#147 - Custom Builds, 60 Series mods & Packed Gear bags with Corey Kirwen

The Suzuki Vitara is a compact SUV that’s often used as an accessible entry point to 4WD-style driving. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned because the speaker owned a two-door soft-top version and used it for “bashing,” which points to its role as a fun, capable off-road or rough-road vehicle. That kind of personal ownership story is typically why it comes up in a 4WD podcast.

“Lemon” is a consumer term for a vehicle that repeatedly has serious defects or problems that don’t get fixed properly. In this episode, the host uses it to describe his Toyota Prado as frustratingly unreliable or troublesome.

Rust covered by fresh black paint is a common “hide the problem” tactic during questionable repairs. Paint over corrosion can trap moisture and accelerate panel or structural damage, and it often indicates the underlying metal wasn’t properly repaired.

The host uses a surfing trip as the real-world context for how the vehicle was used and why it got damaged. It’s a situational detail that helps explain the off-road/route mismatch.

The Toyota Prado is a body-on-frame style 4WD SUV known for off-road durability and a drivetrain designed for rough terrain. In this story, the host mentions it having four-wheel-drive constant behavior, but it still suffered damage when used inappropriately for the conditions.

“Four-wheel-drive constant” describes a drivetrain where the front and rear axles are engaged continuously rather than only when traction is needed. That can help with grip, but it doesn’t make the vehicle immune to mechanical failures if components are already worn or the terrain is inappropriate.

A shock absorber (part of the suspension) controls how quickly the suspension moves after hitting bumps. When a shock absorber snaps, the vehicle can lose stability and ride control, which is especially risky if you’re driving on uneven terrain.

“Engine out” means removing the engine from the vehicle to access parts that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach. It’s typically a sign of a major repair job and usually costs more in labor and time than standard in-place repairs.

Engine mounts are the brackets and rubber/isolator components that hold the engine in place and reduce vibration. If engine mounts are snapped, the engine can shift excessively, which can worsen leaks, damage other components, and make the car unsafe to drive.

The Mazda BT-50 is a midsize pickup truck built for towing and off-road-capable use, often chosen by people who want a practical 4WD ute. Here, it’s mentioned as the next vehicle the host tried to move toward after selling the earlier car.

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (often referred to by its “120 series” generation) is a popular Australian off-road SUV known for its strong durability and long-distance comfort. In this segment, the host says they miss the way it drives, but they clarify they don’t miss their specific “lemon,” implying a problematic individual vehicle rather than the whole model line.

A “locker” is an off-road differential locking system that forces a pair of wheels on an axle to rotate together. This reduces wheelspin when one tire loses traction, which helps on obstacles where you need predictable grip. The host mentions using a locker for “one or two obstacles,” implying targeted traction control during a trail.

“Scraped my chassis” means the vehicle’s underbody frame made contact with the ground, usually on a steep breakover angle or uneven obstacle. This is a common risk in 4WD trails because clearance is limited, and repeated scraping can damage skid plates, suspension components, or the frame itself. Corey says he scraped the chassis “about 20 times,” emphasizing how severe the obstacle was.

“Rock stacking” is an off-road technique where you place rocks under or around a tire to create a better contact patch and reduce wheelspin. It’s often used when a vehicle is stuck on uneven ground or in soft sand/mud. The episode mentions trying rock stacking “everything” as part of their recovery attempts.

In off-roading, “traction” means the grip between tires and the ground, which determines whether the vehicle can move without spinning. It’s affected by tire type/pressure, surface conditions, and whether the drivetrain can keep both wheels working effectively. The host describes trying to improve traction at the back wheels while stuck.

A winch is a powered cable system used to pull a vehicle out of mud, sand, or other stuck situations. In off-road recovery, it’s typically anchored to a tree, rock, or recovery point so the vehicle can be pulled in a controlled way.

A tree protector is a strap or sleeve placed around a tree to protect it from damage when a winch line is wrapped or anchored there. It also helps prevent the winch cable from cutting into the bark and can reduce wear on the recovery setup.

A bull bar is an aftermarket front protection bar (often steel) mounted to a vehicle’s bumper area to shield the front end from impacts with animals, branches, or obstacles. It can also affect recovery and access because it may need to be removed to fit or route recovery gear like a winch or tow points.

Snatch straps are stretch recovery straps used to pull a stuck vehicle using kinetic energy. They’re commonly used with another vehicle, but they must be used carefully with proper anchoring and safety practices because the stored energy can be dangerous if mis-rigged.

