Brand New Gypsy King

tatsago · 20th March 2010, 12:20

After a few trips to Coorg in the Optra, I have been thinking of buying a 4wd for the last couple of years.

I had seen Ram's Judo 4x4 in my office parking lot and became a big fan of the Judo after reading his website (WELCOME TO FORCE4x4.COM). Unfortunately the dealer here in Bangalore could not make any commitments on availability.

The I chanced on Harjeev's MMS50Xd blog and got interested in Army disposal vehicles. By the time i realized that Harjeev was selling his vehicle it had been snapped up. I spoke to Harjeev and he cautioned me about the effort it takes to restore a 550 and I was not so keen on getting a Classic. Since I will be traveling a lot this year I decided to part that idea for the time being.

I have driven Gypsy's before in upper Assam and was not so impressed with the MG 410, which is why I had ended up buying a 800 as my first car in 1999. After reading all the posts I decided to go inquire for a Gypsy. Again most of the folks I contacted were quoting 3 Lacs + for a used Gypsy. Got frustrated and walked into Bimal Motors to find out how long it would take to get a new Gypsy. The sales manager out there told me that they had 2 soft top Gypsys being shipped from the factory and he could give me one of those in 10 days if I make full payment. I gave him and advance of 2 lacs and booked the vehicle that day itself. i decided to go for the forest green color as I was not very keen on the white. I then went about arranging financing for the rest of the amount and that took a couple of weeks as i was traveling.

In the meantime the vehicle arrived and I went an inspected it in the Bimal Motors yard. I then scouted around for sutiable tyres and after discussing with starter and a few others decided to go in for Yokohama Geolanders. I talked to the dealer and he was willing to take back the original CEAT tyres for Rs. 2000/-. I took delivery of the vehicle on Saturday morning and then drove straight to the tyre dealer.

I have been traveling a lot lately and finally got a chance to take the Gypsy out last weekend to the Cavery Fishing Camp at Bheemshawari.

I am really impressed with the performance on road and off road, though a little frustrated with the suspension. The rear springs are too hard and the front has a negative camber. Modifications will have to wait for sometime but these are some of the things I am considering

1. Front bar and Hella Rallye 4000 lights
2. OME springs and shocks
3. Roll over bar
4. Hard top/Targa Top ( I like the one which Autopysche has done http://www.autopsyche.com/thumbnail/maruthi/gypsy-3.jpg)
5. Thule MTB carrier
6. Lockable shock proof storage for Cameras and lenses.

I am primarily planning to use this as recreational/weekend vehicle and am planning long highway/off road trips. Any suggestions/feedback is welcome.

Gypsy-Boy · 20th March 2010, 13:15

Congrats!!!

Welcome to the off roading club!!
Now post some pics

Cheers
GB

karizma9292 · 20th March 2010, 13:29

Congrats on buying a brand new Gypsy, waiting for the pics .

Cheers
Sugan

HappyWheels · 20th March 2010, 13:34

You know that you are lucky to be at the right place at the right time!

Congrats on the new buy!

One of ours, Starter, has got one new Gypsy couple of months back; do check his thread on his feedback and reviews after the grand JeepThrills OTR.

And yes, as requested above (and above that also) , pics please.

harjeev · 20th March 2010, 13:50

Congrats on the Gypsy Rattan,
I am happy that you've bought a new gypsy and you will definitely cherish the vehicle for a long time to come!!!

Best of luck!
Cheers

Amar82 · 20th March 2010, 13:54

Congrats tatsago, Waiting for pics to be uploaded.

When i inquired about the gypsy they gave me 2 color choices "green and white". But I thought that green was only for military but didn't knew that forest green is actually available for civilians, as gyspy website also doesn't mention about this color.

Enjoy your new ride

hgnishanth · 20th March 2010, 15:02

Congrats on the new buy,

Awaiting for the pics.

