as differential pumpkin.


regards,
MB4DI

[ringoism]

Originally Posted by dieselhead

Finally posting the done car pics.

Looks really well-equipped and well-executed.

Die you finally end up doing something about the oil-chamber clearance other than just modding the springs?


With the present uncertainty re: the fate of older vehicles in this country I don't know if I can find the resolve to invest in such extensive upgrades... But I am feeling increasingly tempted to at least convert it to a 5-speed and go at it with the sound-deadener...

I had put in a bid on a rebuilder-prioject 2015 Scorpio S4+ 4wd which in my view has every worthy upgrade and convenience we could want without being over-laden with (failure-prone) electronic frills. Even the regular old 16" tyres are a good bit cheaper than the 17's used on upscale models...

But alas, I withdrew my offer... because:

1. Despite relative neglect, this old Marshal seems to actually be improving with age: Now starts effortlessly on sub-zero / snowy mornings - haven't had the pump/injectors serviced in many years, nor the selfstarter, nor whatever else I used to have to do every year or two. New Amaron 80 (85?) Ah battery is great, but that's not the whole story... have had other new batteries over the years, it just never was willing to fire off so quickly...

2. That rebuilder needs a LOT of work, and I've got plenty of other things to keep me busy;

3. Running 3rd gen Scorps seem fairly overpriced.

4. Those damnable 4x4 electronics not worthy of instilling high confidence levels vs. the old manual stuff we've got.

5. With kids studying from home past two years and wife's work shut down, (finally resigned from her teaching post recently) and heavy tourist traffic making a bike more feasible unless the while family's going.... our car is parked most of the time!

6. Hoping there's a chance that common sense may prevail, and that the new laws might never finally be implemented... Seeing that the places most vulnerable have high natural attrition rates of the most impactful (heavily travelled) older cars... (not holding my breath there though!)


Anyway, we do get out a bit, and what better time than on 5he occasion of our first decent snowfall of the winter?!

Younger son said, "See Pa, I told you you should never, ever sell this car!"

We all felt grateful and blessed to be able to get to a pristine (and secret!) place far from the maddening tourist traffic jams and slipping/sliding vehicles from the plains!

It really does wonderfully in the toughest situations, and makes me think I could drive it "forever"...

-Eric

[dieselhead]

Die you finally end up doing something about the oil-chamber clearance other than just modding the springs?

Thanks for your post Eric. Actually it wasnt the oil chamber but the PS pump which was hitting the front diff. I have now reworked on the pump fittings plus additionally raised the engine mounts. Plus added an extra leaf to the front packs. Now its way better.

Eric..in my knowledge the electronic 4x4 shifter is not too bad. If one keeps the unit water and grim tight, then it should work flawlessly over a time.

[dieselhead]

By the way Eric, what is the fuel tank capacity of the Marshal ? It seems never ending while filling it up. 65 or 70 litres ?

[ringoism]

Originally Posted by dieselhead

By the way Eric, what is the fuel tank capacity of the Marshal ? It seems never ending while filling it up. 65 or 70 litres ?

I haven't filled it up since we all went to Spiti in 2016, I think!!!

Diesel seeps out from someplace in the upper portion (need to take care of that someday) and on these roads fuel sloshes around violently in there, so I don't normally go much above a half.


After hardly any snow last year, we're finally getting our share now.

Been ferrying a few guests up the otherwise impassable road to the holiday home up behind here...

When it snows here, normal private 4x4's get pressed into emergency duty, as almost all the taxis are 2wd and get stuck early - after 17 years in the valley, this is probably the most snow-driving I've done, the 4x4 and tall Blizzaks fully proving their worth. .

-Eric

[ringoism]

Originally Posted by Manuuj

I totally got you when after considering every conceivable option your stuck to the Marshall.

I had the same feelings about my 2009 Fortuner.

I would say if you can get your hands on one now (2009, 2010 vintage) for around 5 to 6 lacs and if it has a full service history ( like mine did) it would be a great choice.
Fuel economy was always decent and in the over 200,000 kms i drove mine it never had a mechanical breakdown.

Do please post some interior pics too....

I'm currently trying to keep calm about the new 2021 Gurkha but am quite certain that i will not be able to fight of the urge anymore....

What are your views on the new Gurkha?

First, I see you got your Gurkha, congrats! So how do you like it? It would be the natural replacement for the Marshal, especially in 5-door form, only snag being the (surprising) lack of a Force Motors dealer in Mizoram (they tried, oh, how they tried!!!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TPM8x5uNdyY

. With parts supply often sparse/problematic even in the mainland, that would be my only concern.

Your suggestion of a Fortuner seems a good one, friend up here had found a very nice 2012 at 6.5L last year, so yes, they're becoming a good secondhand value.

I hear the Thar is getting a 5-door variant... I suppose the only reason they didn't offer it till now was it would've stolen sales (and glory) from the Scorp - with the latter's update out, that would be less of an issue. If they offer a base 4x4 variant at an attractive price it'd be great, something like a modernized Marshal really.

As for our interior, it hasn't changed much in form from the first few pics in this thread. Got some really heavy export-quality Rexine and cloth and re-did the stock door panels and (10) seats, retaining the front 60/40 reclining bench which we find to be extremely convenient, practical, besides being surprisingly comfortable even on long runs - perfect back support for my lanky frame, and the (non-lanky) wife and passengers have commented favorably, too.... that said, the re-work was done probably 8+ years ago now, and there's been a LOT of hard use/abuse since, so it's getting about due for a refresh.

-Eric