The positive terminal is the battery’s “+” connection point. It’s where high-current power is distributed to things like fuses, relays, and accessories, so a fault there can cause multiple electrical issues.

A fuse box is the centralized location where multiple fuses protect different electrical circuits. If a fuse is dirty, damaged, or blown, that circuit can fail—or in some cases create weird downstream symptoms.

Diesel engines use compression ignition rather than spark plugs, but they still typically require battery power for starting (and for many modern engine control functions). The host’s point is that older diesel setups could be started in unusual ways, but modern systems generally still depend on the battery.

A snorkel is an intake extension that raises the air intake above typical water depth. It helps an off-road vehicle keep breathing when crossing water, which is why the host mentions “crank the engine underwater” while referencing snorkel capability.

A blade fuse is a common automotive fuse style with flat “blade” contacts. The host says this particular fuse is built into the terminal assembly, meaning you can’t just swap a standard blade fuse—you may need to replace the whole terminal/fuse unit.

A fuel filter traps contaminants in the fuel before they reach the injectors or carburetor. In this context, the speaker is describing water accumulating in the fuel filter area, requiring repeated draining/pumping. If water or debris repeatedly shows up, it can point to a supply/contamination issue upstream.

A water separator is a fuel-system component that separates water from diesel/fuel before it reaches the engine. Water can enter the fuel supply and cause poor running or damage, so the separator helps keep the fuel clean. Many setups also include a drain so you can remove accumulated water.

Hydro lock is when liquid (like water) gets into an engine’s cylinders and can’t be compressed. That can bend or break internal engine parts because the starter tries to push the piston up against an incompressible fluid. It’s a major risk after water ingestion, especially in flood or deep-water crossings.

A wet vac is a vacuum designed to extract liquid as well as dry debris. After flooding, it’s commonly used to remove water from carpets and interior surfaces to reduce odor and prevent mold. In this episode, they used it to pull out liters of water from the cabin.

Carpet in a flooded vehicle can hold large amounts of water and can trap it inside padding/insulation. Even after the surface looks dry, moisture can remain and later cause odor or mold. That’s why the speaker describes repeatedly extracting water and letting it dry.

In-car insulation/padding under the carpet is often made from materials that absorb and retain moisture like a sponge. That means flood water can keep coming back out later, even after initial drying. The speaker notes it “holds like a sponge,” which is why they needed repeated extraction.

A canvas canopy is a fabric-covered cover mounted over the rear of a ute/tray area to protect gear and provide a more enclosed storage space. In overlanding and camping builds, people often choose canvas because it’s lighter and easier to modify than hard covers.

“WAU1” sounds like a specific canopy/fitment model code used by a particular canopy manufacturer or installer. It’s not a widely standardized automotive term, so it likely refers to a named product or configuration for that canvas canopy setup.

A “canopy camper” is a truck camping setup where an aftermarket canopy/camper shell is mounted on the ute’s tub, and camping gear (like a tent) is integrated into that structure. Here, it’s described as an aluminium tub topper rather than a full canopy tray, which affects how the load space and mounting work.

A rooftop tent is a tent mounted on the roof of a vehicle, typically designed to pop up for sleeping and then fold down for driving. In this build, it’s bolted onto the canopy camper and accessed via hatches that open upward into the tent.

“Poor man’s troopy” is a nickname for a touring setup that aims to deliver the practicality of a Toyota Land Cruiser Troop Carrier (“troopy”) without buying the more expensive vehicle. Here, the speaker compares their rooftop-tent canopy camper on a ute to the camping capability people associate with a troopy.

Alibaba is an online marketplace where buyers can source aftermarket products directly from manufacturers or suppliers, often with international shipping. The speaker uses it to import the canopy camper setup, highlighting a “buy it online and ship it” approach rather than going through a local retailer.

An induction cooktop heats cookware using an electromagnetic field rather than an open flame or a glowing heating element. It’s efficient and responds quickly, which is useful in a vehicle where you want predictable heat control while driving or camping.

In this camper context, “mesh” refers to a screened opening/vent that allows airflow while keeping bugs out. The host describes opening the mesh to vent cooking grease and fumes when using induction cooking inside the enclosed setup.

“Lap of Australia” refers to a long-distance overland road trip around the continent, usually involving remote roads and extended time on the move. The host uses it to frame the kitchen setup as being suited to serious, multi-day touring rather than just casual weekends.

