1978 ToyotaChinook, Rebuilt

Australian Chinook - A Legacy Build for Toyota World Runners. Rest in peace Matt and Stacey

Some builds are just projects. This one has become a tribute. Episode One of The Australian Chinook Build Series is dedicated to Matt and Stacey from @ToyotaWorldRunners – adventurers, storytellers, and the pioneers behind the world’s first LandCruiser Chinook camper build. Their journey across the Pan-American Highway inspired thousands, and their spirit now drives this Australian build. In this episode, I share how I hunted down a rare 1978 Toyota Chinook camper in Australia – one of only a handful in the country – and my vision to mount it onto a 1997 80 Series LandCruiser chassis. The build will include a Chevy LS V8 engine swap, 6L80 automatic transmission, and the engineering challenges of building a road-legal off-road overland camper in Australia. This is more than a mechanical project. It’s a legacy build – honoring Toyota World Runners, my father’s dream to cross the Simpson Desert, and the endless adventures still to come. From Cape York to Tasmania, Byron Bay to Exmouth, the Chinook Overlander will cover every corner of Australia. ⚡ Follow the journey as we: Build a Toyota Chinook camper on an 80 Series LandCruiser chassis Swap in a Chevy LS V8 and 6L80 gearbox for reliable touring power Engineer a rig tough enough for desert crossings, outback tracks, and coastal adventures Carry forward the legacy of Matt & Stacey and inspire future overland explorers 👉 Subscribe to follow the full build series – from LS engine swap to final desert crossings. 🔔 Hit the bell so you don’t miss the next episode. #ToyotaChinook #LandCruiser #OverlandBuild #LSswap #ChinookOverlander