Stopped by to say hi, and rebuilding my LX450 "Rex" (2 Viewers)

[NeverFinis]

Just stopping by to say hello from a former charter member of the club. I have been out of the sport for a long time. Time...money...kids in college..you know the situation.

I will be rebuilding my LX450 starting in a few months, and hopefully will be done the following Spring (2022).

My main purpose is to build a comfortable, reliable and robust overland vehicle that could possibly be used for full time anywhere.

It won't be used on local trails since I want to make sure "Vehicle Preservation" is a priority for overlanding trips. (similar to Dirt Sunrise and The Road Chose Me)

I started thinking about the process here: Overlanding a LX450

I just participated in a group buy for a drawer system and tailgate cover and then added a 270 awning, and a Penthouse XL roof tent, all from Rugged Bound. They source their parts from Big Country 4x4 in South Africa. Rack Drawer and Gull Wing group buy

I have an extended range fuel tank, and I need to replace the OEM tank due to small leaks.

I will add Delta VS front and rear bumpers. I am not sure if I will use my current 8000 lb ramsey winch from my 85 4Runner, or buy a new winch. Probably the latter.

I am still research kitchen/cooking station for the rear bumper. The idea is that everything needs to be setup within 5-10 minutes of stopping for camp...tent up, awning out, cooking station read to go.

I want to put in a new/reman engine (1FZ-FE), and replace anything that is of question in the engine bay, and drivetrain. I might source a local land cruiser mechanic to put together a new OEM 1FZ-FE engine. (S)He has to know what (s)he is doing...#1 reliability..

I have noticed that part manufacturers have come a long way the last 5-10 years...nice! Those Delta VS bumpers..wow...

I might start a build thread in the FJ80 forum once I get further along. Wife has named the LX450 "Rex". It has to have a name for a build thread...lol.

Anyway, I am now accumulating parts and knowledge.

 

[Mike Onesty]

Welcome Back. I you need another stock tank. I have a tank out of my 93 sitting in my shop in Chelmsford, would let it go for a very fair price. If you are interested send me a PM.

 

[STFU]

Welcome Back. I you need another stock tank. I have a tank out of my 93 sitting in my shop in Chelmsford, would let it go for a very fair price. If you are interested send me a PM.

Any chance you have a good filler neck as well?

 

[Mike Onesty]

Unfortunately no. I cut the body up down in VA at a friends shop. I left the entire body down at his shop. When I email you today, I will send you a list of parts that I have in case you want need or want anything else. I want to clean out my shop, so anything I don't need is up for sale. If I had to replace my filer neck, I would use fuel rated hose, and any bends I would use hard pipe. This way you should never have to worry about it again.

 

[shmukster]

I believe Ryan at OTRAMM might be making replacement filler tubes in stainless.

 

[STFU]

I believe Ryan at OTRAMM might be making replacement filler tubes in stainless.

We ended up builind a new one out of straight tube, some rubber fuel filler hose and clamps. It came out decent (not restoratoin worthy, but is clean and safe).