Wayne Smith/Crushers/The Original Crushers Review

[crushers]

considering only two gozzard 4 door exist ... the tooling is very expensive and time consuming. the end result of the body was very close to perfection
the second 4 door could be purchased from independent owner, maybe. he is thinking of putting it on a dodge cummins frame.
the complete 2 door bodies are kissing 20K USD now, maybe even more.

 

[StuartCampbell]

Hello Wayne and others.

Wayne, I did ask you about some of the issues and at the end of the day I wasn’t happy with your suggestions or the work you did to fix the problems I did come to you with. So that and some of the corners you cut along the way, why would I go back to you?? For example, your solution to the massive flooding was just to drill holes in the floor (which I said no to - why that would be a good idea in a 4 season vehicle, not sure) instead of what I decided to do, which was find where it was leaking from and seal them. I sent the truck back to you for a pretty bad oil leak, that you thought you fixed, which then when I showed up and pointed out you hadn't fixed it, we went back to your shop for you to attempt again. It started leaking, again. I went to see Manny and his team, they found the actual problem and it hasn’t leaked since. The AC bracket you designed broke. You sent me another one saying it had never happened before. The replacement broke in the EXACT same way. I redesigned it and had 2 made. The first one is still in there. I had to have all the suspension bushings replaced because of incorrect installation. So there are just a few reasons why I didn’t return.

On what you think I owe you, my response is the same now that it was then - We decided on a contract. I paid you upfront for that work. You didn’t complete that work. I had to pay for parts and repairs to complete the work you didn’t, which was much more than the additional money you wanted for a few new parts you purchased. After explaining that, you decided to give me an ultimatum - pay the fee or you would bill me some additional “30K”, a hourly rate instead of the flat…. I don’t owe you anything.

@peesalot
I did mention that I had issues with money and the deposits in my review. Because the cost of the truck exceeded what I was told. By a gigantic amount. So yes, I had a problem keeping up with the deposits. I would not have had a problem if Wayne was close to the original contract. Or did what I had asked and completed the things that needed to be done to get the truck on the road and didn’t spend time on the things that weren’t as important. But he needed to work on the things that brought him “enjoyment”. On my dime.

@roma042987
You are absolutely right on a few things. I had neeeeeeever done anything like building a truck before. Never dreamed of it. Or heard of it to be honest. My father was a mechanic. I am not but I did my fair share of my own work on cars that I had owned. I do not struggle to change a flat, replace the belts, replacing door regulators, installing wiper motors or …..designing ac compressor brackets. But no, I absolutely had never even thought to fully customize a truck. After looking YOU up, no, I do not have the level of knowledge you do. The way I landed on a Land Cruiser was from a process of elimination of what I was looking for in a vehicle that worked for me and my business. I found Wayne on here. The case that was presented to me seemed like a no-brainer. A "30 - year truck", simple electronics, a body that will never rust, for only about 15K more than the work I wanted done on an existing FJ60 (guesstimate INCLUDING labour). I didn’t know Wayne, but he seemed really great. I had no reason to not trust him.

And you’re right absolutely right about expectations. I did say to Wayne near the end of this project that if he had told me this truck was going to take 4 years, and cost that much money, I would have never entertained it. Not a chance. The expectations given to me were incorrect. In terms of timelines and the time is takes for quality - I am in the business of delivering high-quality work on timelines everyday. When I give a timeline, I’m held to it - with much higher stakes because it also affects other people. I make sure that I give timelines that are attainable - and I make sure I delivery on my timelines and promises. The odd time there’s a ripple that I can’t meet it, I’m very clear why, how I’m going to rectify it, and deliver another timeline that I don’t miss.

But at the end of the day, this project has taught me a TON about vehicles as I’m still working to correct some of the faults of this build. I know infinitely more than I did in 2017 and I’m glad that I do. And I guess the question about the tape job on the wipers was a dig. As a temporary fix so I could continue driving, it worked perfectly. I’ve replaced it since with another unit, and improved the design. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones.

Again, at the end of the day, this was my experience. Take from it what you will.

 

[peesalot]

Its all good, at the end of the day you got an amazing vehicle that will provide lots of fun & memories. The cost may have been a shocker but it is only money and used properly the fj40 , IMO, will provide countless , priceless moments, enjoy.

pjohnson, Tech = pics of Gozzard body which I have to admit has been rare ove rthe last 20+ years I can not remember seeing one or at least didnt know I was seeing one.

