Restoring an old Land Cruiser Troop Carrier for Overland Travel... Meet "The Beast"!

We've owned this 1980 Land Cruiser HJ45 since 2013 and have been slowly building it out and prepping it for overland travel. This is the second installment of its storyline, so if you missed the first video see it below for even more details. Stay tuned for more Vintage Overland action and buildout.
"Before" Walk-Around Video: • 350 Horsepower Land Cr...
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Huge thanks to my brothers Kyle & Collin, and my dad as well for those paint job update videos!
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[@LifestyleOverland]

"Before" Walk-Around Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJXGZWacl91seNk (In case you haven't seen it!)

[@bernardbarbour]

I've had mine for over a year and I'm projecting another 2 years to get it done, lol. Great build Brother. Love it. Keep up the great work.

[@LifestyleOverland]

I'm ready to finish this thing. Been itching to get it out again!

[@Justin.87]

Love the yellow NSW plates. 👌 BJ70 (SWB) Owner from Australia 🇦🇺

[@garrygraham7901]

Now that is a cool rig! Complete with the Aussie number plate. Love it. Let me know if you need to send it home for a vacation. Bewdiful!

[@IndependenceOverland]

My dad driving me around in his Fj40 to catch frogs around Texas and down South Padre Island is the reason I bought a Fj Cruiser. One day id like to build a Troop carrier, but I’ll wait until the coil spring version can be imported. Not long left.

[@L3GITFIXIE]

wow, totally speechless. This truck is amazing. Something that everyone wishes they will own at some point. Awesome vid and build!

[@camsmith7827]

I grew up in these 4wd and coming from Australia it's a pleasure to see a great old rig back up and running better than ever. congrats all ❤️

[@woodrowcall3269]

Absolutely gorgeous truck. Thanks for keeping it alive , they truly don’t make them like that anymore. Much respect for preserving the past.

[@Jesse-2531]

?! thay do you can still bay a trupe 80 series ore the pikup 79! thy are not as old as this one but still build fore ever!

[@luamante3387]

Beautiful vintage rig

[@olympusoverland]

Thing is pretty rad! Sounds like a vacuum cleaner!

[@steveblankenship5474]

What an awesome Landcruiser. I used to own a FJ40 so I know what that thing sounds like inside going down a road.

[@erikmitlo]

Probably one of the coolest videos ever. Met you at overland west and spoke to you at length about it. What an honor and privilege to see this. So cool to hang for the few minutes we had. Thanks and great work. So bad ass!!!!!

[@minidupradeeptha4673]

his smile tells a lot. Great vehicle. :)

[@dannyconelly1454]

Mate, love that. As an Aussie, youve definitely put a very American spin on the old girl. but the end result is amazing. Cant wait to see the videos from this thing.

[@eddyfpv652]

It was great to you and the build at Overland expo East

[@drewengles4477]

what an incredible vehicle and restoration so far. If someone offered me a Lambo, Ferrari, Rover or this work in progress it would be no question. You're viewership is going to grow immensely with this build. I'm a proud Jeep JL guy but this vehicle just hits home and the heart. Thanks for sharing and please keep doing so.

[@user-xk7bo4zj6b]

What an awesome 40 series.... can't wait to see what you have in store for it! Happy travels!

[@rael6_4wd]

My FAVORITE video to date. My father had one years ago, and it brings back awesome memories. If I were a better mechanic, (or independently wealthy) I’d have one parked in my garage right now. ❤️

[@quadradventures1673]

Love this! My dad bought a ‘74 FJ40 when I was about 5 and I grew up in it. We’re restoring it together now. This brings back a ton of great childhood memories. Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesmerritt4032]

What a great build, I'm sure the old land cruiser will give you more smiles along the way both inside and out

[@MrJoshItIs]

I have always had this fascination with the 40 series LC, 45s in particular. I was just thinking that if I made an overlander, I'd want to do the 45 troopy. Then I almost immediately after stumbled upon this video. So freaking cool! And this coming from a guy whose main rig is a Jeep Wrangler

[@nickriebe]

Great meeting you both at Expo West, and seeing the Land Cruiser! Awesome rig, and looking forward to seeing what comes next..

[@lwclark]

That sunset drone shot was as epic and beautiful as I’ve ever seen.

[@TheSenorChavez]

Welcome to Land Cruiser life. It's just different than the jeeps, Rams, Taco's n 4 Runners.

[@scottbrown348]

Incredible rig! Canvas Replacements is a company in Loyal , Wisconsin. They are an awesome company with a pretty cool history in canvas replacement.

[@freekluiten]

Colour is neat too

[@jamesconnell3247]

For a new canopy top go to a marine boat cover maker. Boat covers and enclosed areas are similar to tents made out of canvas.

[@9thGenerationCajun]

I want one! It's freaking awesome I love the pop-up roof .

[@alpinetactics]

That is such a classy rig! You guys are doing a great job bringing her back to life. Definitely looking forward to seeing more!

