Mahindra 500D 1986 Model - Restoration Thread

mail2abhi83 · 3rd January 2010, 09:22

All,

I am glad that my first post on this forum is regarding 4X4. Got my hands on 1986 Mahindra 500D. Could not test drive it thoroughly though.

After driving for about 3 Kms, left it to intution which said the Jeep is running fine. Coming to the mechanical's, this is a Jeep with the infamous international Engine and the three speed gear box. It has both First & rear differentials (Condition unknown). On asking the dealer (A tyre shop owner) he said in typical hyderabadi "Dande daal lena, differential barabar hai" so fixed the deal for 40K (Jeep) 3K (Asked him to replace the tyres with used radials all 4 so that I can atleast drive it home). All in all a deal for 44K incl 1K seller's commision

.

Here are few pics. Request experts to help me restore this beauty back to glory.

Parm · 3rd January 2010, 16:23

Congratulations on being JEEPED and on buying a jeep.

i always say, buying an old jeep and restoring it, is like giving a birth to a child.

you will get plenty of help in this forum, you came to the right place.

wish you all the best in your restoration and i would be looking forward for Work In Progress process and photos.

good luck.

headers · 3rd January 2010, 17:12

Congrats:

Dont change tyres to radials - go for NDMS instead.

Its easier on the steering box as well as for off road.

VEA · 3rd January 2010, 17:23

good buy. a running 4x4 for 44k. it looks in good shape too. tires look ok for a test drive anyways.

harjeev · 3rd January 2010, 19:19

hey buddy
Congrats on the vehicle!!!
Was just browsing another thread and cam across the following post, As it pertained to your model of vehicle, I thought that you might be interested to read about it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sutripta

Hi,
Mahindra first started dieselising their jeeps by plonking in the engine from one of their tractors - the International B275. ~40 HP. Very slow revving. Came fitted to a CJ3B with a 91 WheelBase, called the CJ500D. We used to (actually still do) refer to those as the B275s. To us those were more tractors than cars.

Later on MM had a mix and match option of engines, gearboxes, WBs, Diff ratios, even different diffs. It would be nice if someone could post an authoritative list, esp. those based on the original (lengthened or 80") C section CJ frame.

Regards
Sutripta

svsantosh · 3rd January 2010, 19:35

Another one bites the dust

Kudos bro, need LOTS of PICS and details... Please tell us a lot more in detailed about the Jeep and it looks like a very nice price. Exterior, top and Seats are good. This may mean in Mayapuri language that lot of work needed inside, so post more pics please.

mail2abhi83 · 4th January 2010, 10:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parm

Congratulations on being JEEPED and on buying a jeep.

i always say, buying an old jeep and restoring it, is like giving a birth to a child.

you will get plenty of help in this forum, you came to the right place.

wish you all the best in your restoration and i would be looking forward for Work In Progress process and photos.

good luck.

Thanks a lot Parm. Its indeed a great experience. The restoration process would begin next week. Will keep the forum posted with more photos & document the entire restoration process.

Regds
Abhi

Quote:

Originally Posted by VEA

good buy. a running 4x4 for 44k. it looks in good shape too. tires look ok for a test drive anyways.

Thanks VEA !

Regds
Abhi

Quote:

Originally Posted by harjeev

hey buddy
Congrats on the vehicle!!!
Was just browsing another thread and cam across the following post, As it pertained to your model of vehicle, I thought that you might be interested to read about it.

Thanks a lot Harjeev, This is the same engine that I have in my Jeep.

The gear box is tough, and steering the vehicle is quite a job for now. Will keep you posted on the restoration. BTW, I have gone through your blog. Really inspiring for a new Jeeper like me

Regds
Abhi

Quote:

Originally Posted by svsantosh

Another one bites the dust

Kudos bro, need LOTS of PICS and details... Please tell us a lot more in detailed about the Jeep and it looks like a very nice price. Exterior, top and Seats are good. This may mean in Mayapuri language that lot of work needed inside, so post more pics please.

Thanks Santhosh. You are right, a lot needed inside. The restoration begins next week. I was going through restoration of a similar model by Sabreesh. In which Behram sir advised to start the restoration after driving the vehicle for some time.

Following it. Will upload more pics soon. I have them in my mobile.

Regds
Abhi

Quote:

Originally Posted by headers

Congrats:

Dont change tyres to radials - go for NDMS instead.