 

[crushers]

Hello Wayne and others.

Wayne, I did ask you about some of the issues and at the end of the day I wasn’t happy with your suggestions or the work you did to fix the problems I did come to you with. So that and some of the corners you cut along the way, why would I go back to you?? For example, your solution to the massive flooding was just to drill holes in the floor (which I said no to - why that would be a good idea in a 4 season vehicle, not sure) instead of what I decided to do, which was find where it was leaking from and seal them. I sent the truck back to you for a pretty bad oil leak, that you thought you fixed, which then when I showed up and pointed out you hadn't fixed it, we went back to your shop for you to attempt again. It started leaking, again. I went to see Manny and his team, they found the actual problem and it hasn’t leaked since. The AC bracket you designed broke. You sent me another one saying it had never happened before. The replacement broke in the EXACT same way. I redesigned it and had 2 made. The first one is still in there. I had to have all the suspension bushings replaced because of incorrect installation. So there are just a few reasons why I didn’t return.

On what you think I owe you, my response is the same now that it was then - We decided on a contract. I paid you upfront for that work. You didn’t complete that work. I had to pay for parts and repairs to complete the work you didn’t, which was much more than the additional money you wanted for a few new parts you purchased. After explaining that, you decided to give me an ultimatum - pay the fee or you would bill me some additional “30K”, a hourly rate instead of the flat…. I don’t owe you anything.

@peesalot
I did mention that I had issues with money and the deposits in my review. Because the cost of the truck exceeded what I was told. By a gigantic amount. So yes, I had a problem keeping up with the deposits. I would not have had a problem if Wayne was close to the original contract. Or did what I had asked and completed the things that needed to be done to get the truck on the road and didn’t spend time on the things that weren’t as important. But he needed to work on the things that brought him “enjoyment”. On my dime.

@roma042987
You are absolutely right on a few things. I had neeeeeeever done anything like building a truck before. Never dreamed of it. Or heard of it to be honest. My father was a mechanic. I am not but I did my fair share of my own work on cars that I had owned. I do not struggle to change a flat, replace the belts, replacing door regulators, installing wiper motors or …..designing ac compressor brackets. But no, I absolutely had never even thought to fully customize a truck. After looking YOU up, no, I do not have the level of knowledge you do. The way I landed on a Land Cruiser was from a process of elimination of what I was looking for in a vehicle that worked for me and my business. I found Wayne on here. The case that was presented to me seemed like a no-brainer. A "30 - year truck", simple electronics, a body that will never rust, for only about 15K more than the work I wanted done on an existing FJ60 (guesstimate INCLUDING labour). I didn’t know Wayne, but he seemed really great. I had no reason to not trust him.

And you’re right absolutely right about expectations. I did say to Wayne near the end of this project that if he had told me this truck was going to take 4 years, and cost that much money, I would have never entertained it. Not a chance. The expectations given to me were incorrect. In terms of timelines and the time is takes for quality - I am in the business of delivering high-quality work on timelines everyday. When I give a timeline, I’m held to it - with much higher stakes because it also affects other people. I make sure that I give timelines that are attainable - and I make sure I delivery on my timelines and promises. The odd time there’s a ripple that I can’t meet it, I’m very clear why, how I’m going to rectify it, and deliver another timeline that I don’t miss.

But at the end of the day, this project has taught me a TON about vehicles as I’m still working to correct some of the faults of this build. I know infinitely more than I did in 2017 and I’m glad that I do. And I guess the question about the tape job on the wipers was a dig. As a temporary fix so I could continue driving, it worked perfectly. I’ve replaced it since with another unit, and improved the design. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones.

Again, at the end of the day, this was my experience. Take from it what you will.

your recollection is poor. the $15K over import price was for a HZ, H55 into a donor body from New Mexico. which you cancelled after locating the body.
the money still owing was agreed upon at our last meal together, once again you decided not to honor.
at the same meal, you said "I want my truck completed and inspected, I accept it as it is once registered". this post is a violation of that agreement.
even with that agreement, I offered to repair any issues. you refused due to the money owing and the dishonor you display.
(last I heard you don't own that build any longer.)
this I the last time I will respond to your defamatory rantings.

 

[61Mk+]

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.

Mr. Stuart Campbell,

It’s incredible to me that crushers is still doing what he is doing. I suggest you have a look at the first three or four pages of my thread, called, ‘A Troopie Finds Its Owner’.
I’m sorry for your less-than-good experience.