The project list for my 06 LC

[jrcnring]

The project list/ build for my 06 LC and more photos

Hello to all. (updated)
I think I did not introduced my self in my last post, so here is a quick intro.

I'm in El Paso Texas, and I just acquired my first LC 100. I'm no stranger to the Toyota brand, I had a 2006 4runner Sport edition, and it was probably one of the best cars I have ever owned.

As I posted in my post last week I just purchased a 2006 Mexican Spec Armored Toyota Land Cruiser.
My LC has about 60,000 Km which is roughly under 38,000 miles which makes it a great find due to the extremely low mileage. Adding to that positive fact the car was bought brand new by one of my business partners in Mexico City and he kept the LC in tip top condition. So I'm now the second owner.

This was sort of a crazy bet for me as I have never driven a 100 Series LC and when my friend offered to sell me his I had no time to fly out to Mexico city to test drive it but I think I will not regret it. I was considering buying my wife a Lexus LX 570 a couple of months ago but my wife decided it was to big for her. So that is the closest I have come to drive a Land Cruiser.

As I mentioned on my earlier post my LC a part from the models sold in the US has no ride height control or navigation system.
Other than that I think the MEX LC is the same as the US model.

I have yet to inspect what small details need to be addressed on the car but have already started with my project list.
I intend to make it as versatile as possible but I need to concentrate in keeping it as comfortable as possible as I will mainly drive it on highway.

The only aftermaket upgrade I know the LC already has (apart of armor) is OME springs and nitrocharger shocks.

At this time, this is what is being done to it in Mexico city
- Full interior detail. Carpet steam cleaning and leather conditioning. DONE
- Front window motors are being serviced as they need this every once in a while due to the heavy weight of the armored glass. DONE
- 3m light tint film. DONE
- Full service on defense system (Tear Gas, etc.) DONE
- Installation of Inmarsat Tracking and comm systems. DONE
- Installation of PA and intercom system. DONE
- Installation of an OEM Toyota tow hitch.
- Emergency light installation. DONE

Project list of stuff I want to do to it once it gets to Texas.

- Interior: I don't like the wood trim that came standard on the LC. Any suggestions on how to remove this? I was thinking about a quick solution... cover everything with 3m di-noc
Steering is also leather and wood, I also think a aftermaket leather wheel cover will do well.

- Skid plate upgrades. Roads in Mexico are some times very poorly maintained and skid plates prove to be very effective in protecting vital parts of vehicle.

- Anti sway bars, for better stability on highway, can any one advise where to source good ones for the LC? Has any one usde the TJM equiped sway bars?

- Brake upgrade. On highway conditions brakes on an armored car tend to fade faster, has any one used Stop-tech calipers and disks? If I cant find good aftermarket brake kit upgrade, I will just upgrade rotors with powerslots and stoptech brake pads.

- Stereo head unit upgrade, Mex spec LC did not have bluetooth phone capabilities. Looking to upgrade with double din Alpine touch screen head unit with integrated bluetooth and Ipod connectivity.

- Weather tech digital fit floor liners. My LC has third row seats, can any one advise if it's worth it ordering the Weather Tech cargo liner? Are there any other good options. I usually load just luggage and my tool box when traveling. DONE

- I was wondering if there is any option for a security cargo cover?
Although my LC is armored the glass is not like in the movies that everything bounces off, real armored glass is designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of a gun shot. If a potential crook wants to smash a window he wont be able to get inside but he will leave me needing to replace a side window worth 700 to 1000 bucks in a good day. Any ideas? A simple solution I'm thinking of is a black cloth the size of the cargo area and secure it with Velcro maybe.

- Concealed gun mount, I have seen some ideas on another thread, I need to figure out if it will not take to much center console space.

- Lexus LX 470 rear spoiler. I know this is not a very popular option but I happen to like it. Where can I source one? I have seen some aftermarket ones on eBay and online, has any one used any of this options or is there a part number to order a OEM one?

- Cold air intake kit. I see that K&N makes one, has any one used it?

- Borla Exhaust.... depending on how I feel the power once I drive the LC more.

- I love the idea of installing a ARB bullbar with a winch, but not sure if this is going to attract to much unwanted attention while traveling in northern Mexico.

Some more other stuff will come to mind once I get the tuck here.
But I would really appreciate all of the feedback.

Regards
JR

 

[jrcnring]

This are some photos of what has been done already to my LC.

Armor in all cabin.
PA system
Emergency Lights
Tear Gas defense Mechanism

 

[jrcnring]

Armored Glass
And Emergency lights mounted on bottom grill
Armored Battery case and Armored ECU box

 

[jrcnring]

Items that need attention

Brakes
Dome fuse
Broken key remote
And new tires

 

[gtfour43]

Why aren't there any other posts here?
This is a crazy(different) build that we don't see everyday on mud. Looks like you made some progress already. I hope you never have to use those defense systems.
As far as bumpers. I recall seeing a steel one on here that looked almost factory. Need to protect that radiator in the event you have to ram something in your way. The stock bumpers don't provide much protection.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

This are some photos of what has been done already to my LC.


