new-to-me 2005 gx470, seeking advice!

[dologpov]

Hi all,

Hi! My name is Olivia and the reason I’m posting is introduce myself and ask for advice on a couple issues that I haven't come across using the search function. I recently bought an ’05 GX470 with 180k on the clock — It came with detailed records indicating the air injection module for VVT has been replaced and the rear air shocks have been converted to springs. I’m planning to have the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, and camshaft/crankshaft seals replaced. I’m also considering a 90k service to flush and fill all fluids, replace the drive belt/idler pulley, and grease the drivetrain. Already ordered new front window moulding and a rear hatch gasket. Hopefully all this will buy me quite a bit of time with the new rig!

The outstanding questions:

1) What the most cost effective way to fix the vinyl upper of on the left and right front doors? See photos for weird damage/wear right on the ‘spine’ of the vinyl. I can’t find a part number for this piece — is the best option to replace the entire door panel? Alternatively, it looks like there are various vinyl repair kits, but this damage is pretty extensive. Are these worth the time and energy in your experience? I’m pretty creative/handy and think I could make it look decent.

2) The dreaded fender flare fade is starting to appear above my wheel wells. This destroyed the look of my 05 4Runner and I’m looking for the best way to slow its progression on my GX. Polish, wax, ceramic coat, etc? Any ideas/thoughts would be appreciated!

3) I’d like to fix various scrapes and rock chips, is there a touchup paint that you all can recommend?

4) The last thing I have a question about is a noise I hear during moderately slow left turns (~10-15 mph). It kind of resembles a golf ball rolling around in a plastic container. It doesn’t happen when I turn the wheels to full lock while stationary, or while going over bumps, only on left turns at low/moderate speeds (maybe also happening at high speeds but can’t hear it). It seems to be correlated with body roll. Anyone have thoughts on diagnosing this? I can try to record audio if that will help!

 

[Rednexus]

I'd suggest finding used door cards to address the vinyl rip/tears. It looks like there are several black/grey ones on eBay for around $200 each. I've never actually seen the vinyl tear on one, so guessing it's probably due to a lot of UV exposure (i.e., parked outside in a sunny climate).

 

[dologpov]

Sweet rig!

I think one good piece of advice is to post up in the correct sub-forum...this is the UZJ100/LX470 sub forum
and you want to be in the GX sub-forum

Off to a great start! Thanks for the heads up!

 

[dologpov]

I'd suggest finding used door cards to address the vinyl rip/tears. It looks like there are several black/grey ones on eBay for around $200 each.

Thanks for the advice! That's the direction I was leaning. Seems wasteful for just a small part of the assembly but oh well

I've never actually seen the vinyl tear on one, so guessing it's probably due to a lot of UV exposure (i.e., parked outside in a sunny climate).

I looked a quite a few GXs before buying this one and didn't see this particular rip either. Lots of dashboard cracks, though!

Sweet username by the way

 

[diesellord]

Here is link to black touch up paint:

Toyota Genuine Touch up Paint, Black Onyx, Color Code 202, Scion/Lexus

Lots of YouTube videos for applying that to chips and scratches.

Not an expert on detailing by any means but I generally will keep a paint faded area clean and then apply a ceramic coating (I like Adams polishes but every brand has it now) to it every 6-12 months. You can also apply a wax or sealant for basically the same protection. I would maybe avoid polishing it though as that process can remove the clear coat and paint.

 

[SteveH]

2) The dreaded fender flare fade is starting to appear above my wheel wells. This destroyed the look of my 05 4Runner and I’m looking for the best way to slow its progression on my GX. Polish, wax, ceramic coat, etc? Any ideas/thoughts would be appreciated!

IMO, to slow it, park it indoors as much as you can. To fix it, remove the flares and find a mom-and-pop body shop to repaint the 4 flares. You will likely have to buy the various plastic attachment clips that will explode when you remove the flares. I think the paint is too far gone on the flares to spruce it up.

 

[Rhinofly]

I too recently purchased a black GX (2006 with 115k miles) and my fenders are beginning to fade as well. It really does not bother me too much, but I am considering having them repainted. I plan to get a vehicle cover and just keep it out of the sun when not in use. My dash has only one small crack, and a cover will help with that too, I think.

I also have a weird noise (similar to what you describe) while turning left. On my truck, the noise is on the left side under the driver's feet, and I can feet it in my feet often when it occurs. It happens on my truck only when moving and when the front left corner of the vehicle un-weights. I have replaced the sway bar end links and bushings and the driver-sided CV axle (the boots were shot), and that did not fix it. I suspect the source of the noise to be upper or lower control arm bushings, or the shock. I cannot find any indication of bad bushings, but the shock (original) is clearly leaking fluid, so I am replacing those first.

There is a "what is that noise" thread around here somewhere which you might find helpful.