Impressive level of refurbishment of a 200 series (1 Viewer)

[KLF]

I'm relatively sure that Tedd at Cruiser Solutions down the road from me would do a job like this. You'd be in for a long wait, and you better have several fat checkbooks.

 

[TheComedian]

Yeah labor is kinda way less expensive in Asia compared to Europe or US…
And good thing in this video is that they have „only“ to fight with dirt and worn parts as I can’t spot any rust so far.
Would look different at my 200…. Wayyyy different.
My planned overhaul is to just put some bed liner into my car since I don’t have carpets since years.

 

[Heckraiser]

:shrugs: If you've got the money I guess. That interior is swanky AF. Also, unfamiliar dash configuration.

 

[asr1]

Pretty common in Asia. Not only is the labour cheap, so are the poor quality replica (usually Chinese) parts. Leave it original / use genuine parts tbh

 

[kcjaz]

So this service is available too. Oddly satisfying to watch.

 

[Heckraiser]

So this service is available too. Oddly satisfying to watch.

No way it just started up again like that. That is craziness on a whole other level. Dirt on your stereo? No problem, I have a power washer!

 

[185]

Pretty common in Asia. Not only is the labour cheap, so are the poor quality replica (usually Chinese) parts. Leave it original / use genuine parts tbh

Back before select countries practiced severe isolationism and import tariffs, it was common to see vehicles be handed down generation to generation, refurbed from the ground up, new powertrains retrofitted, petrol to diesel to cng conversions.

Then once foreign companies figured out ways around tariffs, and isolationism, that art slowly disappeared as everyone could now afford a new kia/hyundai/daewoo/datsun/etc. Nowdays that same labor is used towards a growing accessorize market. People buying the entry trim, and trying to convert into the top trim with some added personal touches. As you said you can find tons of aftermarket knockoff parts and well in a few days of work that base toyota has becomes a lexus.

The folks who remain to refurbish old vehicles usually are doing this for the more affluent class who have a personal connection with said vehicle and would like to keep it in the family until they no longer cant.