BurnttoastBurgos builds "Butter Bean"

[continentaldrifter]

To start out, we have a nice clean 80 I bought from the original Arizona owner with 71K miles back in 2014. I have not done anything other than a K&N air filter and based lined oils to Amsoil. Still has original spare and that silly phone. Zero, and i mean ZERO rust. Frame still has that glorious Japanese black paint.
As it sits on the lift, boxes are slowly strolling in with products that were chosen not for flash or bling but for a modest, dependable backcountry adventure vehicle. If all goes well, we should have a trip worthy vehicle by the end of April 2022, maintaing the factory drivetrain...motor/trans/t-c.

I call it "Butter Bean" because it reminds me of the heavyweight boxer from the 90's.... rolly round endurance, top heavy and packs a slowly delivered punch......but MAN is this thing a slug. I am all for the LS3 swap, but cant get past the ultra-reliable history of this motor. Here are some pics to start the build:

 

[continentaldrifter]

So first up is a Prinsu Roof Rack, simple and clean. 3/4" space between the factory roof ribs. Very nice powder coating and a good tight fit. The gutter hardware is a bit light duty for my taste, but I havent seen a rtt on the side of the highway ...yet.
I went ahead and bought a roll of gasket material for the base of the rail to protect the gutters and reduce any shift or noise associated with metal on metal.
The oem roof rack holes will be filled with bonded washers, silicone and stainless bolts.

 

[vintageracer]

IF you are ever in or near Jasper Alabama you and your "Butter Bean" need to stop off at the real "Butter Beans" steak house for an evening meal!

 

[continentaldrifter]

IF you are ever in or near Jasper Alabama you and your "Butter Bean" need to stop off at the real "Butter Beans" steak house for an evening meal!

will do, as my normal search state to state includes, BBQ joints, Hot Springs and small concerts...a steak house would fit my tastes.

 

[continentaldrifter]

Slinky springs and associated suspension hardware still in transit from Australia. The hardest part is anxiously waiting, but i knew getting into this that it wont be till the snow thaws until this rolls outside again.........so off to a mock fit of the FSR 55" Odyssey RTT. Very nice 3 season rtt, seems to be nice and sturdy in both the open and closed position. Was originally interested in the 49" wide model, mostly trying to maintain a narrow footprint, but being this will not be a "rockcrawler" we thought the 55" width may make for a better 2 person sleep. My only hurdle is making an easy method to "unbolt/remove and install/bolt down" without jerking around with small fasteners and big hands in a too tight space. I saw the Frontrunner quick release set up but didnt want to raise the tent any higher than it sits now. I may get three more 1x2 80/20 lengths and mount them permanently to the tent and unbolt the tent from the bolts on the side, which should take 2 minutes to remove, we shall see.

This will be a pic heavy build, will post thumbnail pics from now on:

 

[continentaldrifter]

doing piddly items that need to be done sooner or later while we wait for Slinkys and 4:88's to come in. Fumoto oil drain, does NOT have a threat of getting sheared on a rock, makes oil changes smoother

 

[continentaldrifter]

Went ahead with SuperbrightLEDs headlights. I have been using them for everything light related for many years and have had nothing but great success. First pic is low beam, second is high beam. We have MANY wildlife strikes in my area so lighting is VERY important to me, as you will soon find out later on in this build.

 

[continentaldrifter]

well, Covid took its course. So upon feeling better had some time to do a few more of the menial tasks such as second battery tray/washer bottle relocation kit.

 

[continentaldrifter]

.......and the Safari Snorkle kit. Not much room in there, although a good liberable amount of Lexall silicone was added to each hole, to keep this 100% rust free.

Not too thrilled about drilling holes in mint tin but the dust free air is a biggie for me. Caught a bit of flack about using a K&N air filter, but properly maintained, I have had no issues in the last couple of 40's I built. I have ALWAYS used a thorough amount of oil on the filter, combined with waterproof Outerwear pre filters. Properly maintained serves as a great combinatin (until AFE comes out with an 80 style filter)

 

[continentaldrifter]

I went ahead and bought two of these Relay/Fuse boxes, prewired to save aggravation. They are made by Concourse Specialties and have used them on two other vehicles. Excellent quality and VERY reliable and clean install. For a few bux, you can have a custom length harness upon ordering. I went with 96" lengths. This unit has 6 relayed with fuses and 6 constant powered with fuses. Unfortunately the Lexus does not lend much real estate for any motor cab additions, so today I will figure a nice neat and tidy spot to house unit. The second will be in the passenger rear quarter, bad part is cant wire until Slee gets the ARB drawer system in.

 

[continentaldrifter]

well, after 28 pages on Afe's website, they DO in fact make an air filter for 80 series trucks....See Ya K&N !! Will still use oil and a PreFilter.

Magnum FLOW Pro 5R Air Filter
Toyota Land Cruiser 60-74, 81-97 Lexus LX 450 96-97

 

[continentaldrifter]

Coils, Arms, Rear Sway Bar, Panhard Rod and Bump stops coming from Aus. I realize that the shipping industry has been affected, but learning patience as we speak.

Going with Radflo this time for shocks.

Wheels/ tires, winch, audio, lighting and a crap ton of goodies are all taking up floor space. Just getting over covid, so two valuable weeks. behind.

 

[continentaldrifter]

The silliest things make me happy......My teacher, Mr Carnavale started calling me this in the 11th grade, and boy did the name stick....I'll explain over a cold beer by the campfire with ya one day

 

[continentaldrifter]

still waiting, which is good......about 90% of my parts have arrived. Scheel Mann seats are ordered, ARB's F/R and midi compressor, 4:88's, RCV Chromoly's are here. Front/Rear axles get dropped out on the 22 so im not really in a hurry, just doing mindless stuff after work till then.

Always wanted a hood light that actually lit up the entire motor cab. Got these from SuperBrightLeds.com They lit up the entire cab perfectly, hood pin is en route. Screwed in 5 retainer clips, in case the 3M tape fails.

 

[continentaldrifter]

I will tell you this...If you are starting to work on wiring your vehicle..this tool is a must. I wish we had these back in the 90's, All I had was a chisel and hammer, but this is much nicer end result. This particular midel is WAAAY to big at 16 tons, but i didnt realize it until it came...As for shrink tube, make sure you but the stuff with advesive , as they sell the cheap stuff and doesnt hold up as well.