Builds 1996 LX450 build thread - Name? tbd

[jomelo]

This one came at me fast. I currently have three other cruisers (a 60, 62 and 200). The 60 is currently undergoing a 1HZ conversion (among other things). But the wife likes the dark emerald colored 80 series and we were in the need of a vehicle for the beach house.....so I bought this LX450. Nothing fancy, no lockers and bone stock. It has 175k miles and very clean, no rust. But the paint is horrible...more on that later. And the driver's door was bent from what appears to be a "keys locked in car incident."

I was able to actually find a door that matches the rest of the truck and it's been installed. However, the hood and roof are terrible and the truck is headed to the paint shop for a much needed refinish. I am also having the factory roof rack removed and patched while the roof is being painted. I ordered a new FrontRunner Slim Line II to mount up. Once it's out of the paint shop it will get the following:

• Roof rack
• OME 2.5" medium suspension
• ARB front bumper
• Some model of high intensity lights for said bumper

I would consider this Stage 1 as I told my wife it was just going to the shop for a tune-up. I need to bring it back sooner rather than later. Stage 2 will likely include a rear bumper setup, 1HD diesel, and some lockers. But those have to come after we get the 60 finished and ready for some adventure.

 

[nukegoat]

Name: phallus mcdingleberry

 

[jomelo]

 

[GW Nugget]

Wow, what did you all do?

 

[jomelo]

Wow, what did you all do?

New paint, ARB front bumper, Aurora LED lights, OME suspension and new tires. I have the roof rack but haven't gotten around to installing it yet. Too many ongoing projects.

 

[jomelo]

I finally got around to installing the Front Runner roof rack.

 

[FixedIt]

Your LX and mine are twins! I haven't done paint yet, but a ton of interior.

About the paint:
1. Did your paint shop shoot the flares too? 2. And if painted, did they have any problem getting the correct paint code?
3. Did you replace the fender flares gaskets with new?

Thanks, and your LX looks awesome!

 

[jomelo]

Your LX and mine are twins! I haven't done paint yet, but a ton of interior.

About the paint:
1. Did your paint shop shoot the flares too? 2. And if painted, did they have any problem getting the correct paint code?
3. Did you replace the fender flares gaskets with new?

Thanks, and your LX looks awesome!

Thanks! I bought this LX to keep at our beach house. With four other cruisers, I really didn’t want to spend a lot on it. Thus, we only painted the hood, roof, and part of the back hatch. One of the fender flares was scarred up (seen in first post) so we also sprayed it. The colors look great and I’m really happy with how everything matches up.

I also didn’t replace the gaskets. Mine were not that bad.

 

[jomelo]

I think my next project is going to be a rear bumper. Just have not made up my mind on the manufacturer. I don’t necessarily want a swingout but there seems to be minimal options without a tire carrier. Just something to ponder going forward.

 

[FixedIt]

Great stuff, and again, terrific addition to the stable.

 

[jomelo]

Great stuff, and again, terrific addition to the stable.

Thank you. I see you have a FJ40. I just picked up a 74 model. I have decided to discontinue my 60 series project and put the 1HZ I had at the shop in the 40 series.

 

[Dan McBoost]

Looks great!!!! I have the same issues with my paint, same options (no front or rear lockers) and the same mileage. I also have too many project cars/trucks, lol.

 

[jonIn SoCounty]

When you pulled the existing / stock / factory roof rack how did you address the holes?