My Vip-inspired SC300 build

[romeo291]

This thread will detail the build of my 1992 SC300:

*This is the car bone stock the day after I got it:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SC02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SC06.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SCGS01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SCGS03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SCGS06.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SCGS07.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SC03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SCGS05.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SCGS04.jpg

[romeo291]

The interior was pretty bad:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SC04.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/STOCK_02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/STOCK_01.jpg

I started to dye all the parts to black, I decided to go with a black on black Lexus:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0025.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0024.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0022.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0019-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0017-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0016-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0015-1.jpg

[romeo291]

Converting a car from tan to black is a long and time consuming process, I would not recommend this to anybody unless they're stuck with a tan interior and wants something different. Anyways, here's some pictures of the re-assembly process:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PHASE1_01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PHASE1_02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PHASE1_03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PHASE1_04.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PHASE1_05.jpg

Finished the door panels:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_04.jpg

[romeo291]

Here's a random artsy picture on the night of the Lunar Eclipse:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC300_ARTISTIC_01.jpg

My first choice of wheels and suspension were Tein Comfort Sports and Work Euroline DH:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC06.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC02.jpg

JP neckpads from Luxury Bippu Style:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC05.jpg

Another interior shot:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC04.jpg

A small Lexus shoot with some of my friends:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/LXSHOOT_05.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/LXSHOOT_01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/LXSHOOT_02.jpg

[romeo291]

I don't think the original owner took good car of the motor, so the stock motor started giving me problems. To fix this issue, I ordered a 1JZ-GTE from JHOT Imports with only 40K miles on it (pix sent from JHot):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/DSCN6094.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/DSCN6095.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/DSCN6096.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/DSCN6097.jpg

[romeo291]

While waiting for the motor to come in, something else came in from Carson Lexus. My Auto Couture kit finally came in after months, and I ordered the stock grill, fog lights, and body moldings as well. Here's some pictures of it installed:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_08.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_07.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_06.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_05.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_02.jpg

Also got my JDM Toyota window visor:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_09.jpg

[romeo291]

Got my black carpet in finally, here's some pictures of it installed:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0919.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0934.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0935.jpg

Steering wheel remote control for my Pioneer AVIC-Z2:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0936.jpg

TRD Horn badge for my IS300 Steering wheel w/ the Celica airbag:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0932.jpg

[romeo291]

Here's some pictures of the 1JZ-GTE installed in my car. The motor runs like a dream, so much bang for the buck:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_04.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_04.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_07.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_05.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_01.jpg

[leg0man]

nice progress so far!

[romeo291]

nice progress so far!

Thanx man, I'll be updating with more pictures shortly. :biggthumpup:

[elpresidente]

Coming along nicely...

[JOee]

i like it. how did you go about dyeing the interior? spray dye?

[notvip]

I like your attention to detail on the interior. Very nicely done.

[buffalosojah]

Love the Autocouture kit. Car's coming along nicely.

[m0nster986]

looking good

[ScottyTuned]

i like it. how did you go about dyeing the interior? spray dye?


X2 . Curious how you dyed it. Looks amazing. I really like the car; keep up the good work!

[romeo291]

Hey guys, thanx so much for the props. I will update with some new pictures shortly, after the rain clear away. Anyways, the dye I used is actually a vinyl spray paint that chemically bond to vinyl and plastic. The brand is called Folia-tec, it's a German product. It's kinda hard to come by, but it's like $20 a can.....and I had to buy a lot of cans to get it right.

The process:

*Clean the part really well with Dawn dishwashing detergent to get rid of all the grease.

*Dry it really well with a blow dryer.

*Spray the adhesive primer onto the part and let that dry

*Spray about 3 to 4 coats of the base paint

*Seal it really good with the clear coat.

*For best results, use all Folia-tec products.


I recently bought this other vinyl paint called SEM, I bought all their primer and clear, and tested it out because I coudln't find anymore Folia-Tec paint to buy. SEM is not even half as good as Folia-Tec. So if you guys could find a place that sells it online, let me know. I need to finish off a few more interior items. :biggthumpup:

Very time consuming process though, it took me a little over 2 weeks doing it after work and waiting for good weather since I don't have a garage.

[RedGalant2k1]

Great job on the interior!

[notvip]

Hey guys, thanx so much for the props. I will update with some new pictures shortly, after the rain clear away. Anyways, the dye I used is actually a vinyl spray paint that chemically bond to vinyl and plastic. The brand is called Folia-tec, it's a German product. It's kinda hard to come by, but it's like $20 a can.....and I had to buy a lot of cans to get it right.

The process:

*Clean the part really well with Dawn dishwashing detergent to get rid of all the grease.

*Dry it really well with a blow dryer.

*Spray the adhesive primer onto the part and let that dry

*Spray about 3 to 4 coats of the base paint

*Seal it really good with the clear coat.

*For best results, use all Folia-tec products.


I recently bought this other vinyl paint called SEM, I bought all their primer and clear, and tested it out because I coudln't find anymore Folia-Tec paint to buy. SEM is not even half as good as Folia-Tec. So if you guys could find a place that sells it online, let me know. I need to finish off a few more interior items. :biggthumpup:

Very time consuming process though, it took me a little over 2 weeks doing it after work and waiting for good weather since I don't have a garage.



When I was working on a buddies MK4 GTI, he used a lot of Folia-Tec stuff. Only time, other than that, that I have heard of anyone using it.

[dub40sx]

nice start. Car looks pretty good. A bit more aggressive stance would be sick but still lookin good man!

