ROTW--rgsiii

rgsiii · 12-26-05, 09:25 AM

I purchased this vehicle in March 2005 from Meyer’s Auto in Harrisonburg, VA and brought it back to Mississippi. My desire was to make it an expedition type vehicle, wanting to eventually take an extended trip to Mexico and able to do some moderate off road use. It currently is a DD and has managed to take a couple of interesting trips.

The truck was a stock 1994 with factory lockers and about 120K on it when purchased. In the time since then, I have made a good number of modifications. The vehicle has been armored with an ARB front bumper, 4X4 Labs modular rear bumper (first one made), Slee step Sliders, Slee transfer case and AC dryer skid plates.

The vehicle has OEM CDL and hand throttle from Slee. Stainless extended brake lines, ceramic brake pads and DBA rotors have been added. I use Mobil1 5W-40 oil and mostly synthetic fluids. I have changed all of the usual hoses including the PHH, belts and typical things have been replaced. The starter has been CDan’d. The problem with the windshield wiper diverter has been corrected and the antenna has been replaced.

The wheels shown in these pictures are Toyota steel ones with Interco TrXus 285/75/16 tires. These tires have been pretty impressive, getting OK wear and surprisingly quite on the road. I have a set of wheels with the standard Michelin 275’s.

rgsiii · 12-26-05, 09:27 AM

The dual battery system consists Optima yellow tops and a TJM IBS Dual system. I have a second fuse box located the passenger side seat. The system has multiple 12-volt outlets in the rear of the center console and on both sides in the rear. The rear outlets are useful for the Engle freezer.

The lighting system has been upgraded with the Slee wiring harness and the use of HIR bulbs for both high and low beams. The Lightforce Blitz 240’s use the Slee accessory harness and switch. The interior lights were replaced by George’s LED’s.

rgsiii · 12-26-05, 09:29 AM

I purchased a Safari drawer system from Slee’s and have been very happy with it. It allows safe positioning of various items inside and attachment points for items on top. The sliding top on the right side is a convenient way to allow access to the Engles freezer, which is secured by a bracket from Slee. It also is the attachment point for the CO2 system.

rgsiii · 12-26-05, 09:37 AM

The factory radio has been replaced with an Alpine head unit and Eclipse speakers. The Alpine has a hardwired attachment for an iPod, is Sirius enabled and is also attached to a Mac Mini. Above the Eclipse unit is a retractable VGA touch screen unit that is for the Mac Mini. The Mac is powered through a Carnetix CNX-P1900 DC-DC Power regulator. The Mac is blue tooth enabled and is capable of picking up WiFi signals while in the vehicle. It Mac Mini can play and record DVD’s and is a fairly capable small computer. The Mac can be used instead of an iPod using iTunes. It is able to be used with a GPS, although I usually use a Garmin 2720 Street Pilot.

One modification that I found useful was replacing the original alarm system with a Viper system. It is easy to figure out if it is armed or disarmed.

The folks at Soundwaves in Memphis have been great to deal with and they took the headaches out of the installation of the stereo, alarm and Mac. They are about as good as it comes.

Boston Mangler · 12-26-05, 09:40 AM

VERY NICE RIG!!! Very well done and thought out mods!!!

That is one very slick dual battery gauge thing, never seen that before!!

Also, i see you have the Alpine 9851 head unit. Same one i have, arent the iPod controls super cool!! 60gb of music all without touching a CD!

I want those wheels! Are they non US market or are they available here?

rgsiii · 12-26-05, 09:42 AM

My Land Cruiser has been reliable and has taken me to Colorado mountain passes and to the back of Charity Hospital in New Orleans (note water mark).

I want to thank Dan, Christo, Luke Porter, Steve-O and the various mud personalities for helping to put this vehicle in order.

concretejungle · 12-26-05, 10:09 AM

That is a great looking truck.

Romer · 12-26-05, 10:35 AM

Nice write-up. You letting your son drive it off road much?

rgsiii · 12-26-05, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romer

Nice write-up. You letting your son drive it off road much?

