ROTW - dmc

dmc · 12-19-05, 10:16 AM

I know you've all been waiting on pins and needles for my ROTW. Believe me I have too. Or I've enjoyed the ROTW series so much that I figured the least I could do was contribute. Hopefully you'll find something of value. FZJFillmore wanted me to do my entire thread about the stickers on my truck. I would but that would take too much effort so here goes...

I was a late convert to the magnificent beast known as the US spec FZJ80 Land Cruiser. However when the bug bit I knew what I wanted and I got pretty lucky. After selling my 97 Tacoma, a truck I loved, here on MUD I gave myself 6 weeks to find the 40th Anniversary 80 with lockers that I wanted. There has always been something about the 1B2 (Antique Pearl Sage) paint color that I loved from the first time I saw it. My 40 almost ended up that color. Well my search lasted about 48 hours. Bret van Tuyle, President of the Green Country Cruisers, had his 80 become available. Within a week I was on a plane to Oklahoma City. Thanks to Woody for the classifieds. Sold and bought my rigs within a month on MUD!

As of April 4th, 2005 I was the proud owner of a 1997 FZJ80, 101,863 miles, lockers (of course), ARB Bumper with Ramsey Patriot 9500 winch, OME 850front, 863 rear, and Slee Sliders. The truck was ready to go. One the way home I even managed to take the 'scenic route' between Moab and Green River, UT. The trip back to Utah was enough to convince me that I had made the right decision. Then of course the battery died as soon as I pulled into the driveway.

So as of this morning I have 118,5** miles on the odometer and have made the following mods in no particular order

New battery
CDL
Swiched to M1 Synthetic
OME Front Js
Pioneer in dash DVD with IPOD adapter
rear storage
CB install
snorkel
PHH
HIR light upgrade, high and low beams
2in front spacers, rear J's and L shocks all around.
custom exhaust with magnaflow muffler
slee lighting harness

Not too much but I started with a good platform. One thing I did learn and I've posted it more than once is this.

BEST TECHNIQUE FOR REMOVING WOOD GRAIN - Forget the heat gun, forget the putty knife. set the heater on high, walk away for 30mins, come back, pull the wood grain off with your fingers. It's really that simple. I tried the heat gun and some 3m adhesive removal. Running the heater was far easier. Took maybe 10 mins to remove ALL the wood grain.

I think long term i'll remove the front spacers and go back to a rear 864 spring. I recently (2 weekend ago) went higher with one goal in mind, ACT 2006. I need room to clear 315 muds and wanted a bit more height. I prefer a bit lower stance for what I'll be using this truck for. Tire choice, as of now, for the 315 will be the Dunlop Mud Rover. I've had them on my 60 and my Taco and liked the way they performed. Plus they are relatively cheap.

Other long term plans include the following
Rear bumper with swing out
long range tank
roof rack (jmoose style)/tent
new rear storage for my latest purchase
dual battery
custom sub and amp

Like many others I'm building this as an 'expedition' truck. Which to me means a lot of wandering the Southwestern US but long term I intended to drive to South America. I tend to like to find the limits of my rigs early on. Between the Utah Cruiser Expedition and the latest Wasatch Cruisers run to Moab I've learned the limits of my truck fairly quickly. Just as I knew I would be I'm very impressed. Okay I used far too many words. Now time for the pics.

First trip in the truck, CM May 05

Moab October 05

Utah Cruiser Expedition Sept 05

dmc · 12-19-05, 10:51 AM

The
deck.

the adapter

The IPOD is the 30gig photo. Install was done by a Cruiserhead at a local shop called Ratio

nyk438 · 12-19-05, 10:54 AM

Nice rig!

dmc · 12-19-05, 10:57 AM

One pic of some stickers just for Cory and the reason I need to build new drawers, 63qt ARB! I have to show off the IH8MUD and giant TLCA sticker. I hope at least one of you Alaskan's will recognize the Mapco sticker.
dmc

MaddBaggins · 12-19-05, 11:11 AM

Nice rig Dave! I enjoyed reading about your expedition in Utah and checking out the pics on the site. I'm thinking I need to get the iPod for my rig. The deck is iPod ready and I keep getting CD's stuck because of to much dust.

dmc · 12-19-05, 11:12 AM

my easy simple drawers...

