Tperkins' 2007 FJC Build

[tperkins]

Back in the February of 2014, I traded in my Dakota and picked up a rust-free Black 2007 FJ Cruiser with 80k on the clock. It's came a long way since then, and I'll be steadily updating this with photos and info from both minor and major portions of the build. I've done quite a bit on the build since I've bought it, but never got around to actually making a build thread here.

A little background on me: Used to work in the EMS field, currently switching it up and in school for law enforcement and emergency management, while still volunteering with EMS/EMA and working elsewhere. My build is my daily driver, which also equates to lots of highway miles. Looking at where I want my build to end up, I envision a practical overland style without anything too crazy. I'll be sticking with a smaller lift, no 35's, and practical modifications. However, at the same time, I also use the vehicle for the volunteer work I do quite often, so I'm planning on putting emphasis on communications, auxiliary lighting, and the ability to be somewhat "off-grid" for longer periods of time. Coincidentally, those are great build routes for an overland vehicle!

Below I'll stick a few photos of my truck in it's current state, and then get into some of the modifications so far as well as the ones I have up on the drawing board. I've been on the forums here for a long time, mostly just observing, but have met a few awesome people on here as well as in the ExPo community in general. I hope to give back that same knowledge and camaraderie that I've had since I found out about this place.

As it sits currently. I took the stock rack off after my trip to OEX 2014, and am currently awaiting one of the new racks from Labrak that I will be doing a full writeup on in 2-4 weeks or so.

The rear antenna is a Comet 2x4SR wideband HAM antenna.

I'm running a Yaesu FT7900R at the moment, which is a great radio. I also run Echolink and OpenAPRS on the 4G LTE iPad not pictured in the RAM Mount; provided I have cellular service, this gives me more communications options as well.

I'm currently running some home-brew drawers in the back, which I'd like to improve upon at some point. This photo is a bit old, as I currently have the rear seats back in, relocated the fire extinguisher, and am in the process of switching out drawer contents.

Not too much under the hood other than an under-hood LED kit from AntiDark lights, a DieHard Platinum battery to run the winch and accessories off of, and I relocated the control pack for my Warn under the hood so the winch would clear the grille. I have plans on the drawing board to wire the control pack to a switch panel inside.

This photo is back from 2014 when I was coming back from the trip to the Overland Expo. This was in Lathrop Canyon off of the White Rim trail.

Another from the canyon.

I'll be adding some more photos and updates of the modifications done so far. Hoping to get some more up tomorrow!

 

[trae]

Looks pretty sweet. Obviously capable as an offroad vehicle yet DD-able.

How do you like the comet antena? How did you wire it?

 

[tperkins]

Thanks! I love this particular antenna due to its wide receive and transmit ranges. I have my FT7900R unlocked for use on MARS/CAP frequencies and also have some interoperability channels programmed, although that's as a last resort and not something I typically use since it's not allowed. I used an NMO Bandi mount (may be other brand but similar make) and wired it along the inside of the headliner, down the C pillar, and to the radio. Install was fairly simple. It's short enough I can still clear most parking garages (worst case it just barely touches some areas) and still get great Tx/Rx - I'm planning on buying a longer one to keep stored for longer trips.