Transforming the Toyota FJ Cruiser into a Ute

The history of the Land Cruiser FJ45, which inspired the immensely popular FJ Cruiser, featured a pickup truck version from 1963 to 1986. Despite being in the Ute-loving country of Australia, Toyota never released a truck variant of the FJ Cruiser. Consequently, enthusiasts looking for a pickup bed undertake extensive modifications, as Les Camilleri has successfully demonstrated with his own daily driver.

iBestTravel’s Expertise in Custom Fabrication

Les Camilleri is the owner of iBestTravel, a custom fabrication shop located in Melton, Victoria, Australia. His experience and passion for such conversions have made him a notable figure in the automotive community. With a track record of many successful projects, the transformation of his FJ Cruiser showcases the high standards achieved at the conclusion of a meticulous two-year conversion process.

Converting the FJ Cruiser: A Complex Process

This project involved more than merely locating a ute bed, specifically one designed for a Nissan Patrol GU. The initial step required cutting the body about a foot behind the doors, followed by welding in a factory-style cab wall. This wall includes features to manage internal pressure when closing the doors and incorporates bead rolled strengthening ribs for added durability. Remarkably, these walls were sourced from older trucks, allowing iBestTravel to create conversions that closely resemble factory builds.

Enhancing Wheelbase for Proportionality

Moreover, since the standard FJ Cruiser’s wheelbase is relatively short, adjustments were necessary to enhance its proportions. iBestTravel achieved this by cutting the frame just behind the newly installed cab wall and adding nearly 12 inches to the frame length. This modification not only improves the overall appearance but also ensures the bed and rear wheel align harmoniously with the rest of the vehicle.

If you’re curious, the original cargo door of the FJ Cruiser has been ingeniously repurposed, serving as a discrete storage solution for tools within Camilleri’s shop.

The Unmet Demand for Utes

Despite the remarkable craftsmanship demonstrated in this conversion, it’s puzzling why Toyota has yet to offer such a model to the Australian market. Furthermore, it leaves us contemplating how a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser might appear if transformed into a pickup truck, even if Toyota may refrain from doing so due to the existing Tacoma lineup.