Yes and it is scary. This is a picture of him in Colorado, we are stopped waiting for what could be described as an off road traffic jam to clear. We are about to go down a narrow area that has a several hundred foot drop with car parts on the bottom. Truly a white knuckle experience.

rgsiii · 12-26-05, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boston Mangler

VERY NICE RIG!!! Very well done and thought out mods!!!

That is one very slick dual battery gauge thing, never seen that before!!

Also, i see you have the Alpine 9851 head unit. Same one i have, arent the iPod controls super cool!! 60gb of music all without touching a CD!

I want those wheels! Are they non US market or are they available here?

The dual battery system is from TJM and was bought from 4x4Connection. It was an easy install and so far has done well.

http://www.tjm.com.au/master_framese...batteries.html

The wheels are official Toyota steel and can be gotten from CDan for just a few gold dog bowls!

The iPod capabilities are great with the Alpine unit.

firetruck41 · 12-26-05, 12:28 PM

So are you able to control the mac through the eclipse touch screen? That is very cool, do you also hava keyboard/mouse?

rgsiii · 12-26-05, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firetruck41

So are you able to control the mac through the eclipse touch screen? That is very cool, do you also hava keyboard/mouse?

I am able to control it through the touchscreen, but you really need to have a mouse and a keyboard. I thought that a Bluetooth keypad/mouse was the way to go. I went through a good number of batteries (they always go out at the wrong time) and will be going to USB for both. There is a USB/Firewire hub that apparently designed for the Mac Mini by Belkin and that will be added to keep some spare ports available.

The touchscreen was off Ebay and I can't remember the manufacturer.

Cruiserhead05 · 12-26-05, 03:57 PM

rgsiii,

Awesome truck and very clean...at first glance you wouldnt know how nicely built the truck is.

B

Brentbba · 12-26-05, 04:21 PM

Nice truck and write-up!

taccruiser97 · 12-26-05, 04:23 PM

What brand of fuse block is that? Where did you get it? Did you install it on the passenger seat bracket?

rgsiii · 12-26-05, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taccruiser97

What brand of fuse block is that? Where did you get it? Did you install it on the passenger seat bracket?

This is the same one that Slee uses. I called them up, asked what they used and they sent me one. Very good people.

Clutchee · 12-26-05, 05:33 PM

rgsiii-Glad to see another built 80 in the club. Beutiful truck.

You have got to make a meeting!

See ya soon.

alvarorb · 12-26-05, 05:50 PM

Very nice setup. Do you use a bluethooth mouse and keyboard with your on-board Mac Mini?
Have you tried MacGPS Pro?

Regards

Alvaro

landcruiserjunky · 12-26-05, 06:03 PM

dude, i love it!!!! It gives me a strong desire to sell my 60 and start a new project...

rgsiii · 12-26-05, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alvarorb

Very nice setup. Do you use a bluethooth mouse and keyboard with your on-board Mac Mini?
Have you tried MacGPS Pro?

I have used the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and had some problems with battery life. I find it hard to remember to turn them off like I should. When I used Diskwarrior, it would not recognise the bluetooth mouse and had to get a standard USB one to complete the program. Last night the Bluetooth keyboard apparently bit the dust and will get replaced by an Apple USB one. I am using a typical MS optical mouse now.

I have MacGPS Pro and for some reason, I had difficulties. Initially, it did ok then it would just show the GPS coordinates, but no map. I will try their tech support again and see if it can be straightened out. I may try the GPSy ProX, which is in the beta version.

NorCalSam · 12-26-05, 06:20 PM

Very nice looking rig. I really like the bat system install who did it? Very clean.

Sam

Ted44 · 12-26-05, 06:21 PM

That is a sweet rig!! very inspiring. Now all I need is $$$$.

BTW, I bought my truck in Harrisonburg, VA in August. There seems to be a lot of them over there.

Cruiserhead05 · 12-26-05, 08:07 PM

RGSIII,

Just curious, why the dual yellow tops as opposed to the typical yellow/red top system?

davegonz · 12-26-05, 08:27 PM

Very nice rig!! Love the carputer setup and the slick rear bumper.

rgsiii · 12-26-05, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruiserhead05

RGSIII,

Just curious, why the dual yellow tops as opposed to the typical yellow/red top system?

