B.Diddy

iTrader: (1)

Well since the weather is getting nicer, I decided to actually start fixing my LS400.

Original Damage:


Fun to see dried mud fall out of car

Just bolted on the new used fender. I will straighten and align later on. (ignore power steering leak Im gonna fix that crap once and for all too!!


another view of the install


Here is a pic of the damaged door that needs to be pulled out and fixed. I also picked up a good complete side mirror to replace to bootleg random glass fix mirror that the car has been running



Plans are to strip and remove all door cladding, window moldings and handles, lights, moldings so I can get the car ready for paint.

Mobstar

Good luck,
are you just gonna Rebuild it up or stock or is there a Theme to it?

B.Diddy

iTrader: (1)

Its getting the full VIP treatment

takumi117

have fun removing all weather striping, chrome moldings, door handles, windows, door panels and other stuff. I been there done that and it wasnt fun at all... Good luck on your makeover man. it'll look brand new once it's done!

B.Diddy

iTrader: (1)

thanks man... I already sprayed the window trim screws with Liquid Wrench to loosen up rust and old age. They seem to be coming out pretty easy. The door claddings are suprisingly easy to remove if you take your time. (I practiced on a spare LS door in my garage)

the door handles on the other hand are a BIATCH to get at. I always hated that stuff.

I look at it this way... it will be cheaper for me at the bodyshop if I do all the grunt work prior to prep myself. it will also faciliate a neater more thorough paint job and less "tapework" to mask off stupid things that can be removed.

Hopefully this all is worth the trouble.... I really want this car to look like the brand Flagship that it is.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

im getting ready to get some body work done and your making me want to do all the prep myself also. good luck

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

Of all the areas that are hard on cars, I think New York has to be the hardest. Careless drivers, Northeastern weather, and constant idling make for a very hard life for a car. Good work restoring yours.

takumi117

No problem man! Good thing your spraying them down, half of mine just cracked off from being rusted... And yes it is a good idea to do all the prep work yourself if you have the time and patience to do it... It will save you a whole lot of money. But for me i was on a time schedule with my friends shop and it took me a week and a half to prep the car and one day for him to spray and a day to dry. So good luck bro, post up pics of the final outcome!

B.Diddy

iTrader: (1)

I'll let the bodyshop do the actual "prep work" I will diassemble everything and reassemble everything when the painting is done. I dont have the time available to sand down the whole car.

I gotta order my coilovers and daizen bushings this week.

B.Diddy

iTrader: (1)

Just took delivery of my stock LS430 wheels with Bridgestone Turanzas. That should keep me rollin until my wheels come in.

ElitistK

iTrader: (4)

nice supra in the background.

B.Diddy

iTrader: (1)

HAHA thats project #2, its getting a JDM TT motor, new full JDM bodykit, new wheels and endless brakes. (I got my hands full doing this all at home in my spare time)

B.Diddy

iTrader: (1)

I got the 17" 430 Wheels on the car tonight. It was cold as a ****, but I just manned up and swapped the wheels. I must say Im liking the upgraded stock look. I think I will reconsider buying wheels for a moment.

omarg

i think your wheels are my favorite stocks. They look great on first gens.

Brandicus

iTrader: (6)

hehe these pics will look fantastic when your done with the project, those wheels look great on that car. any plans for a kit or will you just go with a lip?