1978 ToyotaChinook, Rebuilt
The most unique 4×4 camper in Australia
Rare vintage 4×4 camper
An extremely engineered vintage 4x4 camper: rare Toyota body, 80 Series LandCruiser chassis, 6.0-litre V8 — a unique build designed for serious Australian adventure.
Current Phase
Drivetrain Integration
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Engine & Transmission Mounting
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Latest Episode
Dropping a 6.0L V8 Into a 1978 Toyota Chinook
Dropping a 6.0L V8 Into a 1978 Toyota Chinook
Mounting the L98 6.0-litre V8 and 6L80E into the Chinook. Engine plates, crossmember and the first mock-up in the bay.
All episodes →The Project
The Chinook is a rare 1978 Toyota camper — and this is an extreme rebuild. The character-rich vintage body sits on a modified 1997 LandCruiser 80 Series chassis, powered by a 6.0-litre V8 and a six-speed automatic.
This is an extremely engineered vintage 4x4 camper: fabrication, CAD, electronics and 3D printing combined into one unique build — designed and complied for serious Australian adventure.
Read the full story →Interactive Overview
Every major system of this extremely engineered vintage camper, mapped onto the vehicle. Tap a point to dive into the build.
Build Stories
Recent Instagram
Partners
The brands whose products are genuinely integrated into this unique build.
The founder-run media agency behind the films, photography and this website.
KM552 IMS monoblock wheels — simulated beadlock looks, built to carry the loaded overland weight of the Chinook.
Gripper M/T mud-terrains — 33-inch rubber load-rated for a fully-laden touring rig.
Fifty years of off-road lighting lighting up the tracks after dark.
Gear Used
KMC KM552 IMS
A reimagined version of KMC's famous Impact race wheel — monoblock construction with a simulated beadlock ring. Run in 17×8.5 with a −10 offset on the 80 Series' 6×139.7 pattern.
- Diameter
- 17×8.5
- Bolt Pattern
- 6×139.7
- Offset
- −10 mm
- Finish
- Gloss Silver / Machined
Fuel Gripper M/T
Aggressive 33-inch mud-terrains with a protruding sidewall, high-void tread and a stiff, puncture-resistant carcass — traction in the thick stuff, quiet enough for the road between.
- Size
- 33×12.50R17LT
- Load Range
- E (10PR)
- Speed / Load
- 120Q
- Max Load
- 3085 lb
KC FLEX ERA 4
The big-hitter of the FLEX ERA family — long-range LED output for the front bar plus a pair mounted as ditch lights.
- Series
- FLEX ERA 4
- Kit
- 2-Light Master Kit
- Mounting
- Front bar + ditch
- Optics
- Interchangeable
KC FLEX ERA 1
The compact single-lens FLEX ERA — tucked in as rear and side scene lighting around the habitat for setting up camp after dark.
- Series
- FLEX ERA 1
- Kit
- 2-Light Master Kit
- Mounting
- Habitat rear + sides
- Beam
- Scene / flood
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