We're starting the build of the replacement Bundu Mobile! Many of you know we lost the 1998 LC 100 to a blizzard accident just before Christmas.
I decided to stick to toyota products, but make a change from the Land Cruiser. Enough equipment was damaged or replaced by insurance that we did not have a need to stick to a LC. So, after much thought, consideration and test drives, i settled on a Lexus GX470.
After a lot of searching, I finally found the right car. I found a 2003 Lexus GX470 with 118k miles in California. After buying it sigh unseen, I was extremely relieved when it was delivered, and proved to be beautiful. The bodywork is superb with no dents or nicks or blemishes. There is only 1 scratch up on the rear corner.
The interior is equally beautiful, in a charcoal grey and wood finish. The only sign of wear is the drivers seat with the usual butt-slide leather wearing. Overall, I could not be happier.
So, the build has started!
First order of business is to plan everything that is going on the vehicle. In contrast to the LC, I am planning a far more mild build. No M/T tires, no big lift, no heavy bulky bumpers etc. The idea behind this build is for it to be the "everyman's" car. It's not a car that will appeal only to serious off-roaders; it's a car that will appeal to the weekend wariior without being intimidating. Yet, it will still appeal to the off-roaders who recognize the capability of the Toyota 120 platform.
So, here are the plans so far; subject to change:
Tires - A/T tires in a 265/70 R17. We'll probably settle on GoodYear DuraTrac or Nitto Terra Grapplers
Wheels - I'll run the OE wheels, but will powdercoat or paint them.
Suspension - I'm going to use a suspension kit from Ironman, with assistance from Eli at Camel 4x4. We'll replace springs and shocks in the front, and the shocks in the rear. I'll also put a spacer in the rear airbags to give an overall lift of around 2 inches.
Skid plates - with a smaller lift and tires than we're used to on here, I'm putting a priority on armor so that I don't have to be too concerned about dragging the belly over stuff. We'll be getting full skid plates from Asfir4x4. Their plates are all 1/4 inch aluminium, and besides looking really good, it also covers all the important areas.
Bumper - We're going to be doing some experimenting and putting on an Asfir4x4 front bumper. They're lightweight, but vastly increase ground clearance, and hold a winch while still offering more protection than the stock bumper. It is designed for the Land Cruiser Prado, but with some trimming, it should fit great, and vastly improve the looks of the vehicle.
Winch - I will be putting in a 9500lb winch from Ironman. We had one on the LC and it was great, so we'll do it again. We'll upgrade to synthetic line and Hawse fairlead, which will lighten the load and flatten the profile on the bumper as well.
Dual battery - we have a TJM spare battery tray on order, and that will hold the DieHard Platinum battery. Then I'll use an IBS split charge battery management system.
Roof Rack - have yet to decide on the rack but we'll use a full length rack to mount our Howling Moon RTT and awning on. Front Runner will probably get the nod because there is not much else available for the GX yet.
Lights - I'll be mounting LED's from BajaDesigns on the vehicle. We'll go with fog lights in the bumper, and then a pencil/flood combo sitting low profile on the top of the bumper. I'll then add flood lights to the rear for setting up camp, and for backing up with trailers.
Rear-mounted spare - I'd like to get the spare out from under the vehicle, mostly because I prefer the looks. I'm trying to replicate the look of the Prado as it is sold in the rest of the world.
So to start, here are a few pics of what we're working with:
I decided to stick to toyota products, but make a change from the Land Cruiser. Enough equipment was damaged or replaced by insurance that we did not have a need to stick to a LC. So, after much thought, consideration and test drives, i settled on a Lexus GX470.
After a lot of searching, I finally found the right car. I found a 2003 Lexus GX470 with 118k miles in California. After buying it sigh unseen, I was extremely relieved when it was delivered, and proved to be beautiful. The bodywork is superb with no dents or nicks or blemishes. There is only 1 scratch up on the rear corner.
The interior is equally beautiful, in a charcoal grey and wood finish. The only sign of wear is the drivers seat with the usual butt-slide leather wearing. Overall, I could not be happier.
So, the build has started!
First order of business is to plan everything that is going on the vehicle. In contrast to the LC, I am planning a far more mild build. No M/T tires, no big lift, no heavy bulky bumpers etc. The idea behind this build is for it to be the "everyman's" car. It's not a car that will appeal only to serious off-roaders; it's a car that will appeal to the weekend wariior without being intimidating. Yet, it will still appeal to the off-roaders who recognize the capability of the Toyota 120 platform.
So, here are the plans so far; subject to change:
Tires - A/T tires in a 265/70 R17. We'll probably settle on GoodYear DuraTrac or Nitto Terra Grapplers
Wheels - I'll run the OE wheels, but will powdercoat or paint them.
Suspension - I'm going to use a suspension kit from Ironman, with assistance from Eli at Camel 4x4. We'll replace springs and shocks in the front, and the shocks in the rear. I'll also put a spacer in the rear airbags to give an overall lift of around 2 inches.
Skid plates - with a smaller lift and tires than we're used to on here, I'm putting a priority on armor so that I don't have to be too concerned about dragging the belly over stuff. We'll be getting full skid plates from Asfir4x4. Their plates are all 1/4 inch aluminium, and besides looking really good, it also covers all the important areas.
Bumper - We're going to be doing some experimenting and putting on an Asfir4x4 front bumper. They're lightweight, but vastly increase ground clearance, and hold a winch while still offering more protection than the stock bumper. It is designed for the Land Cruiser Prado, but with some trimming, it should fit great, and vastly improve the looks of the vehicle.
Winch - I will be putting in a 9500lb winch from Ironman. We had one on the LC and it was great, so we'll do it again. We'll upgrade to synthetic line and Hawse fairlead, which will lighten the load and flatten the profile on the bumper as well.
Dual battery - we have a TJM spare battery tray on order, and that will hold the DieHard Platinum battery. Then I'll use an IBS split charge battery management system.
Roof Rack - have yet to decide on the rack but we'll use a full length rack to mount our Howling Moon RTT and awning on. Front Runner will probably get the nod because there is not much else available for the GX yet.
Lights - I'll be mounting LED's from BajaDesigns on the vehicle. We'll go with fog lights in the bumper, and then a pencil/flood combo sitting low profile on the top of the bumper. I'll then add flood lights to the rear for setting up camp, and for backing up with trailers.
Rear-mounted spare - I'd like to get the spare out from under the vehicle, mostly because I prefer the looks. I'm trying to replicate the look of the Prado as it is sold in the rest of the world.
So to start, here are a few pics of what we're working with:
