Build The Monkey is Back

[Chamba]

Less talk about gas prices, more talk about LC

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See what happens when we don't get Cruiser pics?

How's she running? Any issues so far? Air con nice and cold?

 

[cruisermatt]

AC cold.. we might to have to get creative with some additional ducting/vents in the future though. We’ll talk
Everything else good other then a few small leaks to tighten up !

 

[Chamba]

AC cold.. we might to have to get creative with some additional ducting/vents in the future though. We’ll talk
Everything else good other then a few small leaks to tighten up !

Excellent news. Does the defroster blow reasonably well? I was concerned the fan wouldn't be strong enough. Wish Vintage made them for Correct Hand Drive.....

I noticed in the pictures that the vent for the front axle is open. Can you run a 3/8" hose from that up to the T in the hose from the rear axle breather please? It's on the driver side firewall right below the master. It's got the fuel filter on the end as an air filter.

 

[cruisermatt]

Like I said, a few small details to contend to Aidan knows a lot more then I on specifics

 

[knuckle47]

@Chamba You’re not taking this swimming after all of this work and $$$$…..are you?

 

[Chamba]

@Chamba You’re not taking this swimming after all of this work and $$$$…..are you?

I will next summer when she's up in Colorado and New Mexico. One stream crossing I'm planning on be doing could be well over 3' if it's a good year.

But mostly I just want to keep the dust out and in Florida the water from the roads. When it rains here the streets often more closely resemble swimming pools than bitumen.

 

[knuckle47]

Looking at the rain gauge on the weather station shows 4.33” in the last 42 hours….my dogs , while they should love water, walk backwards away from the door when I open it to take them out

 

[Chamba]

Looking at the rain gauge on the weather station shows 4.33” in the last 42 hours….my dogs , while they should love water, walk backwards away from the door when I open it to take them out

So...... maybe the dogs are smart enough to stay in out of the rain, but their owner isn't.....? That's probably what the dogs are thinking when you open that door to a deluge.

Sounds a bit like an afternoon rain shower here in the swamps.

 

[knuckle47]

I can only say “ sure beats mopping up pee from 3 big dogs in the house “

I has been non-stop rain all weekend. Here is it Monday am, still raining !

 

[Chamba]

I drove the Silverado up to @cruisermatt 's Cruiser Spa today to test drive the Pig in anticipation of getting it back next week. We found a few minor items which they'll sort out in the next few days.

But first impressions are very good. The steering is superb. The improvement over the factory power steering is noticeable (though the tie rod ends on there before had more slop than a pig farm, which is the likely cause). The Terrain Tamer springs are truly remarkable, especially in the 43, which has 45 heavy rear springs. VERY happy with the ride.

The engine pulls very nicely and the H55 shifts like a new Toyota box does. With the air con on, driving around in 90° Florida humidity it hit 210° and stayed there.

The brakes are awe-inspiring. It's remarkable what completely stock brakes perform like when every component is brand new Toyota.

The exhaust looks and sounds great. Justin did a bang-up job with that. It's routed beautifully, welded with perfection and has no vibration or rattles anywhere. Serious talent there.

The air con and heat blow hot and cold nicely, but the fan leaves a lot to be desired (only option for RHD, bugger). It certainly gets the cab livable, but I ain't gonna be hanging meat in there any time soon. I think if I can find a blower motor with more amperage it'll be great. Matt is looking into another option for an underdash unit from a Defender, so that may be an option in the future. First I'll try to get a more powerful blower motor and see whether that sorts it out.

Taking the test drive today was great. I'm off to work tomorrow, but very excited to get it back next week and start FINALLY enjoying it!!

 

[FloridaLife]

I drove the Silverado up to @cruisermatt Cruiser Spa today to test drive the Pig in anticipation of getting out back next week. We found a few minor items which they'll sort out in the next few days.

But first impressions are very good. The steering is superb. The improvement over the factory power steering is noticeable (though the tie rod ends on there before had more slop than a pig farm, which is the likely cause). The Terrain Tamer springs are truly remarkable, especially in the 43, which has 45 rear rear springs.

