Eric Burch
I have been into 4wheeling for the last 14 years. My first 4WD vehicle was an ’85 Jeep Cherokee, as all my friends had Jeeps. As with anything I get my hands on, the modifications began. The time spent with that ranged from stock to mild lifts, then extreme lifts, then back to a “neccessary” lift. Messed around with that for a couple years and then found out my uncle was selling his ’89 Land Cruiser. Well that was an easy decision, sell the Jeep.
Also, like Tony, had an FJ40. Though not from the dealer lot, it was a 1970 with a V-8. I bought this to be the “wheeler” while the 62 was the tow rig. That didn’t last long as both were wheeled. Sadly, sold the 40 before joining the Navy.
The wagon. Since the day I brought it home it lead a different life then before. In stock form it went to Moab, UT, and it did very well. Was able to take it up and down Lions Back before that got shut down. Slowly the modifications came, as I had learned to drive and wheel the vehicle and then evaluate what needs to be modified. Ten years later and lots of upgrades, “Lilly” is being used like a Land Cruiser should.
2010 marked a new chapter in my wheeling book, Mini-me. Yes, I am now crazy enough to off-road a wagon and a half through places where just a wagon alone would seem impossible, and I love it.
With the help from my dad, all maintenance has been self taught and done in house. I like the feeling of accomplishment knowing that I have fixed or modified something, and with that comes the knowledge and know-how for those future problems.
The Navy has chosen my new home as Pensacola, FL. The wheeling may not be what I am used to in the West, but I will definatley make the best of it.
Tony Konovaloff
By profession I am a cabinetmaker and yacht carpenter. At least that is how I pay the mortgage. Wheeling and metal fabrication are just something I moved into for my off time. Seems like I always have to be making or fabricating something. Making something from nothing has always been a strong pull in my life. Taught myself to weld and work metal, by reading and asking questions of people with more knowledge and skill when needed. Learned about wrenching on my Landcruiser the same way.
I have been making furniture for over 20 years using only hand tools. Wrote a book (now self published) and have even been on the cover of Fine
Woodworking magazine. Writing about what I do is something I enjoy. For a bit about my furniture go to www.tonykonovaloff.com
Wife, 3 boys and a dog. Still have the wife 25 years later, two of the boys are still at home with one in the Air Force. Four year old Border Collie runs me ragged when she can.
Sadly, I have to admit that I am old enough to be Eric’s Dad. I don’t think he was even born when I bought my first Landcruiser. (Which I was dumb enough to sell a short time after I bought it, also before he was born…). Had a long drought of not owning a Landcruiser and then it was Eric who got me back into wheeling. We have been wheeling together for several years now and like I always tell people on the trail, if he is crazy enough to try it, I am usually dumb enough to follow him…
Currently, the Pacific Northwest is home. Whidbey Island, WA to be more specific.
There are two wagons at home right now, but I want more…. Wife drives an FJ 62 while my BJ 60 serves as my tractor, wheeler, daily driver and every other use I can think of.
