NOTE: This was just MY experience, take it with a grain of salt and glean from this what you will.
The purpose of this post is to share my time and experience working with Wayne Smith/Crushers/The Original Crushers. I think it’s important to share—especially with contractors that are “specialized” — so people can make informed, thought-out decisions when going into business with someone or a company and know what they’re potentially getting in to.
I met Wayne, who I found in this forum, in 2017 for his help working on an FJ60 that I had not yet purchased. After meeting him and describing what I was looking for, he recommended a FJ40 with fibreglass body - what he called a “30 year truck” that he had built a version of in the past. It sounded like a great idea and actual a better fit for what I was using it then truck for. It was not the body style that I wanted but I was willing to ditch that for the positives that Wayne had presented.
Originally, Wayne said the project was going to take a year. Then longer - which I was fine with because I had time and another car, a VW under the diesel gate, that I could hang onto for a couple years (2.5 years at the time). I was fine with it, as long as it was done by the time I had to give up my car so I wasn’t carless because I need a vehicle for work.
The truck wasn’t “completed” until about 4 1/2 years later and the cost FAR exceeded the original ballpark. I knew it would be more, being the nature of a “ballpark” costs, but was not expecting that much of a discrepancy. And it was a huge discrepancy. There were some issues with money on my end for sure that delayed the process. Absolutely. I won’t deny that. But I was not expecting that exorbitant of a price tag. And at the end, the largest discrepancy was the quality-to-cost ratio.
The process working with Wayne was great early on. He seemed very pleasant and collaborative. I was pleased with his work - even brought him the beer he liked as a thank you on a few occasions. But then very challenging. Again, from my perspective, Wayne works at his own pace and works on the elements that matter to him most. I had always reiterated, especially once it was taking longer than expected, “let’s get it on the road and drivable, and then we can sort out the finer, less important details later.” I need a vehicle for work which is why I was hoping to not go carless for any period. But Wayne worked on what he wanted to work on in the order he wanted which was frustrating when you’re paying for the work hourly. There’s probably a really great experience working with Wayne - I would say it involves an open-ended timeline, an infinite price tag, and even more patience than I have.
It’s been a year and a few months of driving the truck, I could not be more frustrated and disappointed with the quality of the work Wayne has done. There ARE some really good things done but unfortunately the sub-par work far outweighs it. I’m not going to go through everything specifically but there’s a lot. But finally, a year later, it’s getting where it should have been and I’m much happier with it and its performance.
Some of the good things: Steers like a dream. Very tight and not a lot of play which is rare for an older vehicle/tech. The overall length of the truck is perfect. Longer than an FJ43 but shorter than a Troopy. All the storage ideas worked aside from some leaking, and there is plenty of space for all my gear. The design of the rear seats in terms of how they operate work well. FJ60-ish but split. So, there are some things done well and executed.
And some of the bad that I’ve been rectifying: The engine is in a great place now - powered properly and not leaking or any parts breaking because of poor design or installation. The body is finally sealed and not leaking during the rain/snow. The electrical is a DISASTER and will be something to be constantly monitored and worked on. Lots of things installed without any thought to longevity or weather. The finishing was pretty bad and careless. Loose/missing bolts everywhere, he installed some broken/cracked parts, some of his design ideas just don't work - almost to the point where I would question if he had built a rig before - never mind a "30 year truck". Found many things painted/covered to hide poor work. I could go on...
I still have a list of things to be done and re-done in the future when I have the time and money but everything is working well enough now, thanks to some amazing help (see below).
Again, this has just been my experience. I’m sure there has been some positive experiences dealing with Wayne and I know there has been some other similar negative ones. This has just been mine. I felt an obligation to say something because this community thrives on its connections and recommendations. And, ultimately, people like me are spending their hard-earned money to build their dream truck only to be left with a ghastly price tag and work that embitters the joy their build should bring them.
I’m sure Wayne will step-up and defend himself and his process and also bash me as a person, and that’s totally fine. I probably won’t respond even though I have more than enough proof to backup my points. One thing I've learned is always document everything.
The silver lining in all of this, in going through the steps to get my truck to where it is now is: I’ve met some amazing mechanics, trade folks, and people. So, if you’re looking for any work done on your rig in Ontario, you should consider any of the following:
Cyrious Garage
Home - https://www.cyriousgarageworks.com
Great dudes. They really do amazing work and can do everything from mechanical work, to body work, to electrical... A great one stop shop!
Gozzard Composites
Gozzard Composites – High-quality Fiberglass Replacement Parts for Land Cruisers - https://gozzardcomposites.com
This is where the original body came from. Mike has been great when I've reached out to him about some of the issues I was having. Was very quick to help and happy to.
Manny @ Lisgar Motors
193 Geary Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 2C1
(416) 535-5626
A secret gem in the city. From Portugal and knows old Diesel engines better than anyone I've met in the city.
Custom Prototypes
Custom Prototypes | 3D Printing & Rapid Prototyping Services Toronto - https://www.customprototypes.ca
Great place for one-off custom parts. A bit pricey but the work is fantastic. Very precise. I used them to redesign an AC compressor bracket.
Grizzly Custom Truck Repair
Truck Repairs & Metal Fabricaiton Hamilton | Home | Grizzly Custom Truck Repair & Metal Fabrication - https://www.grizzlycustom.ca
I met these guys when I needed some side steps. Great ideas and execution.