That was my original plan. I bought a yellow for the auxillary battery and was using a regular battery as primary. I fully intended to get a red, then somebody just gave me a deal on the second yellow. So far no problems.

beno · 12-26-05, 08:59 PM

Çok Guzel...Richard...

What a beautifully done, well-thought out, and functional 80 series.

These are the types of rigs I hope mine will someday emulate.

Thanks for sharing the story of the build-up.

Make sure you show your son the Turkish way of driving...

Cheers.
-onur
Akron, OH

rgsiii · 12-26-05, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beno

Çok Guzel...Richard..

Make sure you show your son the Turkish way of driving...

Cheers.
-onur
Akron, OH

Te?ekkür ederim.

I added the armor to help him with the driving. I have never been more scared, than when driving with my son in the US or driving with anybody in Turkey.

With a little luck I'll have good weather in January.

Richard

12-26-05, 09:25 AM	#1
rgsiii Disciple of Dan Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 601	ROTW--rgsiii I purchased this vehicle in March 2005 from Meyer’s Auto in Harrisonburg, VA and brought it back to Mississippi. My desire was to make it an expedition type vehicle, wanting to eventually take an extended trip to Mexico and able to do some moderate off road use. It currently is a DD and has managed to take a couple of interesting trips. The truck was a stock 1994 with factory lockers and about 120K on it when purchased. In the time since then, I have made a good number of modifications. The vehicle has been armored with an ARB front bumper, 4X4 Labs modular rear bumper (first one made), Slee step Sliders, Slee transfer case and AC dryer skid plates. The vehicle has OEM CDL and hand throttle from Slee. Stainless extended brake lines, ceramic brake pads and DBA rotors have been added. I use Mobil1 5W-40 oil and mostly synthetic fluids. I have changed all of the usual hoses including the PHH, belts and typical things have been replaced. The starter has been CDan’d. The problem with the windshield wiper diverter has been corrected and the antenna has been replaced. The wheels shown in these pictures are Toyota steel ones with Interco TrXus 285/75/16 tires. These tires have been pretty impressive, getting OK wear and surprisingly quite on the road. I have a set of wheels with the standard Michelin 275’s. Attached Images __________________ 1981 BJ42, OME, ARB Lockers, AXT Turbo, Warn M12000 1994 FZJ80 ROTW 1997 FZJ80 40th Anniversary being modified Victimized by CDan Court photographer for HRH The Shaman Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense

12-26-05, 09:27 AM	#2
rgsiii Disciple of Dan Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 601	The dual battery system consists Optima yellow tops and a TJM IBS Dual system. I have a second fuse box located the passenger side seat. The system has multiple 12-volt outlets in the rear of the center console and on both sides in the rear. The rear outlets are useful for the Engle freezer. The lighting system has been upgraded with the Slee wiring harness and the use of HIR bulbs for both high and low beams. The Lightforce Blitz 240’s use the Slee accessory harness and switch. The interior lights were replaced by George’s LED’s. Attached Images __________________ 1981 BJ42, OME, ARB Lockers, AXT Turbo, Warn M12000 1994 FZJ80 ROTW 1997 FZJ80 40th Anniversary being modified Victimized by CDan Court photographer for HRH The Shaman Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense

12-26-05, 09:29 AM	#3
rgsiii Disciple of Dan Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 601	I purchased a Safari drawer system from Slee’s and have been very happy with it. It allows safe positioning of various items inside and attachment points for items on top. The sliding top on the right side is a convenient way to allow access to the Engles freezer, which is secured by a bracket from Slee. It also is the attachment point for the CO2 system. Attached Images __________________ 1981 BJ42, OME, ARB Lockers, AXT Turbo, Warn M12000 1994 FZJ80 ROTW 1997 FZJ80 40th Anniversary being modified Victimized by CDan Court photographer for HRH The Shaman Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense

