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Old Man Tan was on jackstands for the entire winter... Besides the timing belt which I already told you guys about, I did new Daizen steering rack bushings (HUGE difference in steering feel, absolutely love them), new OEM trans mount (wasn't needed at all after 80k miles, but oh well), LED fog lights, OEM coolant temp sensor, PCV valve, spark plugs, thermostat, and Akebono brake pads. The biggest change I made to the exterior however was my freshly powder coated wheels. My buddy's father is a professional sand blaster/powder coater so I had him powder coat my wheels a flat Platinum gray with metal flakes. Unfortunately he couldn't powder coat the center caps because they're plastic so I had to get a little creative there (color is still a bit light on them but I can live with them for now). After not driving this car for so long it felt amazing to finally turn the key for the first time and take off.
Here's a funny pic: when I brought my wheels to the Lexus dealer to get road force balanced they had me drive my 97 Ranger into the bay. They said it was a first!
Some pics of the wheels:
Installed:
Had to get creative with an Xacto knife so I didn't paint over the Lexus emblem on the center caps:
Peacebay, where did you order your Daizen steering rack bushings from, and were they polyurethane? I did a quick search and it appears that they sell them at TM Engineering and on Amazon.
I noticed that you said they made a big difference in steering feel. The one thing I hate about my '01 is the sloppy steering. I just feel a little uneasy at higher speeds. I wonder if this is what I should try? It seems like a good DIY project. All of the other bushings look decent and I installed new struts up front.
Yeah, they’re poly but they serve no purpose in any sort of dampening so there is no increase in harshness anywhere. Such a great upgrade and very easy to install.
Peacebay, where did you order your Daizen steering rack bushings from, and were they polyurethane? I did a quick search and it appears that they sell them at TM Engineering and on Amazon.
I noticed that you said they made a big difference in steering feel. The one thing I hate about my '01 is the sloppy steering. I just feel a little uneasy at higher speeds. I wonder if this is what I should try? It seems like a good DIY project. All of the other bushings look decent and I installed new struts up front.
I'm curious about these as well and I'm wondering why they are listed as 2001 - 2005...? I have an '06and it uses the same rack as the prior year models.
I'm curious about these as well and I'm wondering why they are listed as 2001 - 2005...? I have an '06and it uses the same rack as the prior year models.
Wow, I have the same rims painted black too but my LS is already black. Honestly your gold/black looks a lot better. It's a nice contrast and instantly freshens the look of the old man gold. Almost makes me wish I thought twice about the gold for sale when I was looking. My black/black I feel is too much. The dark rims on the dark big body just weighs down the entire thing, makes it look heavy and bloated. I'm looking to repaint it back to an oem aluminum look. What else are you planning on doing with it?
Wow, I have the same rims painted black too but my LS is already black. Honestly your gold/black looks a lot better. It's a nice contrast and instantly freshens the look of the old man gold. Almost makes me wish I thought twice about the gold for sale when I was looking. My black/black I feel is too much. The dark rims on the dark big body just weighs down the entire thing, makes it look heavy and bloated. I'm looking to repaint it back to an oem aluminum look. What else are you planning on doing with it?
Appreciate that! Honestly though, im pretty much done with the car at least as far as cosmetic mods go. Between the exhaust tips, tint, yellow fogs, and now these wheels I wanna stop before I go too far. It’s name is Old Man Tan for a reason
03-17-19, 10:43 AM
Old Man Tan got some new shoes