Its easier on the steering box as well as for off road.

Thanks Headers !

I didnt have much of a choice available with the tyres guy, and could not drive with the existing tyres for a week. Can you guide me with the exact specs will procure it next week when restoration will begin.

Regds
Abhi

headers · 4th January 2010, 11:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by mail2abhi83

Thanks Headers !

I didnt have much of a choice available with the tyres guy, and could not drive with the existing tyres for a week. Can you guide me with the exact specs will procure it next week when restoration will begin.

Regds
Abhi

You could go for 6.00x16 NDMS or 7.00x16 NDMS, or Apollo Bullets, or even BIG ROVER.

cheers

mail2abhi83 · 5th January 2010, 17:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by headers

You could go for 6.00x16 NDMS or 7.00x16 NDMS, or Apollo Bullets, or even BIG ROVER.

cheers

Thanks Headers,

Apollo Bullets look massive, can a IHE B275 engine take it?

Regds
Abhi

headers · 5th January 2010, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by mail2abhi83

Thanks Headers,

Apollo Bullets look massive, can a IHE B275 engine take it?

Regds
Abhi

I think it can take it!

The B275 has oodles of low end torque!

mail2abhi83 · 12th January 2010, 19:21

Experts..

Apologies for a delay, please find a underhood picture of CJ500D, the following are the specs

Mahindra 500D 1986 Model - Restoration Thread-4253042557_f9a94105df.jpg

Its a CJ500D with 91" wheelbase 48" wheeltrack. Has a 4 Wheel Drive.
Top speed on Papers is 72 KMPH& The axle ratio is 4.27:1.

The Engine is Inter IDI Engine B275.

Detailing on my experience riding it over for a few days to office & back home (totaling a 60Kms) the Jeep's power is relatively low (Relative to Jeeps I have driven prior to this). The Engine is making loud noise, neither I am able to feel the torque as I should have, an example was trying to ride over a hill road, and the machine literally cried out.

Having referred to many threads around which talk of running restoration & going slow with the restoration Process. Have decided to pursue the same.

First want to get the mechanicals fixed, following is the tentative schedule.

a) Get the Engine replaced to either of the options (Need inputs here)

Isuzu Diesel or
Peaugot 2.5 Ltr Diesel or
Toyota 2C

The vehicle would run for 60KM's a day, so FE is a constraint on the decision, would need a FE between 15 to 16. 5 Speed gear box preferable.

Would need to retain the 4X4 for occasional offroading.

b) Get to have the tyres in Place, the current setup is having

Yoko 235 16' Tyres, looking for a 17' option with radials

c) Once Mechanicals & tyres are in place I would drive the vehicle for some time before jumping to the body Job.

Guru's pls suggest if I am going right. More Pics to come

Regds
Abhi

jeepdude · 13th January 2010, 22:33

sir i recently did up my cj500d and i would suggest a XDP3 engine with a 5 speed gear box(bolero)with 4wd. Will put up some pics shortly.

jeepdude · 13th January 2010, 22:48

Here's my project.XDP3 engine with 5speed gearbox(bolero) with 4x4.

bigman · 13th January 2010, 23:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepdude

sir i recently did up my cj500d and i would suggest a XDP3 engine with a 5 speed gear box(bolero)with 4wd. Will put up some pics shortly.

I think the OP wrote:

Quote:

The vehicle would run for 60KM's a day, so FE is a constraint on the decision, would need a FE between 15 to 16. 5 Speed gear box preferable.

So maybe the XD3P is not the best option for him.

DHABHAR.BEHRAM · 13th January 2010, 23:55

Dear Mail2abhi83 - you have got a good vehicle at a throwaway price. Now - PLEASE DON'T THROW AWAY ITS GOODNESS BY DOING ANYTHING SILLY TO IT. Just service / grease it, change all oils and drive it for sometime. I hope you will accede to my request.

The maximum speed of CJ500D91"WB4WD with MD2350 engine with inline FIP at GVW condition is actually 72 kmph. I tested it in 1981 and set the specifications.

