NATO Cruiser Complete! (1 Viewer)

[FlightMedic178]

After almost 2 years, I think I’m finally done building the “NATO Cruiser”.

What really got me interested in Land Cruisers was seeing them in the bare bones/ utilitarian configuration especially when used by the UN and other NGOs. So my goal was to get as close to one of those as I could. More than anything the build was a tear down, ripping off all the useless plastic and still keep it stock looking. I’m really happy with how it turned out.

The inspiration:

Some of the build threads I made on the bumpers, spare tire mount and side molding removal.
Rear bumper Chop:
200 Rear Bumper Chop - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/200-rear-bumper-chop.1152945/
Front Bumper Chop:
200 Front Bumper Chop - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/200-front-bumper-chop.1157016/
Interior Spare Tire Carrier:
Interior Tire Carrier and Storage Platform - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/interior-tire-carrier-and-storage-platform.1169824/
Side Molding Removal:

Removing Side Molding

Is it possible to remove the side molding from a 2013 LC200? I know that some have painted over the chrome, but I'd like to remove the plastic moldings entirely, if possible. :cheers:

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[FerrisBueller]

After almost 2 years, I think I’m finally done building the “NATO Cruiser”.

What really got me interested in Land Cruisers was seeing them in the bare bones/ utilitarian configuration especially when used by the UN and other NGOs. So my goal was to get as close to one of those as I could. More than anything the build was a tear down, ripping off all the useless plastic and still keep it stock looking. I’m really happy with how it turned out.

View attachment 2559812View attachment 2559814
View attachment 2559817
The inspiration:
View attachment 2559820
View attachment 2559821

Some of the build threads I made on the bumpers, spare tire mount and side molding removal.
Rear bumper Chop:
200 Rear Bumper Chop - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/200-rear-bumper-chop.1152945/
Front Bumper Chop:
200 Front Bumper Chop - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/200-front-bumper-chop.1157016/
Interior Spare Tire Carrier:
Interior Tire Carrier and Storage Platform - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/interior-tire-carrier-and-storage-platform.1169824/
Side Molding Removal:

Removing Side Molding

Is it possible to remove the side molding from a 2013 LC200? I know that some have painted over the chrome, but I'd like to remove the plastic moldings entirely, if possible. :cheers:

forum.ih8mud.com

I'm digging the customized stock bumpers!

 

[slowride]

Looking Good!!!

What kind of wheels do you have and where did you get them?

 

[FlightMedic178]

Looking Good!!!

What kind of wheels do you have and where did you get them?

They are steel wheels off a Tundra. I found them on Craigslist for $100 for the set.

 

[Tex68w]

Those steelies are the icing on the cake. What size rubber did you end up running? Stock suspension?

 

[FlightMedic178]

Those steelies are the icing on the cake. What size rubber did you end up running? Stock suspension?

Agreed! I love em!
275/70R18 KM3s
It has the OME lift with stiff springs

 

[Washingtontaco]

Sweet! Have you ever looked at the giant Toyota dealership in Gibraltar, website or on Google Earth? So cool!

Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS) - 4x4 vehicles for aid agencies

Exclusive agents of Toyota vehicles, spare parts and accessories to the UN, Governmental Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations worldwide.

www.toyota-gib.com

 

[FlightMedic178]

Sweet! Have you ever looked at the giant Toyota dealership in Gibraltar, website or on Google Earth? So cool!

Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS) - 4x4 vehicles for aid agencies

Exclusive agents of Toyota vehicles, spare parts and accessories to the UN, Governmental Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations worldwide.

www.toyota-gib.com

Haha yep I have. I even called them to try and source GX parts but because I don’t have my own NGO they won’t sell to me. Stupid technicalities!

 

[mcgaskins]

Looks really cool! What pre cleaner is that on your snorkel?

 

[JohnJB]

One of my favorite builds on here! Always fun to see someone chart their own path and execute with purpose.

 

[FlightMedic178]

Looks really cool! What pre cleaner is that on your snorkel?

It’s called the Sy-Klone precleaner. I got it off Off Road Snorkel Head Air Pre-Cleaner - for Trucks, Jeeps & SUVs. - https://snorkelupgrade.com/

 

[bloc]

I doubt I'd go this route but I really like the creativity with the trimmed bumpers and bars to avoid catching, and your originality. Plus with your 5.7 you'd run circles around the NATO models.

Any plans to go with the black no-light mirror covers, black rocker panels, etc?

 

[vegasfj40]

I'm diggin it! Love the wheels and what you did with the bumpers. Looks great!

 

[FlightMedic178]

Took some glamour shots on my detour home from work this morning.

 

[TeCKis300]

Enjoying the bumper sliders. There's probably no solution on the market that matches the approach and departure angles you've created. And nothing lighter. Good stuff!

Any chance you can share detail shots of the mounting strategies used? I've been toying with the idea of buying some tube and tube bender.

 

[Tex68w]

@gentimmy

 

[FlightMedic178]

Enjoying the bumper sliders. There's probably no solution on the market that matches the approach and departure angles you've created. And nothing lighter. Good stuff!

Any chance you can share detail shots of the mounting strategies used? I've been toying with the idea of guying some tube and tube benders.

The rear is welded on and the front is bolted to the stock crash bar mounting plate.
Both front and rear have taken a lot of abuse and can support the weight of the truck. See pics below and let me know if you want to see any other angles.

 

[TeCKis300]

Awesome! Just what I'm looking for.

What size (diameter) tube is that? Looks good proportion wise.

Any thought to create or add a skid plate up front? Depending on the style of wheeling, one of the concerns is a branch or debris getting kicked up or thrown into the condenser/radiator.

 

[MTKID]

I’ve also enjoyed the few short YouTube videos you posted. Maybe worth a link to those here too Nate. Great job overall

 

[jrmudder92]

They are steel wheels off a Tundra. I found them on Craigslist for $100 for the set.

You running spacers?