THIS FJ HAS PLENTY OF LIFE
LEFT IN IT YET
include plenty of LED lights. The rock lights are from Vision X,
Baja Designs supplied the back-up lights, and fitted to a Hanson
Offroad front bumper are a pair of Hella Xenons and floodlights
from Rigid Industries.
Mounted inside that bumper is a Warn 9.5t winch fitted with
synth’ rope and a Factor 55 Pro Link. The rear bar comes from
4Plus Products and includes the tyre carrier which mounts another
massive BFG, a set of MaxTrax and some Jerry cans.
With prices of the FJ40 and 45 Cruiser going through the roof
in the USA, there would be plenty of purists who might scowl at
Tim and Jennifer’s ‘Restomod’ Troopy because it wasn’t restored
to original condition. That doesn’t bother the McGraths, and the
vehicle has taken them all over the USA and caught the eye of
fans on the way.
“We have gone to Colorado, the San Juan Mountains area two or
three times a year, and to the Overland Expo in Arizona” said Tim.
“These have all been family trips, along with our two kids – ten
and eight years old. It’s a tight fit but one heck of an adventure.”
With that tight fit in mind, Tim is planning to build a storage
system for the rear of the Troopy to better carry cargo. Other
changes include adding some skid plates to protect the underside,
and fabricating an airbox to connect with the snorkel that is fitted.
With classic old looks and capable V8 drivetrain, this FJ has
plenty of life left in it yet.stoppers
Front and rear disc brakes
converted via a Man-A-
Fre conversion kit.rubber
BF Goodrich 37-inch
Krawlers wrap around
Walker Evans beadlocked
wheels.Vehicle history
IT STARTED its life as an FJ45 long-bed pick-
up. Don Haywood with Wolf Creek Rod Works in
Pagosa Springs, Colorado, built the conversion
and transformed the Land Cruiser into a Troopy
based on the concept drawing Tim provided.
Original FJ45 body/bed was sold. Donor 1966
FJ40 was cut behind door pillars, retaining the
forward portion. Extended custom rear sectionwas fabricated by PACOL, including custom
flat floor for passenger compartment. The 1966
cowl was mated to the new rear section. Body
length was adjusted to match the original
FJ45 LWB chassis. Front fenders are new
OEM. Doors, hood and front bib original from
the FJ45. Doors have functional original “bug
catcher” windwings.http://www.4X4australia.com.au 898