Cheers

Nishanth

tatsago · 20th March 2010, 18:32

Thanks Everyone,

I had attached pictures with my original post, but for some strange reason they did not upload. Trying again

offroad_maniac · 20th March 2010, 19:38

Congrats tatsago, Thats a really nice colour. Makes it look more like a wild offroader (Need some mods though).
Ok. you need to buy a nice pair of Free Wheeling Hubs & paint the rims with matt black or White. I guess it will look nice. Happy Driving... Gypsy

fazalaliadil · 20th March 2010, 19:38

Ratan,
Congratulations on your Gypsy. Wise choice!
Forest Green colour is the best colour. I think that you are an outdoor guy and do wildlife potography, then this is the colour of the forest which can't go wrong.
Your Gypsy pic. with the reflection has come out very good, the company can use it in their ads.
Welcome and wish you safe driving ahead.
Regards,

khan_sultan · 20th March 2010, 19:39

Hey Rattan, that's a nice Gypsy you have there and a good purposeful list of mods you have outlined. Do bring it to the meets that we have and it would be nice to meet you and your Gypsy.

Wishing you many happy miles on the Gypsy.

Desmosedici · 21st March 2010, 12:49

Whoa! One more Gypsy, let it roll. Congrats Buddy.

theMAG · 21st March 2010, 13:04

Neat choice!

Where were these pics taken ?

Jaggu · 21st March 2010, 13:40

Congratz! Looks good in green, by anychance were you in Indira Nagar area last week?

tatsago · 21st March 2010, 16:09

@theMAG, These pictures were taken a couple of kms from Sathanur on the way to Bheemeshwari, I had to go through a rain gully to get up there. Got a chance to try out the 4L on the transfer case

@Jaggu, I live on Old Madras Road and come to Indira Nagar for shopping, dropping the kids of at school, etc.

20th March 2010, 12:20	#1
tatsago BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 95 Thanked: 33 Times	Brand New Gypsy King After a few trips to Coorg in the Optra, I have been thinking of buying a 4wd for the last couple of years. I had seen Ram's Judo 4x4 in my office parking lot and became a big fan of the Judo after reading his website (WELCOME TO FORCE4x4.COM). Unfortunately the dealer here in Bangalore could not make any commitments on availability. The I chanced on Harjeev's MMS50Xd blog and got interested in Army disposal vehicles. By the time i realized that Harjeev was selling his vehicle it had been snapped up. I spoke to Harjeev and he cautioned me about the effort it takes to restore a 550 and I was not so keen on getting a Classic. Since I will be traveling a lot this year I decided to part that idea for the time being. I have driven Gypsy's before in upper Assam and was not so impressed with the MG 410, which is why I had ended up buying a 800 as my first car in 1999. After reading all the posts I decided to go inquire for a Gypsy. Again most of the folks I contacted were quoting 3 Lacs + for a used Gypsy. Got frustrated and walked into Bimal Motors to find out how long it would take to get a new Gypsy. The sales manager out there told me that they had 2 soft top Gypsys being shipped from the factory and he could give me one of those in 10 days if I make full payment. I gave him and advance of 2 lacs and booked the vehicle that day itself. i decided to go for the forest green color as I was not very keen on the white. I then went about arranging financing for the rest of the amount and that took a couple of weeks as i was traveling. In the meantime the vehicle arrived and I went an inspected it in the Bimal Motors yard. I then scouted around for sutiable tyres and after discussing with starter and a few others decided to go in for Yokohama Geolanders. I talked to the dealer and he was willing to take back the original CEAT tyres for Rs. 2000/-. I took delivery of the vehicle on Saturday morning and then drove straight to the tyre dealer. I have been traveling a lot lately and finally got a chance to take the Gypsy out last weekend to the Cavery Fishing Camp at Bheemshawari. I am really impressed with the performance on road and off road, though a little frustrated with the suspension. The rear springs are too hard and the front has a negative camber. Modifications will have to wait for sometime but these are some of the things I am considering 1. Front bar and Hella Rallye 4000 lights 2. OME springs and shocks 3. Roll over bar 4. Hard top/Targa Top ( I like the one which Autopysche has done http://www.autopsyche.com/thumbnail/maruthi/gypsy-3.jpg) 5. Thule MTB carrier 6. Lockable shock proof storage for Cameras and lenses. I am primarily planning to use this as recreational/weekend vehicle and am planning long highway/off road trips. Any suggestions/feedback is welcome.
	(1) Thanks

