Hey ya'll, this is Cody.
SEMA 2016 is coming up next week and we're taking a very special build: The Aspen Project. In the next few days we're going to do a few posts leading up to the final reveal on Tuesday for the start of the event. If you're in Vegas and want to check it out live, let us know. We'll also have our 1978 FJ40 demo and our client's FJ45LV.
Back to The Aspen Project:
The theme for this build was "Classic meets modern". One of our founders wanted a purpose-built family-friendly beast, that could take on the rigors of everyday highway driving — and backcountry off-roading — in Colorado. He wanted an upgraded drivetrain, modern interiors, but the authenticity of a real Land Cruiser. On this one we took features and inspiration from the 1960's cruisers, 1970's, 1980's, and late 90's.
These were the specs:
- 1982 FJ43 body/chassis
- Toyota 1FZ engine / Haltech EFI
- Toyota 5-speed Manual
- Custom interior
- Custom dash (ash tray and dash pads delete)
- Custom roll cage (extra robust)
- Toyota wheels
- OME suspension
- Warn 8274 winch
- Sound system with some really cool features
- Retro steering wheel (70's)
- Borla stainless steel exhaust
- ARB Lockers
- PIAA fog lights
- RIGID headlights
These are the pre-resto shots:
We started with a solid donor. Minimal rust, fairly straight body and chassis:
The first step was panel re-fitting and we built the roll cage. We needed something extra robust per the build specs. The oversized fenders is something we played with at the beginning thinking of putting in 35's, but we scaled that back in the final build to keep the classic look of the 43.
Some of the components we used: ARB lockers, OME suspension, and Hi-Lift jack. We skipped the snorkel in the final build.
One of our favorite upgrades are the Recaro SPEED seats. They'll eventually get re-upholstered in marine-grade fabric.
And here's the chassis ready its make over...
Skipping straight into the 1FZ which got a full rebuild
.... and fitting it on the chassis.
Stay tuned for updates this week.
Hi Cody,
This thread is exactly what I am about to embark on doing to my 1984 FJ 45. Would it be possible to pick you brains on a few questions I have about this build and another one I have seen on your website?