Modernizing the 80 Series Landcruiser

How it started

Our story begins with a simple Instagram DM. When our co-founder Garret stumbled across Kingston's (@roaminglost) feed showcasing his rare JDM right-hand drive diesel FJ80 Land Cruiser, he knew he'd found something special. It wasn't just the unique vehicle that caught his attention – it was Kingston's innovative approach to overlanding and his clear need for a storage solution that matched his vehicle's exceptional character. What started as a casual conversation about trucks quickly evolved into an exciting possibility: what if we could create something that had never been done before?

Digital to Reality

The next few months became a whirlwind of late-night design sessions, countless revisions, and endless possibilities. We weren't just designing drawers; we were reimagining how storage could work in a classic 4x4. Every measurement had to be perfect, every component had to serve a purpose, and everything needed to work seamlessly with the Land Cruiser's classic lines. Our choice of aluminum wasn't just about weight savings – it was about creating something that would last as long as the legendary vehicle it was being built for. Each CAD iteration brought us closer to something truly special.

The Moment of Truth

There's nothing quite like the moment when digital designs become reality. Rolling into RPM off-road garage in LA, we were equal parts excited and nervous. Steve and his team's reputation for Toyota expertise preceded them, and their warm welcome immediately put us at ease. The installation became a collaborative effort, with our team hovering between laptops and laser-cut parts, making minor adjustments as we brought our vision to life. What was supposed to be a simple installation turned into a full day of problem-solving, learning, and ultimately, triumph.

Real World Testing

Watching Kingston drive away with our first-ever BILTFOUR system installed was just the beginning. We stayed in constant contact, eagerly awaiting feedback from every trail run and camping trip. His real-world testing provided invaluable insights that no amount of CAD modeling could have predicted. The aluminum drawers didn't just survive the abuse of off-road travel – they thrived, proving that our design philosophy was on the right track. Kingston's experience became our roadmap for future improvements.

Building for More

Looking back, that first Land Cruiser build represents so much more than just our inaugural product. It embodies everything BILTFOUR stands for: innovative design, quality materials, and most importantly, solutions born from real overlanders' needs. Working with Kingston and the incredible team at RPM gave us more than just validation – it gave us a community. As we continue to develop new products and push the boundaries of what's possible in vehicle storage, we'll never forget the FJ80 that started it all. This is only the beginning of our journey to revolutionize how adventurers store their gear, one vehicle at a time.