Fabrication of a Roll cage for this Toyota fj80 Landcruiser

Toyota Landcruiser gets a roll cage for the OnX off road build challenge. I take you through the thought process, design, and fabrication of this custom metalworking project.
Link to vote for your favorite team:
www.onxmaps.co...
Link to your Dirthead Discount code!:
webmap.onxmaps...
Tubing bender information:
www.roguefab.com/
Keywords:
Welding
Cut grind weld
Mig welding
Tube bender
Overlanding
Overland
Ultimate adventure
Dirt lifestyle Nate
Land Cruiser
Offroad

[@willpridgen3068]

I've never voted for anything in my 41 years on this earth but I'm voting for yalls rig every day. Keep doing what yall do.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s awesome. I appreciate it

[@smashedfootlefty4726]

choosing to not vote is technically voting... :) So I guess thats twice... :)

[@OutdoorAuto]

Same… they are killing it on this build.

[@TheOnlyBlackInMeWasWillieBrown]

Why bother? None of them are anything special.

[@JacopoSkydweller]

@@TheOnlyBlackInMeWasWillieBrown Lol, big badass over here.

[@ZachC-130]

Man, that orange with a sticker-bombed hood just does it for me.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It does look good!

[@_Greasyzoku_]

Dave, idc much for KZbin intros but yours is literally the best.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! It’s pretty fun. About ready to change it up a bit though

[@andymulholland6821]

You just made a lot of very difficult things look very easy. That's just a testament to the level of craftsmanship here. I love the way this is turning out. Much love to you and Nate.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I enjoy this kind of work. It’s fun figuring it out

[@MrJoshItIs]

I follow a lot of channels, because I don't really watch normal TV anymore, not really even Netflix. But this channel, I wait for the drop. Same with Nate's, Matt's, Paul's, etc.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice to be part of that lineup

[@JimZabad]

I’ve watched you build your skill sets over the years. Always a pleasure to see you do what you do when you do it. Perfect English.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! I like getting into the fab stuff too

[@JimZabad]

@@thedirtheadshed I should add that I’m building a 97 80 series and need to cage it. Your video is exactly what I needed to motivate me to get started.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

D pillar brace of the roll cage looks amazing

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. I like the style too

[@danielcarroll5667]

"little welder kicks butt" It learned from you , no doubt !

[@thedirtheadshed]

That thing was dialed in that day

[@robfox5892]

I'm watching you build this cage and I'm laughing at myself thinking what an absolute mess I would make of this project if I were asked to do it. Dude you are incredibly talented. Awesome skills!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

I was thinking the same thing!!

[@Mr-_-Leo]

This is all kinds of RAD!! Rock on!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@randyparmesan1383]

Sticker bomb the roll cage also!🎊

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s a great place for them

[@mudsta9828]

I voted for you and Nate.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@cacms8500]

When u were welding near that headliner i was so sure u were gonna burn it up😂 impressed with ur welding skills im sure u could spray some water or something on the headliner to stop it from burning it like a lighter and a balloon filled with water ❤

[@thedirtheadshed]

I got some splatter buns but not too bad

[@hwi7114]

I don't understand how y'all aren't topping the votes, definitely the coolest build out of the 3. Don't get me wrong, the others aren't bad, but they aren't a rad FJ80, that's for damn sure.

[@thedirtheadshed]

This one is pretty simple.. they work great right out of the box

[@devil2jz500]

That’s so awesome! I have a 92’ Land Cruiser and I am doing an EXO cage/roof rack. It will start at the frame/chassis, right by where the brake pedal is (but underneath the hood), go straight right up to where the fender meets the hood and the windshield cowl is, following the A pillar, along the roof, all the way to the “D” pillar in the back. It will have a piece connecting the B pillar and the rock slider. Next upgrade will be a Cummins 6BT/NV4500. Believe it or not, I bent .134” DOM with a Harbor Freight “pipe kinker” with a modified DIE, and I can make perfect bends without waves nor kinks. I already built 6 full roll cages with it. Zero kinks!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice. Sounds like a fun project

