This 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ62 came into Apex Customs worn out, rusted, and barely running after years of camping and hunting duty. What used to be called Old Blue showed up tired and beat down — so we stripped it to the bones and rebuilt it into something stronger, louder, and built to last for generations.
Every inch of this rig was addressed, from the frame to the paint to the drivetrain. The goal wasn’t just restoration — it was transformation. Now known as Blue the Badass, this Land Cruiser delivers modern power, rugged capability, and clean craftsmanship while keeping the soul of a classic 4WD legend.
Here’s what went into the build:
🔧 Full rust repair, frame work, and complete body restoration
🔧 Two-tone PPG two-stage paint
🔧 All new weatherstrips, badges, lights, grille, and aged exterior components replaced
🔧 Lumar ceramic window tint, OEM parts retained where possible
Interior restoration and upgrades:
🔧 Custom carpet and headliner
🔧 Restored dash, door panels, seats, and sun visors
🔧 Double-DIN audio with all-new wiring
🔧 Wireless Apple CarPlay with microphone
🔧 Rockford Fosgate speakers and remote powered subwoofer
Powertrain and performance:
🔧 GM LS3 swap paired with a 6L80 transmission (about 430 horsepower — roughly 400 more than stock)
🔧 Full 4WD retained with OEM transfer case using Advanced Adapters conversion
🔧 Holley mid-mount accessories
🔧 Hooker headers
🔧 Custom motor mounts and cold air intake
🔧 Fully TIG-welded exhaust with Magnaflow muffler
🔧 Speedhut gauges and Lokar shifter with full 6L80 functionality
Suspension, wheels, and off-road readiness:
🔧 ARB Old Man Emu 2” lift with Nitrocharger shocks
🔧 Custom front and rear driveshafts
🔧 Restored vintage wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich Tires
🔧 12,000 lb Rough Country winch
