I never understood why the car had the other tires. It’s not just about the look; it’s about the stance, the performance, and getting the foundation right. One step closer to getting Lex where he should be.
The sidewalls look amazing.



Note: I have rear spacers on the back. I believe they are 10mm.

 

A quick alignment. And Lex is as straight as an arrow...

 

I was told my restored headlights had about 12 to 18 months protection, but I decided from the start to protect it with recommended PPF film. I went to a place I frequent for car parts which now they can a detailing center and hasd the work done. They turned out as good as new. All my friends in the detailing community recommended to PPF the headlights.

You Tube

 

Since one of my halogens was burnt out, I've always accepted the concept of OEM+, so I've had awesome experiences with Dual LED lighting products, never have had an issue... So I chose a bump up from what stock lighting is, but trust me, they have from Mild to Wild.




Here are the factory JDM Xenon bulbs with the Dual LED Halogens. Yes they are brighter than the headlights, but I'm not complaining.


.

 

So not all is pretty and pink. The truth is my the interior on my car is shot. Years of the car laying out abandoned in a lot with no shade anywhere, took a toll, plus, the rear seat actually had everything from the engine block to broken radiator, condensor, and all sorts of parts.







But, now starts the final chapter of this buiild: The Interior Job.

 

After rememembering a friend of mine who had a Merc GL450 that had a pretty tired interior, and suddenly one day I need to do a run for food and drinks and I took his SUV, once I got in I was "holy cow", his interior looked like it was done at the factory. So he hooked me up with his upholster:


I have a date set for January 15, 2026, so yep...starting off the New Year pretty slick...
I'm doing the full interior, including door cards, and steering wheel, For you purists, I'm sorry but I'm wrapping the wood trip a-la- New IS Sport steering wheel wrapping....

 

Happy New Year to everyone! 🥂 I want to give a huge shoutout to those of you who have been here since day one, following every step of this Lexus restoration. We might be a small group, but I truly appreciate the loyal support. 2026 is going to be a big year for the build—interior gets done, some more upgrades, more parts get ordered and hopefully more time on the road.

Thanks for riding along with me! 🏎️💨

 

Added a personal memento today. If you see me around, Bitburger Bier on me...

 

Sometimes the factory look just needs a refresh. Swapping the center console and shift **** on the GS300. It’s amazing how much a few interior upgrades change the whole driving experience. Keep it clean, keep it moving. My upholsterer pushed back the date of my retrim. So for now, it's set for next Wednesday.

 

Stripped back to the basics to bring back the best. The GS300 interior revival is officially underway......


The rusty points will be cleaned and rust converted added. Also the rails will be reconditioned, as well as the gears and such properly cleaned and lubed.

 

So because of a lack of space, the interior is being uphostered in stages. When the bottom section of the rear seat was removed, I noticed the Fuel Pump / Assembly access covers were not sealing completely. So I went out and bought some u urethane and caulk gun. There was no nylon screw on the rubber cover (As usual) so I gathered one, as well as my 5 gal vacuum cleaner, cleaning spray, and got to work.

The bottom of the rubber cover had some loose insulation so after cleaning the top part, I added urethane sealent cause, hey, it sticks...right, and left it out to dry for a while. I vacummed the whole area and then got to work on applying a new layer of sealant to the covers. Pressed down firmly. and done. Waited an hour. then put the rubber cover on and its nylon screw.

 

Best Tip Ever:

So the seat are not only getting refinishined, the gears are getting cleaned and regreased. The seat rails, will get refurbished too. But what about the screws that were left behind?

1. Take rusty and lightly corroded screws and bolts and put them in a plastic cup with white vinegar. Leave them overnight.

Then with a brush, i used an old toothbrush, brush them clean.

2. Immediately, drop them in another cup of wash and a teaspoon of baking soda (to nutrilize the acid). Keep them there for about an hour.



Optional: to the head of the screw add a driop of oil and only wipe the top and washer if it has one.

The Result:



As good as new.

 

Precision is in the details. Nothing hits like a reset. Interior stripped, vacuumed, and every single screw returned to its rightful condition.. Restoring the cockpit of the GS300 one step at a time.



NOTE: The car will get a full detail when finished. Everything from Ceramic Coating (paint still curing), to undercarriage, wheel well and engine cleaning and detailng with Vonixx, and the interior will have its carpeting removed, and properly restored. But there is still too much work to do now.

 

Interior Refresh: Finally the seats are getting reupholstered at the shop. Fresh upholstery is gonna make the Lex look amazing. Happy cause we are close to completing the restoration.




PS - Yup, gonna need new seatbelt locks....

 

Here is a quick before and after....