LAST UPDATED: JULY 2024
If you’ve been following us for a while, you know that we love giving away ‘chopped’ LandCruisers. But what does that actually mean? Let me get you up to speed.
‘Chopped’ is a colloquial term for a vehicle that has undergone a dual-cab conversion. In simple terms, imagine a car with an SUV body. Now, take the rear of the cab off, extend the chassis, and add a tray or canopy on the back. Voila! You’ve essentially turned it into a dual-cab ute. These conversions are happening all over the nation, but most of ours are done by the experts at Creative Conversions. Oh, and to get the compliance, the car needs to be pre-rego, before the car is registered for the first time.
So why do people go to the trouble of chopping their LandCruiser?
Well first of all, chopping and extending a 300 or 200 Series into a ute means you get the best of both worlds: the comfy cabin space of an SUV combined with the practicality of a ute. This makes it ideal for those who do a lot of touring as the whole family can sit comfortably on long road trips while also being able to carry all your gear. Aussies also love chopping their Cruisers for the customisation options. From suspension upgrades and cool aftermarket accessories to personalised interior finishes and custom canopies, you can tailor the vehicle to meet your specific needs and preferences. This level of customisation is a big draw for car enthusiasts who want a unique and functional vehicle. And last but certainly not least, the conversion often includes reinforcing the chassis, upgrading the suspension and GVM upgrade and GCM upgrade which enhances the vehicles towing capacity – ideal for towing a camper tailor, caravan or boat!
Now, let’s dive into the steps involved in chopping a LandCruiser.
First things first, the rear cab has to be separated from the rest of the body. This is where the word ‘chopped’ comes from. Next, the undercarriage is stripped out and the main body is disconnected from the chassis. The chassis is extended and reinforced for structural integrity. Typically, the wheelbase extension ranges from 1800mm to 2100mm. Service lines for braking, fuel, and safety systems are also extended to accommodate the new chassis length. Next, the cabin is reconfigured. A new rear wall is fabricated using gauge steel components to complete the dual-cab setup. The vehicle is then prepped and refinished with paint. Also, all the electrical components need to be reconfigured and rewired, then carpets and trims must be modified to fit the new cabin layout. A new custom canopy or tray setup is fitted to the extended chassis. Finally, all the accessories are fitted such as central locking, weather seals, linings, suspension and any aftermarket accessories chosen for the build.
And there you have it, a chopped LandCruiser ready to go! It’s a complex process that turns a regular 300 or 200 Series LandCruiser into a robust dual-cab, ready for any adventure. Next time you see one of our giveaways, you’ll know just how much work and craftsmanship has gone into creating these amazing vehicles. Stay tuned for more exciting giveaways and behind-the-scenes looks at our custom builds!
