[Samurai]

Many of you are familiar with Sachin Karkera, he is a member here as well as in Jeep Thrills. He has been restoring Jeeps as a hobby for many years, not by himself, but in various workshops. After meeting me last year, he caught the offroading fever from me, become member in Team-BHP and Jeep Thrills. Although he almost never posts, he reads the forum everyday.

He learnt offroading in my backyard: https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-e...ffroading.html (When I got to teach offroading....)
He did his first offroading event in Coorg: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-ex...challenge.html
He came to Munnar along with me: https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-e...-jt-event.html (Offroading in God’s Own Country: The Munnar MGE & JT Event)

About 6 months back he had bought a 2000 model MM550 XDB with XD3P engine and BA-10 gearbox. This time his restoration process was heavily influenced by the Jeeps he saw in Coorg/Munnar, and Team-BHP/JeepThrills and also by the talks he had with various Jeepers from all over India. This was going to be his new offroading machine replacing his CJ340.

Today he dropped into my office to pickup Team-BHP stickers I had ordered for him, and also to show the finished Jeep. I came out and my jaw literally dropped to the hard floor.

I'll let the photos do the talking...

































There is no photoshop magic here, it looks as good as in the photograph. The completely rebuilt body is very sturdy and rattle free. The dull green paint job is just mind blowing. My congratulations on a job well done. The complete work was done in workshops of Udupi.

[simply_sunny001]

Awesome Macho looking jeep

And very nice choice of Paint-job too. No bling and yet looks very stylish jeep.

Happy Jeeping Sachin

cheers

[bigman]

Great paintwork and detailing. The front/rear divider could be very useful if AC was fitted.

[Aston.Martin]

Is that Swiss Army Green (shade) ?

[mohit]

That matte paint job gives the jeep so much character. And looks like he copied some of the army decals (e.g. TP 30). Hats off to the guy for not going overboard with the decals/design.

[phamilyman]

Lovely jeep. Can you share the official (if not actual) costs.

Damn, jeep lust strikes again .... must not ... must not!

[Samurai]

What is really commendable is that he has not gone over board. It is just right. A real sweet head turner, even a BMW passing by won't attract similar admiration or looks. I asked about the costs, even he is not sure, payment is not settled yet.

[fk7]

hi samurai,

nicely put together vehicle and the workmanship looks neat and tidy.

the color is brilliant, i had always wondered how this color will look on an MM550 as iam also restoring one. Thanks for the picture on that.

By the way, I can see a hole in the bonnet, is that for a snorkel?

And I can also see that the dashboard has been changed to a 2001 model one?

Also the vehicle looks a bit high, is it because of SPOA or are the tyres smaller than the army ones?

Say congrats to your friend for a rebuild done excellently.

Firoz

[jango]

Hi Samuari, the Jeep looks really good specially with the dull green colour. I do see a partition between the drivers compartment and the rear seats..is there a specific reason for getting the partition done ?? is there an Aircon in mind ??

[Foxbat]

Thats an awesome jeep you got here Samurai.

I was just wondering whats was the logic behind the alloy wheels?
Since its supposed to be an Army Jeep why not have some green painted steel wheels?

No offense intended, just my thoughts

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Thats an awesome jeep you got here Samurai.
No offense intended, just my thoughts

If you read the first post, you'll realise it is not my Jeep. So there is no question of offense.

Originally Posted by Foxbat

I was just wondering whats was the logic behind the alloy wheels? Since its supposed to be an Army Jeep why not have some green painted steel wheels?

Some of us like alloys wheels over steel wheels, me included. Even my Jeep has alloys. I don't think he was trying to make an authentic army Jeep.

Originally Posted by jango

I do see a partition between the drivers compartment and the rear seats..is there a specific reason for getting the partition done ?? is there an Aircon in mind ??

Yes, that is for allowing A/C in future.

Originally Posted by fk7

By the way, I can see a hole in the bonnet, is that for a snorkel?

Yes, he is planning for a snorkel.

Originally Posted by fk7

Also the vehicle looks a bit high, is it because of SPOA or are the tyres smaller than the army ones?

It is just the way leaf springs and shackles are adjusted, no SPOA yet.

[Jaggu]

Thats a very good looking build! Great going! I would have painted the interiors also in mat finish though.

You have some pics of suspension and engine bay?

[hemanthisgreat]

How dare he restore it so brilliantly without starting a thread about it on Team-Bhp.

I hope the mechanicals are as great as the jeep looks. Congrats to him.

[rjstyles69]

Excellent piece of work there, dint go overboard and kept the whole thing subtle. Sharath please let your friend know , he has some awesome taste. I love the way the Jeep looks and the icing on the cake is the way the number plate has been placed.

[harjeev]

Great work!!!
Simply outstanding.

Do tell him to share the costs especially the partition and what kind of insulation has he used or will be using for the Aircon, As I have the same plans.

I can't help saying this but great work Sachin and Sharat thanks for sharing!!!

Whenever he has settled the bill etc tell him to share the details, costs, etc!!!