Rivnuts (also called threaded rivet inserts) are fasteners that create a strong, threaded metal insert in a panel. They’re commonly used in camper and canopy builds because they let you bolt parts on securely without needing access to the backside.

A reinforced frame is additional structural support added to a mounting area to prevent flexing or failure under load. Here, it’s used so the canopy can safely attach to the rooftop tent despite the canopy being “flimsy” on its own.

“Three day printing” refers to 3D printing parts that take multiple days to produce, usually because the part is large, complex, or printed with fine detail. For interior mods, it enables custom shapes like a center-console riser and armrest that would be hard to source off the shelf.

A center console is the dashboard-to-floor area between the front seats that often houses controls, storage, and the shifter area. Here, the speaker discusses how the Land Cruiser 60 Series center console layout affects arm support, prompting a custom riser and armrest design.

The gear shifter is the control used to select gears in a manual or automatic transmission. The speaker references its location to explain how their custom center-console/armrest design aligns with the shifter area in the Land Cruiser interior.

3D modeling is creating a digital, three-dimensional computer model of a part or interior component. In custom builds, it’s used to design fitment precisely before manufacturing anything, especially when you’re making bespoke interior pieces.

Swivel hubs are the steering knuckle components that allow the front wheels to turn while carrying loads. On classic solid-axle 4x4s, refreshing swivel hubs is a big part of restoring steering feel and preventing wear-related issues.

Wheel bearings let the wheel spin smoothly while supporting the vehicle’s weight. On a 4x4 like a Land Cruiser 60 Series, they’re a common maintenance item and can be replaced as part of a suspension or steering refresh.

A lift refers to raising the vehicle’s ride height, usually with suspension components like springs or spacers. On a 4x4 build, lifting helps fit larger tires and improves ground clearance for off-road driving.

ARB is a well-known off-road brand that makes air compressors and related pneumatic systems. In this context, an ARB compressor is used to power locker engagement (air-actuated differential lockers).

A dual battery system adds a second battery so you can run accessories (like fridges, lights, or charging gear) without draining the main starting battery. It’s common on overland builds because it improves electrical reliability for camping and long trips.

Lithium batteries are lighter and can often handle deeper discharge than older lead-acid batteries, which makes them popular for vehicle accessory power. The speaker mentions using an older lithium battery as part of their learning/build process.

A “bed in the back” is a common overland/camping conversion where the rear cargo area is turned into sleeping and lounging space. The speaker is describing a fold-out/convertible layout intended for beach trips and easy setup.

“Concertina” describes a folding mechanism that expands and contracts like an accordion. In a vehicle bed concept, it usually means a compact, space-saving fold-out section.

“Patina” is the intentional or natural wear on a vehicle’s surfaces—like faded paint, scuffs, or rust-like aging—that can make a car look more characterful. In this segment, the host is debating whether the visible paint wear is part of the look or just damage that happened over time.

A “farm bar” is an aftermarket front protection bar—typically a bull bar-style setup—meant to protect the front of a 4WD from animal strikes and debris. The host says it’s temporary because they’re trying to avoid hitting a kangaroo, cow, or other hazards while driving to places like “broom” or “the farm.”

Panel work refers to body-panel repair and restoration—things like removing damaged metal, reshaping panels, welding, and then finishing with filler and paint. The quality of panel work affects how straight the body looks and how well rust is sealed out.

A blind spot is an area around the vehicle that the driver can’t see directly from the normal driving position. Vehicles with thick pillars or small windows tend to have larger blind spots; more glass and thinner structural members can improve visibility.

“Auto” here means an automatic transmission, where gear changes are handled by the car rather than the driver. The speaker is contrasting it with a manual setup, implying the driving feel and control differ between the two.

A turbocharger (often just called a “turbo”) uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine that forces more air into the engine. More air lets the engine burn more fuel, which is how turbo engines make more power than a similar naturally aspirated engine.

“12 HT” refers to a specific engine designation used in some Toyota Land Cruiser applications. In this context, it’s being discussed as a turbo engine, and the host is comparing how power delivery differs between automatic and manual transmissions.

“Packed” is the brand name the speaker is building around their own camping/gear bags. The discussion frames it as a direct-to-consumer content-and-product model rather than relying on sponsorships.

