About a year ago I decided my old Volvo sedan wasn't helping me get to where I wanted to go or haul what I needed to haul (read: got a wheel in the air while going to a trailhead, no damage, but still not the best). Just so happened that a family friend was selling their FZJ80 for a good price and I couldn't pass it up. It came with a non-winch ARB bumper, running boards already off, a roof rack, and had been nicely maintained by the previous owners (I think 2).
First thing on the books was some standard maintenance (fluids, distributor and plugs, etc. etc.) then I immediately took it on two long road trips, one to Smith Rock and Bend, OR from Seattle, the next to Rialto beach on the Olympic Peninsula. I figured it was made to go so that was the best way to test it, plus I just wanted to get it on some dirt. Then my wallet started getting lighter and things started growing off the car. First up was a Uniden 520 CB with a Firestick antenna up front, some recovery gear, Hella 500s, and some universal Rally Armor mud flaps that I had for the Volvo.
A mantra for the build quickly developed; K.I.S.S. I wanted a good, simple 4x4 that I could daily drive, but was still incredibly capable off road. One thing I love about these vehicles is they are the perfect mix of basic luxury and ruggedness. With that, I'll go through where the cruiser is at right now.
Interior: I kept the interior as stock looking as possible, and started by taking off the "wood" trim. The CB is mounted to a pre existing interior screw (holds surprisingly well), and sought out switches that looked OEM (far left of photo below). I added the @bhicks cup holder (which is rad) and used sail tape over a rip in the passenger seat (sail tape works for everything, at least to a sailor). Topped it all of with a CDL switch and Weather Tech mats.
I also added a platform to the back to secure the spare. I wanted to get it up out of the way completely, but didn't want it on the back. All my tools and recovery gear fit in the space as well with a cover that snaps on.
Exterior: Besides the ARB, I have Rally Armor mud flaps all around to save the OEM and give them more clearance/flex and painted the recovery/tow hooks bright red (because why not!). The Hellas were switched out or a 20' light bar and a small backup light was added to the rear bumper. The biggest changes are the snorkel and finally trading out the bald Toyo ATs for BFG KO2s (265/75/16 size). Traction is nice, and my friends with winches thanked me.
Engine: The engine is pretty much stock. One of the the previous owners did the blue fan clutch mod and the last owner did the head gasket. For the accessories I added a cheap fuse box under the kick panel in the drivers footwell. I also extended the breathers for both axles up next to the charcoal canister.
Thats where it is at now. In the future I want to add an OME stock height "lift" and do some touch up painting on the rear bumper. I'll see where it goes from there. Its a cool community and I'm glad I get to be a part of it!
Some more photos because I know we all love them:
First thing on the books was some standard maintenance (fluids, distributor and plugs, etc. etc.) then I immediately took it on two long road trips, one to Smith Rock and Bend, OR from Seattle, the next to Rialto beach on the Olympic Peninsula. I figured it was made to go so that was the best way to test it, plus I just wanted to get it on some dirt. Then my wallet started getting lighter and things started growing off the car. First up was a Uniden 520 CB with a Firestick antenna up front, some recovery gear, Hella 500s, and some universal Rally Armor mud flaps that I had for the Volvo.
A mantra for the build quickly developed; K.I.S.S. I wanted a good, simple 4x4 that I could daily drive, but was still incredibly capable off road. One thing I love about these vehicles is they are the perfect mix of basic luxury and ruggedness. With that, I'll go through where the cruiser is at right now.
Interior: I kept the interior as stock looking as possible, and started by taking off the "wood" trim. The CB is mounted to a pre existing interior screw (holds surprisingly well), and sought out switches that looked OEM (far left of photo below). I added the @bhicks cup holder (which is rad) and used sail tape over a rip in the passenger seat (sail tape works for everything, at least to a sailor). Topped it all of with a CDL switch and Weather Tech mats.
I also added a platform to the back to secure the spare. I wanted to get it up out of the way completely, but didn't want it on the back. All my tools and recovery gear fit in the space as well with a cover that snaps on.
Exterior: Besides the ARB, I have Rally Armor mud flaps all around to save the OEM and give them more clearance/flex and painted the recovery/tow hooks bright red (because why not!). The Hellas were switched out or a 20' light bar and a small backup light was added to the rear bumper. The biggest changes are the snorkel and finally trading out the bald Toyo ATs for BFG KO2s (265/75/16 size). Traction is nice, and my friends with winches thanked me.
Engine: The engine is pretty much stock. One of the the previous owners did the blue fan clutch mod and the last owner did the head gasket. For the accessories I added a cheap fuse box under the kick panel in the drivers footwell. I also extended the breathers for both axles up next to the charcoal canister.
Thats where it is at now. In the future I want to add an OME stock height "lift" and do some touch up painting on the rear bumper. I'll see where it goes from there. Its a cool community and I'm glad I get to be a part of it!
Some more photos because I know we all love them:
, glad it stayed together for the trip to PDX) from Land Cruiser NW in Portland, OR. Great guys with some pretty amazing machines at the shop. A big thank you for helping me out while the truck was stranded there.
(Not our proudest moment, but it got me home, and to the store for a 54mm socket). We got it all put together just at sunset, wheeled to our campsite, and then headed home the next day. 
