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I wanted to inquire about a few things, and I would like to say thank you for all input into the discussion.
I have purchased a 2008 Lexus RX350, and I made this decision ultimately because I hate the newer models interior design. (Weird triangle dash which limits radio/nav upgrades) newer years also having weird nav/radio.
First: I have seen a thread with someone installing aftermarket android Tesla screen design, with some feature issues however.
Are there specific brands that have issues and others with less issues? (Plug and Play)
Ugh, looks like crap to me.
Weird.
Beautiful, symmetrical, double din compatibility.
The End Result I am looking for.
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Second: I would like to update my hood/front bumper to the newer design. Would a 2010 hood be compatible so that way I can install an aftermarket upgrade kit?
Update kit
If not; Are there any other alternatives? (Besides buying a newer model and dealing with interior)
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Third: I would like to be able to update/upgrade my side view mirrors. I like the newer assemblies with turn signal and fold function. I can expect the connectors will not be the same, so possibly some splicing required... Is it compatible to fit 2010 assembly on 2008?
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I look forward to the responses, I will greatly appreciate input from the community!
Total different body style, You'd have to use the whole front clip even if you could mock/fab it up & then the fender line wouldn't match the door panels & then the length of the hood & would it match the curve of the windshield. As you've heard before, yea anything can be done but it'll cost. Is it a cost effective, I wouldn't think so. When I bought our '07 rx, I looked at the later '10-'13 rx's & figured it'd do the same thing for what we need, as a earlier gen2 would. I actually like the earlier gen2's, as their one off looking vs the gen3's. Your also going to find different manufactures, totally change the interiors & or change body panels & or platforms, sometimes for the good & bad. So you got to ask yourself, Do you like the prefer the gen2 interior more or the gen3 exterior more? I really wouldn't think its cost effective to mod a rx that drastically.......
Total different body style, You'd have to use the whole front clip even if you could mock/fab it up & then the fender line wouldn't match the door panels & then the length of the hood & would it match the curve of the windshield. As you've heard before, yea anything can be done but it'll cost. Is it a cost effective, I wouldn't think so. When I bought our '07 rx, I looked at the later '10-'13 rx's & figured it'd do the same thing for what we need, as a earlier gen2 would. I actually like the earlier gen2's, as their one off looking vs the gen3's. Your also going to find different manufactures, totally change the interiors & or change body panels & or platforms, sometimes for the good & bad. So you got to ask yourself, Do you like the prefer the gen2 interior more or the gen3 exterior more? I really wouldn't think its cost effective to mod a rx that drastically.......
We are willing to put a little more money into it because we know just how reliable these beauties are. There is a good chance we will hold it permanently! So we want to give it the treatment it deserves.
I think he pulled that number from his ***, especially considering they sell "upgrade bumpers" modifying the front end of this gen, to the new gen, or at least close to it, for a few hundred bucks. The issue is trying to find it. I've seen them overseas, but never here. That being said, the one you linked says 2009, but is for 2010 and upwards, which would be a 3rd gen RX versus a 2nd gen.
I think he pulled that number from his ***, especially considering they sell "upgrade bumpers" modifying the front end of this gen, to the new gen, or at least close to it, for a few hundred bucks. The issue is trying to find it. I've seen them overseas, but never here. That being said, the one you linked says 2009, but is for 2010 and upwards, which would be a 3rd gen RX versus a 2nd gen.
Actually no I didnt pull that number from my "***" I used to work at a body shop, also my friend did a 04-06 conversion on his ls430 it involved new radiator support modifying the entire front of the car extensive welding and cutting it cost him $17,000 get it done. He listed a kit for a 2010 and up RX they are completely different than the 2nd gen, I have never seen an "update bumper kit" for the 2nd gen rx if you have links please post.
Do you even know how much body work costs it cost me $300 in just supplies to paint a trunk spoiler to get a fender painted is $500-$1000, maybe more depending on how much they need to do and blend the paint, now add aligment of the front to make sure nothing is crooked on tops of having to rewire lights, sensors, customs fender liners, custom plastic under tray, etc thats were I came up with $15,000-$30,000.
Last edited by 05ls430518; Feb 10, 2020 at 04:59 AM.
We are willing to put a little more money into it because we know just how reliable these beauties are. There is a good chance we will hold it permanently! So we want to give it the treatment it deserves.
Thank you for your input, anything is a big help!
Realistically if you prefer/like the gen3 style better, I'd think you'd go for a gen3 & mod/fab up the interior. Have you thought 'bout removing the whole dash cluster & fab up a fiberglass mold, ect?
Hi friends, as far as I know the 2010+ is all new design. Hoods, bumper, fenders don't fit earlier models unless maybe someone did a hack special aftermarket kit?
If I'm wrong plz send links cuz I might like to do a 2010+ facelift to the front too!
PS- About the radio- the 2010+ have no aftermarket kit that I can find so far for a double din radio- that's one of the thing I looked at when thought about buying a newer model
and I'm not an Android Tesla fan until multiple companies build them cuz I don't like proprietary buggy tems that I can only buy from one place- I like choices. lol
Realistically if you prefer/like the gen3 style better, I'd think you'd go for a gen3 & mod/fab up the interior. Have you thought 'bout removing the whole dash cluster & fab up a fiberglass mold, ect?
Not particularly. And I figured it it usually easier to find aftermarket solutions for older vehicles than newer ones.
Hi friends, as far as I know the 2010+ is all new design. Hoods, bumper, fenders don't fit earlier models unless maybe someone did a hack special aftermarket kit?
If I'm wrong plz send links cuz I might like to do a 2010+ facelift to the front too!
PS- About the radio- the 2010+ have no aftermarket kit that I can find so far for a double din radio- that's one of the thing I looked at when thought about buying a newer model
and I'm not an Android Tesla fan until multiple companies build them cuz I don't like proprietary buggy tems that I can only buy from one place- I like choices. lol
I think something I might try is go to a junkyard, and compare the parts between the two.
That way I can see how difficult it will be to transplant the parts, if possible.
I will keep everyone in the loop once I have made some discoveries.
This thread is gonna go nowhere its literally welding a front clip onto another chassis that has completely different dimensions, it is going to cost 3x the cost of the car to accomplish and will not look right, thats if it even gets done in the first place.
Agree with above posts+1 ^^.
Years ago I went from mechanic on cars for a national chain to working at a body shop thinking I would like it better.
I didn't like it. Welding and painting didn't come natural to me but I can tell people from 1st hand experience that front clips(or rear) is an incredible amount of work-
and thats for cars where things line up and fit I couldn't imagine doing on a different model- unless like others have said-
maybe a hot rod with minimal wiring, airbar sensors, wiring, etc.
Different body lines to consider too like already said but I kinda like the Mad Max look.
Upgrades/Modifications/Updates
I used to work at a body shop, also my friend did a 04-06 conversion on his ls430 it involved new radiator support modifying the entire front of the car extensive welding and cutting it cost him $17,000 get it done. He listed a kit for a 2010 and up RX they are completely different than the 2nd gen, I have never seen an "update bumper kit" for the 2nd gen rx if you have links please post.
