Redoing a gypsy. Review on Maruti Suzuki Gypsy

I had previously informed about the Gypsy I Had bought with some modifications. Now I would like to present the detailed modifications along with the costs.

Gypsy 1000cc wide track year 1995/ registered 1996 with Hard Top. Condition Used. The car was used in JNPT, sparingly but roughly used. Since the dealer was my friend I got a good deal as it was difficult to find a gypsy. The Gypsy came fitted with LPG kit and AC. The radiator was not serviced as it had muddy appearance. Infact you could say the entire car was not serviced. The tyres were totally bald and were not changed even once as I found out when I changed them to radials. The car was Raigad registration (MH-06) with no insurance left. First thing did was to transfer the car in my name. The process cost me 6850 with registration. Car was not run on petrol and the tank was full of dirt had to remove clean and service it. The dashboard was okay, but the glove compartment was broken. Now we get two spares for Maruti one called SGP (Suzuki genuine parts) which are costly but readily available and MGP (Maruti genuine parts) cheap but rare. I inquired for a new dashboard and it was costing 2350. Luckily they had one MGP spare left which cost me 1200 and I bought it. Along with it I purchased the glove compartment and 4 blowers which cost me another 300bucks. I changed to coolant 160 bucks and serviced the radiator. Now I had to change al the locks as I could not have separate keys for starter, glove compartment and petrol tank. So bought a complete new set for 850bucks. Third thing was to deal with the AC. The AC unit did not have a gas cut out and FICD which increases

the RPM by 200. The result was that the car used to stop at signals with AC on. So serviced the AC, Put in an extra Fan for the AC compressor which cost 1600bucks. Along with it the AC suction tube was damaged. Replacement 550bucks, FICD 750bucks, Gas cut out 300bucks, Gas charging 600 bucks, Compressor oil 80 bucks. Labour charges 800(the fellow cut my throat here). Anyways good work done. Had to put a Film over my car to get the cooling effect. So went for a film with radium cost 1000bucks. The hard top glass frame was damaged. So had to replace it do silicon work which costs 1500bucks. The cooling was good but as soon as u put on the AC the horns and light went dim. So changed the wiring. Put in 6mm and 4mm wires tubed them. Extra relay for horn, starter and fog lamp. Total costs 2100. Replaced the bulbs (Bausch) and the horn (baush). Installed a reverse horn to irritate a few. Also installed an inner round shaped light for my car (230 bucks). After all this great wiring the alternator had to be replaced so another 1000 bucks. The car had 4WD. So serviced it. Opened the transfer case, Changed gear oil and put in new bushings. Total costs 450. The car

tyres were changed to Bridgestone radials 195/65. The recommended radials were 205/70 but after searching on the net and calculating on lines of coefficient radius and other stuff 195/65 were found to be ideal as they reduce the jumping and ensured smooth ride. Luckily got 95%tyres at 6900 (5 of them). Belonged to a new Tavera whose owner was interested in magwheels. After all this I went to an LPG station and fine tuned my car to get great pickup and improved mileage (150 bucks). The flow pressure must be kept at 14mm to ensure smooth ride. As I was grinning on my work I found out the car had no wiper motor assembly. Got hold of the dealer. I had not cleared his 7k payment. Told him if he does not get me a wiper motor I will buy a new one from his money. He arranged for the motor and arms. But I had to pay for the installation which cost around 1000bucks. Besides this I had to buy a side view mirror, dashboard clamps and hinges for door which all cost me approx 400bucks. So now the cars going and ready. I have prepared a small list below

Gypsy

Price 1.2lacs + 3K for the dealer + 7K transfer + registration (MH-06)

AC service

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FICD 750

Suction Pipe 500

Compressor Fan 1600

Gas charging 600

Compressor oil 80

Gas cut out 300

Labour 800

Electrics

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wiring change 1000

Electrical 1100

Horn 200

Transmission

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4WD gear bush + oil 300

Labour 150

Others

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Dashboard 1300

Glove 200

Blowers 50 p pc X 4== 200

Dashboard fitments 150

Lock change 850

Tyres 6900

LPG service 150

Window service 1500

Radium Film 1000

Wiper installation 1000

Others 700 (incl of certain labour/ wheel alignment and other similar fitments)

Total 21,330

After all this effort the beauty is really worth it. Had to slog hard for 2 months day and night to achieve this and now I can pride on it. Started with a FE of 5 and now somewhere at 10-12 with A/C on.

The vehicle performs great. I have taken it to Amboli ghat in Sahyadri during monsoon and it worked really fine. The ride in back seat has improved. However I would still say that it is not a family car. It is just for some fun/ adventure along with like minded people. Anyone interested in buying must carefully review what he expects from this cute monster. I plan to put a Baleno or Esteem engine in it next year. Also want to do a paint job but its must wait till my pockets fill. The spares are really hard to find. Even Maruti dealers wont help. I had to get certain parts from Halduani/ Raamnagar during my visit to Corbett Park. Still searching for dashboard clamps. Hope I get them soon.