Crazy LX470 Buggy

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hoser

hoser

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Just browsing the Moab photos and came across this LX. The wheels are ugh but if you look past that... it's pretty trick with the rear winch, pop up spare tire and all. I think LexusBen has the scoop on it. Looks to me like it could be Alan Podvin's work. Can't confirm however, Alan did outbid me on an LX headlamp on eBay. I was wondering why he needed it...

There's a few more picture on LexusBen's site:
http://photoshow.comcast.net/b.ashcraft
47b6db26b3127cce98548ab6ce5300000017108AbMmLdk0YuV.webp
47b6db26b3127cce98548ac8ce2d00000027108AbMmLdk0YuV.webp
 
That's Podvin's original LX470 monster just redressed I believe. He modded the snot out of it again before he put it up on ebay. (I think it was ebay, I remember the thread when it went up for sale.)
 
Hoser, you don't like my wheels? Alan built this for me in 2 weeks right before Moab. I always wanted an open top. It still has a little bit work left on it, but I am very pleased.

Susan--Alan's wife
 
Hi Susan! The wheels make the vehicle look like a prototype show car... which actually might be appropriate. ;)

This is not the same vehicle as last time, right? Do you have any more pictures and some details on the build? Did Alan swap out the Lexus AHC suspension? What else do you have planned for it? Would like to see the interior shots.

Looks like a fun LX to drive!
lxbuggy.webp
 
siglo said:
It seems like an LC to me.. LC side trim and LC tail lights.. still cool though :)
Click to expand...


Technically it is a Land Cruiser not LX. Vin says so. Front grill and hood are LX. No AHC since L/C. Hood opens forward (corvette style) and fenders are attached to hood so whole clip opens - pretty cool. If I remember right Tires are 37" and wheels were 22".
 
I'm guessing that Mr. Podvin bought a wrecked truck and turned it into this Frankencruiserlx with whatever parts he could source without breaking the bank. Calling it a Lexus is just for shock value I guess.

Whatever the story, it's very cool so :cheers:
 
Love it, even the wheels are cool IMO.
 
Oh man, so he built another one!!! You are so lucky Susan!!!!!!!!!!!

God I love that rear bumper/winch combo. That is great tube work.

More pics please. :D
 
I saw this at the Shell station across from the campground and spoke to Alan for a minute...extremely cool rig. Normally I'd yak at the sight of those rims but on that rig...totally cool:grinpimp: What's even more cool is that Alan will actualy wheel this thing. I can think of very few more creative Cruiserheads that Podvin...good job Alan:cheers:
 
hoser said:
That's cool because the the LX has the better looking front end and the LC has the better looking rear... so it's the best of both.
Click to expand...

I agree. and technically you're right, it is a land cruiser with a lexus front clip. It is not the old one. It's a new one that had front end damage, but not rolled. Tubing is straight and amazing, welded to the frame through the floor. My opinion is that it's perfect. My dream car. I wouldn't change a thing. He is planning on building a couple more, so if you see it on ebay, don't worry I won't kill him, it's not mine.;)
 
from ALan himself

If I leave you guys alone for 1 day see what happens,
I used a cruiser chassis for its factory locker and no crappy height adjustable suspension were the reasons, then I put all the lexus parts except rear taillighs I even have mats and badges if it matters. I did not swap tailights because We will be wheeling it and have smashed many before. Actually I was going to put those stupid Altezza ones to match the chrome wheels just to piss you guys off. (kidding) . We did wheel it hard enough tot break it. I have 2 more both actual lexus to borrow parts from. Plan on hitting a few more events this year
The bodies of the other trucks will turn into what??? I dont know. Guess you'll see next year or when I have time. Since my wife has claimed this one I will have to build somthing to drive out of the others( she wanted a jeep when we got married this was my answer after 12 years). She even wheeld it on Hells revenge.
In case you are wondering it has OME shocks front and OME coils rear (thanks Slee the best parts for LC's) and my2" springs seats rear and 14" shocks in rear. It lifts 1 tire 37" before any other will lift (excellent articulation despite IFS), there is no body lift, the cage is fully functional, The drive train is totally stock except 2" lift and thick wall drive shaft. Windshield is stock but needs more work, The 98 on cruiser has 4" longer arms per side that a 4 runner so please restrict your IFS bashing commnet s as the effective total arm travel length from the pivot points is 10" more than other toyotas. The 22's make the same sidwewall height as the stock tires so in case of a high speed blow out there is still a shot. The battery and winch are in the back at frame height for weight transfer and to pull others out with-HOPE YOU GUYS LIKE IT
 
Seriously, awesome creation, Alan! I can't wait to see what you do with the other 100's. I might just be in the market for one of them =)

That's great you were able to run 37's w/o body lift. Did you have to mod the firewall? Can you show us a picture of your 2" spring seats and the rear shock mounts?
 
pictures

here are more pics these are in my driveway I have my own Moab that rock is 22' tall
 
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