Cape York is a remote region in far north Queensland, Australia, known among 4WD travelers for long off-road routes and frequent river crossings. In this context, it’s shorthand for a specific kind of overland 4WD trip where vehicle clearance and traction matter a lot.

A “two inch lift” means raising the vehicle’s suspension by about two inches, which increases ground clearance for off-road obstacles and water crossings. In the transcript, it’s used to explain why the vehicle’s front end might reach the grille/approach angle differently when going through water.

The grill is the front opening/mesh area that sits ahead of the radiator and cooling system. In water-crossing discussions, reaching the grill indicates the water is deep enough to potentially affect cooling and airflow, and it’s a warning sign that the crossing is getting too deep.

The bonnet is the front hood of the vehicle. In off-road river crossing talk, “going over the bonnet” is a way of describing water depth reaching high enough to threaten the engine bay and electrical components.

“76 or a 79” is shorthand for two closely related Toyota Land Cruiser variants that are popular in Australian 4WD travel. The speaker uses them to contrast how much water depth the lifted vehicle can handle before it reaches sensitive areas.

“Alice South” refers to the road corridor south of Alice Springs in Australia. The hosts describe it as visually interesting but not always an easy drive, which is typical of remote-region touring where conditions can change quickly.

A slide-out fridge slide is a mounting system that lets a fridge pull out from a fixed enclosure for easier access while still being secured for travel. It’s especially useful in custom 4x4 builds because it improves day-to-day usability without sacrificing cargo space.

An inverter converts DC power from a battery system into AC power for running devices that require household-style electricity. In overlanding setups, the inverter size often determines what appliances you can run and how efficiently you can do it.

Tread is the rubber pattern on the outside of the tire that contacts the road. Its shape and depth affect traction, noise, and how the tire feels over uneven surfaces—especially when the tread blocks flex or “shutter” at speed.

“Muddies” is enthusiast slang for mud-terrain tires, which prioritize traction in mud, clay, and other soft or slippery surfaces. They usually have deeper, more open tread blocks to clear debris and maintain grip in messy conditions.

All-terrain tires are designed to work on both pavement and loose surfaces like sand, dirt, and gravel. They typically have a more aggressive tread pattern than highway tires, which helps traction off-road but can change noise and feel on-road.

The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck built for everyday driving and off-road capability, which is why it often comes up in 4WD discussions. It’s known for being comfortable for long trips while still offering the kind of traction and drivetrain options people want when roads get rough. In a podcast like this, it’s likely mentioned for how well it balances usability with off-road practicality.

The transmission tunnel is the raised channel in the floor that houses parts of the drivetrain, such as the transmission and related linkages. Aftermarket storage pieces often use the tunnel’s shape to add pockets or compartments without interfering with the rest of the cabin.

Toyota Land Cruiser is a long-running 4x4 platform known for durability and off-road capability, which is why it’s a common base for custom builds. In this segment, it’s mentioned as the starting point for a product the speaker is working on.

Shark Bay is a coastal region in Western Australia known for its beaches, fishing, and wide open sand areas. The speaker describes it as having soft sand where you can bounce along, plus strong fishing opportunities outside certain protected zones.

Dirk Hartog is an island in Western Australia that’s popular for fishing and remote camping. The speaker mentions doing a solo fishing trip there and describes the challenge of landing a big snapper from a cliff.

The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged 4x4 built around off-road use, with a strong reputation for trail capability and simple, durable design. It’s a frequent topic in 4WD conversations because it’s designed to go where many other vehicles can’t, and it’s also popular for customization. In the podcast context, it sounds like the Wrangler is being referenced as a specific example of a vehicle someone sent or discussed.

“Drifts” here means drifting, a driving technique where the car is deliberately set into oversteer so the rear tires slide while the driver keeps steering to control the angle. It’s commonly done on performance tires and in controlled environments.

“Slicks” are tires with no tread pattern, designed to maximize contact patch and grip for dry conditions. They’re common in motorsport because they provide strong traction when the road surface is clean and predictable.

Sean Scott is referenced as a creator the host used to follow, known for shooting/driving-related content. The segment frames him as a recognizable figure in the drift/vehicle media space.

“Loader” is mentioned as a sponsor, implying a brand partnership tied to the creator’s vehicle content. In car culture, sponsors often supply products, support builds, or provide promotional backing.

Jamie Vogler is named as another person in the conversation, likely connected to the same creator/sponsorship or vehicle-content circle. The segment doesn’t provide enough detail to identify their role beyond being a referenced name.