The Vision...

OK.  One thing I've learned at my limited experience at car shows is that nobody votes for a Toyota.  British cars might have a remote chance but a Japanese truck hasn't got a prayer.  I get a lot of good comments on the Chevy small block and kids go nuts for big trucks but if it's not domestic, it's probably not going to win. C'est la vie, it turns out trophies aren't the coolest part of having a special car.  The truth is, the greatest thing about having a nice car is when kids and their dads will point at it in a parking lot and start talking together about it.  Some people might get it and some people might not, but cars are a part of American culture that have brought parents and kids together and turned strangers into friends for generations. 

That being said, when building a car from scratch, you need to have a pretty specific vision as to what it should it should be before you start or else you'll end up driving yourself nuts every time you decide to go down a different path with it.  I love going off road (not mudding, but rock crawling and trails) and I'm completely nuts about the rat rod culture.  I really like the idea of a wicked engine and driveline dropped in a vehicle you don't mind scratching up when you drive it through guard rails or plate glass windows.  This rollover experience of mine has also reminded me of the importance of safety measures.  It'd be cool to take the kids in the truck too so we can take it to the beach or camping when we wanted.  I've been able to identify three vehicles from which I can glean some inspiration for the build of my Land Cruiser: 
A classic rat rod,

a family station wagon,

and the Grave Digger monster truck.

I think this seems reasonable. 

Next I'll show you the starting point with the silver one I rolled, the black one that will be my saving grace, and the field in which the magic will happen.