Tear Gas defense Mechanism

More info
I need this system MUCH better then the finger

 

[04UZJ100]

This is an awesome build. What is the armor rated to?

 

[CreeperSleeper]

This is pretty cool! GL with the build.

 

[mcgaskins]

Very cool LC indeed! I've always been fascinated with armored vehicles. I wonder what this one weighs in at with all the added gear?

 

[jrcnring]

Why aren't there any other posts here?
This is a crazy(different) build that we don't see everyday on mud. Looks like you made some progress already.......tock bumpers don't provide much protection.

From what the armoring company that serviced it told me they reinforced the inner bumper, it has a steel bumper underneath the plastic one. How ever I really like the look of the ARB or Ironman, too bad they are too flashy, I would put them either way on a heartbeat, but the wife is concern enough that I need to use an armored car. I want to keep her sane.

More info
I need this system MUCH better then the finger

This a very cool feature. It has a safety key and there is a pressured packed tank hidden on one of the panels. If an attacker gets close enough you trigger it and a cloud of smoke goes out making the guy attacking you choke and not being able to see.
It is very aggressive. The armoring company told me they had an accident where a tank fell to the floor very hard at their assembly plant and they had to evacuate 4 blocks round their factory.

This is an awesome build. What is the armor rated to?

Armor level according to Euro spec is B6 or US Spec that is a level 4. Weapon terms assault rifle down wards, including hand grenades. Mainly designed to repel AK47 or AR15 ammo.

This is pretty cool! GL with the build.

Thanks man, I will post more photos as I progress with the upgrades.

Very cool LC indeed! I've always been fascinated with armored vehicles. I wonder what this one weighs in at with all the added gear?

That is a good question, I don't have the total weight specs. But it is heavy I need to replace brake pads and disks, they are replaced at a rate of every 6 months if you drive the car daily.
On my previous armored car the doors felt much heavier. On this one the technology is better and there is some important weight reduction.

 

[jrcnring]

Just if you where wondering how thick the glass is.....

that is a Quarter ...25 cents...
Sorry for the blurry photo more to come as the build continues. This is from my old armored Jeep. But same thickness glass on the 100.

 

[Sverige]

Why armored?

Is this a work vehicle? I've used a bunch of armored SUVs (incl B6 LC200s) and they are not very fun to drive. Generally poor handling, horrible gas mileage, and dangerous for fingers. I saw a veteran security guy take off 1.5 fingers in a door pinch (the doors weigh over 200lbs each). Kids or tiny women will not be able to open the doors by themselves, esp if parked on an incline. These require tire and brake changes more often than most cars need oil changes, significant extra expense if you have runflat rings or discs that require special balancing. I see your windows go down, which is a big plus, generally the motors can't handle the weight of the glass which makes drive thrus, tolls, or rapid cooling after parking in the sun difficult. Speaking of sun, the armored glass deteriorates with sun exposure so one also has to seek out shady spots to park. The rear cargo area probably has an interior hatch/compartment which eats up 40% of your cargo space and requires an extra internal door to access. If you want to go offroad, they get stuck more easily because they weigh around 11,000 lbs, even big winches struggle and you have to take care what you use as an anchor point. Despite updated transmission and oil coolers it will get really hot offroad.
It just seems like a pain in the ass unless you work for a security firm or are running drugs.

 

[04UZJ100]

Why are there always haters?

That glass is NUTS! Do they add any protection underneath?

 

[saillaw]

That wasn't hating, it was a well spelled out and articulated series of questions backed up with real work experience and examples. What is a forum for if you can only post "I love it!" responses? I had many of the same thoughts and questions.

 

[r3run33]

I'm also not a hater but he may need it were he is at (meaning location of the world) I was in an armored 100 series in papa new guinea and it does cut down on interior room. But the guy would not live with out it!! the weather there is bad and the roads are often muddy rut filled and proper driving is needed. You just have to have common sense when driving these; its not a race car.
now I have to mess with you on the windows: Why do they go down??? this is a major error; the windows should be sealed shut. if someone does get you to open that window the armor is useless!!!!!!!

 

[Copenhagen1]

I don't subscribe to many threads but I did to this one. Very cool 100 series and very good thoughts and questions.

Kind of fascinating really.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[SR.GRINGO]

Hi jrcnring,

Out of curiosity did you import this Cruiser into the U.S. or is it still living in Mexico? I suspect it would be hard to import with the extra equipment.

I searched for about two years before I found vehicles to match my criteria. I turned down a few armored versions....the problem down there is if you get pulled over they will wonder why on earth you are driving an armored vehicle.......

Also I believe the armored glass degrades over time if it is left in direct sun light. Does the thick windshield give you a headache at all while driving?

I need to make an introduction one of these days...I have recently imported two 06's.

