Hi everyone,
Starting a thread on my very first truck. Got this LX450 a few weeks ago on CG from a tip-off here (thank you!) and am in the process of baselining it. Have a few questions that I would love to pose to the group, apologies in advance for my ignorance. All the photos are the way it looked when I got it back from the shop.
Yr: 1997
Mi: 204K
Single Owner, Socal based, never seen dirt
No lockers
Rust on body / undercarriage: none
Problems I saw when I picked it up: Rust in the radiator, blown valve cover gasket - spewing oil everywhere, warped brakes, one of the electric door locks don't work in the back
Purchase Price: $4,000
I immediately took it to Ken's in Thousand Oaks who performed a full inspection and also did the following:
New OEM radiator
Flushed system and replaced coolant with Toyota Red
All new hoses on heater + coolant sys. (including PHH)
New belts on fans
New waterpump
New Heater valve, thermometer
New Valve cover gasket
New rotors
Total work so far: $3,200
Front axle seals okay, front bearings were loose but tightened, Ken's guys said nothing else wrong with front axle
Questions I am currently looking at:
1) When I removed the running boards, I noticed that the cat and muffler seem to be sticking out. Is that something that once I get sliders will be protected? How do you guys not mash those bits into rocks all the time? Can someone recommend sliders that won't break the bank?
2) What's a good flushing fluids for dummies thread?
3) What is the best solution for the steering wheel - the padding is definitely worn on the top and the lining is completely gone. Ditto on the seats - I'm not looking to restore to original, but it's a bit of an annoyance to sit on frayed seats and wondering if there's a cheaper option than re-upholstering
4) Is there anything else I should do while I'm at it to prevent it dying on me out in the wilderness?
5) Am I already completely upside down on this thing and should I consider selling it and getting another?
Finally, an annoying question but is there an easy fix for a sagging visor? It's bugging the heck out of me.
Thank you guys! <3
Starting a thread on my very first truck. Got this LX450 a few weeks ago on CG from a tip-off here (thank you!) and am in the process of baselining it. Have a few questions that I would love to pose to the group, apologies in advance for my ignorance. All the photos are the way it looked when I got it back from the shop.
Yr: 1997
Mi: 204K
Single Owner, Socal based, never seen dirt
No lockers
Rust on body / undercarriage: none
Problems I saw when I picked it up: Rust in the radiator, blown valve cover gasket - spewing oil everywhere, warped brakes, one of the electric door locks don't work in the back
Purchase Price: $4,000
I immediately took it to Ken's in Thousand Oaks who performed a full inspection and also did the following:
New OEM radiator
Flushed system and replaced coolant with Toyota Red
All new hoses on heater + coolant sys. (including PHH)
New belts on fans
New waterpump
New Heater valve, thermometer
New Valve cover gasket
New rotors
Total work so far: $3,200
Front axle seals okay, front bearings were loose but tightened, Ken's guys said nothing else wrong with front axle
Questions I am currently looking at:
1) When I removed the running boards, I noticed that the cat and muffler seem to be sticking out. Is that something that once I get sliders will be protected? How do you guys not mash those bits into rocks all the time? Can someone recommend sliders that won't break the bank?
2) What's a good flushing fluids for dummies thread?
3) What is the best solution for the steering wheel - the padding is definitely worn on the top and the lining is completely gone. Ditto on the seats - I'm not looking to restore to original, but it's a bit of an annoyance to sit on frayed seats and wondering if there's a cheaper option than re-upholstering
4) Is there anything else I should do while I'm at it to prevent it dying on me out in the wilderness?
5) Am I already completely upside down on this thing and should I consider selling it and getting another?
Finally, an annoying question but is there an easy fix for a sagging visor? It's bugging the heck out of me.
Thank you guys! <3