12-26-05, 09:37 AM	#4
rgsiii Disciple of Dan Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 601	The factory radio has been replaced with an Alpine head unit and Eclipse speakers. The Alpine has a hardwired attachment for an iPod, is Sirius enabled and is also attached to a Mac Mini. Above the Eclipse unit is a retractable VGA touch screen unit that is for the Mac Mini. The Mac is powered through a Carnetix CNX-P1900 DC-DC Power regulator. The Mac is blue tooth enabled and is capable of picking up WiFi signals while in the vehicle. It Mac Mini can play and record DVD’s and is a fairly capable small computer. The Mac can be used instead of an iPod using iTunes. It is able to be used with a GPS, although I usually use a Garmin 2720 Street Pilot. One modification that I found useful was replacing the original alarm system with a Viper system. It is easy to figure out if it is armed or disarmed. The folks at Soundwaves in Memphis have been great to deal with and they took the headaches out of the installation of the stereo, alarm and Mac. They are about as good as it comes. Attached Images __________________ 1981 BJ42, OME, ARB Lockers, AXT Turbo, Warn M12000 1994 FZJ80 ROTW 1997 FZJ80 40th Anniversary being modified Victimized by CDan Court photographer for HRH The Shaman Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense Last edited by rgsiii; 12-28-05 at 08:40 AM.

12-26-05, 09:40 AM	#5
Boston Mangler IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: May 2004 Location: San Diego TLCA# 9060 Posts: 3,582	VERY NICE RIG!!! Very well done and thought out mods!!! That is one very slick dual battery gauge thing, never seen that before!! Also, i see you have the Alpine 9851 head unit. Same one i have, arent the iPod controls super cool!! 60gb of music all without touching a CD! I want those wheels! Are they non US market or are they available here? __________________ Baja Overland www.bajaoverland.com 2006 XR650L TLCA #9060 Own a Land Cruiser? Join TLCA Today @ www.tlca.org Last edited by Boston Mangler; 12-26-05 at 09:47 AM.

12-26-05, 09:42 AM	#6
rgsiii Disciple of Dan Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 601	My Land Cruiser has been reliable and has taken me to Colorado mountain passes and to the back of Charity Hospital in New Orleans (note water mark). I want to thank Dan, Christo, Luke Porter, Steve-O and the various mud personalities for helping to put this vehicle in order. Attached Images __________________ 1981 BJ42, OME, ARB Lockers, AXT Turbo, Warn M12000 1994 FZJ80 ROTW 1997 FZJ80 40th Anniversary being modified Victimized by CDan Court photographer for HRH The Shaman Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense

12-26-05, 10:09 AM	#7
concretejungle IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: North Cadillac TLCA# 14646 Posts: 6,174	That is a great looking truck. __________________ 95' FZJ80 OME med./J lift, ARB rack, ARB Bull Bar w/tmax 12,500, 315 Nitto, stainless brake lines, Center Diff Lock, Sliders, IPOR Skid, IPOR rear bumper, upgraded slee sticker, custom dents, more to come. . . Remember it's a gateway drug, so it will actually lead to "crystal meh".

12-26-05, 10:35 AM	#8
Romer Kneel for the Shaman Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Englewood, Colorado TLCA# 13968 Posts: 7,556	Nice write-up. You letting your son drive it off road much? __________________ 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

12-26-05, 12:28 PM	#11
firetruck41 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Camas, WA USA TLCA# 14300 Posts: 3,583	So are you able to control the mac through the eclipse touch screen? That is very cool, do you also hava keyboard/mouse? __________________ Ben Silva IH8MUD Site Supporter since July 2004 1996 Lexus LX 450, 130k, locked, Cooper STT 285s, OME 850/863, CDL/Pin 7, 30qt freezer, 2@aux fuse blocks, aux powerpoint, 850w inverter 1998 Lexus LX 470, 139k Sold 1993 FZJ80 198k miles Sold

12-26-05, 03:57 PM	#13
Cruiserhead05 ...should be studying Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,738	rgsiii, Awesome truck and very clean...at first glance you wouldnt know how nicely built the truck is. B __________________ -Brandon- Proffitt's Cummins FZJ80 FOR SALE Pictures '89 Cressida - 1JZ Sleeper

12-26-05, 04:21 PM	#14
Brentbba On the Golf Course! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA TLCA# 13420 Posts: 4,959	Nice truck and write-up! __________________ Brent '94 White LC; Kaymar Rear Bumper w/tire carrier; Hanna Sliders; ARB winch ready Front Bumper; Slee Transfer Case Skid Plate; Revo 285's, OME 850/863 Heavy 2" lift, INTI Rack; Warn M12000 Winch, Snorkel; Sputnik! TLCA Member #13420; KI6SGO

12-26-05, 04:23 PM	#15
taccruiser97 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 181	What brand of fuse block is that? Where did you get it? Did you install it on the passenger seat bracket?

