Notices
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)

Plastic to metal conversion - How-To (with pics)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 08:41 PM
  #1  
UZinator's Avatar
UZinator
Thread Starter
Rookie
10 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default Plastic to metal conversion - How-To (with pics)

Cheers!

I picked up my (new to me) 92 SC400 about 2 weeks ago. I am still doing the title waiting game. But in the mean time -there are a few things that need fixing. One is what looks as though it may be a common problem with SC cars and it is the crappy plastic door pull handles:



Both of them were broken -which makes getting out of the car a bit tough when the doors are closed.

So -now that I am into the SC game -and I look a little harder now when I pass by LS400 or SC400 cars -I noticed that the metal door handles on the LS looked very similar in shape to the SC handles and so I snagged a few from the local PAP. The LS pivot pins have a push retainer on one end that needs to be folded back and removed so the pin can be extracted. get the handle, plastic bushing pieces, plastic push rod snap pivots and the pivot pin for both sides:



Here is the pivot pin on the SC handle:



Here is my very favorite tool now for about 35 years (not this same exact one though):



Use the dremel to grind away the smashed end of the pivot pin (not the head end) and be careful not to grind away too much material from the frame:



You will need similar tools to knock the pivot pin out:



Removing the SC pin:



From this point grab the head and pull it out. Be careful not to let the sprung handle kick you somewhere that it might hurt. Brace the parts to keep them from putting out an eye as the spring unleashes. I kept my punch in the holes because it retained the handle from flying out:



Dissassembled:



Remove the rubber stop pad before removing handle or it can get sheered off. I discovered this on my first attempt. I will have to pick up another rubber piece on the next trip to PAP.



The tab with the hole where the rubber snubber went might need to be bent slightly to adjust where the metal handle stops at:



Below are the two pins compared. The LS pin is on top and it has a longer end where the push retainer goes and also an extrusion on the head end:



Use the Dremel to remove the extrusion from the head of the LS pin because there is low head clearance on the SC handle assembly:



on the bottom inner flange of the plastic surround -you will have to cut some out as shown so that the pin can dangle down there. The top should stay in place because the upper plastic flange butts up against the pin head:



Now just assemble it, install and enjoy:



Keep an eye out for more How-to segments from UZinator Fabricator!

MP

Last edited by UZinator; Aug 24, 2012 at 08:47 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 08:43 PM
  #2  
4urxtc's Avatar
4urxtc
Lead Lap
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: Austin,Tx
Default

Please fix the pics!
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 08:50 PM
  #3  
UZinator's Avatar
UZinator
Thread Starter
Rookie
10 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by 4urxtc
Please fix the pics!
Sorry -such a noob eh? Fixed em!
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 08:57 PM
  #4  
account2x's Avatar
account2x
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 800
Likes: 3
From: Irvine
Default

what year ls handles are those?
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 08:58 PM
  #5  
dlsoul87's Avatar
dlsoul87
Driver
CL Folding 25,000
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Default

Good job, never thought to look into this when I replaced mine.
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 09:03 PM
  #6  
UZinator's Avatar
UZinator
Thread Starter
Rookie
10 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by account2x
what year ls handles are those?
I forgot to look which year but it is a 90s something. I am sure they used the same pull handles for many years in the 90s. Next trip to PAP -I will check all of them in the yard and edit this thread with the donor years.
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 09:22 PM
  #7  
OG Dada's Avatar
OG Dada
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 17
From: CA
Default

Nice! I'm originally planning on doing this but haven't gotten to it yet! Thank you for confirming its possible! Great job!
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2012 | 12:38 AM
  #8  
k7q's Avatar
k7q
Instructor
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (37)
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 29
From: ca
Default

same thing i did with mines. 1ST GEN LS
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

 Brett Foote
story-7

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

 Brett Foote
Old Aug 25, 2012 | 05:39 AM
  #9  
MKIVS374's Avatar
MKIVS374
Lead Lap
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 732
Likes: 0
From: Pa
Default

Wow that's awesome I'm gonna do it.
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2012 | 08:33 AM
  #10  
IN2LXUAL's Avatar
IN2LXUAL
Pit Crew
15 Year Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
From: NY
Default

Nice work, now the interior needs more chrome accents
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2012 | 08:50 AM
  #11  
UZinator's Avatar
UZinator
Thread Starter
Rookie
10 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by IN2LXUAL
Nice work, now the interior needs more chrome accents
Either that -or I can powdercoat them in a semi-flat black color for the OEM look.

Last edited by UZinator; Aug 26, 2012 at 05:36 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2012 | 01:38 PM
  #12  
StiCk3's Avatar
StiCk3
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 0
From: IN
Default

looks good, much more solid than the old plastic POS. Got any pics of it installed?
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2012 | 02:20 PM
  #13  
1JZPWRD's Avatar
1JZPWRD
1JZ Single SC400
iTrader: (59)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 17
From: Alabama, Roll Tide!
Default

More DIY's from the Alabama people.. lol

Great write up on this. I have read this thread on here awhile back, BUT not like these pictures and steps!

Great job.. Kick off is in a few days... Roll Tide!!!
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2012 | 03:21 PM
  #14  
BigManne's Avatar
BigManne
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 3
From: Landmass
Default

thanks for the DIY and ummm Hotty Toddy? lol i got nothing here.
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2012 | 03:29 PM
  #15  
UZinator's Avatar
UZinator
Thread Starter
Rookie
10 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by StiCk3
looks good, much more solid than the old plastic POS. Got any pics of it installed?
Not yet -I am still stripping the shell out and locating suitable interiors pieces. I even still have to get a front windshield put in before I can begin the re-construction.

I have to take care of the typical door leaks that cause water in the floor boards and wet carpet. I have come up with a good idea on that one so perhaps that might be the next DIY that I post up.

I couldn't afford a SC400 in good condition because my bank won't loan for a car this old. So I had to pick up a re-builder. It is rough but very doable. The engine runs good but there is no throttle control. The drive-by-wire stuff is all out of wack.

Last edited by UZinator; Aug 25, 2012 at 03:32 PM.
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:32 PM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE