A well used, new to me, 2006 Cruiser

[SAH]

Here's a pretty tree outside of his shop.

 

[SAH]

Lastly, pulled running boards/fender flares recently. Nothing eventful from the running boards, but really hoping a lot of the crap on the paint that was under the fender flares buffs out when @JT4runner hooks me up with a detail and ceramic in the next week or so.

 

[pjess50]

“great weather for windows down and seat heaters”

This is the best!!

 

[aging fleet]

Looks nice with the flairs and running boards off. Also, it appears you caught those spots of surface rust in time for a pretty simple repair.

 

[SAH]

Looks nice with the flairs and running boards off. Also, it appears you caught those spots of surface rust in time for a pretty simple repair.

Any threads come to mind for a “simple repair”? I have no experience with body work or paint.

 

[aging fleet]

No threads specifically, but I've had good luck sanding down the affected area, treating with a rust neutralizer, then adding an epoxy primer and color. A bit of wet sanding and polishing usually yields an acceptable result. I'm sure there are tons of diy videos on YouTube as well.

 

[JT4runner]

Lastly, pulled running boards/fender flares recently. Nothing eventful from the running boards, but really hoping a lot of the crap on the paint that was under the fender flares buffs out when @JT4runner hooks me up with a detail and ceramic in the next week or so.
View attachment 2129228View attachment 2129229

It already looks like a totally different Land Cruiser. Hopefully we can get her nice and shined up and looking good for you.

 

[OEMGUY0720]

Nice rig How do find the Nitto Trail Grapplers in terms of how it affected (if there was any) your acceleration, gas consumption and ride comfort?

 

[SAH]

Nice rig How do find the Nitto Trail Grapplers in terms of how it affected (if there was any) your acceleration, gas consumption and ride comfort?

I didn’t drive the vehicle much before putting them on. Being a full blown mud tore, they’re not super smooth at low speeds and make noise at 40+mph. Tough to say how much they loosened up steering vs. how many bushings etc need to be replaced after almost 300k. As far as mileage, I probably get about 12 at 70-80 and maybe better at about 60-65. Overall, the rig needs some love to ride and be tight like new but in time it’ll all come together. I know with new bushings etc it’ll help tighten it back up and give a good ride quality.

 

[KingMidas38]

Nice purchase and progress so far! Any new updates?

 

[Manhattan]

Looks great! Were you 'wheeling around Trey Mountain? Love that area.

And yeah, losing the minivan steps and fender garnishes really transformed it. NOW it looks like a Land Cruiser!

 

[SAH]

Nice purchase and progress so far! Any new updates?

Got all the plastic pieces off and ready to see her cleaned up after a paint correction and ceramic.

On the list is a rear drawer storage system, wheel bearing service, valve cover gasket job, rear pads, and front left wheel speed/ABS sensor.

Looks great! Where you 'wheeling around Trey Mountain? Love that area.

And yeah, losing the minivan steps and fender garnishes really transformed it. NOW it looks like a Land Cruiser!

A lot of those pictures were FS Road 28-2 which is near nimblewill and then some at Hawk Mtn. Haven't done Tray Mtn, are you local?

 

[Manhattan]

In Atlanta, but wheeled (and ridden mtb) up there - Nimblwill, Trey Mtn - a few times

 

[G-Cat]

Treat your self to a pair of @LandCruiserPhil mudflap eliminators for the rear. Cheap, easy, and add to the aesthetics...not to mention keeping the rear mudflaps from destroying the rear bumper.

 

[SAH]

Today’s update, got a wash in and got step one of the drawer/platform system in.
My goal was to be flush(ish) with tailgate height and to have a nice fit/finish with some carpet style material while being able to fit the fridge. Already a few things I’d do different and I’ve got some fine tuning to do but it’s rock solid. Eventually will make drawers, platform to take place of 2nd row seats, and a right side of the platform where the fridge is.

 

[SAH]

 

[SAH]

Some before and after courtesy of @JT4runner. Really transformed the truck, I didn’t know how bad the paint was until he fixed it.

 

[SAH]

PRND clunk dealt with as well as blown speakers dealt with. My first time dealing with cone washers, but they’re easy enough once you figure them out.

 

[gregnash]

How are you liking those new Kicker DS? I just read about them on Crutchfield.

 

[SAH]

How are you liking those new Kicker DS? I just read about them on Crutchfield.

I like them. I’m no speaker aficionado, but they’re pretty nice.