Builds 40 Guy Builds a 100 Series (2 Viewers)

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Liking your plan on this. I'll be hanging out and I'm going to try that Mothers stuff you used on the seats. They turned out great.
 
I understand your inner turmoil over getting a 100 instead of a Troopy. I've always wanted one as well, either a 40 or 70 series. But now having had my 100 for a while (I've had four FJ 40s, two BJ 60s and a LX450 since 1987) I think it is my favorite LC to date. I'd love to have a mid wheelbase 40 or 70 as well, and probably will someday, but this 100 is working well with my current needs.

I will also pick up some of the leather products you used and give them a try. The rears will probably come out ok, but I mar look into new front skins.
 
Hope all is well...been a long time since an update. Anything new?
 
So, I got the rear quarter, bumper, tail light, tailgate fixed up this spring. The shop did a good job but in the end didn't replace the bumper with an OEM unit :angry: It's not a huge deal since I'll most likely replace it someday with a tire carrier. I've really enjoyed the 100 series, it is very comfortable and easy to drive... especially coming from a 40 :D

Ah, good as new...
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Also I've been steadily planning my mods without going bananas. I think I am going to add a lift and tires next. I just scored a nice set of used 315 Duratracs so I am going to lift the 100 enough to stuff them under the rig. I am also starting to save up/sell off other parts to fund a 4:88 regear and front ARB locker (if this season proves it beneficial).

Here's a shot of the new shoes...

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I'm also adding a GPS Navigation/Bluetooth double DIN headunit from JVC. It has a backup camera, bluetooth, iPhone hookup, video, Nav, hands free phone calls etc... I am just waiting on the JVC to OEM harness connector then I'll wire it and hook it up.

Model is a JVC KW-NT300. I think its a bit older but I scored it for such a good deal I couldn't pass it up. I do think it'll be a slight upgrade to the tape deck in there now ;)

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I've also started shopping for a ScanGauge II. While I have the dash torn apart for the radio install I am going to install a ScanGauge II and most likely a small CB for wheeling. However, one of my big plans is to keep the interior clean and uncluttered looking. I don't want it to look like the Dash threw up a bunch of electronics, cables and mics... I am thinking a small CB handheld unit that can be tucked away when not in use.
 
Over the weekend I pulled the running boards off. It was an easy 1 banana job, which is nice to encounter every once in a while :D

I was impressed that all my hardware slipped out so easily. I am used to fighting 40 years of grime and rust on the 40. However, I still put a dab of anti-seize on each nut and bolt before reattaching them out of habit, I have seen that payoff in the 15 years of owning my 40 already.

Sans running boards... looks taller already.
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And next up is to attach the new (to me) sliders. I am thinking I might add a step plate and weld it on top similar to how Slee builds his, but I might try some skate tape first and see if the kids don't kill themselves slipping on them.

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I rolled the new shoes up next to the 100 and began measuring about where I will be with the OME lift. I may order a 1" body lift as well, but I'll cross that bridge when I see the clearance or lack there of in real time. Spacers will most likely needed to run and turn well. I knew the 315's would be a slippery slope but it is the size I think looks best on the 100 and I knew I would want to get that size eventually so I might as well jump into the deep end. :bounce:

I am researching lifts and shocks, and bumpstops, and adjustable control arms and body lifts and, and and... should be an adventure.

I still need to level out the stance as it is raked forward as it sits now.

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Started working on upgrading my factory audio system. I opted for a new all in one double DIN unit from JVC based on price and nothing else. I layed out all the associated wiring and harnesses for the install and they are labeled below...
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Popping in a new headunit isn't hard at all. Running the wires cleanly, securely and properly is just time consuming. I solder all connections then use heat shrink tubing. I also use an adapter for the stock harness so I don't need to cut anything factory in the cruiser and I can return the system to factory in minutes.

Step one: Yank out the dash control panel, it just snaps in.
Step two: Run your wires and cables in the right places.
Step three: Button it up.

Okay, it might be a little more involved than that but not too much. I did make a custom harness with the JVC/Toyota combo and needed to solder about 20ish connections there. Otherwise, it's plug and play.

Here's what you start with:
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Slowly and carefully tear the insert out! :D
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Disconnect the AC controls...
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Unscrew the 4 bolts holding the factory Head Unit from the dash and remove the brackets so you can slap them on the new stereo.
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Attach the brackets onto the new Head Unit. Snug them up but don't crank on them.
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Plug in your new connections, bolt the Head Unit in and replace the front dash panel after reconnecting all the AC controls.

Here is all the new connections I made. You can see the GPS antenna, Toyota to JVC harness plug, rear camera RCA, Mic and cable, rear Camera, RCA speaker wires, iPod connect USB etc.
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I ended up tossing this homemade harness for a factory built plug in play. I wanted to alleviate any potential connection failures down the road and a nabbed a Toyota to JVC conversion plug for about $12 at my local audio store.
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It gets a little tight but all in all, the wires and cables will stuff back behind the dash panel. Make sure to plug your AC controls back up and your all set.
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Plug in your new connections, bolt the Head Unit in and replace the front dash panel after reconnecting all the AC controls.
 
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Next up was a VERY, VERY important mod... my rear badge :bounce: I got a tip they were producing these for Toyota enthusiasts and I got in early and scored two of these name badges for free. Pretty sweet, I put one on the 100 and saved the other for the 40.

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I think it compliments the rear really well and looks pretty factory if you ask me!
 
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I also bought some new shoes!

I have gone around and around on tire size, I bought a used set of 315/75-16 Goodyear Duratrac's about a week ago. Then as I got deeper and deeper into the necessary mods to make them fit I got cold feet (for now). So I called up Nakman of Gamiviti and asked to take his 100 for drive to our local club meeting last week. Tim is on 285/75-16's and OME 2.5" lift. I was impressed with the quality of the suspension after driving a worn out factory ride for a year. There was really no power loss on the 285s that I could notice, combine that with the ease of strapping a set of 285's on without NEEDING, spacers, lift, gears etc. I poked around and found a barely used set of 285/75-16 Duratracs locally on CL near my house. These tires only had 4,000 miles on them so I jumped on them, shelved the 315's for now, and tossed the 285's on the truck Friday.

I will end up with 315's I am sure as I think they fill out the proportions of the 100 better than any other size available. However, for now I will save up for all the necessary goodies to make them fit and work properly. For the rest of this Colorado wheeling season I will the 285's and re access if I NEED the bigger tires for the trails we run.

For now I plan on adding a 30mm Coil Spring spacer to the rear coils and adjust the front torsion bars to match, align it and run it!
 

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