After purchasing the 70 series Land Cruiser as our overlanding vehicle, it became evident that this project would keep us engaged for years to come. Given its basic configuration straight from the factory, we decided to maintain the stock suspension and wheel setup for as long as possible. However, our primary focus is to enhance the comfort of the Toyota while driving, and thus we have prioritized significant interior upgrades. This blog post showcases the essential modifications we have made to our Land Cruiser.
Exterior modifications
70 series Land Cruiser anniversary grille
Originally constructed in the 1960s as a film set for spaghetti westerns, Oasys MiniHollywood has now evolved into a fully-fledged theme park. Over the years, it has served as the backdrop for numerous iconic movies, including Sergio Leone’s “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” and “A Fistful of Dollars.” This rich heritage lends an authentic atmosphere to the park, immersing visitors in the Wild West era.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires
Our Land Cruiser GRJ76, imported from the UAE, originally came fitted with narrow summer tires, which were not ideally suited for the weather conditions in Central Europe. Considering the presence of snow in winter and hot summers, we needed all-terrain tires with excellent traction on wet roads. Drawing from our positive experience with the Yokohama Geolander G05 A/T tires on our previous vehicle, we decided to try out the slightly pricier BFGoodrich KO2 tires, known for their superior off-roading capabilities. Opting for a size of 235/85R16, we have found these tires to be highly reliable thus far, and we are eagerly looking forward to testing their performance off-road.
Interior modifications
One Stone Armrests
Introducing a stylish and functional accessory for every Toyota Land Cruiser model: a pair of sleek armrests/cupholders. These convenient additions easily attach to the upper section of the doors using magnets, eliminating the need for any additional adjustments during installation. They are an absolute must-have for your Land Cruiser, providing a heightened level of comfort as you cruise around. With these armrests, it becomes incredibly comfortable to rest your arm outside the car while enjoying your drive. Enhance your Land Cruiser experience with this practical and visually appealing accessory.
PVS Automotive MK3 head unit
Undoubtedly, the OME Toyota head unit proved to be the Land Cruiser’s Achilles heel. Teamed with two lackluster loudspeakers, the audio experience was far from pleasant, leaving much to be desired. Thankfully, PVS has come to the rescue by designing a stunning 9-inch head unit specifically crafted for the 70 series Land Cruiser. This remarkable upgrade seamlessly integrates into the dashboard and boasts a significantly larger size compared to the standard 2DIN head unit. Stay tuned for an upcoming dedicated blog post that delves into the details of this impressive head unit, where you can learn more about its features and benefits.
PVS automotive gear knob set
Another noteworthy modification we made was the replacement of the stock gear knobs. After careful consideration, we opted for gear knobs crafted from a solid 6061 billet aluminum block, a material commonly used in performance products. To ensure a sleek and refined appearance, the gear knobs were meticulously anodized in black, providing a high-quality finish. The choice of this specific alloy was driven by its exceptional strength and the resulting aesthetic, which not only complements the overall look of our Toyota but also offers a comfortable grip for a satisfying tactile experience.
Cruiser Consoles front door pods
When combined with a set of quality speakers, the door pods created by Cruiser Consoles work wonders in elevating the functionality and aesthetics of the Land Cruiser’s doors. These door pods have been meticulously designed to suit the 70 series Land Cruiser, ensuring a seamless fit within the available space. With the installation of these door pods, the once flat doors are transformed into fully functional and visually appealing units. The meticulous design and perfect fit of these door pods add a touch of elegance and enhance the overall audio experience in our Land Cruiser.
Focal PS165V 2-way speakers
To complete the door modifications, we took the final step of installing top-of-the-line speakers into the empty door pods. After careful consideration, we opted for the Focal PS165V two-way component kit, which features a 6″ (16.5 cm) woofer. This kit not only delivers exceptional sound quality but also provides ample customization options to fine-tune the audio experience according to our preferences. Moreover, it offers the flexibility of easy upgrades in the future, ensuring our entertainment and sound system can evolve with our needs. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post where we will delve into more details about our upgraded entertainment/sound system, providing a comprehensive overview of the improvements we’ve made.