I'm into them about $160 in material and 3 or 4 evenings. I'm trying to figure out how i can save them and incorporate the Fridge but it's probably not going to happen. The joints are all biscuited and glued so the thing is like a rock, very solid. They aren't anything fancy. no slides, just wood on wood but so far i've been very happy with them.
dmc

dmc · 12-19-05, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaddBaggins

Nice rig Dave! I enjoyed reading about your expedition in Utah and checking out the pics on the site. I'm thinking I need to get the iPod for my rig. The deck is iPod ready and I keep getting CD's stuck because of to much dust.

I was anti MP3 for a long long time. It was fine for my pc at work but otherwise I was all about the audio. Most cd traders will understand what that means. I used to haul 500 cd with me on trips just in case I got a specific urge for a certain concert or album. Once I accepted that MP3 was good enough for my bad speakers in a truck with 33in tires and wind noise I was hooked. The IPOD adapter was one of the best decisions i've ever made. I'm considering upgrading from the 30gig photo to the 60 gig movie so I can load up all my live music.
dmc

davegonz · 12-19-05, 12:27 PM

Nice rig Dave..I have always liked that color. Can't wait for my ipod...

Trunk Monkey · 12-19-05, 02:18 PM

Good work Dave. You are a sticker artist. Dave and I are equal lovers of the 1B2, and I will always be envious.

wileetoyote · 12-19-05, 02:29 PM

Nice rig dmc.

Would you mind posting a full dash pic so we can get a glimpse of what your 'woodless' dash looks like?

Thx
WET

dmc · 12-19-05, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wileetoyote

Nice rig dmc.

Would you mind posting a full dash pic so we can get a glimpse of what your 'woodless' dash looks like?

Thx
WET

For some reason I can't find these pics on my PC right now but this thread shows the majority of the dash.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/41504-indash-slide-out-screen.html

I painted the section around the shifter with a light coat of black. I'll take a pic tonight and show it tomorrow.
dmc

NorCalSam · 12-19-05, 08:14 PM

How do you like your Pioneer and would you do it again?

I have the older dash so the flip up would not be the best for me but I was looking at the other one.

cheers
Sam

Josh83 · 12-19-05, 09:00 PM

Looks like your wood removal method works a bit better than Junks gouging it off with a screwdriver method. Did the plastic under the wood look good everywhere.

beno · 12-19-05, 09:01 PM

Nice rig Dave...though I prefer the 'well-worn-in' look from the recent TT.

-onur
akron, oh

dmc · 12-19-05, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCalSam

How do you like your Pioneer and would you do it again?

I have the older dash so the flip up would not be the best for me but I was looking at the other one.

cheers
Sam

I've always had Pioneer Premiere head units in my trucks and have always loved them. The current DVD is not a Premiere unit but I've been very happy with it. The video quality is excellent as is the functionality. 90% of the funcitonality I use can be controlled with the screen slid in so when I get off road I don't usually run with it out. I have read some reviews the the ipod controls on non touch screen units can be somewhat burdensome. I went single din so I would have a convenient easy way to store the ipod.
dmc

dmc · 12-19-05, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beno

Nice rig Dave...though I prefer the 'well-worn-in' look from the recent TT.

-onur
akron, oh

just for you onur. nice and muddy...

Romer · 12-19-05, 09:20 PM

Nice rig. Didn't we do Kane Creek together at CM05 along with Cruiser Dan?

dmc · 12-19-05, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh83

Looks like your wood removal method works a bit better than Junks gouging it off with a screwdriver method. Did the plastic under the wood look good everywhere.

Everything underneath looks great except for the ashtray. That piece needed some persuasion with the putty knife and I scratched it just a bit. Not sure why but it did not want to come off. The heater trick is genius. I just wish it were my idea. I'm just a fan. Simple, easy, quick. Perfect for a man as lazy as me.
dmc

beno · 12-19-05, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmc

just for you onur. nice and muddy...

Perfect!

dmc · 12-19-05, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romer

Nice rig. Didn't we do Kane Creek together at CM05 along with Cruiser Dan?

Yep that was me. I gave props to you fellas in my "leaning 80" thread a few days ago. I seem to remember you and CDan a bit disappointed in my desire to completely cover my truck in mud that day. Well, you were right.

There is still plenty of it stuck underneath my truck. 18 cars washes down 34 more to go and it might be clean.

That was a good group and trail run.
dmc

clarkrw3 · 12-19-05, 09:26 PM

Looks great...thanks for cross posting on the Expedition Portal

blupaddler · 12-19-05, 10:44 PM

DMC...

Nice rig. I also enjoyed your write-up in TT.

Ditto on what Clarkrw3 said too.

reffug · 12-20-05, 03:36 AM

Very impressive write up and rig.

Nicely done sir.

I too love that sage.

NorCalDoug · 12-20-05, 10:43 AM

Great rig!
nicely done.

WildYoats · 12-20-05, 10:49 AM

As a recent 80 newbie, I must say that Dave's rig was one my local inspirations. It is a great rig and looks great (when he washes it

). I've had an opportunity to see this rig and driver in action in Moab and was just as impressed. Good job sir!

A couple more of this fine machine:

12-19-05, 10:16 AM	#1
dmc IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wandering the Western Hemisphere TLCA# 11141 Posts: 586	ROTW - dmc I know you've all been waiting on pins and needles for my ROTW. Believe me I have too. Or I've enjoyed the ROTW series so much that I figured the least I could do was contribute. Hopefully you'll find something of value. FZJFillmore wanted me to do my entire thread about the stickers on my truck. I would but that would take too much effort so here goes... I was a late convert to the magnificent beast known as the US spec FZJ80 Land Cruiser. However when the bug bit I knew what I wanted and I got pretty lucky. After selling my 97 Tacoma, a truck I loved, here on MUD I gave myself 6 weeks to find the 40th Anniversary 80 with lockers that I wanted. There has always been something about the 1B2 (Antique Pearl Sage) paint color that I loved from the first time I saw it. My 40 almost ended up that color. Well my search lasted about 48 hours. Bret van Tuyle, President of the Green Country Cruisers, had his 80 become available. Within a week I was on a plane to Oklahoma City. Thanks to Woody for the classifieds. Sold and bought my rigs within a month on MUD! As of April 4th, 2005 I was the proud owner of a 1997 FZJ80, 101,863 miles, lockers (of course), ARB Bumper with Ramsey Patriot 9500 winch, OME 850front, 863 rear, and Slee Sliders. The truck was ready to go. One the way home I even managed to take the 'scenic route' between Moab and Green River, UT. The trip back to Utah was enough to convince me that I had made the right decision. Then of course the battery died as soon as I pulled into the driveway. So as of this morning I have 118,5 miles on the odometer and have made the following mods in no particular order New battery CDL Swiched to M1 Synthetic OME Front Js Pioneer in dash DVD with IPOD adapter rear storage CB install snorkel PHH HIR light upgrade, high and low beams 2in front spacers, rear J's and L shocks all around. custom exhaust with magnaflow muffler slee lighting harness Not too much but I started with a good platform. One thing I did learn and I've posted it more than once is this. BEST TECHNIQUE FOR REMOVING WOOD GRAIN** - Forget the heat gun, forget the putty knife. set the heater on high, walk away for 30mins, come back, pull the wood grain off with your fingers. It's really that simple. I tried the heat gun and some 3m adhesive removal. Running the heater was far easier. Took maybe 10 mins to remove ALL the wood grain. I think long term i'll remove the front spacers and go back to a rear 864 spring. I recently (2 weekend ago) went higher with one goal in mind, ACT 2006. I need room to clear 315 muds and wanted a bit more height. I prefer a bit lower stance for what I'll be using this truck for. Tire choice, as of now, for the 315 will be the Dunlop Mud Rover. I've had them on my 60 and my Taco and liked the way they performed. Plus they are relatively cheap. Other long term plans include the following Rear bumper with swing out long range tank roof rack (jmoose style)/tent new rear storage for my latest purchase dual battery custom sub and amp Like many others I'm building this as an 'expedition' truck. Which to me means a lot of wandering the Southwestern US but long term I intended to drive to South America. I tend to like to find the limits of my rigs early on. Between the Utah Cruiser Expedition and the latest Wasatch Cruisers run to Moab I've learned the limits of my truck fairly quickly. Just as I knew I would be I'm very impressed. Okay I used far too many words. Now time for the pics. First trip in the truck, CM May 05 Moab October 05 Utah Cruiser Expedition Sept 05 Attached Images __________________ dave connors 1997 FZJ80 - Ruby Claire Ruby Claire Part 2 www.expeditionamericas.com Last edited by dmc; 12-19-05 at 12:16 PM.