20th March 2010, 13:15	#2
Gypsy-Boy BHPian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 298 Thanked: 9 Times View My Garage	Congrats!!! Welcome to the off roading club!! Now post some pics Cheers GB
	() Thanks

20th March 2010, 13:29	#3
karizma9292 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: bangalore Posts: 470 Thanked: 227 Times View My Garage	Congrats on buying a brand new Gypsy, waiting for the pics . Cheers Sugan
	() Thanks

20th March 2010, 13:34	#4
HappyWheels Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 4,145 Thanked: 571 Times	You know that you are lucky to be at the right place at the right time! Congrats on the new buy! One of ours, Starter, has got one new Gypsy couple of months back; do check his thread on his feedback and reviews after the grand JeepThrills OTR. And yes, as requested above (and above that also) , pics please.
	() Thanks

20th March 2010, 13:50	#5
harjeev Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,900 Thanked: 296 Times View My Garage	Congrats on the Gypsy Rattan, I am happy that you've bought a new gypsy and you will definitely cherish the vehicle for a long time to come!!! Best of luck! Cheers
	() Thanks

20th March 2010, 13:54	#6
Amar82 BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Ludhiana Posts: 291 Thanked: 5 Times View My Garage	Congrats tatsago, Waiting for pics to be uploaded. When i inquired about the gypsy they gave me 2 color choices "green and white". But I thought that green was only for military but didn't knew that forest green is actually available for civilians, as gyspy website also doesn't mention about this color. Enjoy your new ride
	() Thanks

20th March 2010, 15:02	#7
hgnishanth BHPian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bangalore / High SEAS Posts: 186 Thanked: 12 Times View My Garage	Congrats on the new buy, Awaiting for the pics. Cheers Nishanth
	() Thanks

20th March 2010, 18:32	#8
tatsago BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 95 Thanked: 33 Times	Thanks Everyone, I had attached pictures with my original post, but for some strange reason they did not upload. Trying again Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

20th March 2010, 19:38	#9
offroad_maniac BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Thane-Mumbai Posts: 492 Thanked: 156 Times	Congrats tatsago, Thats a really nice colour. Makes it look more like a wild offroader (Need some mods though). Ok. you need to buy a nice pair of Free Wheeling Hubs & paint the rims with matt black or White. I guess it will look nice. Happy Driving... Gypsy Last edited by offroad_maniac : 20th March 2010 at 19:40.
	() Thanks

20th March 2010, 19:38	#10
fazalaliadil Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 2,022 Thanked: 677 Times View My Garage	Ratan, Congratulations on your Gypsy. Wise choice! Forest Green colour is the best colour. I think that you are an outdoor guy and do wildlife potography, then this is the colour of the forest which can't go wrong. Your Gypsy pic. with the reflection has come out very good, the company can use it in their ads. Welcome and wish you safe driving ahead. Regards,
	() Thanks

20th March 2010, 19:39	#11
khan_sultan Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Noida/Bangalore Posts: 4,945 Thanked: 6,474 Times View My Garage	Hey Rattan, that's a nice Gypsy you have there and a good purposeful list of mods you have outlined. Do bring it to the meets that we have and it would be nice to meet you and your Gypsy. Wishing you many happy miles on the Gypsy.
	() Thanks

21st March 2010, 12:49	#12
Desmosedici Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: White Village Posts: 1,501 Thanked: 628 Times View My Garage	Whoa! One more Gypsy, let it roll. Congrats Buddy.
	() Thanks

21st March 2010, 13:04	#13
theMAG Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Avon, CT Posts: 7,196 Thanked: 1,823 Times View My Garage	Neat choice! Where were these pics taken ? Last edited by theMAG : 21st March 2010 at 13:46.
	() Thanks

21st March 2010, 13:40	#14
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,379 Thanked: 17,320 Times	Congratz! Looks good in green, by anychance were you in Indira Nagar area last week?
	() Thanks

21st March 2010, 16:09	#15
tatsago BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 95 Thanked: 33 Times	@theMAG, These pictures were taken a couple of kms from Sathanur on the way to Bheemeshwari, I had to go through a rain gully to get up there. Got a chance to try out the 4L on the transfer case @Jaggu, I live on Old Madras Road and come to Indira Nagar for shopping, dropping the kids of at school, etc.
	() Thanks