New Project: 1997 Lexus LX450

[Welltech]

Getting the antenna out of the fender well was a real PITA job.

Removed the old broken cable, cleaned everything, and re-greased everything. Getting the antenna back into the fender well was also a PITA job.

Not a difficult job, just a real PITA, but after 3 hours, and some help from my 5 year old son, I have a working power antenna!

Directions were great....

 

[Welltech]

Install OME lift today.

Shop estimate to install: $500

Doing it myself, with some help from friend and instructions from the Slee website:

4 - 6 ton jackstands: $80

7 hours of labor

Total saving $420

Plus I have 4 new jackstands.

Before and after photos.

 

[Duiser Offroad]

Nice build thread! Keep it up!

 

[Rusty]

The LX specific FSMs are rare. I searched for months to inevitably settle with the previous model year.

Check out Shane's (MetricTLCs) seat covers. I have the brown, and complimented more on the seats than any other aspect of the build.

Say goodbye to expendable cash.

Bought my factory manual at the Lexus dealer, still available.

 

[Rusty]

Two costly mistakes: I should have never wandered from the 60 Series Forum into the 80...

Not bagging on my FJ62, but the LX is sick...

only found one ding in the body (dent by rear wiper) and power antenna does not work.

Congrats on finding a nice specimen. You will not regret the 80 series, I went from owning two 60 series to a 97 LX, which had everything I ever wanted and couldn't get in a 60 Series. Funny, my black with grey trim LX had a non functioning antenna and a dent next to the rear wiper as well.

 

[Welltech]

Bought my factory manual at the Lexus dealer, still available.

I called Lexus, yes you can still get one, but it was cheaper to outbid everyone on ebay for the one I got...

Congrats on finding a nice specimen. You will not regret the 80 series, I went from owning two 60 series to a 97 LX, which had everything I ever wanted and couldn't get in a 60 Series. Funny, my black with grey trim LX had a non functioning antenna and a dent next to the rear wiper as well.

Thanks, I got the antenna working and the dent is on the list to at least touch up. Still got the 62 for a few more months and still dumping money into it too. Side gasket replacement on the to do list.

 

[Welltech]

Nice build thread! Keep it up!

Thanks - I keep adding to the list and I got two other projects that keep me busy and broke... But this is my toy.

 

[Welltech]

Picked up my ARB bumper today and started working on the install. I have to say the factory bumper is not much of a bumper, its only molding and would'nt provide any protection.

Got the old bumper off and will complete the install in the am.

 

[Perroetaller]

Good stuff. My friend I used to have an 85 FJ60 and I loved it to death, then got an 80 and I was in love. Once you wheel it, tow stuff with it and feel the ride quality you will never ever look at the 60 series. Unless it is one that you have as a weekend car with a SOA mod and running some 37's. Good luck

 

[Welltech]

Installed the bumper today. Pretty straight forward, the directions are great for the bumper, but not so much for the turn signal installation and mount for the plate. Found pleanty of help and pictures here on Mud to help where the instructions lacked.

Repainted the tow hooks and had to remove the rubber bumper between the fender molding and new bumper.

Probably a two person job, but can be done solo... Overall a job.

 

[arndog123]

Looks great.

 

[dontblink]

Love the ARB bumper. where'd you buy it?

 

[Welltech]

Love the ARB bumper. where'd you buy it?

I got it a my local 4 Wheel Parts store. They had to order it, but gave me the online price sale price and I didnt have to pay shipping.

 

[allan man]

You dont waste anytime moving fast i see Do you have plans on replacing the rear bumper? If so keep me in mind i would be interested in your oem rear bumper endcaps.

 

[FlashBeeZy]

Maybe your daughter will change her mind and spring for the 80 now. Haha.

Clean build! I wish I could build mine this fast..

 

[Welltech]

You dont waste anytime moving fast i see Do you have plans on replacing the rear bumper? If so keep me in mind i would be interested in your oem rear bumper endcaps.

Yes the rear bumper in on the list and you have first dibs on the oem bumper. You want the front bumper too?

 

[Welltech]

Maybe your daughter will change her mind and spring for the 80 now. Haha.

Clean build! I wish I could build mine this fast..

Thanks, I learned some lessons on the 62, mainly finding a good solid foundation to start with and then doing as much of the work myself. Plus I set budget, which is about to be reached. But I am going to vote for a new debt ceiling limit so I can keep going.

 

[NKP Garage]

Looks great so far. Keep up the good work.

 

[allan man]

Yes the rear bumper in on the list and you have first dibs on the oem bumper. You want the front bumper too?

Just the rear end caps,thanks

 

[Welltech]

Just the rear end caps,thanks

Ok, just the rear end caps.