Dockof-bay

Hey guys, long time stalker. In 2012 i bought a ONE owner 2005 LS 430 with 46000mi. Dealer opt. Modern lux, smart key, and 18's. Been playing around with some upgrades that include but are not limited to; Sprintbooster, new padding in drivers seat, retrofit a 2007 ls460 shark fin antenna, Jdm steering wheel,
Rear Sway Bar Kit, xm radio with an iPod adapter. Also, a trunk lip spoiler and kept up on all maintenance.
Will download some pics of her soon. Heres my recent steering wheel upgrade

Bob04

I like the new steering wheel. Where did you get it from? Part number?

Dockof-bay

Hi Bob,

These guys have quality parts for our cars, they our out of japan. Just make sure you confirm that they have your wheel in stock.
http://eliteautostyle.com

Bob04

Thanks. Is that woodgrain color medium brown or dark brown in your pic? Does the woodgrain look stock quality? Mine is cracking in a several spots. Not a big deal, but I'd replace it is I can find a quality option.

Also, did you replace the steering wheel yourself?

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

looks really nice,,and im assuming its real leather and real woodgrain?

you re-use your current air bag as well correct?

Dockof-bay

Will n Bob; Yes, its a medium Birdseye Maple and real leather. In my opinion it is superior to factory. As you know our factory steering wheels do not match the quality of the rest of our interior wood. This wood appears to be darker than stock, but when the sun hits it matches perfectly. Also, the grip seems to be about 25 percent thicker.
I did do it myself, but i would check some threads for airbag removal.
This wheel seemed to be put together over an oem frame. All switches and airbag fit perfectly back into place.

lsdude

Did the seat cushion make a difference in comfort? I have an 06 with 47k miles driven by an elderly woman when I bought it. My seat is ok and wondering if the cushion will help.

Dockof-bay

In short, yes it did. Also, a plus is they removed the excess slack, and gave it a good leather clean.

Dockof-bay

Here is a pic of my retrofitted LS460 shark fin antenna. I think its an improvement over our stock pencil one.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I like the shark fin. How hard was it to install it?

Dockof-bay

Hi Kira,
I was hoping no one would ask this. First off, since this is a lexus part it screams quality.
1) When i received the fin i gutted all electronics out. Then with a dremel cut the four male thread post out for a smooth int.

2) Because this was made for a LS460, and the roof might be a little more aggressive than ours, i kept the integrity of the antenna base. To get the LS460 fin to seat properly you need to shave off the top of the base mount
"LS430" down to about a half inch high. Just take your time and lay out card board to protect your roof.

3) Your almost done! Use 3m molding tape and carefully put it around the edge of the new fin.
Then A good quality GE %100 silicone caulking, and run a bead around the interior of the new fin and assemble. Be careful to dry fit it before the last step. I used blue painters tape to line the fin up before final assembly. Good luck

Bob04

Thanks. Very informative thread.

Dockof-bay

I took a better pic to show how the medium Birdseye on the wheel matches my interior. .

PHOUND5

Not trying to hijack this great thread. I have a 2002 with 100K miles. I am 6'5" 250 and replaced the front seat cushions this year with OEM replacement cushions . Substantial improvement in comfort. Recommended.

bmore430

I love that wheel. I'm afraid to ask the cost lol looks very high quality. I would love this in black for my 2005. What was the shipping and wait time?