12-19-05, 10:51 AM	#2
dmc IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wandering the Western Hemisphere TLCA# 11141 Posts: 586	Stereo The deck. the adapter The IPOD is the 30gig photo. Install was done by a Cruiserhead at a local shop called Ratio Attached Images __________________ dave connors 1997 FZJ80 - Ruby Claire Ruby Claire Part 2 www.expeditionamericas.com

12-19-05, 10:54 AM	#3
nyk438 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Austin, TX TLCA# 14984 Posts: 248	Nice rig! __________________ Nick Martinez TLCA # 14984 07' Tacoma PreRunner 5spd Brought home 12/29/06 05' SR5 Tacoma Brought home 4/24/06 Flipped 12/06/06 1991 FJ80 155k - Traded in 4/25/06

12-19-05, 10:57 AM	#4
dmc IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wandering the Western Hemisphere TLCA# 11141 Posts: 586	One pic of some stickers just for Cory and the reason I need to build new drawers, 63qt ARB! I have to show off the IH8MUD and giant TLCA sticker. I hope at least one of you Alaskan's will recognize the Mapco sticker. dmc Attached Images __________________ dave connors 1997 FZJ80 - Ruby Claire Ruby Claire Part 2 www.expeditionamericas.com Last edited by dmc; 12-19-05 at 12:20 PM.

12-19-05, 11:11 AM	#5
MaddBaggins I am the Pumpkin King! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Getting crazy with the Cheese Whiz TLCA# 14528 Posts: 2,076	Nice rig Dave! I enjoyed reading about your expedition in Utah and checking out the pics on the site. I'm thinking I need to get the iPod for my rig. The deck is iPod ready and I keep getting CD's stuck because of to much dust. __________________ Alvin 00 XTerra "Rocksie" slightly modded-Wifey's 07 AT Horizon Trailer "Turtle"-Ours 94 FZJ80 "Tortuga" +4", 315's, 4:88's, locked, armored and scratched to hell-Mine Copper State Cruisers 13 You're like a breadstick, you got no rhythm I don't know what I don't know, and I won't know what I don't know until I know it!

12-19-05, 11:12 AM	#6
dmc IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wandering the Western Hemisphere TLCA# 11141 Posts: 586	my easy simple drawers... I'm into them about $160 in material and 3 or 4 evenings. I'm trying to figure out how i can save them and incorporate the Fridge but it's probably not going to happen. The joints are all biscuited and glued so the thing is like a rock, very solid. They aren't anything fancy. no slides, just wood on wood but so far i've been very happy with them. dmc Attached Images __________________ dave connors 1997 FZJ80 - Ruby Claire Ruby Claire Part 2 www.expeditionamericas.com Last edited by dmc; 12-19-05 at 12:25 PM.

12-19-05, 12:27 PM	#8
davegonz Keeping it Weird Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Austin, TX TLCA# 14650 Posts: 1,131 Blog Entries: 1	Nice rig Dave..I have always liked that color. Can't wait for my ipod... __________________ David Gonzalez __________________________________________________ "Penny" Bronze 2000 100-series 33" BFG A/T's, storage drawers, OME Heavy Lift, Kenwood Nav System Old trucks:1993 FZJ80 White, 1993 FZJ80 Green, 1991 4BTJ62 david.gonzalez@gmail.com Lone Star Land Cruisers

12-19-05, 02:18 PM	#9
Trunk Monkey IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Salt Lake City TLCA# 11251 Posts: 2,865	Good work Dave. You are a sticker artist. Dave and I are equal lovers of the 1B2, and I will always be envious. __________________ Cory Fillmore TLCA Western Individual Representative 99 UZJ 100 Series Wheels FOR SALE-CLICK HERE

12-19-05, 02:29 PM	#10
wileetoyote IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 178	Nice rig dmc. Would you mind posting a full dash pic so we can get a glimpse of what your 'woodless' dash looks like? Thx WET __________________ Wile E Toyote Super Genius '96 FZJ80 285/75/16 MTR's, 2.5" OME Med's, 4+ 3" front drop brackets, Factory Lockers, DBA Slotted rotors, PBR ceramic pads, 7 cupholders (2 stock, 5 not) '89 4Runner 33/12.5/15 SAS w/dual ARB's, 0 cupholders '96 Avalon

