Welcome to the Lab

Grab your safety gear, we're gonna get messy.

Cars have been my hobby for as long as I can remember. I grew up around them, helping my dad tinker on his various vehicles, my fave being a 1970 Plymouth Duster that I owned for awhile. As an adult, I sold cars for Lief Johnson here in Austin, worked for Diesel Geek making parts for Volkswagens, worked in management for the First Texas Honda shop, all the while maintaining, and customizing my own vehicles.

I first got into offroading when a friend introduced me to it back in 2014. I liked it so much that I even managed to con him into selling me his Discovery 2. Still not sure why he thought it was a good idea, but I'm glad he did.

Since then, I've gone to countless off-roading events, including the 2021 Land Rover National Rally in Utah, though I mostly stick to Texas. I've been a member of the Texas Rover Club for seven years, and last year, I became the events coordinator for the Austin chapter.

Currently I own the Disco 2, an LR3, and another Disco 2 that it strictly a parts truck.

LuLu, the Disco 2

LuLu (named by Candace, my buddy's wife) is a 2004 Land Rover Discovery 2 with the following modifications:

• Detroit tru-tracs 

• 4” terra firma lift

• TF Dislocation kit 

• Fox shocks

• SS extended brake lines

• Lucky 8 sway bar disconnects

• Dark Crow Design bumpers and sliders

• Landie Lab ported and polished upper and lower intake

• EBC brakes

• Modified Extinct Motor Sport inline thermostat 

• Golden Rovers gull wing window 

• Center muffler delete

• Landie Lab custom car audio build 

• Landie Lab Samsquantch edition overland storage system 

• 33” ATKO’s

I take LuLu to most off-roading events, and she's broken more axles than I can count. But nothing beats her on the trails. Just ask some of the folks I've had to winch up an obstacle or two.

FiFi the LR 3

FiFi is a 2007 Land Rover LR 3 with the following modifications:

• Proud Rhino lift rods

• 32" all-terrain tires

• Landie Lab custom car audio build

I bought FiFi from Ken from Austin Rover Works so I could tow the Disco to Utah (it was cheaper than renting a trailer believe it or not). While the FiFi is my daily driver, I've taken her on a trail or two and she holds her own, even without much modifications. Right now I'm keeping her as-is, only because I need at least one running vehicle to drive. Every car will, inevitably, become a project car. Right? That’s normal isn’t it?