Some queries on Gypsy (modifications)

Hello everyone,

I have planned to buy an old Maruti Gypsy King. I wana know  

  1. Whether I can convert it from 3 doors arrangements to 5 doors one with a cross seat in the middle like Scorpio? If possible then what may be the approximate costing?

   2. Whether I can convert it to LPG and what may be the mileage and cost for it…. Or I should go for a diesel engine.. My monthly usage would be 500 km in city and 1000 km in highway… with diesel engine I don’t wana loose the 4WD.. so plz suggest me a diesel engine which is applicable..

   3. Is there any provision to fit a AC in Gypsy?

Thanks in advance...

Well, AFAIK the gypsy is useful for off-road purposes. It is not one to offer comfort but I guess that's not what one looks for while travelling off-road. Don't convert it to LPG as you won;t get as much power from the engine and LPG may not be available from pumps outside city limits. Also, it is rare that people change the engine itself (from petrol to deisel) - for one it will be a very expensive thing to do.

-for the conversion with the new engine-guess upward of 3 lacs is what we are looking at.

-it makes much more sense to just buy a 4 x 4 Bolero

It would mean power loss of 10-15%. LPG Retrofitment would cost 18/22K.

For a monthly usage of 1.5K, petrol would not be economical. Diesel retrofitment would not be prudent & cost effective - it's better to sell-it off & buy diesel, as suggested by Binoy.

Hi Kalyan,

Here are my answers for your Queries :

1. Whether I can convert it from 3 doors arrangements to 5 doors one with a cross seat in the middle like Scorpio? If possible then what may be the approximate costing?

You can get the conversion done but it would be an extensive bodywork and you have to catch hold of a skilled body worksman to do it. I would suggest you to get a front facing seat plonked in rather than opting for 3 row conversion where the 1st & 2nd Row face the front and 3rd row is facing the sides. The reason being that it would be very congested to get a 7 seater configuration in the Gypsy.  Refer to the pic posted below.

Image Courtesy - team-bhp.com

2. Whether I can convert it to LPG and what may be the mileage and cost for it…. Or I should go for a diesel engine.. My monthly usage would be 500 km in city and 1000 km in highway… with diesel engine I don’t wana loose the 4WD.. so plz suggest me a diesel engine which is applicable.

Yes, the LPG conversion can be easily done as on the other cars, there would be a marginal power drop. You can get any RTO approved LPG kit fitted in your Gypsy with the help of a Maruti Authorised Service Center. You will have to get it endorsed on your RC book by the RTO.

As far as 4WD is concerned, I am glad to know that you want to retain it. Gypsy has a Divorced Transfer Case, It is connected to the transmission by a driveshaft. Power is transmitted from Gear box to Transfercase from where its distributed to front and back differentials through Propeller Shafts. So all you have to do is to find a Diesel Engine and a matching Gearbox and attach the Transfercase to the Gearbox.

However I would also like to point out the downside of such modifications.

a. Weight - The Diesel Engine would weigh more than the stock 1.3 L Petrol Engine so you have to do some modifications to the suspensions to accomodate additional weight.

b. Engine Dimensions & Mounting - You will have to extensively modify the mounting points under the bonnet to accomodate the Diesel Engine. The Exhust Manifold and Air Intake will have to be looked upon too. There would always be niggling problems post conversion.

c. RTO - In most of the metros, conversion of a Petrol Vehicle to Diesel or vice-a-versa is legally not possible. Even if you get the conversion done illegally the first thing you would lose is Insurance, on the event of an accident, you will not be able to claim any insurance benefits

3. Is there any provision to fit a AC in Gypsy?

Yes, Its possible to fit A/C in the Gypsy, you have to get a skilled mechanic who can do it for you. If you are installing the A/C with the Soft-Top, get the Top sealed properly so that there won't be any loss in cooling.

hope your queries are answered...

cheers

Sabareesh

@ Sabareesh,    Thanks a lot for ur valuable feedback. Yes u r right, I will make it 5 seater.  But what may be the expense? Any idea? And for this conversion whether any permission is required from RTO?

M going for the LPG option with duo facility for Petrol..

I agree that Gypsy is a true off-orader, but it also has a great style, so I wana use it for my personal use as well. But the back suspension is too hard and it makes the journey uncomfortable, will u plz suggest me is there any way to modify it? And what may be the best option..

Thanks and with best regards,

Kalyan

Kalyan, I do not have any idea about the expense and the permissions from RTO for the conversion. You can get in touch with your local RTO agent for the permission bit.

This would be the best bet considering your usage. You can use LPG on Highways and City and can switch to Petrol while Off-roading.

Gypsy has conventional leaf springs with Double action dampers all over. You cannot really do much to make the ride comfortable because the Suspension has been designed keeping in mind the off-road characterestics hence it would provide a very stiff ride.

You can however opt for better Bucket Seats which would marginally increase your ride comfort. In addition to that, you can opt for any 205/70R15 Tubeless Radial Tyres which would also be helpful in increasing the ride quality.

Yep.. I will keep this information in mind while modify...

Does anybody have any idea about Gypsy from Armed Forces Auctions?

Is these vehicles are good enuf to buy or I should wait for a private owner? Anybody with previous experience of buying a Gypsy from armed forces auctions...?

Yes, you will need to get it endorsed in your RC Book.  Normally the retrofitters themselves arrange to get it done - the cost/fees is included in the total cost of retrofitment.

By the way, approval for retrofitment kits are car/model specific - you will have to check for the one/s that can be retrofitted in your Gypsy.

Hi Kalyan,

Army auctions their vehicles after a stipulated time period. Usually the vehicles are not in running condition and one has to spend nearly 70,000 - 150,000 to get them back to ship-shape depending upon the requirement. Since you are from Calcutta, Panargarh Army Depot would be the best place for you to hunt for a Surplus (read Scrap) Gypsy. As the Army follows its own registration series, you have to get the vehicle registered in your local RTO after its purchased.

Now the golden rule.... DO NOT attempt to get into these auctions unless you know someone in the Vehicle Depot or u know some person who has previously brought vehicles from such auctions. The Dealers from Delhi & Haryana mostly pickup these vehicles in bulk and kill the 4x4s by removing the transfercases and other goodies. 

They refurbish (read Kill) these vehicles with Fat Alloys, Fancy Stickers & other bling things and sell them to earn handsome money. These people are strictly a NO-NO if you want a fully functional 4x4 SUV. Mostly these Dealers do not sell the SUV / JEEP in as-it-is condition but again it depends on your luck.

I would like to listen to your comments and then post further more on this topic.