Also I am in the middle of the double din, new speakers, new amp, new wire stereo install...I should be able to do a write up in the near future.

saludos,

Gringo

 

[re_guderian]

Why armored?

Is this a work vehicle? I've used a bunch of armored SUVs (incl B6 LC200s) and they are not very fun to drive. Generally poor handling, horrible gas mileage, and dangerous for fingers. I saw a veteran security guy take off 1.5 fingers in a door pinch (the doors weigh over 200lbs each). Kids or tiny women will not be able to open the doors by themselves, esp if parked on an incline. These require tire and brake changes more often than most cars need oil changes, significant extra expense if you have runflat rings or discs that require special balancing. I see your windows go down, which is a big plus, generally the motors can't handle the weight of the glass which makes drive thrus, tolls, or rapid cooling after parking in the sun difficult. Speaking of sun, the armored glass deteriorates with sun exposure so one also has to seek out shady spots to park. The rear cargo area probably has an interior hatch/compartment which eats up 40% of your cargo space and requires an extra internal door to access. If you want to go offroad, they get stuck more easily because they weigh around 11,000 lbs, even big winches struggle and you have to take care what you use as an anchor point. Despite updated transmission and oil coolers it will get really hot offroad.
It just seems like a pain in the ass unless you work for a security firm or are running drugs.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/200-series-cruisers/611451-200-riddled-bullets.html

 

[jrcnring]

Why armored?

Is this a work vehicle?.......... Despite updated transmission and oil coolers it will get really hot offroad.
It just seems like a pain in the ass unless you work for a security firm or are running drugs.

Yes this is a work vehicle, not a security firm we have one working for us, no drug running. Drug runners have no need for armored cars, their armor is money ..........
Yes I know all the maintenance issues armored cars have and the wear they have this is my 14th armored car. I have owned all kinds of armored vehicles from sedans to pick up trucks.
When you buy a custom made armored car and not a production line one (there are not really any production lines only the one BMW has in Toluca Mexico with 5,7 and X series) like governments and some companies, you can speck out your car the way you want and if you have the money you can afford to use more hi-tech lighter materials. This is what my 100 has, I bought it from some one that did not spared a single dime on getting best quality.
It all boils down to economics.
But good points made on the draw backs of an armored car. Good thing this is not for play.... it´s for work. Although I wish I had one for play too.

Why are there always haters?

That glass is NUTS! Do they add any protection underneath?

In the undercarriage no, only some reinforced parts of the suspension, Armored gas tank.
How ever under the carpet you have a thick bed of Kevlar and other energy absorbing composites.

I'm ....
now I have to mess with you on the windows: Why do they go down??? this is a major error; the windows should be sealed shut. if someone does get you to open that window the armor is useless!!!!!!!

Simple.... checkpoints. I need to pass thru several military checkpoints going south and back home we go thru US Border protection checkpoints. They don't like you opening your doors unless you are asked to do so.

The PA system has a intercom system. If they are not US border protection agents with uniforms or Mexican army with uniforms, the window never goes down and we communicate via the intercom system.

That wasn't hating, it was a well spelled out and articulated series of questions backed up with real work experience and examples. What is a forum for if you can only post "I love it!" responses? I had many of the same thoughts and questions.

Actually very informative as well.

 

[jrcnring]

Hi Gringo,

Actually it is still in Mexico city, I went thru some upgrades by the armoring company and maintenance of the armor.

It will be imported as soon as it arrives to El Paso.
I have never had trouble with that. In fact US customs agents in El Paso are accustomed to that as many business owners and companies do the same due to the high risk the Mexican side of the border represents. Amored cars in Mexico are way less expensive than US cars. And in Mexico city people that drive them usually sell them after they are 5 to 8 years old in order to get a newer one as the local government has a program where if your car is 8 years old it can no longer be driven daily and needs to stay at home one day of the work week. So you get a large assortment of armroed vehicle options. How ever It is not common to see Toyotas for sale as they are solid in reliability.

The degradation is actually a de-lamination (it looks like if the glass has bubbles or air pockets) of the glass from one of the polycarbonate layers. It does not affect the effectiveness of the glass to stop bullets. If you get in your windshield it will give you headaches. Normal armored glass wont unless it's a higher level armor. The highest I have owned is level 5 and it was not that bad.

Looking forward for your double din write up. I plan to install a Double din stereo to add reverse camera and bluetooth.

Hi jrcnring,

Out of curiosity did you import this Cruiser into the U.S. or is it still living in Mexico? I suspect it would be hard to import with the extra equipment.

I searched for about two years before I found vehicles to match my criteria. I turned down a few armored versions....the problem down there is if you get pulled over they will wonder why on earth you are driving an armored vehicle.......

Also I believe the armored glass degrades over time if it is left in direct sun light. Does the thick windshield give you a headache at all while driving?

I need to make an introduction one of these days...I have recently imported two 06's.

Also I am in the middle of the double din, new speakers, new amp, new wire stereo install...I should be able to do a write up in the near future.

saludos,

Gringo