LX450 paint question (pic)

[CodyRx7]

I've seen a few Champagne Silver LX's that match this picture:

Note the color matched roof rack & running boards.

My LX450 has a black roof rack & running boards (unpainted).

Were they ever offered stock with those portions painted...or is this just a sign of lazy painters not removing the components?

 

[rolliges]

Racks (and probably boards) were installed at the port of entry. That lucky truck got the BLING accessories!

 

[LX_TREME]

Yep purchased the LX brand new in '97 and they offered roof rack, running board painted. Dont know much about the lazy painters.Its easy if you want to paint them.Mine already painted twice (2x)

FYI those pic above the paint code 1B1 for the roof rack and C14 running board.

 

[Tools R Us]

My LX450 has a black roof rack & running boards (unpainted).

Cody, just take that trash off!

 

[NorCalDoug]

I'm not 100% positive...but am pretty darned sure that the 1997s got color matched paint on the running boards and roof rack.

The 1996s did not.

One other difference is that the 1996 LX 450 has the 4WD emblem -- the 1997 model year did not.

 

[Beowulf]

... the 1997s got color matched paint on the running boards and roof rack..

Will be added to the master list of LX vs LC differences.

-B-

 

[rolliges]

Not so fast: before I took them off my 97 LX had both black.

 

[NorCalDoug]

Not so fast: before I took them off my 97 LX had both black.

yours could've been added at the dealership.

 

[Trinny]

My '97 had color matched rack and running boards, same color as the pic above. I also got the gold plated, very expensive, shiney, Lexus logo bling on the front grill

 

[CodyRx7]

My LX is a 97 as a well, with both pieces black.

I'm not going to bother painting mine, since I like to scratch them already...I was just curious as to why I was seeing so many with painted pieces.

I think at one point, someone opened a door and damaged my passenger side, 2nd row molding over the door - because its a darker silver than everything else on the truck.

I used to think it was because of the pearl color...now I see it just doesn't match.

 

[97 FZJ80]

I believe the color-matched rack and boards were from the factory while the black ones were port/dealer installed.

 

[sjcruiser]

I believe the color-matched rack and boards were from the factory while the black ones were port/dealer installed.

This is my assumption as well (or that the original owner requested them to be installed unpainted).

Cody,

My running boards have "Lexus" engraved on the middle of the plastic. Check if yours say Toyota instead.

P.S: While waiting for CPO work on my LX, I asked the parts guy how much it would cost for the front mud flaps. Needless to say, after I re-gained consciousness, he had to explain that since the flaps come painted, they are a "little" pricier than the Toyota counterparts ($120 each!!!).

 

[CodyRx7]

Where is the logo supposed to be engraved? I just glanced around mine and didn't see a Toyota or Lexus logo anywhere obvious.

 

[NorCalDoug]

Where is the logo supposed to be engraved? I just glanced around mine and didn't see a Toyota or Lexus logo anywhere obvious.

It should be right on the outside edge of the running board.

Mine clearly had L E X U S printed on them.

 

[CodyRx7]

Nope, definately nothing on the side....just smooth plastic all the way down each side.

I guess that explains it...color matched trim was factory installed - my rack & boards were dealer or port installed, just like the keyless entry was.

 

[Beowulf]

I believe the color-matched rack and boards were from the factory while the black ones were port/dealer installed.

None were factory installed. The color-matched were probably port installed and the black were probably dealer installed. GST and SET may have done things differently from Toyota USA.

-B-

 

[rolliges]

All this over a part (parts) that should be removed and discarded.

 

[alaskacruiser]

I'm not 100% positive...but am pretty darned sure that the 1997s got color matched paint on the running boards and roof rack.

The 1996s did not.

Norcal- I don't think that's right. My '97 LX did not come with the running boards or roofrack painted. Mine do say "LEXUS" on them. Many I looked at while shopping for one did not, either. Perhaps it depends on the dealer?

 

[CodyRx7]

Hmm...yeah, must be a dealership variable thing then.

The painted trim does look more luxury related, and with the FEW differences between a 96-97 LC, and a 96-97 LX, I'm sure it made sense to the dealerships to spend a few measily bucks on getting the trim color matched to try to sell the LX's at a few grand more - for more than just the L badge and sound deadening material.

Does anyone with a Toyota have running boards with "TOYOTA" or the T logo on the sides like the Lexus description?

If not, perhaps the running boards I have are just the Toyota version.

 

[Dr Gonzo]

I got the same rig.