Who We Are

Land Cruiser Restorations is a family business built on a simple idea, that these machines deserve to be brought back to life the right way.

It started with James Sheppard, our founder and owner, who first fell in love with Toyota while serving in the United States Army stationed in Germany. There was something about the way those trucks were built, tough, reliable, and honest, that stuck with him long after he came home.

Back in the States, James did what most people do. He worked a steady job, provided for his family, and kept his head down. But on the weekends, he was wrenching. He restored his first FJ40 on the side, not to sell it, but because he loved it. He and his wife and kids would load up and hit the trails with friends, and life was good.

Then one day at a gas station, a stranger walked up and offered to buy it right there on the spot. James said yes. Then he built another one. Sold that one too. Then another. And another, one at a time, until it became impossible to ignore what was happening.

In 2001 he took the leap, left the 9 to 5 behind, and bet on himself. What started as a passion project in his spare time has grown into one of the most respected Land Cruiser restoration shops in the country.

Over 20 years later, the love for these trucks hasn’t changed. Neither has the standard we hold every build to. Every Land Cruiser that comes through our shop is restored as if we are building it for ourselves, for our own kids, for Jim’s grandkids. That’s not a slogan. That’s just how we work.

The Team

Land Cruiser Restorations is truly a family affair. James is joined every day by his son Jesse and his daughter Amber, and between the three of them, every aspect of your build is covered.

Jesse Sheppard, Shop Lead

Jesse could disassemble and reassemble a Land Cruiser with his eyes closed, and he’s probably done it close to that. Growing up around these trucks with his dad, the knowledge is just part of who he is. Jesse manages every build from start to finish, overseeing teardowns, mechanical work, and final reassembly with the kind of perfectionist eye that doesn’t let anything slide. He holds every build to the same standard his dad set from day one, because for Jesse there’s simply no other way to do it. He’s all business on the clock, but anyone in the shop will tell you he’s got a big heart, the guy who shows up spoiling the crew when the work is done. And when he’s not in the shop, he’s at home grooming his two Pomeranians, which honestly makes him even harder not to like.

Amber Douglas, Secretary

That’s me. I’m the one behind the emails, the contracts, the finances, the ordering, and just about everything else that happens off the shop floor, including the website, apparently. I’m up at 5 am most days working through my inbox before the rest of the world wakes up, early to rise, early to get ahead. When you reach out via email, you’re talking to me. I’ll keep you updated with photos along the way, coordinate transport to get your Cruiser to us and back home to you when it’s done, and make sure every detail is taken care of from the first email to final delivery. Chaos Coordinator is what the desk plate says. I prefer to think of it as making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

All three of us are here to talk with you. Call, text, or email and you’ll reach real people who care about getting your build right.

What We Do

We specialize in complete, build-to-suit restorations for the FJ40, FJ60, FJ62, FJ80, and 100 Series Land Cruisers. From factory-correct restorations to full V8 conversion restomods, every build is centered around your vision and how you plan to use the vehicle.

Our process covers everything. Drivetrain, suspension, brakes, cooling, fuel systems, electrical, soundproofing, interior, paint, the list is endless. Nothing is farmed out or pieced together. Every system is engineered to work together as a complete build, then road tested before it ever leaves our shop.

Some builds are full frame-to-finish restorations. Others are focused upgrades or performance conversions. We don’t believe in preset packages here so there is no pressure to fit into one.

We work with clients nationwide and offer free delivery on completed builds.

Call or text Jim, Jesse, or Amber at 316-633-9902 or 316-992-5986 and let’s talk about your Cruiser.