Finally De-flaring the LX450

[VCCruzr]

So, after many encounters with the rocks on my wheelin' trips, I finally decided it was time to de-flare my Lexus. Originally my plan was to spray Al's Liner on the same lines of the flares. But, after my last run, I have decided to spray the liner on the higher line like Landcrusher70 did when he Upol'd his rig. Tonight I started this project by removing the flares. Next will be body work and the filling of all these darn holes. Here are some pics. Before, Landcrusher70's rig, carnage, and removal of flares.

First, before and the rig I will match with my liner:

 

[VCCruzr]

Carnage Pictures

Here are some pics of my recent carnage:

 

[VCCruzr]

More Carnage

More pics:

 

[VCCruzr]

Removal of Flares

Time to demo, oh what fun. Next will be filling all the holes. More progress pics to follow.

 

[rain76king]

I think she looks good without her skirt.
I'll be doing the same in the fall.

 

[gtfour43]

I think she looks good without her skirt.
I'll be doing the same in the fall.

Agreed. The factory lower trim pieces sure ruin the LX's.
Cant wait to see your finished results.

 

[badmuthatrucka]

I really want to do this to my 80. How are you going to fill the holes? Weld, bondo, what? I am going to keep updated on this.

 

[DudeAbides]

Same lines I want to do mine to. What color are you going with?

 

[80BajaBound]

At what time does this work commence tomorrow? I want to get a good seat for the show!
Oh and I'll bring my buff wheel to get that lil smudge you've got on the rear quarter.
Nice work buddy.

 

[VCCruzr]

How are you going to fill the holes? Weld, bondo, what?

Because I am going to line it with "Al's", I will just tape the back side and fill with bondo.

Same lines I want to do mine to. What color are you going with?

I will probably just go with black, but I might try a color match with a first coat to the high body line and a second black coat to follow the flare/cladding line.

Oh and I'll bring my buff wheel to get that lil smudge you've got on the rear quarter.
Nice work buddy.

Yeah, nice one huh . Make sure you bring an extra can of rubbing compound. That one is gonna require some work

 

[mickeyt]

Using aluminum tape product is supposed to be the best route before Al's/Linex etc from what I have read.

 

[Dan2722]

Ouch, that rear quarter is new since I last saw you.

If you line a LX is that called a panty liner .

 

[VCCruzr]

I've been crazy busy at work so I haven't been able to work on the cruiser 'til this weekend. I started by taping the backside of the holes with fiberglass mesh tape. It is self adhesive but I used 3M Super 77 spray adhesive to help hold it. I then went to town with the Bondo. Dang there are alot of holes!!!

Pictures of the progress:

 

[mickeyt]

How would it have looked with Al's directly over the cladding do you think?

 

[Bluetribal]

Very nice! and welcome to the De-Flared Club!!! You won't regret it! You are lucky the Tupperware didn't cause any dents in the body, mine did on one wheel well.

Looks like you needed a Hanna rear bumper to save that rear quarter panel. I will go ahead and trade you mine for that 4x4 labs straight up to save that other quarter panel.

 

[VCCruzr]

Very nice! and welcome to the De-Flared Club!!! You won't regret it! You are lucky the Tupperware didn't cause any dents in the body, mine did on one wheel well.

Looks like you needed a Hanna rear bumper to save that rear quarter panel. I will go ahead and trade you mine for that 4x4 labs straight up to save that other quarter panel.

Nice try on the bumper Mark, . I am actually going to add some tubing to the wings for protection.....I see more BIG rocks in my future . Regarding the Tupperware, it did provide protection, but I still ended up with some hidden dents.

Look closely at the rear passenger door:

 

[Black Rhino 13]

Dang, that is a lot of holes.

I just did my LC with Herculiner up to the windows last weekend and I really like it so far.

I only sprayed some zinc stuff on the holes from the outside and covered with aluminum tape. Should I be worried about rust from inside the body?

 

[rain76king]

I heard thats how to do it, just treat the holes, splap some tape over it and line it.
I guess moisture and water/mud could sit in the holes and rust though.

 

[kidglove13]

I dented my rear quarter like that and I was able to push a good amount of it out from the inside
It was not perfect but it worked and was fairly easy.
I too Linex'd both sides of my truck up to the windows it is so nice

 

[kanigetts]

I've started removing my LX skirt by backing into low bollards. Backing out of a garage with one of the doors left open works too, but not quite as well.