De-Badging (1 Viewer)

[Montana Cruiser]

Newbie question here (as you can tell from the # of posts I'm sure ) I am looking at picking up a 95-97 FZJ80 or LX450 and I am wondering if I do get the Lexus, can I swap out the Lexus badges (grill and above license plate) for LandCruiser stuff? I know the lower body cladding on the Lexus is probably a PITA to get rid of, so that can stay, but my buddies would ride me hard for driving around in a "Lexus" .... what do you think?

 

[erics_bruisers]

just buy a cruiser and save yourself the grief --

e

 

[Junk]

Montana, if you're taking off the badges, then why even bother putting on new ones? Instead, give them grief for their gold.

 

[tucker74]

I've seen Lexus badges on a LC - so I'm sure you could swap the other way as well (you'd be better off just buying a LC IMO).

Tucker

 

[Montana Cruiser]

Good points! They are J@#p guys anyways .... what the hell do they know!

Thus far I found the LX450's to have been better maintained then the Cruizers .... anyone find the same when they were looking? I dont care either way. AS far as my "search" on this site, slee and others, it seems the only mechanical/optional differences would be the Lexus has softer suspension (going to change to OME anyways) a little more sound-proofing and the sub-woofer in the center console ... is there anything else I need to be aware of?

This site rocks by the way! Wealth of knowledge here

 

[erics_bruisers]

so you want to do the reverse of what GM did in the 80s -- when the re-badged a cavalier a cadillac --

-- i don't know who was more stupid, GM or the american public, for buying this POS --

 

[Montana Cruiser]

Oh yeah, the ol' Cadillac Cimmeron I think it was called, I mean really! : I think they were trying it again recently (within the last 5 years) with another small Caddy, but cant remember the name now ...... pre CTS.

Now that I think about it .... if I get a Lexus, I'll wear the badge with pride and "tough it up" with an ARB, OME, Slee ...... it'll make the J#%p boys quiver!

 

[erics_bruisers]

[quote author=Montana Cruiser link=board=2;threadid=14781;start=msg139001#msg139001 date=1081959859]
Oh yeah, the ol' Cadillac Cimmeron I think it was called, I mean really! : I think they were trying it again recently (within the last 5 years) with another small Caddy, but cant remember the name now ...... pre CTS.

Now that I think about it .... if I get a Lexus, I'll wear the badge with pride and "tough it up" with an ARB, OME, Slee ...... it'll make the J#%p boys quiver!
[/quote]

cadillac just did it with the catera -- was the opel senator --

-- i so wish toyota would make it quick and take them over as the #1 auto maker --



e

 

[ginericLC]

The badges can be swapped out. It is a lot of work. The ones that are the hardest are the rear above the license plate frame and the key lock. Another problem is the L in the middle of the steering wheel. My dad claims it stands for Land Cruiser. The radio says Lexus and you will soon find that Lexus is all over the place on it. My dad bought a 97 LX instead of the 97 Cruiser sitting next to it because it was cheaper and had less miles and better maintainence records. The dealer claimed that Lexus's were worth less than Cruisers because everybody knew somebody at one point in their life with a Cruiser and the Lexus was sort of a status symbol only. And when they changed body styles the LX450 lost some of its status symbol element making them cheaper. Interesting theory and I think I almost agree.

 

[CDN_Cruiser]

You could do it, but it won't be cheap:

1) Replace the LX450 on the rear
2) I thought the 'L' on my grill was completely integrated - ie you need a new grill and I don't think the grill can be swapped (the lights can't)
3) Replace all of the hub caps
4) Lexus logo on the rear
5) Etc.

I have the LX450, I wouldn't sweat it too much. Do what I've started to do - paint the stuff black. It's kind of fun to see people's jaws drop when the 'Lexus' kicks thier ass on some part of the trail.

I still think the LX can be a better deal given the points you've mentioned. The suspension is the only issue (and I still have stock :) - but most 1997 LXs you will buy will be in need of new suspension. You get lots of other 'free' items when you get and LX (lockers, leather, premium 6-pack CD player, 3rd row seats, plush mat for the rear, etc)

Cheers, Hugh

 

[landtank]

The badges aren't the real problem it's the vin number! What you need is a LC vin # so you can buy parts at the Toyota dealer and save 15%. This is of course if you can't wait for UPS.

 

[97 FZJ80]

[quote author=landtank link=board=2;threadid=14781;start=msg139138#msg139138 date=1081971775]
The badges aren't the real problem it's the vin number! What you need is a LC vin # so you can buy parts at the Toyota dealer and save 15%. This is of course if you can't wait for UPS.
[/quote]

Huh? I've bought all my parts for my Lexus at the Toyota dealers (either online or local) and never had any problems. The only part I wasn't able to get were the Lexus manuals and the bottle of touch-up paint for the lower plastic trim.

There are obviously parts that are exclusively Lexus, such as lights and grills, but I've never had to replace them (yet).

John

 

[landtank]

I've heard from a few guys, DesertMaster just recently, that they asked for a vin and wouldn't sell to him. I've been asked as well at my local Toyota parts department last purchase. I got the idea the Lexus division is looking to boost their part sales.

 

[cruiserdan]

It will depend on the dealer and the LX450 owner working togther. A Toyota dealer can't look up LX450 parts and vice-versa. A lot of the stuff is the same but the dealer will not have a book to be sure of it. Some things such as cladding and interior trim are plainly different and must be sourced from the appropriate dealer. In some cases it would be "lets order it and see if it is the same". Of course dealers do not usually like to do that because if it is not right they own it anyway and it will sit on the shelf forever.

On the other hand, The Lexus guys don't care for it when somebody calls up and asks them what the part number is for a chrome framus so they can call the Toyota dealer to buy it from him (imagine that )

Then there is the odd Toyota dealer who managed somehow to get a Lexus catalog.

 

[floatinghat]

Why bother ? I would think it would be worse not being able to follow a Lexus. Think about the grief you can give back.

 

[Montana Cruiser]

C-Dan - So it sounds as though getting Toyota parts for a Lexus is possible as long as you know what you are looking for or you are contacting the right guy? I dont want to get into a truck that I have to pay more for parts on because it says "Lexus". Would it make sense to have both manuals then?

 

[cruiserdan]

That is correct. As far as manuals go, I was refering to a parts catalog not a manual. Parts catalogs are not floating around the way service manuals are. Ours are electronic with special software that can't be read by a regular PC. Toyota does not print a paper parts catalog any longer. Lexus did at one time but I do not know if they still do. Parts catalogs are not offered for public sale.

I would recommend that you get a Lexus FSM if you can as there are a few differences and if you happen to be working in one of those areas you will be upset if you have a Cruiser book

 

[Montana Cruiser]

Gotcha, that makes sense. So much to learn, so much to learn ..... now I need to find myself a nice Toyota/Lexus or whatever and get going on something. Currently have 85' FJ60 (Thirsty is her name) and for some reason feel I need a FZJ80 to put an additional drain on the wallet

 

[Junk]

Then buck up and get one

If you get a Lexi, then just take the badges off and nail them to a heep.

 

[Montana Cruiser]

Sweet! I got junk to reply to one of my posts! You gotta like a guy named "junk" ..... and he seems like a crzy mo-fo too!

LC or Lexi its going to happen, I have to move cross-country in about 2 months and it aint going to be my FJ60 towing the trailer