Project "Snowflake" Custom FJ-45 Build

Details: By Shane Williams

FJ-45 Land Cruiser Snowflake from Redline Land Cruisers | TCT Magazine January 2014 Earlier this year Redline Land Cruisers completed an amazing FJ-45 custom build, and we’re excited to reveal this classic Land Cruiser to the world.

Snowflake is the name Justin gave to this substantial project, which is very interesting considering the Toyota-original “Free Born Red” main color. We had the opportunity to spend some time with Snowflake before she made her way home to Southern Colorado. This truly is a very special build.

Starting with a custom frame, Redline sourced a custom extended length cab aluminum FJ-45 pick up aluminum body from Aqualu and added factory Toyota steel for the bib, hood, doors, and bezel. The bed is also custom aluminum. As I mentioned the main color is OEM Free Born Red with Cygnus white for the bezel, OEM wheels, and roof. FJ-45 Land Cruiser interior | TCT Magazine January 2014

The LC sits on factory disc-brake wheels and new OEM hubcaps, with 33X10.5 15” Toyo Mud Terrain shoes. Redline built a custom steering shaft and Ididit column mated to a AGR 4-turn power steering box to ensure easy drivability. For suspension, they used a standard Old Man Emu 2.5” lift kit to make sure the truck has adequate clearance for tires and any trails the owner wants to explore. Axles are stock FJ-45 with ARB air lockers front & rear, with a NV4500 Manual 5 speed and Orion transfer case with 4-to-1 low range. The customer wanted plenty of power so Redline dropped a Ramjet 350 into Snowflake that produces 350hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque.

While the mechanicals of this truck are impressive, my favorite part about this build is the attention to detail on the interior. Some purists may want all-original interior bits, while others want to go ultra-modern. Redline has a perfect formula for building custom interiors that matches classic form with modern function. FJ-45 rear seat| TCT Magazine January 2014

Justin sourced electric heated seats from a 2006 4Runner, but re-covered them in leather with red stitching to tie everything together. The custom center console hides all heat and A/C components and includes custom knobs hand-made at the shop. The ‘modern hot rod’ concept is carried to the dash with a mix of classic gauges and a modern Nav/XM/Bluetooth audio system. The speakers are hidden under the seats to allow for plenty of great tunes without impacting the interior aesthetic.

The bed includes a fold & tumble rear seat for carrying the kids, and is lined for easy cleaning. The build includes a custom rear soft top and custom Redline bows. This setup mimics early factory soft tops for the 25-40 series Land Cruiser, and is completely removable. The sides & rear also unzip and roll-up to create an open cabin feel for rear passengers. The rear tire is mounted vertical in homage to early FJ-25 series, but inside the bed for a clean exterior.