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1993 Lexus SC400: Fixing it up!

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Old 04-03-15, 12:49 PM
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SC400slide
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Default 1993 Lexus SC400: Fixing it up!

Recently acquired another SC400, it's a 93, has clean title, no leaks, has 198k miles and was $1400. This thread isn't a "build thread", it's more of a "fixing/restoring" thread. Like all the rest, it will be slow and ongoing, but I plan on getting this one restored a bit. Drives great, idles great, front struts squeak and creak, has a rattle, seats have a few rips here and there and are pretty used, paint is faded, door panels are great condition, cluster needles out, HVAC screen out, hood struts out among other things. The main concern right now is opening the passengers side door as it's stuck closed. I managed to remove the panel without busting it up and gain access to the actuator rod but I still have some figuring out to do...anyways back on track. Bought brand new in Torrance Cali, lived in AZ most of its life though.

Here are a few pictures of it.
























LMK what you think. I'll be updating this thread as I fix broken stuff.
Old 04-03-15, 01:06 PM
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ems
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The sandstone beige is like camouflage for your climate! Did you come across them by chance being that color or is it a preference?
Old 04-03-15, 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by ems
The sandstone beige is like camouflage for your climate! Did you come across them by chance being that color or is it a preference?
All by chance. Bought 2 here in NM, one in AZ. My guess is this color was popular out here in the southwest.
Old 04-03-15, 01:33 PM
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ems
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I have 2 sandstones and also by chance, ones from florida and other is from MN. well, heres to chance!
Old 04-03-15, 01:35 PM
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Is that the world's most worn steering wheel cover?

I guess good things happen in threes, not just bad things...
Old 04-03-15, 02:07 PM
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I think my SC300 has the exact same wheels on it that yours does. Can't remember the brand off hand but they look exactly the same. You want mine as spares?
Old 04-03-15, 02:07 PM
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ThomasGS4
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I think SC400slide has been holding out on us about his true identity:

Old 04-03-15, 09:48 PM
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Originally Posted by t2d2
Is that the world's most worn steering wheel cover?

I guess good things happen in threes, not just bad things...
No, it's the worlds dirtiest steering wheel cover. Thats all dirt, and this is why the cover went straight to the trash.
Originally Posted by Matt300ZXT
I think my SC300 has the exact same wheels on it that yours does. Can't remember the brand off hand but they look exactly the same. You want mine as spares?
They're MB Discount Tire wheels, if I'm not mistaken. I am missing the spare tire...willing to sell one only?
Originally Posted by ThomasGS4
I think SC400slide has been holding out on us about his true identity:



So it seems that the door lock is stuck, therefore the door handle(s) will not operate. Will be removing the carpeting to give it a good shampoo come next week if I find the time.
Old 04-04-15, 08:56 AM
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Some progress made. Got the door opened, finally. Not closing it till I know whats going on. Found out that in the cold, the PS pump sounds like a Ford PS pump...it is awfully low on fluid so I replenish it and see if that changes. The interior will/should start tomorrow!
Old 04-04-15, 09:20 AM
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Nice find ! I see that you love that color.
Old 04-04-15, 09:28 AM
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SC400slide
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Thanks!

Found a few goodies in the glovebox and trunk. I was also surprised to find the original valet key in the manual. Also found a subwoofer and amp with a mess of wires in the trunk. I also learned that when purchased new, it had a Lo-jack system installed. (if vehicle is stolen, it can be tracked.) Interesting...




EDIT hours later so I don't keep spamming the forum with my crap:

Got the door actuator to work. It was jammed due to dirt...I soaked the thing in penetrating oil for hours. Got the handles moving smoothly. Now to buy a bag of door clips...

Last edited by SC400slide; 04-04-15 at 06:35 PM.
Old 04-06-15, 02:16 PM
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Upon cleaning out the trunk I found that the stock amp harness was messed up by the previous owner for subwoofer wiring. I removed all the amp wires and did my best to recover the harness. Hope the changer works.
Attached Thumbnails 1993 Lexus SC400: Fixing it up!-image-1808858341.jpg  
Old 04-07-15, 12:14 AM
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Originally Posted by SC400slide
Upon cleaning out the trunk I found that the stock amp harness was messed up by the previous owner for subwoofer wiring. I removed all the amp wires and did my best to recover the harness. Hope the changer works.
Meh, don't bother with the changer, its practically worthless unless you buy all direct label cd's, mine skips almost every burnt disc I ever tried playing.
Old 04-07-15, 06:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Kris9884
Meh, don't bother with the changer, its practically worthless unless you buy all direct label cd's, mine skips almost every burnt disc I ever tried playing.
Still though, even if I may not use it, I like to have everything functional. The wiring was messed up for the stock amp, not the changer harness, though the changer does not work.
Old 04-08-15, 08:57 AM
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Had a little extra time so I recovered the seat nets.







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