[@jmflyer55]

I’ve been watching since you guys bought this truck. It was introduced as an 80’s series Toyota Land Cruiser, when in fact its a Lexus. Had it been a true 80’s series LC, it wouldn’t have had all those interior options that you needed to remove. The Lexus added the creature comforts, the true Land Cruiser by Toyota did not. Just an FYI for those who may be wondering.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

Dave, I really enjoy how instructive you are. Colt is also like that from Bleepin Jeep. I want to see how the sausage is made. I don't want the technical parts cut out. I am watching these videos to learn as well as for entertainment. It's hard to watch a video and then apply that to something I'm working on without the details. Thanks, man!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks ! I’m enjoying making them. It’s a balance between keeping it informative and making it fun

[@hoganmaughan3273]

man, you said it perfectly! That's why i don't watch regular TV anymore. They skip EVERYTHING good about building things, anything really! I want to know the mistakes, seen the thought process, learn from someone else's experience doing things. Dave is doing it right!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Came over from Nate Channel This build is awesome love the orange nate did

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on. Welcome

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@thedirtheadshed thanks for the welcome

[@mamatronic963]

Dave, you are an Artis!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ve been called worse

[@Ryan_Tidwell]

Nice work Dave.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@AS-ng5pi]

I am amazed at your ability to build on the fly. I would have analysis paralysis and would never get started because I would want it all planned out perfect before I get going. You inspire me to just get started and trust the process and my mind and solve along the way.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah man. Get after it! It’s only metal

[@AS-ng5pi]

​@thedirtheadshed have you ever tried pool noodles to mock up roll cages?

[@dirtyfingersgarage]

I've done a couple cages and a big problem when your first starting out is knowing when to stop. experience is key and you have it. Great job, good luck on the challenge.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s so true. You can throw the whole metal yard at it

[@jimanderson4495]

I’d come be your helper, but I think a tough commute from Philly. Thanks Dave. Because of you and Fred, I’m going to subscribe to MT+ streaming.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Oh man that’s a haul. Maybe you should help Tony Angelo… he’s closer

[@markhavelka4924]

Love these fabrication videos.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. The next few should be good too

[@AnotherUnsociableOne]

That cage looks great

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@WayawayAdventures]

I'm really digging the sticker hood

[@thedirtheadshed]

It looks cool

[@mikelaos2077]

"I swear this never happens"....lol. I think I know what you were going for there. Nice one.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Hahah

[@Badjak]

Love the rig! Wish it still had my 80. Rolled it in a ditch a couple years ago. It drove out ok and I walked away without injury. But it was smashed too much to save. Which is why I wish you would have done an external roll cage. With all the effort to make a cage, it now only makes sense to me to have it save the vehicle as well as the occupants.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That is a valid point, but an exo cage always seems to take the identity away from the vehicle

[@stephennadworny8401]

Dave, you're a roll cage wizard, among other things. You have a ton of talent and experience, and it shows. Keep making the great content and stay rad.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for the kind words

[@rediron44]

I agree. He could build a cage with his eyes closed

[@talon0863]

Thanks Dave, now I think I can do my truck roll bar

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s cool! Keep me posted on your progress

[@Sloggett1000]

The best build!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@stircrayzy]

Im a dirt-every-day kinda guy, and watch all your vids Dave, but sorry, i'm also an S10 squarebody fanatic so you cant have my vote!😂😂

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s totally fine. Colt is putting in work on that truck!

[@jeepspeednate]

Nice leatherman mutitool! I carry one everyday, they do come in handy often

[@thedirtheadshed]

I use it countless times a day

[@DirtGarage]

Cage looks great dude!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks !

[@RustedWrench]

Awesome skills !

