Reengineered Beneath Tradition

Project Dogwood was built around a simple principle: preserve the unmistakable form of the FJ40 while modernizing everything that makes it function in the real world. At a glance, it presents exactly as a properly restored 1978 Land Cruiser should — upright glass, short wheelbase proportions, steel wheels with chrome caps, white roof over deep green paint, and silver bumpers that honor Toyota’s original intent.

Restraint Executed Precisely

Beneath that timeless silhouette lies a complete transformation. This was not a cosmetic refresh. Over 3,000 man hours were invested into reconstructing Dogwood from the metal up. Every steel body panel is new. The chassis was media blasted, treated, and epoxy coated before reassembly. Systems were not patched — they were replaced, upgraded, and engineered to work together as a cohesive whole.

The result is an FJ40 that looks period-correct and mechanically honest, yet drives with the confidence, reliability, and composure of a thoroughly modernized vehicle. Dogwood is restraint executed at the highest level — classic in appearance, contemporary in performance.

Highlights of the build:

  • All-new steel body panels throughout

  • Hardtop configuration with rear ambulance doors

  • Media blasted, treated, and epoxy-coated chassis

  • Complete new rubber seals and weatherstripping throughout

  • Professional sandblasting and zinc plating of components

  • Full exterior refinish in Moss Green with white roof

  • Small Block Chevy 355ci V8 crate engine

  • Holley Sniper EFI fuel injection system

  • 4L80E heavy-duty automatic transmission with Lokar shifter

  • Transmission controller integration

  • Custom transmission adapter and flex plate assembly

  • Rebuilt transfer case with new gaskets and seals

  • Rebuilt front and rear differentials with upgraded gearing

  • Auburn limited slip rear differential

  • Custom front and rear driveshafts

  • Oversized aluminum radiator with twin electric fans

  • Transmission cooler system

  • Electric fuel pump with in-tank module

  • Stainless steel exhaust system with twin tips and Borla muffler

  • ARB / Old Man Emu 2.5” suspension lift

  • Upgraded power steering system

  • Front and rear disc brake conversion

  • Warn 8274 winch

  • Dakota Digital gauge cluster with updated senders

  • New universal wiring harness with 100-amp alternator

  • RetroSound Europa Bluetooth head unit with amplifier and speakers

  • Dynamat sound insulation throughout cabin

  • Cognac distressed leather interior, expertly crafted with black edge piping

  • OEM-style headliner material

  • Five OEM 16” gray steel wheels

  • BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires

  • Custom front and rear bumpers with reinforced brackets

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