Ex Army MM 550 - "It's tough, but not impossible"

jyobeb · 25th October 2010, 17:31

looks like your springs need to be re-cambered. Look at the 2nd last pic and you will see that the front right springs are arched inwards!!

4x4army · 25th October 2010, 19:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by harjeev

WOW!!!
Thats quite a story and from the looks of it you've got a really clean piece. Not to mention driving it from PUNE to Mumbai with the most basic of maintenance done is another feather in the cap.
CONGRATS again on the vehicle.
I understand that you cannot share the auction prices but after the auction please share the cost structure like the services, parts bought, registration etc

I am getting eager. When do we get to see the final product???

I don't have any problem at all in sharing all these.

Timson · 26th October 2010, 17:20

This is the first time I’m seeing Ex-army vehicles in such great condition, it’s worth the buy. I must say the gypsy is in great shape more over an MPFI gypsy King. Congratulation on the buy.

So I would like to know if there are any NGCS MM550’s on auction. Will be sending you a PM shortly.

Chengappa.

Anupam · 26th October 2010, 19:01

Clean as a Whistle
Sanjay excellent pick, I am so tempted but as we discussed my limitations on the family front and the core objective of offroading which seems to be limited now is holding me back
never know, someday it might be a impulse buy, as afterall these things don't take a back seat so easy :-)

big Cheers to you!!

saintsinner · 27th October 2010, 03:19

Sanjay, how much was the gypsy for?

Gypsies in north India are salvaged to a very high extent before being auctioned. your's appear to be super clean.

autoholic · 28th October 2010, 05:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4army

I don't have any problem at all in sharing all these.

I am planning to bid for army gypsies myself. Have already registered with MSTC.

Please share in detail the costs and processes involved after placing the winning bid.

Sumit

4x4army · 16th February 2011, 20:04

It’s been long I updated this tread, so here I go...
After receiving the vehicle from Army Dept. I have not done any work on the vehicle except the change of Engine oil. The vehicle is as it is and in good condition to drive within the city limits.
The Rikshawala and Taxiwalas even bus driver scared of it and stays away from. I am driving and enjoying it a lot in city and also my family members who were hesitating before.
While driving my other car, I always been worried and afraid about the Rikshawalas and Taxiwalas as they tend to drive very carelessly. Now I am very happy as no one dares to come near.

Guys as I am planning to make it ready for Highway and Off Road use, there is no restoration work at all. Simply I have to do some engine work if required and cosmetic look.

I need your help as I have no knowledge regarding the following.

Phase 1-
1- Engine overhauling
The Engine is running smoothly but I have no idea what should be done to enhance its performance, so should I go for full overhauling or what?
a) I noticed while driving in 4th gear in speed, some time steering wobble, help me on this.
b) While starting the ignition, sometimes starter get slippery. Mechanic suggested me to change the flywheel. While changing the flywheel, is there anything more I have to look for?

2- Paint Job
Its a 2002 model, condition of the Body is too good, no dent or scratches are there. Originally it has military Green colour, on that they applied camouflage colour and when I received I colored it in Ivory temporarily (to avoid inconvenience) So it is having three coats of colours on it.
Now question is to remove all these coats, Should I go for regular heat process which roadside painter use, Paint remover OR Sand Blasting? Is there any harm in using Sandblast on body?
For painting should I have to remove body from chassis OR simply colour it as it is?

3- Tyres
I have to keep its original aggressive military look and not have to change it like "dabwali Jeep".
So planning Apollo Bullet tyres but not lucky to get them. I want to keep stock rims as it is.
Therefore I need your help in getting Apollo Bullet tyres OR any other brand which can fit on the stock rims so that its hight will not reduce.
If I am not getting Apollo Bullet, I will go for Cooper stt 235/85/16.
Pls share with me Cooper STT's pros and cons.

4- Wind Shield
I am not getting Original windshield of MM550. All supplier from here suggesting me to put 540's windshield, which will fix there permanently. And can't open it as halfway.
If anybody have contacts who are keeping original MM550's windshield, please share with me.

5- Roll cage
Its in process.. done 4 point of the 6 point roll cage.

6- Bucket seats (2nd hand)

7- Snorkel, Rock slider, Bumper Guards, Bull bar.

8- Brackets for Extra wheel with Jerry can holder and Bicycle hanger.

9- Customized Soft top from waterproof material.

Phase 2- (when I get extra money

)

- Winch, High lift jack, Power steering, Shackle lift etc…

Guys need your inputs/suggestions on the above . . .

This is the present look of vehicle.

Thanks!

Regards
Sanjay

Frankenstein · 16th February 2011, 20:58

If your engine is running fine then dont disturb it. IS you engine consuming excess engine oil?

I think the wobbling has to do with your bald tires due to which wheel balance goes for a toss. If this problem still persists after changing to new tires , then get your tie rod ends checked as well wheel balancing.

When does the starter get sippery, does the problem solve once you shift the gear lever from neutral to gear and back ,if it does it is the fly wheel or else its the starter at fault.

You can sandblast, no problem with that.
You have to remove the body from the chassis , this is the correct process.

