Nomad's Lexus GX 460 - aka - Land Cruiser Prado 150

Spend $1300 on wheels? Spend another $1200 on tires? No thanks. Not this guy... I tried the Rust-Oleum Metallic "Oil Rubbed Bronze" paint to see what it looks like. Figured I'd share what it looked like. It does a good job of looking like some of the other bronze wheels available but I actually preferred the satin black. OEM Sequoia wheels, poorly painted when I picked them up  After replacing my JK Wrangler with this  GX460  trying to make it more of what the "Land Cruiser Prado" was made to be in all other countries.  It looks ok from a distance but thick paint is sagging in areas. Yes, this has way better tech, a better engine, more comfortable interior, quieter more powerful engine, and more, that the Jeep JK didn't have, but it lacks in the looks department (and, as Jeepers say ad nauseum - no removable top or doors).  After chemical stripping. The aluminum surface is perfect So I want less "Latte Lounger", and more "Capable Cruiser"...

Do you prefer drawers or a flat cargo space? Leave a comment below. I revised the rear setup to give me more options and storage here: https://nomadsgx460.blogspot.com/2022/08/more-versatile-rear-storage-drawers-3rd.html I won't be using the 3rd row electric seats so I pulled them right away. 127lbs of associated seats and brackets gone! Heavier than I thought!  I also removed the large class IV hitch which was another 85lb or so. With 200lb less weight in the rear and 6 inches lower trunk floor I have something a little more useable and versatile.  In order to finish it all off I built a cargo floor with locking tie down points. I used much of what I had available and only bought what was necessary.  The silver you see is two layers of my favorite -budget- sound deadener which is "PEEL N SEAL" window seal. Look it up. It's only $20 for a roll of foil backed butyl. It deadens the resonance of the steel panels. Same as Dynamat. I used two layers as I heard some more ...

"I welded, it helded." I was thinking about  adding rock sliders. Not to hit rock gardens and pivot around obstacles or grind over boulders, but as a 'just in case" measure as even mild trails can reach up and grab those low hanging plastic steps the GX came with.  I had a few options: Several suppliers have bolt on designs for $600-1,000 Trail Gear DIY kits are around $350-400 Raw steel tube would cost $250 (still need to buy a bender) I researched and watched used markets for take offs... As I looked at used parts, I noticed how much cheaper the Jeep JK stuff was. DIY kits are basically sliders welded up but you do the fitment, mounting plates, and extensions. Weld it and finish it. Well, my catalog of poor ideas keeps growing... I had another one. I picked up a set of Smittybuilt rock sliders for the Jeep JKU (4 door) for $80 locally. Cheaper than I can buy the same amount of raw tube steel... Jeep sliders for the Lexus? Just my style. Stock sideskirts are 74...

I was going to build a tailgate table until I saw a 24x12 Jeep table for only $35 on ebay.   Well, it was certainly worth a try at that price as the wood and hardware would certainly be more. I could modify it a bit and gain the ability to strap molle bags onto it to store important items. Part of my trunk redo is to make organized storage for little things I like to keep in the back, tools or supplies, first aid etc. I could manage with a smaller table for the cost savings. I did buy a rivnut tool from Harbor Freight for $25 but I wanted one for a while and can use it on other things. This might also be a good size for GX470 doors. I was surprised at the quality feel of the table when I got it. Stronger than I thought it would be. I figured I may need to weld stiffeners etc.  The table is designed to be able to have molle bags strapped to it, and then fold down, but this would leave the straps on the table top. Not good. I flipped the table upside down so the flat surfac...

As seen in a previous post I've removed the 3rd row seating and installed a flat tray for hauling materials and a more functional rear space, along with removing 200+ lb from the rear for daily use. But I want versatility...  I've been planning on making a low set-in tray for the rear with drawers so that I can store some basic items like tow straps, gear, and tools out of the way, as well as transport smaller flatter items out of sight. It'll be a lighter drop in that can be easily lifted out. Unfinished mock-up I'd still want to be able to load larger items in the flat space, and not just rely on the retractable cover (which you have to find space for with an unexpected load).  For a family of 4 this has been great. THEN, we decided to go to the beach... with some family. 6 of us.  Uh oh. I removed the rear seats so now we're looking at two vehicles just to go?  I now realized I can improve on this idea. I removed the rear deck, grabbed passenger 3rd row seat and...