The purpose of this post is to share my time and experience working with Wayne Smith/Crushers/The Original Crushers. I think it’s important to share—especially with contractors that are “specialized” — so people can make informed, thought-out decisions when going into business with someone or a company and know what they’re potentially getting in to.
I met Wayne, who I found in this forum, in 2017 for his help working on an FJ60 that I had not yet purchased. After meeting him and describing what I was looking for, he recommended a FJ40 with fibreglass body - what he called a “30 year truck” that he had built a version of in the past. It sounded like a great idea and actual a better fit for what I was using it then truck for. It was not the body style that I wanted but I was willing to ditch that for the positives that Wayne had presented.
Originally, Wayne said the project was going to take a year. Then longer - which I was fine with because I had time and another car, a VW under the diesel gate, that I could hang onto for a couple years (2.5 years at the time). I was fine with it, as long as it was done by the time I had to give up my car so I wasn’t carless because I need a vehicle for work.
The truck wasn’t “completed” until about 4 1/2 years later and the cost FAR exceeded the original ballpark. I knew it would be more, being the nature of a “ballpark” costs, but was not expecting that much of a discrepancy. And it was a huge discrepancy. There were some issues with money on my end for sure that delayed the process. Absolutely. I won’t deny that. But I was not expecting that exorbitant of a price tag. And at the end, the largest discrepancy was the quality-to-cost ratio.
The process working with Wayne was great early on. He seemed very pleasant and collaborative. I was pleased with his work - even brought him the beer he liked as a thank you on a few occasions. But then very challenging. Again, from my perspective, Wayne works at his own pace and works on the elements that matter to him most. I had always reiterated, especially once it was taking longer than expected, “let’s get it on the road and drivable, and then we can sort out the finer, less important details later.” I need a vehicle for work which is why I was hoping to not go carless for any period. But Wayne worked on what he wanted to work on in the order he wanted which was frustrating when you’re paying for the work hourly. There’s probably a really great experience working with Wayne - I would say it involves an open-ended timeline, an infinite price tag, and even more patience than I have.
It’s been a year and a few months of driving the truck, I could not be more frustrated and disappointed with the quality of the work Wayne has done. There ARE some really good things done but unfortunately the sub-par work far outweighs it. I’m not going to go through everything specifically but there’s a lot. But finally, a year later, it’s getting where it should have been and I’m much happier with it and its performance.
Some of the good things: Steers like a dream. Very tight and not a lot of play which is rare for an older vehicle/tech. The overall length of the truck is perfect. Longer than an FJ43 but shorter than a Troopy. All the storage ideas worked aside from some leaking, and there is plenty of space for all my gear. The design of the rear seats in terms of how they operate work well. FJ60-ish but split. So, there are some things done well and executed.
And some of the bad that I’ve been rectifying: The engine is in a great place now - powered properly and not leaking or any parts breaking because of poor design or installation. The body is finally sealed and not leaking during the rain/snow. The electrical is a DISASTER and will be something to be constantly monitored and worked on. Lots of things installed without any thought to longevity or weather. The finishing was pretty bad and careless. Loose/missing bolts everywhere, he installed some broken/cracked parts, some of his design ideas just don't work - almost to the point where I would question if he had built a rig before - never mind a "30 year truck". Found many things painted/covered to hide poor work. I could go on...
I still have a list of things to be done and re-done in the future when I have the time and money but everything is working well enough now, thanks to some amazing help (see below).
Again, this has just been my experience. I’m sure there has been some positive experiences dealing with Wayne and I know there has been some other similar negative ones. This has just been mine. I felt an obligation to say something because this community thrives on its connections and recommendations. And, ultimately, people like me are spending their hard-earned money to build their dream truck only to be left with a ghastly price tag and work that embitters the joy their build should bring them.
I’m sure Wayne will step-up and defend himself and his process and also bash me as a person, and that’s totally fine. I probably won’t respond even though I have more than enough proof to backup my points. One thing I've learned is always document everything.
The silver lining in all of this, in going through the steps to get my truck to where it is now is: I’ve met some amazing mechanics, trade folks, and people. So, if you’re looking for any work done on your rig in Ontario, you should consider any of the following:
Cyrious Garage
Home - https://www.cyriousgarageworks.com
Great dudes. They really do amazing work and can do everything from mechanical work, to body work, to electrical... A great one stop shop!
Gozzard Composites
Gozzard Composites – High-quality Fiberglass Replacement Parts for Land Cruisers - https://gozzardcomposites.com
This is where the original body came from. Mike has been great when I've reached out to him about some of the issues I was having. Was very quick to help and happy to.
Manny @ Lisgar Motors
193 Geary Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 2C1
(416) 535-5626
A secret gem in the city. From Portugal and knows old Diesel engines better than anyone I've met in the city.
Custom Prototypes
Custom Prototypes | 3D Printing & Rapid Prototyping Services Toronto - https://www.customprototypes.ca
Great place for one-off custom parts. A bit pricey but the work is fantastic. Very precise. I used them to redesign an AC compressor bracket.
Grizzly Custom Truck Repair
Truck Repairs & Metal Fabricaiton Hamilton | Home | Grizzly Custom Truck Repair & Metal Fabrication - https://www.grizzlycustom.ca
I met these guys when I needed some side steps. Great ideas and execution.
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