12-26-05, 05:33 PM	#17
Clutchee IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TN TLCA# 13383 Posts: 1,966	rgsiii-Glad to see another built 80 in the club. Beutiful truck. You have got to make a meeting! See ya soon. __________________ You can't fix Stupid ---CottonLand Cruisers----- ---White Trash of the Elwood Chapter---- ---STLCA---- ------------------------------------------------ We've been this close to death before, we were just too drunk to know it Guess the price of being sobers being scared out of your mind -Drive by Truckers- -----------------------------------------------

12-26-05, 05:50 PM	#18
alvarorb Cook Free or Die Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Sacramento, California TLCA# 12833 Posts: 1,568	Very nice setup. Do you use a bluethooth mouse and keyboard with your on-board Mac Mini? Have you tried MacGPS Pro? Regards Alvaro __________________ Alvaro Rodriguez 96 FZJ80 "La Cabra" 08 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 TCLA #12833 / BRC # 41799 KI7FZJ New web site with blog and pics Norcal wagons website INTI Roof Racks - Make a loan, Make a difference - Kiva.org

12-26-05, 06:03 PM	#19
landcruiserjunky IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: In Between Worlds Posts: 1,060	dude, i love it!!!! It gives me a strong desire to sell my 60 and start a new project... __________________ 1984 baby blue fj60- Has everything you want on it!

12-26-05, 06:20 PM	#21
NorCalSam IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Grass Valley CA Posts: 689	Very nice looking rig. I really like the bat system install who did it? Very clean. 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

12-26-05, 06:21 PM	#22
Ted44 Student of IH8MUD Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Charlottesville, VA, USA TLCA# 15598 Posts: 144	That is a sweet rig!! very inspiring. Now all I need is $$$$. BTW, I bought my truck in Harrisonburg, VA in August. There seems to be a lot of them over there. __________________ ted 1995 FZJ 80, Factory Lockers, George's LEDs, 285/75R 16 Cooper Discoverer STTs, Mark's 4WD Speedo Correction, Kaymar Spare Carrier, Newfields and axles from CV Unlimited. DD w/ 201K and trail rash. "There's only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." - P.J. O'Rourke

12-26-05, 08:07 PM	#23
Cruiserhead05 ...should be studying Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,738	RGSIII, Just curious, why the dual yellow tops as opposed to the typical yellow/red top system? __________________ -Brandon- Proffitt's Cummins FZJ80 FOR SALE Pictures '89 Cressida - 1JZ Sleeper

12-26-05, 08:27 PM	#24
davegonz Keeping it Weird Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Austin, TX TLCA# 14650 Posts: 1,300 Blog Entries: 1	Very nice rig!! Love the carputer setup and the slick rear bumper. __________________ David Gonzalez __________________________________________________ "Penny" Y2K Desert Bronze 100-series 33" BFG A/T's, storage drawers, OME Heavy Lift, Kenwood Nav System, AO/Tradesman roof rack Old trucks:1993 FZJ80 White, 1993 FZJ80 Green, 1991 4BTJ62 david.gonzalez@gmail.com Lone Star Land Cruisers “I HEAR AND I FORGET, I SEE AND I REMEMBER, I DO AND I UNDERSTAND” - CONFUCIUS

12-26-05, 08:59 PM	#26
beno IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Corrales, NM TLCA# 14607 Posts: 3,806	Çok Guzel...Richard... What a beautifully done, well-thought out, and functional 80 series. These are the types of rigs I hope mine will someday emulate. Thanks for sharing the story of the build-up. Make sure you show your son the Turkish way of driving... Cheers. -onur Akron, OH __________________ 1997 FZJ80 with and without lots of stuff. 2001 Honda Accord 3.0L V6 VTEC Coupe EX. It is what it is....