The engine pulls very nicely and the H55 shifts like a new Toyota box does. With the air con on, driving around in 90° Florida humidity it hit 210° and stayed there.

The brakes are awe-inspiring. It's remarkable what completely stock brakes perform like when every component is brand new Toyota.

The air con and heat blow hot and cold nicely, but the fan leaves a lot to be desired. It certainly gets the cab livable, but I ain't gonna be hanging meat in there any time soon. I think if I can find a motor with more amperage it'll be great. Matt is looking into another option for an underdash unit from a Defender, so that may be an option in the future. First I'll try to get a more powerful blower motor and see whether that sorts it out.

Taking the test drive today was great. I'm off to work tomorrow, but very excited to get it back next week and start FINALLY enjoying it!!

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You are going to beat me to the fish line! I'm happy for you. We'll have to get together sometime.

 

[cruisermatt]

my guys have about 250 test miles on this one now, but I actually haven't got to drive it myself until today for the first time! It's really good. It's definietly one of my favorite projects we've done for sure, I love the RHD. My favorite part of this project is how it really showcases our blend of OEM parts and design and custom fabrication together throughout the entire vehicle.
Took some future Instagram post shots in the field on the way back to the shop.

 

[FloridaLife]

my guys have about 250 test miles on this one now, but I actually haven't got to drive it myself until today for the first time! It's really good. It's definietly one of my favorite projects we've done for sure, I love the RHD. My favorite part of this project is how it really showcases our blend of OEM parts and design and custom fabrication together throughout the entire vehicle.
Took some future Instagram post shots in the field on the way back to the shop.


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Looks ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC Matt! Well done!!! That should be one that Josh enjoys for the rest of his life! (and hopefully a long one). Your crew did an amazing job! I can't wait to see it in person some day.

 

[knuckle47]

@cruisermatt, are those caster shims greater than 4 degrees?

 

[cruisermatt]

@cruisermatt, are those caster shims greater than 4 degrees?

4-degrees, and our own manufacture too.

CruiserMatt's 4-Degree Caster Shim Set for Land Cruisers

Installing a lift kit on your leaf-spring Land Cruiser? Then you need these to correct your caster angle after! Most universal shims on the market are made for Jeeps and don't fit properly, or are aluminum and can split under heavy use! Ours are made of steel, right here in the USA. NOTE...

cruisermatts.com

 

[Chamba]

So you like the Correct Hand Drive, eh Matt? More comfortable shifting her from the right, yes? Floor stays noticeably cooler too. Was the air able to keep it comfy today in the swampy Florida fall?

Just wait until she's got the LX screen on her!

So I'm scheduled to pick it up Wednesday. Sounds like it's ready though. Any chance I can get her tomorrow? I'm getting excited!

 

[cruisermatt]

So I'm scheduled to pick it up Wednesday. Sounds like it's ready though. Any chance I can get her tomorrow? I'm getting excited!

If Aidan or Amanda said Wednesday, listen to them so I don't get in trouble

 

[Chamba]

It was Amanda. She said it could be Tuesday, but she could only confirm Wednesday without talking with you guys.

No worries. Let me know if I can get her tomorrow, otherwise we'll just plan on Wednesday.

I'm glad you're enjoying the RHD and long wheelbase: the ideal 40 series if I do say so myself.

 

[cruisermatt]

It makes me very excited for my (eventual) 45 project!

 

[Chamba]

Just drove home thorough the mostly pounding rain. So far so good. A few minor issues I'll work through and then the fun stuff. This springs are fantastic!

I filled her up down the road from Matt's Cruiser Spa. Averaged 73 mph (accordingvto the Dakota Digital) 2+ hours home, then filled her again at home. 17.2 mpg with the air con on the whole way. Not too shabby.

Air con keeps it livable, even with the seat heat going on high most of the time (makes the back feel good). It's certainly not cold the cab, but it's livable.