12-19-05, 08:14 PM	#12
NorCalSam IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Grass Valley CA Posts: 688	How do you like your Pioneer and would you do it again? I have the older dash so the flip up would not be the best for me but I was looking at the other one. cheers Sam __________________ Snorked & Locked with CDL 94 FZJ80 \ F.O.R 4" Lift kit \ 315 Toyo Mts , 4.88 gears \ Inti Roof Rack with Lightforce 170s \ ARB front with Warn 12000 \ Labs Rear \ Hanna Sliders \ Slee skid plates, Rear lower control arms, and tie-rods \ Landtank CC plates \ NAV system \ CB & 2 Meter Radio \ Diff Breather \ Con tested, Expedition ready

12-19-05, 09:00 PM	#13
Josh83 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Frankfort, KY TLCA# 11847 Posts: 748	Looks like your wood removal method works a bit better than Junks gouging it off with a screwdriver method. Did the plastic under the wood look good everywhere. __________________ Josh 08 FJC - my first new vehicle! 91 FJ80-coming soon

12-19-05, 09:01 PM	#14
beno IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Corrales, NM TLCA# 14607 Posts: 3,636	Nice rig Dave...though I prefer the 'well-worn-in' look from the recent TT. -onur akron, oh __________________ 1997 FZJ80 with and without lots of stuff. 2001 Honda Accord 3.0L V6 VTEC Coupe EX.

12-19-05, 09:20 PM	#17
Romer Kneel for the Shaman Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Englewood, Colorado TLCA# 13968 Posts: 7,443	Nice rig. Didn't we do Kane Creek together at CM05 along with Cruiser Dan? __________________ Ken Romer ~ Friend of Shaman Keeper of the FAQ, Defender of Newbies, and Slayer of Tards Commander Rising Sun 4WD Club - K0ROM 97 LX450, Supercharged, Locked, and lots of other stuff ROTW 96 LX450 - ROD's 06 4Runner - Wife's 99 4Runner - daughterofromer's 03 BMW Z4 Roadster

12-19-05, 09:26 PM	#21
clarkrw3 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Goodyear, AZ TLCA# 15560 Posts: 1,092	Looks great...thanks for cross posting on the Expedition Portal __________________ '96 LX 450 67K locked, ARB Bull Bar, Slee 6", Slee step sliders, Slee rear tire carrier, slee skid, CDL, 315/75-16 MTR's, etc. ROTW '07 FJ Cruiser locked, 285/70-17 MTR's Copper State Cruisers #38 TLCA #15560 Rob Clark

12-19-05, 10:44 PM	#22
blupaddler IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 333	DMC... Nice rig. I also enjoyed your write-up in TT. Ditto on what Clarkrw3 said too. __________________ 1994 fzj80 1970 fj40 www.bellaadventures.net Robb

12-20-05, 10:43 AM	#24
NorCalDoug I Solve Problems... Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: uhhhh...duh...Northern CA TLCA# yes, I have one Posts: 4,990	Great rig! nicely done. __________________ a couple pairs of pink panties... Another convert to the Church of Latter Day Swank, a sub-cult of Shahrislam "...Opportunity doesn't knock, you have to kick the fuckin door in and drag the bitch out screamin." -- Ullr "I have more respect for people who change their views after acquiring new information than for those who cling to views they held thirty years ago. The world changes. Ideologues and zealots don't." - Michael Crichton Buy TEQ Bottle Openers

12-20-05, 03:36 AM	#23
reffug grown up MOD Join Date: May 2004 Location: 'in dat der briar patch' TLCA# 14549 Posts: 3,772	Very impressive write up and rig. Nicely done sir. I too love that sage. __________________ "If it wasn't a Landcruiser and hadn't been built the way it was you do realize you would be DEAD." VA State Police Officer

12-20-05, 10:49 AM	#25
WildYoats IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Utah TLCA# 8676 Posts: 330	As a recent 80 newbie, I must say that Dave's rig was one my local inspirations. It is a great rig and looks great (when he washes it ). I've had an opportunity to see this rig and driver in action in Moab and was just as impressed. Good job sir! A couple more of this fine machine: __________________