Point 3,4,5 can be answered by the experts here as i always prefer NDMS.

4x4army · 24th February 2011, 19:50

Thank you Frankenstein!!
Yes, I will do wheel balancing when I will buy new Tyres.
You are correct. when I shift gear lever from neutral to gear and back, It start. means I have to change the fly wheel.

Guys, Please help me to get Apollo Bullet tyres.

Sanjay

4x4army · 24th February 2011, 21:03

Just removed Soft Top Holder front Strip from the body which always get rusted. So I replaced it with aluminum one.

mashmash · 24th February 2011, 21:24

Your Jeep looks wonderful. I am a wannabe Jeeper and saving to get myself a Jeep someday.

Do you still have the Gypsy?

MaSh

jeepster · 24th February 2011, 23:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4army

Some time if there are lots of people bidding for same vehicle, price will go on higher side. (Example of my Gypsy) and some times if there are hardly few people are bidding you have a chance to get that vehicle at lowest rate. (example of my Jeep)

how much you paid for the jeep at auction.
PM me the cost details.

rgds,
Nikhil

chanu · 25th February 2011, 01:28

Wow what a love story, congratulations buddy atlast you have done it! that's the spirit, I wonder how I missed this lovely thread, I spend around 8 hrs in this thread on a weekend and atleast 2-3 hrs a day but still. I am exactly the same as 4x4 army (sorry my friend I don't know your name) though I own a Willys jeep but now need for MM550 added into my wish list, lovely machine man nothing can be as good as having a MM550 as far as I am concerned. I am sure I will find one for myself.

4x4army · 25th February 2011, 11:24

Dear mashmash and chanu Thank you !

Its nice thought about which you are dreaming ...
But one should have to devote personal attention and time as well as money to fulfill this dream.
More than money, Time and patience are important.

Best wishes to both of you for getting your dream machine!!

Regards
Sanjay

Thar4x4 · 25th February 2011, 14:06

Hi Sanjay,

Good to see you on Team BHP.

If you remember we had chat some were can't recollect(on jeep thrill or on gmail) regarding getting MM550 from Army, I got your contact from Shibu (jeep captain).

I am very sorry I haven't contacted you as I was not sure about my budget at that time however I am quite inspired from this thread.

Can you PM me your contact number please?

Thanks,
Vishal.

25th October 2010, 17:31	#46
jyobeb Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Madurai Posts: 1,010 Thanked: 703 Times	looks like your springs need to be re-cambered. Look at the 2nd last pic and you will see that the front right springs are arched inwards!!
	() Thanks

26th October 2010, 17:20	#48
Timson BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Kanoor Posts: 71 Thanked: 31 Times	This is the first time I’m seeing Ex-army vehicles in such great condition, it’s worth the buy. I must say the gypsy is in great shape more over an MPFI gypsy King. Congratulation on the buy. So I would like to know if there are any NGCS MM550’s on auction. Will be sending you a PM shortly. Chengappa.
	() Thanks

26th October 2010, 19:01	#49
Anupam BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pune - India Posts: 265 Thanked: 39 Times View My Garage	Clean as a Whistle Sanjay excellent pick, I am so tempted but as we discussed my limitations on the family front and the core objective of offroading which seems to be limited now is holding me back never know, someday it might be a impulse buy, as afterall these things don't take a back seat so easy :-) big Cheers to you!! Last edited by Anupam : 26th October 2010 at 19:02.
	() Thanks

27th October 2010, 03:19	#50
saintsinner BANNED Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Noida Posts: 612 Thanked: 11 Times	Sanjay, how much was the gypsy for? Gypsies in north India are salvaged to a very high extent before being auctioned. your's appear to be super clean.
	() Thanks

