i have a 96 LS and i got into a car accident so i thought i would try a conversion to the newer headlights of the 98. I know that i will have to at least change the bumper, hood, two fenders, and of course the lights.

I heard that the frame is close to the same. I am crossing my fingers and hoping that it will be a straight swap, but life does not usually make itself that simple.

Has anyone done this, or know how this swap could be done?

Also does anybody want to sell me some red and white, or all clear tail lights for my 96?(i got sandwiched in the accident)

 

I've seen it done on a first gen LS actually. Had to do some fiber work but it looked pretty good.

I don't see why you couldn't do a straight swap. My main concern would be the actual bumper, not the bumper cover. You also may have to buy a 98+ wiring harness for the fog lamps, and do some fancy work to move them from the main wiper cluster down to the bumper. While you're at it, get some 98+ taillamps too, finish it out!

 

I am also worried that the bumper cover will not fit on the existing bumper support, and if I have to change that, i might also have to change the radiator support. changing those things will mean $$$.

The electronics are no problem. I have worked as a car audio/alarm installer for many years. I already wired my turn signals to flash alternately from the fog lights, which also blink too. If the lights were not all white(clear corners) then it would look kind of like an ambulence. It works good, when I signal people get out of my way!

Also, I have the Celsior copy of hyper rev(it is kind of like a catalog of all the products that are available for the LS400 in Japan) and I can't tell the difference between the tailgate of my 96 and the 98+. Is there a difference?

 

Hey theomms!

I've seen quite a few cars with the conversion to '98. I'm not sure if its after any accidents or so. I think people just do it for the look. I really don't think you'll have a problem with the conversion . There is a difference in the tail lights, the lenses are less frosted and the color is brighter, also the lenses that surround the license plate are a little bit longer on the '98-00 than '95-97. Good luck, post some pics if you can after the work is done.

 

Theomms, check out the difference 95-97 on top, 98-00: bottom.

 

Abcedefghij

 

There's no difference in the sheetmetal, the only change is that there is a character line on the rear plate behind the licence plate. Are you SURE the rear lights are wider? Where on Lexus.com did you find that? I'd definately upgrade to the 98-00 lenses, I think the ones on the 95-97 are very old looking. The clear lenses on the 98+ makes it look more modern.

 

Abcedefghij

 

thanks for all the replies! Now I will definitely do the swap! I am real excited! It will be like a brand new car, that I already know I love!

I see the difference now! I always thought the tail lights on the 98 looked brighter, but I just thought it was because the car was newer!!

I know that it is redundant, but has anyone changed to the newer tail lights. are you sure that there is no mounting conflicts or body work needed? I dont want to order it and.... it just seems too easy!

one more thing, are there any aftermarket alternatives for the 98+ headlights? i swear I have seen some with black housing.

i will post some before and after picks when it comes out(it wont be for a couple of weeks though )

 

Abcedefghij

 

The 96-98 Swap is a great idea. I researched this a few years back and found out that it can be done, but I had to scrap the plan after finding a GS 400 for an awesome price.
Switch the fenders, hood, bumper, lights, and a few other small parts and when you're done, you're stylin!
Switching the tailights is up to you. Just compare the difference between the 2 years and see if it's worth it to ya.
Make sure you get H.I.D's too!
Post some pics when you're done and I'm sure other Clublexus members will follow, Good luck!

 

the bottom one is acutally the 2nd generation Ls400 swap to 98-00 LS taillight

also check this site out ...the conversion of 98-00 "the lorinser LS400"

http://papajs.hp.infoseek.co.jp/newpage19.htm

http://papajs.hp.infoseek.co.jp/newpage29.htm --(before)


click the first link to see how the work is done..(UCF11-UCF21) ^^

hope that will help