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much

[@jasonwelch6322]

Just wanted to tell you that you killed that cage bruh. Good job. Good luck on challenge

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much

[@framerandy77]

They should let you all go on it after everyone votes. Then just let you all go. Every year they have the same people. It would be good to see some new guys.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It would be nice if everyone could go

[@DeathRockRadioTampaFlorida]

Rock On Dave

[@thedirtheadshed]

Rocking!

[@PaulHuttner-h9f]

Can’t fake the spray paint fiasco lol 😅! The pliers w the pin had me rolling! Nice cage!

[@thedirtheadshed]

It just wouldn’t stop

[@americonoffroadadventures8132]

Good job making " cool thing". Love dirt! Thanks

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for the support! Again

[@jackmehoff2961]

Good job Dave ! A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste .

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanls

[@VelcorHF]

Found you through this project and dirt lifestyle. Loved the video, great quick roll cage build.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you. Hope you stick around for more

[@artyseibert]

Another awesome episode. I appreciate you explaining some of your thought process & how you measure for your bends. Your detailed explanations took some of the wizardry out of it and showed the careful planning & measuring.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on. Glad you liked it. It’s a balance of keeping peoples attention and showing the process

[@J.Young808]

I would have gone with an exo-cage as Nate put so much time into the paint and body work. I’ve seen lots of the Ultimate Adventure videos and an Exo-cage would serve you better.

[@thedirtheadshed]

We talked about an exo, but didn’t want to take away from the look of the Cruiser

[@jimhowell4937]

After mourning the basics Bend-tech is fantastic tool. Worth every penny. Like the channel.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks: I understand the point of bend tech if you’re making parts for a living, but for one off projects like this I will kick it old school

[@SplitRing]

Old school Pirate 4X4 hoop tutorial will DIAL a cage hoop/stringer 😊

[@thedirtheadshed]

The BillaVista tube bending for dummies is where I learned the theory that I still use

[@bkgaragerestorations]

Great work Dave. That Mike Tyson decal 😝😝

[@thedirtheadshed]

I think Nate put that on there

[@marshallanderson4609]

You guys have my vote....you've both put in countless hours to make this the most capable rig in the challenge!!! You are an absolute artist with that bender! Making it look WAY too easy!!!!!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Tube work is some of my favorite

[@whosaidthat5236]

Lol nice to see I’m not the only one with to much crap in the garage so it makes it difficult to get anything lol

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s all of us

[@rescuedandrestoredgarage]

Great work, brother. Was awesome watching you do some fabrication and some welding with that can do attitude. You are killing it, brother.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much. Seems like a while since I did a project like that

[@rescuedandrestoredgarage]

@thedirtheadshed yes it has. It was good seeing that again.

[@StlrNtn95]

I've been voting for this rig and you all everyday. I hope you guys have a plan to get the vote count up to the competition. Good luck and great build!

[@thedirtheadshed]

We will let the cards fall how they fall

[@MrMrsregor]

I vote for these guys, but unfortunately onx just made this a social media popularly contest and not based on skill, quality, performance, or knowledge. :(

[@DirtLifestyle]

Another step in making this a great trail rig 🙌. I can't wait to find some rocks in this thing. Nice work buddy

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks Nate. Gonna start on some rock sliders today

[@BuildSomethingAuto]

Made it look easy, awesome stuff!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@petecrabtree6734]

Dang that's looking great 🦅🇺🇸💪🤠👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s coming together

[@tevitatupouniua2930]

You got my vote 🤙🏾

[@thedirtheadshed]

Much appreciated

[@thunderstruck1078]

Awesome work. Looks great!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks

[@stoneshrink]

fun stuff, my prebents (not mistakes, I don't mistake) become things like handles on my cages.... just like I planned it.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep. Everything gets used eventually

[@muchristian]

Hey I know it isn't your rig but when wheeling anything especially an 80, its nice to replace those grab handles with kayak handles that way your head doesn't have to remember where the bumps came from. Also there needs to be a pink panty sticker on that rig since it is a Lexus. Keep up the awesome work man!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m confused

[@muchristian]

@@thedirtheadshed The Stock handles are hard and don't feel good when your head bumps in to them. So I ordered some kayak handles which are flexible much like the ones people have in Jeeps, Now I have soft grab handles in my 80 and I also use them to hold my fishing rods when I am not using them wheeling. If you google LX450 and pink panties, its a badge of honor for wheeling such a classy ride.

