Build Jae's '01 LX modification documentation thread

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Haven't updated in a while, but finally got my Badlands ZXR 12000 lb winch installed and wired up. Had to do quite a bit of trimming on the center core support bracket to keep the controller module in the stock location, but was able to get decent clearance. Made a real simple sheet metal bracket and mount for the battery disconnect, and will probably remake it out of thicker material at some point. Also swapped out the steel rope for synthetic, and went with the forged hook.



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I keep meaning to get things done with the LX, but then end up spending the weekend driving 1,000 miles home after buying another project...
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...and then have to be satisfied with very small updates, like updating my sticker collection.
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well, to document another step in my truck's journey I guess I'll document the tree damage:
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The real salt in the wound is that I was five bolts away from the first start after installing the following:
(Feb-April '26)
- Doug Thorley headers
- 8 new Denso coils
- Dobinson's UCA's
- Japan 4x4 AHC shock spacers
- Perry's bump stops

... in the last few months I replaced:
- fusible link block at battery terminal (Feb '26)
- Slee diff drop (Nov '25)
- Prius rear wiper (Oct '25)
- heater tees (Jun '25)
- winch install (Jun '25)
- power steering pump and lines (Jun '25)
- new steering rack and outer tie rods (Jun '25)

... and still awaiting the arrival of my new FN wheels. 😢

glad I at least held off on ordering the coastal off road DIY sliders and hardware/bracketing to do my 2nd rear swing out
 
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Mchodl said:
You decide to keep and repair it?
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Keeping it is the plan.

My initial thought was just bend back the pillar "close enough" to proper shape to fit a windshield water-tight, install an interior roll cage, and use it as a trail vehicle, but I don't know if I could get it to pass an inspection to re-title that way, and I don't have a tow rig to be able to get it anywhere I could use it off road...

that leaves me buying it back and repairing, parting out (entirely), or buying back to re-install all my stuff on a different vehicle (and parting the remainder). I've got way too much in parts to just turn it over for whatever they're willing to offer on it. we'll see.
 
updated estimate...
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Guess we'll see what Progressive decides to value the vehicle at, and whether they deem it worthy of repairing.
 
...and there it is.
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No offer from them yet, I'm just assuming that I'm going to have to fight them on market value (kind of along the same line as them giving an initial repair estimate of $3,300)
 
jaewastooshort said:
No offer from them yet, I'm just assuming that I'm going to have to fight them on market value (kind of along the same line as them giving an initial repair estimate of $3,300)
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FWIW, my offer from Progressive for my '00 with ~325k was $10k. It was a little over a year ago though, and I feel like the market has been slowly cooling off.
 
Deflagrate said:
FWIW, my offer from Progressive for my '00 with ~325k was $10k. It was a little over a year ago though, and I feel like the market has been slowly cooling off.
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yeah, I lost an auction on an '04 w/ 165k miles yesterday... My estimate based on prices I've been seeing recently was that it would go for $17.5k, winning bid ended up being $18.5k. there was another eucalyptus recently that had a lot of rust (body cancer, bad-looking frame rust repair) that only got bid to $6,500 but didn't sell because the guy apparently had a reserve set around $12k.

seems like ~230k-ish miles are still running close to $12-13k with no rust pretty frequently.
 
jaewastooshort said:
yeah, I lost an auction on an '04 w/ 165k miles yesterday... My estimate based on prices I've been seeing recently was that it would go for $17.5k, winning bid ended up being $18.5k. there was another eucalyptus recently that had a lot of rust (body cancer, bad-looking frame rust repair) that only got bid to $6,500 but didn't sell because the guy apparently had a reserve set around $12k.

seems like ~230k-ish miles are still running close to $12-13k with no rust pretty frequently.
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That eucalyptus one was brutal. Felt bad for the seller. You on bringatrailer too?
 
Mchodl said:
That eucalyptus one was brutal. Felt bad for the seller. You on bringatrailer too?
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hard for me to feel too bad for someone who made the decision to finance that much on an LX that's cancer-ridden... I have to assume they weren't aware, but it's absurd to expect to get that much for one in that shape.

never really bothered with BaT... shopping C&B has been a bit of a hobby for me, less so since I got my C6 vette off of there last sept though, as it's been heavily implied that I might end up homeless if I bring home any more vehicles (including my LX, we're up to 6 on my property right now :oops:)
 
Insurance contacted me last night, they apparently valued the LX around $17.5k. Decided not to appeal that in any way, as I think that's probably pretty high vs. market value, unless they're adding to the $ value of a standard vehicle of this mileage to account for aftermarket accessories (bumpers and swing out, roof rack, winch, etc)...

Buy-back nets me like $7,500 after deductible, they said it's around $8,500 to buy back, so not seeing exactly how their math is mathing. I asked about the repair cost ($11,300) and how that totaled the vehicle... apparently they added their initial estimate ($4,300) to the body shop estimate ($11,300) and estimated actual repair cost to be $15,600... whatever. Just throwing my hands up at this point and will work out the structural repair with the shop and just not worry about the cosmetic stuff.
 
I'll go ahead and document actual repair expenses here:

driver's side mirror assembly (used, ebay)4/29/26
$161.28​
spot weld cutter set (free shipping, no tax)4/29/26
$80.00​
Running Total
​
$241.28​

I've found an LC being parted out locally that they've already sold both rear quarter cuts and he doesn't mind if I try to pull the windshield and cut the A-pillar corner. Really wish I had one of those induction windshield removal tools, but they're like $1,100... I'll see if I can find time to make it out this weekend and see if I can get what I need for cheap.
 
Just got it back and found a/c issues (a/c fan relay is toast, apparently). Looks like the trans cooler has also sprung a leak...
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and found evidence of a questionable windshield install in the past. this is good right? getting to right all the previous wrongs?
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