16th February 2011, 20:04	#52
4x4army BHPian Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Mumbai Posts: 114 Thanked: 96 Times	Re: Ex Army MM 550 - "It's tough, but not impossible" It’s been long I updated this tread, so here I go... After receiving the vehicle from Army Dept. I have not done any work on the vehicle except the change of Engine oil. The vehicle is as it is and in good condition to drive within the city limits. The Rikshawala and Taxiwalas even bus driver scared of it and stays away from. I am driving and enjoying it a lot in city and also my family members who were hesitating before. While driving my other car, I always been worried and afraid about the Rikshawalas and Taxiwalas as they tend to drive very carelessly. Now I am very happy as no one dares to come near. Guys as I am planning to make it ready for Highway and Off Road use, there is no restoration work at all. Simply I have to do some engine work if required and cosmetic look. I need your help as I have no knowledge regarding the following. Phase 1- 1- Engine overhauling The Engine is running smoothly but I have no idea what should be done to enhance its performance, so should I go for full overhauling or what? a) I noticed while driving in 4th gear in speed, some time steering wobble, help me on this. b) While starting the ignition, sometimes starter get slippery. Mechanic suggested me to change the flywheel. While changing the flywheel, is there anything more I have to look for? 2- Paint Job Its a 2002 model, condition of the Body is too good, no dent or scratches are there. Originally it has military Green colour, on that they applied camouflage colour and when I received I colored it in Ivory temporarily (to avoid inconvenience) So it is having three coats of colours on it. Now question is to remove all these coats, Should I go for regular heat process which roadside painter use, Paint remover OR Sand Blasting? Is there any harm in using Sandblast on body? For painting should I have to remove body from chassis OR simply colour it as it is? 3- Tyres I have to keep its original aggressive military look and not have to change it like "dabwali Jeep". So planning Apollo Bullet tyres but not lucky to get them. I want to keep stock rims as it is. Therefore I need your help in getting Apollo Bullet tyres OR any other brand which can fit on the stock rims so that its hight will not reduce. If I am not getting Apollo Bullet, I will go for Cooper stt 235/85/16. Pls share with me Cooper STT's pros and cons. 4- Wind Shield I am not getting Original windshield of MM550. All supplier from here suggesting me to put 540's windshield, which will fix there permanently. And can't open it as halfway. If anybody have contacts who are keeping original MM550's windshield, please share with me. 5- Roll cage Its in process.. done 4 point of the 6 point roll cage. 6- Bucket seats (2nd hand) 7- Snorkel, Rock slider, Bumper Guards, Bull bar. 8- Brackets for Extra wheel with Jerry can holder and Bicycle hanger. 9- Customized Soft top from waterproof material. Phase 2- (when I get extra money ) - Winch, High lift jack, Power steering, Shackle lift etc… Guys need your inputs/suggestions on the above . . . This is the present look of vehicle. Thanks! Regards Sanjay Attached Thumbnails
	(1) Thanks

16th February 2011, 20:58	#53
Frankenstein BHPian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Bangalore/hyderabad Posts: 385 Thanked: 350 Times	Re: Ex Army MM 550 - "It's tough, but not impossible" If your engine is running fine then dont disturb it. IS you engine consuming excess engine oil? I think the wobbling has to do with your bald tires due to which wheel balance goes for a toss. If this problem still persists after changing to new tires , then get your tie rod ends checked as well wheel balancing. When does the starter get sippery, does the problem solve once you shift the gear lever from neutral to gear and back ,if it does it is the fly wheel or else its the starter at fault. You can sandblast, no problem with that. You have to remove the body from the chassis , this is the correct process. Point 3,4,5 can be answered by the experts here as i always prefer NDMS.
	() Thanks

24th February 2011, 19:50	#54
4x4army BHPian Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Mumbai Posts: 114 Thanked: 96 Times	Re: Ex Army MM 550 - "It's tough, but not impossible" Thank you Frankenstein!! Yes, I will do wheel balancing when I will buy new Tyres. You are correct. when I shift gear lever from neutral to gear and back, It start. means I have to change the fly wheel. Guys, Please help me to get Apollo Bullet tyres. Sanjay
	() Thanks

24th February 2011, 21:03	#55
4x4army BHPian Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Mumbai Posts: 114 Thanked: 96 Times	Re: Ex Army MM 550 - "It's tough, but not impossible" Just removed Soft Top Holder front Strip from the body which always get rusted. So I replaced it with aluminum one. Attached Thumbnails
	(1) Thanks

24th February 2011, 21:24	#56
mashmash BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 390 Thanked: 156 Times	Re: Ex Army MM 550 - "It's tough, but not impossible" Your Jeep looks wonderful. I am a wannabe Jeeper and saving to get myself a Jeep someday. Do you still have the Gypsy? MaSh
	() Thanks

25th February 2011, 01:28	#58
chanu Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: APX to AP 29 Posts: 1,483 Thanked: 150 Times View My Garage	Re: Ex Army MM 550 - "It's tough, but not impossible" Wow what a love story, congratulations buddy atlast you have done it! that's the spirit, I wonder how I missed this lovely thread, I spend around 8 hrs in this thread on a weekend and atleast 2-3 hrs a day but still. I am exactly the same as 4x4 army (sorry my friend I don't know your name) though I own a Willys jeep but now need for MM550 added into my wish list, lovely machine man nothing can be as good as having a MM550 as far as I am concerned. I am sure I will find one for myself.
	() Thanks

25th February 2011, 11:24	#59
4x4army BHPian Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Mumbai Posts: 114 Thanked: 96 Times	Re: Ex Army MM 550 - "It's tough, but not impossible" Dear mashmash and chanu Thank you ! Its nice thought about which you are dreaming ... But one should have to devote personal attention and time as well as money to fulfill this dream. More than money, Time and patience are important. Best wishes to both of you for getting your dream machine!! Regards Sanjay
	() Thanks

25th February 2011, 14:06	#60
Thar4x4 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pune, India Posts: 528 Thanked: 771 Times View My Garage	Re: Ex Army MM 550 - "It's tough, but not impossible" Hi Sanjay, Good to see you on Team BHP. If you remember we had chat some were can't recollect(on jeep thrill or on gmail) regarding getting MM550 from Army, I got your contact from Shibu (jeep captain). I am very sorry I haven't contacted you as I was not sure about my budget at that time however I am quite inspired from this thread. Can you PM me your contact number please? Thanks, Vishal.
	() Thanks