Let's See Your Toyota Expedition Build... (1 Viewer)

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^^^ Looks very nice!!

-Daniel Kent
 
Here's or new up and coming expo rig! '82 BJ60 w/3B Diesel

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Our build thread is here:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/760792-freedom-82-bj60-w-3b-build-thread-our-missions.html

-Daniel Kent

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My mobile wet-plate collodion lab, in action in Namibia.

2002 HZJ79. Keeping things simple. Mods:

Dual tanks (1100km range); water tanks in the running boards; ARB heavy duty springs/shocks; ARB bullbar; Warn XD9000; IPF 130w spots; dual battery system for fridge and winch; slightly under-sized Hankook Dynapro MT tyres (soon to be upgraded to 285s); Safari snorkel.

I ripped off the overbuilt steel cap and roofracks to save over 250kg (!) and put the centre of gravity in a less scary place. Built a simple timber and plywood deck for the back, which gives me a two-level load bay. So far, so practical. When I get a chance, I'm replacing it with a steel-framed, aluminium-skinned deck for better weather-resistance.

Perched on top is an 80l National Luna fridge, and perched *right* on the back is my wet-plate darkroom box.

So far I'm very happy with the current configuration, and I'm going to stop making "adjustments" soon, according to the not broke, don't fix maxim.
 
^^^ That sir is a beautiful rig! I like the simple too. ;)

-Daniel Kent
 

You know if you swapped me for my '04 Doublecab Tacoma you would be more unique over there.;)

Nice rig!!

I guess I could post an update photo. I had a new RTT rack built to raise it up to be level with the roofline and give me a lot more storage room. I think I am going to add a shallow drawer underneath.

This was on Firesteel Trestle #2 while running The Bill Nichols Trail on a trail ride we took before UP Overland 2013 last month.

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You know if you swapped me for my '04 Doublecab Tacoma you would be more unique over there.;)

Nice try! ;)

Also: nice Tacoma. ;)

For me the rig is less about being unique as it is about not breaking very much, being cheap to run and maintain, and being straightforward to fix. The 1HZ, while not precisely exciting in terms of performance, does what it's designed to do with a minimum of fuss. I like that. 344,000km on the odo seems to confirm this basic idea.

While I won't shy away from severe terrain (google Van Zyl's Pass in northern Namibia if you like...) it's no dedicated trail rig. I prioritised drivability and daily-driver-compatibility, if that makes any sense. So: no 37" tyres on a 6" lift and exotic transfer-cases, no turbos, no electronics, nothing that doesn't need to be there.

One mod I forgot to mention: ARB air locker in the back. Just makes sense.
 
Nice try! ;)

Also: nice Tacoma. ;)

For me the rig is less about being unique as it is about not breaking very much, being cheap to run and maintain, and being straightforward to fix. The 1HZ, while not precisely exciting in terms of performance, does what it's designed to do with a minimum of fuss. I like that. 344,000km on the odo seems to confirm this basic idea.

While I won't shy away from severe terrain (google Van Zyl's Pass in northern Namibia if you like...) it's no dedicated trail rig. I prioritised drivability and daily-driver-compatibility, if that makes any sense. So: no 37" tyres on a 6" lift and exotic transfer-cases, no turbos, no electronics, nothing that doesn't need to be there.

One mod I forgot to mention: ARB air locker in the back. Just makes sense.

Perfect. Lets swap! I am not into the radical stuff either.
 
Perfect. Lets swap! I am not into the radical stuff either.

Does your vehicle have an engine with sufficient compression such that it does not require an auxiliary device just to make its fuel ignite? 'Cause if not, I'm not intersted. ;)

But in all seriousness: looks like a nice truck ya got there.
 
Does your vehicle have an engine with sufficient compression such that it does not require an auxiliary device just to make its fuel ignite? 'Cause if not, I'm not intersted. ;)

But in all seriousness: looks like a nice truck ya got there.

Oh well. I tried! Thanks on my truck too. Where are you when in Germany? My sis lives just outside of Weisbaden by the military base.
 
But how does your fridge handle the direct sun and the dust?

Fair question. So far, no damage, and performance was definitely OK, BUT...

... i was winter when the picture was taken, so heat isn't such a concern. Daytime temps in the mid 20˚C range.

The wooden deck is a stop-gap / proof of concept that was built very quickly. It's going to be replaced by a light, simple, robust steel/aluminium structure that will be just a little higher – just below the level of the rear windscreen – and allow me to put the fridge inside.
 
Oh well. I tried! Thanks on my truck too. Where are you when in Germany? My sis lives just outside of Weisbaden by the military base.

I'm up near Hannover / Hildesheim. In the British-occupied zone. ;)
 
Fair question. So far, no damage, and performance was definitely OK, BUT...

... i was winter when the picture was taken, so heat isn't such a concern. Daytime temps in the mid 20˚C range.

The wooden deck is a stop-gap / proof of concept that was built very quickly. It's going to be replaced by a light, simple, robust steel/aluminium structure that will be just a little higher – just below the level of the rear windscreen – and allow me to put the fridge inside.

I am interested in the National Luna Weekender 50, with dual containers. How long do you leave it running without turning over the motor to recharge? My 60 has 12HT with dual batteries, but am upgrading electrical for fridge/winches/lights. You are the first real life owner I've met with National Luna experience.
Thanks for any info, Jon PS: teenager in Malawi, long ago!
 
I am interested in the National Luna Weekender 50, with dual containers. How long do you leave it running without turning over the motor to recharge? My 60 has 12HT with dual batteries, but am upgrading electrical for fridge/winches/lights. You are the first real life owner I've met with National Luna experience.
Thanks for any info, Jon PS: teenager in Malawi, long ago!

Hey Jon!

OK, well mine is the 80l single container one, about 8 years old now I think.

I've had it run for over 24 hours solid without turning over the engine, and it's been fine. I have found it to be much more efficient than the 60l Engel, which is why I went ahead and got it. I set the thermostat to about 4˚ and call it a day; the fridge sort of sorts itself out after that. How long the battery lasts does obviously depend on how cold you set it and what the ambient conditions are like. Your mileage *will* vary.

My 2nd battery is a good-sized deep-cycle battery – not sure what Ah rating, but it's basically enough to glow and start a hilux diesel.

Over-all I'm happy with it.

Cheers -

dom
 
I've never seent his thread but glad I found it...lots of very cool rigs and ideas here. This is mine...it was a US spec 88 FJ62 that now sports a 12HT Diesel with an H42 tranny and a Marlin Toybox. SOA with fully built axles and some customer bodywork and aluminium flatbed courtesy of FC Fab in Stockton CA. Lots of little things left to do, but you get the idea. It has all the comforts of a camper (hot shower, toilet, kitchen, grill, fridge, stove etc...but it can spank the Rubicon Trail or the like.

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I saw the rig above at Rubithon this year! I took a close look at it and was very impressed. Great looking rig!!! A total swiss army knife of a truck.
 
dieselbigot .. I gotta tell you pal .. you put me in incredible stress each time I see your rig ... it's just amazing job there ..
 
Ok your rig makes me wanna just give up on our rig cause I'll never reach the nirvana that you've achieved there. Very sweet setup!!!

-Daniel Kent
 

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