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

I really just enjoy your style of fabrication just laid back and well thought out. Would be cool to hit the trails with you one day

[@thedirtheadshed]

I need to get outta the shop and onto the trail more often

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

@@thedirtheadshed same here my Cherokee build has been keeping me from wheelin I miss the trails

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

I dig the way nat did the hood it sort of reminds me of butter jeeps hood for last year's UA. Nice cage as well clean lines awesome fitment.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks: I tried to keep it clean and simple

[@beadblaster9508]

Great work.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@matt6986]

I own a '96 FJ80 and I'd like to have a cage so this video was super helpful seeing how you went through and figured it out. I vote for you and Nate everyday. I know you have a spot on Ultimate Adventure but I'd like to see that rig make it. 80 series are a lot more capable than most people think

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Glad you got a few ideas from it

[@shanewright6958]

Looking good 👍👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@TheLotroNerd]

awesome welds on some tough angles!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@Claytr0nZ3R0]

Looks awesome!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@chuckpuglia982]

Just found your channel Dave. I've always loved watching you fab. Keep up the good work!

[@rustybottoms8859]

Always get excited when I see your building a cage. You always do such a good job explaining what your doing and the work is always top notch. Thanks Dave!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Working on the sliders now. They are probably More work

[@chriswheeler4255]

I love your truck and mustang

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. It’s a good fleet

[@elev8j10]

Nice fab for sure. If it was mine I'd want the front section in for peace of mind tho.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Me too

[@BlakeBarrett]

That's the exact setup I want in my Suburban; except I don't want to get in the way of the rear seatbelts. Great looking truck, love your work Dave!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Every couple years I feel the need for a suburban

[@jeffbrevelle2095]

I enjoy you content. If fact more than on motortrend. You have more time to explain what you’re doing.

[@thedirtheadshed]

We definitely cut out a lot on Ded

[@saturnfivehynrgrc581]

Always enjoy the fab work tutorials you do Dave. Cage work (to me anyway) is almost a form of art. Building RC trucks is my thing so doing cage's, bumpers & rock sliders is the next thing I'd like to tackle. And you're vids give some good ideas and tips that I can use, just scaled down. And they are motivating at the same time. Like button energized.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on. Get after it. I’d like to do some scale stuff as well

[@trentmoseley]

Great job brother. Loving it!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@nvrenuf_k5933]

TIGHT!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah buddy

[@notoriouslopez1]

I’m so excited to see this rig on ultimate adventure!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Me too

[@Fuelnomenal]

Y’all got my vote(s) for a few different reasons. Number #1, y’all represent the PNW🙌🏾the rest of the reasons just have to do with how cool you guys are🤙🏾 great job on the fab so far with the roll cage 👏🏾 cool air freshener 👌🏾.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! We appreciate it

[@jameshall4385]

Im voting for you guys. Good luck. The build is looking awesome.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. Much appreciated

[@rediron44]

Such a cool project. I kinda not a fan of most imports. But love the old Toyota FJ-80s, and FZJs and Land cruisers. They just have a cool old school look about them. Plus solid front axles. I'm a sucker for that. Lol. You build cages faster than anyone I've ever seen. Its like you've done it before..lol

[@thedirtheadshed]

I was lagging on this one.. out of practice a little

[@yjsaabman]

Nice work, Dave! That looks fantastic! As others have said, your experience really made this look easy. And kudos to you for showing us this is real world when you goofed up the first hoop.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Mistakes are all part of the process

[@RUSTY4.7]

I love all your videos man. The toyota ones recently have been my favorite. Thank you for existing! You rock!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for watching, and supporting the channel

[@UkraineTrain21]

Solid work. I'd consider some triangulation to transmit loads between the members, though. Particularly between the B and C pillar hoops, up against the roof, and in the tubes that go down to the D pillar.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah. This is a good starting point. In a hardcore wheeler I would definitely add more tubes

[@moeandco.]

