Forum Member is Building a Widebody Lexus IS
Daily Slideshow: Club Lexus forum member is taking on the massive task of building a widebody Lexus IS. Check out the project's progress so far.
Old School Meets New School
Traditionally, metal fabrication has been something largely relegated to the ranks of old school hot rods and customs. But even in this day and age of composite materials, there is a place for those who wish to mold a car's body to their liking. Thus, when Club Lexus member and traditional hot rod builder JBurke034 wanted to build up a Lexus IS for his son, it immediately caught our attention.
Make it Wide
The candidate for this extensive redo was a friend's 2010 IS 250 that had front end damage from hitting a deer. The plan was to modify the car's lines to the OP's liking, while also retaining its original styling. In a nutshell, he wanted to make the IS a widebody, complete with massive wheels and originally, a gen 3 IS front end.
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's widebody build right here in the forum.
Extreme Detail
The work that follows is nothing short of legendary, especially when you consider the extreme attention to detail. The OP even went so far as to fabricate new door jambs to ensure everything fit properly.
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's widebody build right here in the forum.
Do It for the Kids
In proper old-school fashion, the OP even constructed his door jamb from a Chevy hood and a Ford fender that were laying around. At this point, many other members wonder why he's putting so much effort into a car that won't be worth $200k when he's done. The simple answer? He's doing it for his son!
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's widebody build right here in the forum.
Slow Progress
Of course, with such an extensive build, progress is slow. But it's quite simply mesmerizing to watch it all come together. Once the door jambs were finally complete with new door locks and handles, it was on to the spoiler.
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's widebody build right here in the forum.
Tuck Job
Fabrication comes with its own special set of problems, of course. Next up? The fuel door. But before he could figure that one out, the OP received his massive 22x11 Lorenzo wheels, which are wrapped in equally massive 305/25/ZR22 tires. And just check out how they tuck with no rub!
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's widebody build right here in the forum.
Change of Plans
At this point, the car was really starting to come together. But the OP switched plans in terms of the drivetrain and decided to swap in a 2JZ-GTE instead of sticking with the stock mill. The change of plans continued with a decision to go with an RC F-Sport front end, along with the associated lighting.
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's widebody build right here in the forum.
Not Recommended
Of course, the RC front end doesn't exactly just line right up on an older IS. But that's what fabrication skills are for, right? After doing the work, however, the OP mentioned that he wouldn't recommend doing this job at home. Without widening the front end, the bumper is simply too wide and would have to be sectioned.
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's widebody build right here in the forum.
Full on Custom
And the insane mods just kept coming. The OP soon reveals his intentions to ditch the stock roof and replace it with a panoramic panel from a Scion TC. The interior is going to sport a full cage, along with a complete redesign. Heck, even the intake, manifold, and exhaust are going to be custom fabricated.
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's widebody build right here in the forum.
Worth the Wait
This insane IS project is now four years old, but it just keeps moving along. Plenty of problems have sprung up to slow the OP down, including a home remodel and a hand injury. But we have no doubt that this crazy build will one day be completed. We can't wait to see how the fabrication process continues and how the car looks when it's finished.
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's widebody build right here in the forum.
For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair project, please visit our how-to section in the forum.