[@Master-Blaster-4x4]

start a new channel called “vintage overland” and have it be trips with just this troopy….please!

[@wildhorses4x4]

You are on to something

[@Jesse-2531]

well the trupy defiantly is nor a lifestyle care, its a workhorse.

[@Family-trip]

I'm a big fan of you. Good luck to you

[@nh-play6018]

The true joy and happiness on your face at the end is the feelings to live for in life. Those moments in time of our life that mean so much to us but nothing to someone else is what life and living is about. True joy in moments of happiness that make us feel so good. This channel is about to get wicked crazy good..

[@soulsurfer8797]

Kevin, You never stop amazing us all. Your wide variance of technical/mechanical skills seem limitless. Mr. Toyoda and every Aussie I know would be stowed about this project🙌🏾!

[@Jbirdsprings]

What a gorgeous vehicle.

[@paulsthormes251]

Nice truck 👍

[@farnorthpicker56]

Beautiful job! And you’re right, there’s no price to sell that beauty! Always love to see what a wonderful life you’re giving your daughter! We’ve watched since she was tiny. She’s a lucky girl with awesome parents!👍😊

[@OffroadTouringLife]

There is no wiping the smile off your face! Cheers Richard

[@alvaroescamilla9065]

It's crazy I have been watching you guys for 4 years now and it's crazy to see how good the have just progressed through the years

[@muhnovyanmotorad7291]

After i see this vehicle build to be overland camp.. i just cant wait to see more

[@georgegolamco2102]

Nice restoration ur good at it man. I always enjoyed watching ur videos

[@dennydobson2754]

That is awesome! I remember the first ride I did in my VW Bug after I restored it! The smell of fuel, exhaust and feel of the road is like nothing we are used to anymore, but it is pretty cool to experience it time and time again!

[@LifestyleOverland]

Right?! Did the same in my '73 Super Beetle after 2 years of restoration. Took 1st in class as an 18 year old kid at the Circle Yer Wagens show in Sevierville, TN 🙌

[@dennydobson2754]

@@LifestyleOverland that's awesome!

[@atadventures2336]

❤️❤️❤️ your smile on the out tro says it all…. Iv been off grid for a while so catching up and so pleased iv seen this video. Iv been 8 years now full time in my 1977 landrover 101 forward control named “SpiritBear” vintage overland RULES. Keep up the epic work 🤙👍🤙❤️🐻

[@ADPX24]

Get that in tread magazine while the fall colors are out. Great rig

[@capt.stubing5604]

That thing is the epitome of classic off-roaders. I had two FJ 40s and I am waxing nostalgic all over myself.

[@gimpsgonewild]

TROOPY! for the win, so good

[@matejhosner1980]

What an original name! The Beast! OMG!!

[@BackcountryExposure]

The Beast is a BEAST!

[@naveeduddin144]

Wonderful work Sir !!! I have a 43 year old Wagoneer in running condition and you have motivated me to renovate it too.

[@wanderingambience799]

Great truck! So glad you did this. I’ve always wondered about restoring an old truck then actually using it on trips. Very exciting!

[@kennethtew2740]

That truck is sick! Can't wait to see more videos with this truck!

[@ilovedrpepper1195]

I really like my Vantop mirror, but I didn't have the SD card configured right and all my video footage was black screen and only audio. I'm learning as I go. The Beast looks fantastic!!

[@stephenplourde5713]

It’s really hard not to smile watching this. I hope you’re bringing this to OEE in VA!

[@vibwadeharrington9104]

Wow! Beautiful country the colour of the trees are amazing! My uncle had a 40….think it explains my back issues today

[@LifestyleOverland]

😂😂

[@davidw5629]

Outstanding!

[@cayman9873]

Love love that old truck

[@explore_off_road]

I love it when folks give the older, cool vehicles a new life .. bring them back.

[@rebekahosgoodadventures7435]

Look amazing!! Can't wait to see more! Topper places...Colorado Camper Van? Whatever you do, I am sure it will be beautiful!

[@jtj1971]

Kevin, this is an EPIC build and man that color is SPOT ON for that rig! Great job and I’m jealous!

[@JohnBtons]

Awesome video! Love the genuine excitement and pride! have a 74 fj40 myself that needs more tlc and vids like this give me the push i need to pretend to know what im doing and fix it! Cheers!

[@cayman9873]

Love this truck more than anything else you have. Its just so rugged and perfect

[@alfonsolanderos5318]

Kevin, It was pretty awesome to see the beast in person and shake your hand! As a classic Toyota owner my favorite is my 97' 80 series and the feelings you describe driving yours I have experienced...hope to ride along one of those trails someday!...looking forward to your upgrade updates!

[@slater1949]

Dude, I can’t begin to explain how much I enjoyed this video! How you built the Toyota right along side your daughter growing up and how it will be hers in the future..loved it man!

