DrLex

iTrader: (2)

I picked up this SC300 *really* cheap after seeing it for only 15 minutes.

After driving it for a few days, I found out why it was so cheap. This thread will be dedicated to restoring the car to it's original glory. It might be interesting for people shopping for an SC to see what kind of problems you are going to encounter when buying a high mileage car.

I will list the current problems, and the goals for the car, and check them off accordingly in the future.

Specs:

- 1993 SC300 196,000 miles
- Automatic
- Sunroof
- Bone stock
- Salvage Title
- Tokico shocks
- Some sort of walmart foglights installed, as shown in the picture below

Current Issues:

- Front control arm bushings bad
- Passenger window does not roll up
- Climate Control LCD bad
- Usual front lights problem, dull/yellow


Plans:

- Subtle rims, possibly staying OEM but larger
- Toyota Soarer conversion
- Supra seats with manual controls to save weight
- Mild intake and exhaust upgrade, keeping it quiet and legal
- Firm up suspension with supra spec shocks/springs
- Supra control arms


So this thread will be pretty boring, no huge turbo swaps or killer styling. Just your average stuff, on a strict budget. I am a Supra guy, so I'll be doing my best to get this closer to supra specs while maintaining a smooth/comfy ride that even your girlfriend/wife would be proud of.

Here it is as purchased:






Repair Log:

3/15/09 - Oil Change
3/15/09 - Replaced Air Filter $10
3/16/09 - Replaced Vacuum Lines $40
3/19/09 - Replaced PCV Valve $5

Kaydee

nice... I commend you, a car should be running right before it can run fast

DrLex

iTrader: (2)

So first thing to do is some basic maintenance. Let's check the air filter:

New replacement:



This was AFTER I removed a handful of leaves:

DrLex

iTrader: (2)

Exactly. I see too many people buying an exhaust system, while their motor leaks oil all over the place.

Let's make it *right* first, before we go any further.

eHIGH

Smartest idea to date. I'm doing the exact same thing as you right now

Picked up an SC last month

Did:

Steering rack bushing (It was bad)

Oil change (Duh)

Cap, rotor, plugs, plug wires, and valve cover gasket

Timing belt, water pump, thermostat, cam seals, front main seal, timing belt idler/tensioner pulley

Looking at replacing the strut/springs, reupholster the seats and steering wheel, and paint touch up.

I'll be a happy camper after that.

Good luck on your project

BLK13X

It's nice to see someone restoring an otherwise beat SC.

DrLex

iTrader: (2)

Before I do a tune up, I'm debating switching over to 7M cap/wire setup. I noticed that a few people here have done the conversion.

I find the stock coil and wires to be a little on the anemic side.

tc32

i can kind of relate to this.. when i bought my sc it ran fine... then the problems hit one after another. driver visor mirror was cracked and broken (noticed before buying and got a small discount), the a/c leaked freon, both window motors and regulators crapped out, the headlight was replaced and resealed poorly by dealer so water got in and it corroded, bad seats, and the oil was really bad.

so i oil changed it, replaced the window motors and regulators, bought a replacement oem headlight (didnt replace it yet but should get it done next sat), and replaced my air filter which looked worse than yours lol... and still repairs to go.

but i did get bit by the mod bug and did some cosmetic mods. slapped on a body kit and rims, blacked out rear lights, and put on some rims.

P Weezy

iTrader: (1)

Great pick up, gl on ur restoration...and future mods

jdm93400

Can we get more resto pics

DrLex

iTrader: (2)

I picked up some Silicon Hose to replace all the vacuum lines. Here is the lengths you will need to use.

2 FT 10mm (PCV hose to intake pipe) (This should really be 15mm)
3 FT 8mm (brake booster hose, PCV to intake manifold)
5 FT 6mm (power steering vac lines, coolant overflow tank)
15 FT 4mm (all small vacuum lines, including lines to charcoal canister and heater valve)

Note: You should really be using 3.5mm on the EGR lines, but they only had 4mm, so I have to secure those lines better.

DrLex

iTrader: (2)

I was bumming today about how my lights were all fogged up and yellow. I had been searching ebay for a new set and almost bought some.

I rubbed on the dull lights and noticed it cleared up. I rubbed a little more and found that it wasn't fogged from the inside, but the outside. They just hadn't been cleaned (directly) in so long that it had covered them over. I've washed the car several times, but had not yet detailed it.

I used a little rubbing compound to get the dirt off, then a polish, then some wax. It took only about 5 minutes each. The difference is amazing. In fact, it seems like the driver side was actually a new unit, including the high beams. The passenger side light looks a little older as it is dirty inside.

Before passenger side:



After:



After driver side (looks newer):





The only problem is that even though the housing is clean, the inside projector lenses are still dirty. They put new light housings, but used the old lenses. So they still have to be cleaned internally.

DrLex

iTrader: (2)

Also picked up some random parts..

HKS airbox filter for after smog :



Supra timing cover (needs a paint job):



IS300 header (not sure if I will actually use this):

SC3_Dred

iTrader: (2)

Still seems like a decent buy. GL with the resto

Anthony85

935 much respect on the thread. I also just started driving my 93 SC300 this week and I love the car but its just all maintainence stuff that has to be done.

To do List:
Spark Plugs
Spark pkug Wires
Fuel Filter
Oil Change
Passenger window goes down but has a hard time going
Driver side door does not open from outside.
Etc.

All i can say have fun and good luck with the restortation... Because I know I will.