Lost & Found
September 26, 2022
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THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
GOING PRO
Producing horsepower requires two major ingredients, namely, air and fuel. Of course, the two must be supplied in the correct proportions and at the proper time; but improving power is a simple matter of adding airflow. Naturally, additional fuel will be required once the airflow is improved, but the first item on the horsepower priority list should always be more airflow.
GT Transformation
The jump in boost pressure upped the power output from 559 hp to a whopping 613 hp. The peak torque was up as well, from 513 lb-ft to 545 lb-ft.
Not A Mini Makeover
Pawl Shanley’s 1985 Dodge D350 dually isn’t your average pickup. This British truck has been transformed into a show-stopping masterpiece with an air suspension that lets it kneel at the pavement, a BMW Montreal Blue paint job with intricate marbleizing, and a custom interior by Aerotrim, a company that usually specializes in aircraft. Despite the challenges of modifying such a large vehicle, Shanley’s vision has resulted in a truly unique and impressive truck that stands out even in a country known for its Minis.
Spotlighter
Gear, Grit, & The Great Outdoors
Overland Expo Mountain West 2024
Overland Expo Mountain West 2024 just wrapped up, and if you weren’t there, you missed out on one heck of a great weekend. Held from August 23-25 in Loveland, Colorado, this event was the ultimate gathering for anyone who lives and breathes off-road adventure. We're talking thousands of overlanding die-hards, hundreds of exhibitors, and more gear than you could shake a winch at.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Wendy Miles
The Epicenter of Overlanding
Picture this: the Ranch Events Complex packed with over 300 exhibitors showing off the latest and greatest in overlanding rigs and gear. From fully kitted-out 4x4s to the most rugged camping setups, this place was like Disneyland for anyone who loves the dirt. The array of hardcore off-road rigs and innovative gear on display made the experience truly unforgettable.
Learn from the Pros
If you thought you knew everything about overlanding, think again. The expo’s educational lineup was next level. With over 175 classes, slideshows, and demos, you could brush up on everything from vehicle recovery to campfire cooking. And with more than 100 experts dropping knowledge, even the most seasoned overlander picked up a new trick or two.
Get Your Hands Dirty
This wasn’t just a sit-and-listen kind of event. There were motorcycle demos, a RAM Ride & Drive Course to push your skills, and a storytelling pavilion where people swapped tales of adventure gone right—and wrong. The Backcountry & Culinary Skills Area, sponsored by Tacoma Lifestyle, had everyone from greenhorns to grizzled vets perfecting their camp cooking chops. It was all about getting in the thick of it and seeing what your gear—and you—are made of.
It’s All About the People
Overlanding isn’t just about the gear; it’s about the people. The expo was packed with chances to connect—happy hours, fireside chats, and even a few charity raffles to bring everyone together. The Women Who Wander Fireside Chats were a huge hit, giving the women of the overlanding world a chance to share their stories and connect with each other. This was more than an event; it was a community.
Until Next Year…
As the dust settled and the last rig rolled out, there was no doubt—Overland Expo Mountain West 2024 was one for the books. Whether you left with a shopping list for new gear or just some new friends, this weekend was all about embracing the overlanding lifestyle. And with next year’s event already on the horizon, it’s safe to say the overlanding community is only getting stronger. So, if you missed out, don’t make the same mistake twice. Check out the Overland Expo website to learn more or register for next year. Mark your calendars and start gearing up for the next adventure!
In the meantime, check out our coverage below.
Project Baobab, The Ultimate Overland Expedition Vehicle
This was one of the most popular builds at the show. The base vehicle is a 1994 Stewart & Stevenson M1079, former American Army communications truck. Built by Michael Ladden, its powered by a 6.6L Caterpillar turbo diesel engine that is mated to an Alison 7 speed automatic transmission. You can find out all about this beast machine on the DrivetheGlobe.com website. Be sure to check out the Drive the Globe YouTube Channel also to see much more of this vehicle in action and how this build came together.
Smoothies, Café Racer Style
Rider Justice is a personal injury law firm that specializes in representing motorcycle and car accident victims. Founded by Scott O’Sullivan, the firm is dedicated to advocating for biker rights both on the road and in the courtroom. With over 25 years of experience, Rider Justice provides comprehensive legal support, including free consultations, to ensure that injured riders receive the compensation they deserve. At the expo, they showcased their commitment to the motorcycle community with engaging demonstrations and valuable legal insights. They also served up delicious smoothies blended by a motorcycle powered blender.
That’s Not a 4-Runner
Over at the Hankook booth, Dennis L. (@4x4expedition.us) was showcasing his rugged Toyota Sequoia 4×4 Overlander, ready for any adventure the trail throws his way. It’s great seeing these older Sequoias getting some love! Check out his Instagram to catch up on his off-road adventures.
Family Fun with Furry Friends
Paws and smiles all around! The Overland Expo Mtn West 2024 isn’t just for adventure enthusiasts—it’s a family affair, where even the four-legged explorers join in the fun. The welcoming atmosphere ensures that every member of the family, including your furry companions, can enjoy the adventure-filled weekend together.
More than we could Photograph
Here’s a sampling of some of the coolest products that we spotted at the show.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Overland Expo
(317) 207-0557
info@overlandexpo.com