[@edshoe73]

that thing is awesome!! Nice build on this. Cant wait to see more on this truck.

[@vladd5291]

One of your best videos yet! Super excited for more!

[@truck93]

Beautiful! I love it! I'm jealous as hell. I have a 77 Jeep CJ7 with a 3spd and like you said it can be challenging to take it on some trails where most modern vehicles would be at ease. I agree there is just something about driving a vintage ride that puts a smile on my face, it's a full-body driving experience.

[@WSHhighlights]

You guys are cool and amazing! It was nice knowing you two @ the Overland Expo..K♥️

[@jimsoltner8978]

Wow! Really SWEET! Best of travels folks.

[@BobFear08]

For the top try The Specialists in Tucson AZ. Ask for Shaun Fear. He does some great work and lots of custom stuff. He may be willing to take on the challenge, but it likely won't be cheap. (Full disclosure, he is my brother so I'm biased. lol)

[@deltaking209]

the beast is most definitely a beat!! can't wait to see the finish build

[@adventureoutline]

SUPPER COOL!!! Looking forward to the rest of the build and the adventures this beast will be going on. Great job Kevin 👍

[@mgordo72]

It was great seeing this rig at OverlandExpo East this past weekend. It is truly a beast and looked great with the Turtleback trailer behind it. Just happen to find your channel and this video today. Great job!!

[@mikeanderson6219]

Great job. Our 72 Bronco build is underway right now. Hope to get to wheel and camp with you guys some day.

[@oneshotisallineed]

Super Freakin Awesome!!!! Great Job Man!!!!

[@floridaoverlandexplorer3896]

Awesome rig Kevin. My brother in law had a 77 when I was a teenager. I still have a drawing of it I did for art class. I can't wait to see what you have in store for it!

[@Live2dayWanderland]

Such an iconic beautiful rig!!! So glad to see it on the channel!

[@alanwillets4360]

Nice Troopy ,old mate

[@tmurray12]

Awesome!! Just sitting over here drooling. Nbd.

[@azrwilkinson]

A true object of beauty

[@bobbeach1159]

its the most beautiful thin ive ever seen

[@samwatts4309]

Nice!!! Indialantic Beach, FL. 🍻🐊😎

[@teekosk]

Nice rig!! 👍🏻😎

[@randygerdes]

No words! Wow, that is a dream rig and what a nice job you have done. Can’t wait to see more.

[@erich1880]

Nice truck... For Japanese 😁 Couldn't of asked for better lighting for that shoot! 😍

[@gearlist]

Heck of an unveiling, stoked for all that's to come! 🙌🙌

[@rundmm]

These are still at the top of my wish list.

[@kcspeed9980]

I might make a set of these wheel liners for our 2020 4Runner. Keep the salt/dirt from building up. Maybe even my wrx🤷

[@williamleopold507]

Great job done on your vehicle , looking forward future upgrades !

[@70diezel]

Soooo cool. Awesome job. Love it

[@evega8368]

It’s beautiful!! I love it!!

[@nmelkhunter1]

Love me some FJ’s! I’m very impressed by not only the process of restoring this FJ, but by the outcome as well. My dad had a 1978 BJ-40 (The diesel version of the FJ) when we lived in Panama that was a great 4x4. He always lamented the fact he couldn’t bring it back to NM. If I ever had enough pennies, an FJ would be a top “priority”. Thanks again for sharing!

[@nmelkhunter1]

@@m.youtube.com-r I’m glad I don’t live in your world since I don’t get into splitting hairs when sharing positive experiences with people. Take care.

[@nmelkhunter1]

@@m.youtube.com-r None taken, but I certainly hope you realize that splitting hairs is often bad form for the context of the post I made.

[@davidrolen7446]

What a beautiful Beast !!!

[@arcticbrink8423]

My dream vehicle! I had a Tundra TRD Pro in that color that I wish I still had. That’s the coolest looking rig on the trail!

[@JesseMcDMusic]

Great job on those flares! They look awesome!

[@LifestyleOverland]

Thanks!

[@vikotto]

Classic rigs for overlanding….sounds like a winner.

[@daviddial4066]

The beast looks and sounds great. Great job! I had a 73 fj in while livening in CO and I wish I never would have sold it. Enjoy the beast..!

[@Billrovid]

Me and Skeefy E met you at the overland show in AZ and saw the rig in person….. Beautiful truck bro.

[@alexmorales8489]

I was thinking Ursa Minor might be able to help you with the camper canvas, I believe they make everything in house. It might mean a trip to San Diego though, darn!!!

[@samhill5099]

Hey man, I know this video is old but I really respect and admire how you involve your daughter in working on your truck! I love the content too, keep it dude!

[@michaeldallimore8590]

In Australia we would simply call it the 'Troopy" but I guess the "Beast" is also OK because they are a beast to drive.

[@BackroadExploration]

Love the beast! Can’t wait to see everything you do to it. Something special about a classic rig.