PRETTY IN PINK – A Customized RC4WD Trail Finder 2 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ55

Because we can’t leave well enough alone, we had to try our hand at upgrading the already impressively detailed RC4WD Trail Finder 2. This time, the kit we modify is the Trail Finder 2 Truck kit “LWB” with 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ55 Lexan body. This special project has been curated with a host of officially licensed aftermarket upgrades from the scale detail hounds at RC4WD.

THE UPGRADES
The list of officially licensed RC4WD upgrades reads like a crawler enthusiast’s wish list. On the front end is the scale-accurate Warn 8274 winch, adding not just aesthetics but trail recovery functionality. The Warn scale Manual Locking Hubs further enhance the truck’s trail prowess, ensuring it’s ready to tackle any obstacle with ease.

Powering our customized rig is a powerful Castle Creations Mamba X Sensored 25.2V WP ESC and 1406-1900kV Sensored Motor Crawler combo. To add a touch of individuality, this brushless powerhouse has undergone a custom Cerakote treatment in a vibrant pink hue, courtesy of Rusty’s Kustoms. Not just a performance upgrade, it’s a statement of style that sets this RC truck apart.

ALL IN THE DETAILS

Because we enjoy customizations so much, we decided to further customize the custom Cerakoted motor and ESC by lasering logos on the two units with the help of Paul Willhite from Pdub Graphics and design. The finishing touch adds a touch of personalization to the project. It’s these small details that make the RC4WD Trail Finder 2 FJ55 a true work of art in our opinion.

The truck’s body underwent a transformation that saw the installation of an RC4WD Wood Flatbed that is specially designed for the Mojave II Four Door body. A Pegasus roof rack with lights, another RC4WD piece, crowns the build, providing both form and function as it adds to the truck’s overall rugged look.

PURE PERFORMANCE

Rolling on a set of RC4WD Dirty Life RoadKill 1.7” beadlock wheels in silver, the wheels are shod with Pit Bull RC 1.7 Rocker tires in the company’s sticky Alien Kompound. The combination not only provides a sharp look but also delivers excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.

Powering this beauty is a Pit Bull RC Pure Gold soft case LiPo battery, ensuring a reliable and efficient power source for those extended trail runs. With every component carefully selected and each upgrade contributing to the truck’s overall performance and appearance, our RC4WD Trail Finder 2 FJ55 is ready to strut its stuff on the trail.

FINAL WORD

Mixing some creativity and artistic help from some friends, along with great-looking—and performing—parts from the likes of RC4WD, Castle Creations and Pit Bull RC, we were able to create a one-of-a-kind vehicle that isn’t just a crawler, but a reflection the art of RC customization.

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Text by James York
Images by Jerry Tsai