As always, quality content from Dave. Keep up the good work.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m trying. Thanks

[@GasserNorm]

You do awesome work Dave.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much

[@scottspropertyservices6877]

5:12 I didn’t realise the first time I watched it that you edited out most of the grinder cut. I had to skip back while I was saying to myself “damn what disc has he got on that grinder!?!?!”😅

[@thedirtheadshed]

Good catch. I doubt anyone wants to watch a half hour of sparks

[@wrwarnerhall]

Really love the connection you and Nate have made. Also enjoy you guys are local to me. Currently building my scout and pull inspiration from both your KZbin pages. Wish I had half the fab tools you guys have haha. Scout2 = 6.0l /4l80e / 4speed atlas /dana 60 locked / 14 bolt locked / 38 tslsx beadlocked. Hope to go on uav someday!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Sounds like a serious build!

[@dogpotter]

Great video Dave! really enjoyed the fabrication , thanks for explaining what and how you were building the cage

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! It’s fun to make them

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

17:45 I'm telling Nate your working on the Mustang!! 😆

[@thedirtheadshed]

Shh

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

@@thedirtheadshed 🤣

[@Aldeeezzy]

I’m rooting for y’all 💪🏽

[@thedirtheadshed]

I appreciate that

[@bennelson3724]

Dirthead! Your fab vids are so dang entertaining. Y’all’s build is turning out to be awesome

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you! I’ll keep making them

[@SILVERHORSE347]

I've had that duplicolor etch primer do that a ton, so much so, I will hardly not purchase it anymore.

[@beadblaster9508]

Use steel-it on the cage

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s great stuff.

[@tomandhistruck]

This thing is so cool! You and Nate are doing a great job! I’ve been voting as many times as it will let me vote every day! Obviously the best vehicle.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I appreciate that

[@AllensAutomotiveReparations]

Damn Dave you made that look so easy and the fit.. great work, of all the rigs being built this is my favorite its more user friendly / family friendly then the other two but still very capable which I personally appreciate. Kinda like a sleeper drag car only in an offroad SUV and the work quality you two have done premium very well done.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! It’s not the flashiest rig. But it should work well

[@Will_my65gmc]

Great job on that cage, Dave! 👌

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@TheMerc1950]

Cheers from Iowa. Keep up the good work!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Cheers! Thanks for watching

[@Angrykromag]

Rad cage, I can't wait to watch you tie it into sliders! Also nice Lil dumpster fire - fire no lie waited entire video to see if you would catch something on fire 😅

[@thedirtheadshed]

I didn’t!! Not this time at least

[@Angrykromag]

@The Dirthead Shed well I suppose technically it was probably the paint on the last floor plates 😄

[@Angrykromag]

Also I think it's state law if you name something dumpster fire, there must be a fire...

[@jacksonsmith5238]

Awesome and super helpful!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on

[@CarlosEduardo-mt8dg]

Hello from Venezuela 🇻🇪

[@thedirtheadshed]

Hello! Thanks for watching

[@JMRAUTOMOTIVE]

Much love from Guam/ Olympia WA, 🍻🇬🇺🇺🇸🤙🏾

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!! Cheers

[@Natthan77]

Another banger of an episode

[@thedirtheadshed]

Ahh thanks! I couldn’t tell if it was gonna be great or boring

[@Natthan77]

@@thedirtheadshed I really dig the variety. Mazgrande is the best but the mustang II is rad.

[@TheZuumer]

Everyone who loves Dave building a cage, A little bit of Trivia is that is how he met Fred Williams Was doing a simple cage for him when Fred was an editor at 4 WOR Magazine, You're welcome😊

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep. That was our first project together