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

3rd January 2010, 09:22	#1
mail2abhi83 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 42 Thanked: 0 Times	Mahindra 500D 1986 Model - Restoration Thread All, I am glad that my first post on this forum is regarding 4X4. Got my hands on 1986 Mahindra 500D. Could not test drive it thoroughly though. After driving for about 3 Kms, left it to intution which said the Jeep is running fine. Coming to the mechanical's, this is a Jeep with the infamous international Engine and the three speed gear box. It has both First & rear differentials (Condition unknown). On asking the dealer (A tyre shop owner) he said in typical hyderabadi "Dande daal lena, differential barabar hai" so fixed the deal for 40K (Jeep) 3K (Asked him to replace the tyres with used radials all 4 so that I can atleast drive it home). All in all a deal for 44K incl 1K seller's commision . Here are few pics. Request experts to help me restore this beauty back to glory. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

3rd January 2010, 16:23	#2
Parm Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: in a Toyota! Posts: 2,753 Thanked: 899 Times	Congratulations on being JEEPED and on buying a jeep. i always say, buying an old jeep and restoring it, is like giving a birth to a child. you will get plenty of help in this forum, you came to the right place. wish you all the best in your restoration and i would be looking forward for Work In Progress process and photos. good luck.
	() Thanks

3rd January 2010, 17:12	#3
headers Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Greater Chennai Posts: 4,667 Thanked: 563 Times	Congrats: Dont change tyres to radials - go for NDMS instead. Its easier on the steering box as well as for off road.
	() Thanks

3rd January 2010, 17:23	#4
VEA BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cochin Posts: 208 Thanked: 161 Times	good buy. a running 4x4 for 44k. it looks in good shape too. tires look ok for a test drive anyways.
	() Thanks

3rd January 2010, 19:35	#6
svsantosh Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dubai Posts: 4,283 Thanked: 8,048 Times View My Garage	Another one bites the dust Kudos bro, need LOTS of PICS and details... Please tell us a lot more in detailed about the Jeep and it looks like a very nice price. Exterior, top and Seats are good. This may mean in Mayapuri language that lot of work needed inside, so post more pics please.
	() Thanks

12th January 2010, 19:21	#11
mail2abhi83 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 42 Thanked: 0 Times	A look Inside Experts.. Apologies for a delay, please find a underhood picture of CJ500D, the following are the specs Its a CJ500D with 91" wheelbase 48" wheeltrack. Has a 4 Wheel Drive. Top speed on Papers is 72 KMPH& The axle ratio is 4.27:1. The Engine is Inter IDI Engine B275. Detailing on my experience riding it over for a few days to office & back home (totaling a 60Kms) the Jeep's power is relatively low (Relative to Jeeps I have driven prior to this). The Engine is making loud noise, neither I am able to feel the torque as I should have, an example was trying to ride over a hill road, and the machine literally cried out. Having referred to many threads around which talk of running restoration & going slow with the restoration Process. Have decided to pursue the same. First want to get the mechanicals fixed, following is the tentative schedule. a) Get the Engine replaced to either of the options (Need inputs here) Isuzu Diesel or Peaugot 2.5 Ltr Diesel or Toyota 2C The vehicle would run for 60KM's a day, so FE is a constraint on the decision, would need a FE between 15 to 16. 5 Speed gear box preferable. Would need to retain the 4X4 for occasional offroading. b) Get to have the tyres in Place, the current setup is having Yoko 235 16' Tyres, looking for a 17' option with radials c) Once Mechanicals & tyres are in place I would drive the vehicle for some time before jumping to the body Job. Guru's pls suggest if I am going right. More Pics to come Regds Abhi
	() Thanks

13th January 2010, 22:33	#12
jeepdude BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 36 Thanked: 0 Times	sir i recently did up my cj500d and i would suggest a XDP3 engine with a 5 speed gear box(bolero)with 4wd. Will put up some pics shortly.
	() Thanks

13th January 2010, 22:48	#13
jeepdude BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 36 Thanked: 0 Times	Here's my project.XDP3 engine with 5speed gearbox(bolero) with 4x4. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

13th January 2010, 23:55	#15
DHABHAR.BEHRAM Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: MUMBAI Posts: 3,060 Thanked: 5,406 Times	Dear Mail2abhi83 - you have got a good vehicle at a throwaway price. Now - PLEASE DON'T THROW AWAY ITS GOODNESS BY DOING ANYTHING SILLY TO IT. Just service / grease it, change all oils and drive it for sometime. I hope you will accede to my request. The maximum speed of CJ500D91"WB4WD with MD2350 engine with inline FIP at GVW condition is actually 72 kmph. I tested it in 1981 and set the specifications. Best regards, Behram Dhabhar
	(2) Thanks