[Kohinoor]

good shit! some 97 tails would complement your car nicely

[VALET dude]

very nice and clean :biggthumpup:
i like what you've done to the car. if i were to buy a SC, thats how i would want my car to look =)

[romeo291]

Installed some chrome door sills:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/DSC_0001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/DSC_0007.jpg

[romeo291]

Next up will be black leather seats, custom faceplate for the head unit and EDFC module, and a new paint job.

[intezza]

looks really good I love the Auto Couture kit.

[romeo291]

Thanx for the props fellas! I just ordered some black leather seats, so I'll post pictures of that when it comes in.

[hybridioN]

that's a serious transformation! looking forward to more updates/pics. i feel your pain on the interior swap. i did a tan cloth to black leather conversion in my maxima, everything from dashboard to carpet to trim pieces and it was a mother to do.

[romeo291]

New black leather seats installed:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_04-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_01-1.jpg

My kurotsuna:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_02-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_03-1.jpg

Kurotsuna from the outside:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_01-1.jpg

[Mr.OB*GYN_Rhett]

wow, I cannot believe you did a complete interior color swap/change. So much work, but the end result seems well worth it. Car is coming along very nicely.

[romeo291]

^Thanx man, it was a PITA, but yup, definitely worth it. Here's a photo I just edited, I recently got interested in photo editing. Check it out:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC300_01.jpg

[OCKlasse]

Very nice!

Look into a product called Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil to use on those seats. You will be amazed what it could do for them!

[Mr.OB*GYN_Rhett]

haha seems like you know what you're doing already! Pic looks really "soft", Im feelin it!

[ikon_danny]

very nice progress on the build. the interior is really nice

[nmssr08]

Nice Car man. I really like your interior. great job!!!!

[timywong]

very nice. you got a good build thread.

[nissannewb]

Noice....you've done an excellent job thus far. Im starting to like the sc's more and more.

[ELFATHER F50 CIMA]

wow very nicee sc keep it up :biggthumpup:

[20sburning]

yeah! I would so drive this!

[EDWIN]

Good job on the build thus far. I commend you on your dedication with converting the whole interior from tan to black. Get those wheels poking out a bit more and you'll be good to know.

[jdm94sir]

Real nice project.
Any antension on going any lower.

[EDWIN]

Real nice project.
Any antension on going any lower.

Intention :thumbsup: =P

[nmssr08]

I recently bought this other vinyl paint called SEM, I bought all their primer and clear, and tested it out because I coudln't find anymore Folia-Tec paint to buy. SEM is not even half as good as Folia-Tec. So if you guys could find a place that sells it online, let me know. I need to finish off a few more interior items. :biggthumpup:

Very time consuming process though, it took me a little over 2 weeks doing it after work and waiting for good weather since I don't have a garage.

http://www.autoaccessorystore.com/home_n.asp?dir=detail&id=253 I found this site...is this the spray you were using? It says steering wheel paint..... but can this be used on the interior as well? I think these guys are located in NY.

[implayaz_9]

damm nice.. the interior looks very clean from what u started with.

[jaydmef2]

nice... keep up the good work:biggthumpup:

[nokcy21]

lookss clean :dance:

[Freshly Snipes]

the interior looks killer bro.

i love sc's they're classy as shit and can have a ton of powerrrrr

[OCVIPAristo]

Total transformation, definitely diggin it

[ShaneC]

very nice build thread. the interior looks really nice.

[urmyhero4now]

this is super clean...nice build man.

[1slowg35sedan]

lookin real good, I love vip style SC's!

[mrkenji]

love how you changed the tan to black interior.. thumbs up

[romeo291]

Elite Auto Style Puddle Lights:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddlelights_01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddlelights_02.jpg

Some close-up/macro pics of the puddle lights:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddle_lights_01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddle_lights_02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddle_lights_03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddle_lights_04.jpg

[romeo291]

My stock SC300 2-piston brakes are horrible, and with the 1JZ, it's not gonna cut it. I am upgrading it to LS400 Brakes. Decided to paint it gold, the results turned out pretty well:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/LS400_BRAKES_02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/LS400_BRAKES_01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/LS400_BRAKES_03.jpg

[romeo291]

LED winker side mirrors (don't mind the car, it's filthy dirty and in need of a new paint job. I got just a few more things to mold and shave before I put it in for paint):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SIDE_MIRRORS_01.jpg

[romeo291]

Here's a sneak peek at my new shoes:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/BEILS_01.jpg

[20sburning]

oh snap.. nice update!! is that beils?

[romeo291]

oh snap.. nice update!! is that beils?

yezzir :biggthumpup:

[VipDout]

Ahhh gotta love the updates ! MOAR !

[mrxjeffrey]

man.. i want those rimss!!!

[fuga450gt]

what a drastic difference. always loved the soarer. you just need the post '97 tail lamps now.

[OneSODA]

keep up the good work

[khanhdom]

hot man! keep it up

[---SCweet 1---]

Very sweet Romeo!!

[romeo291]

Thanx fellas. I need to find some time to get the car ready for HIN. It's rough finding time when you have a full time job, a newborn, and another job on the side. =[

[KLD]

I'm lovin it man! keep it up!

[AlleyKat]

Interior looks great.If you think yours was bad to begin with you should see mine.lol.

[T's!]

man i love how ur building this car. finished project is gonna be A1!!!

[Triple8Sol]

LOWER

[Brandicus]

lookin good romeo! :bigok:

[romeo291]

Finally got around to actually installing my sideskirts back on with the puddle lights:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PUDDLELIGHTS_01-1.jpg

[romeo291]

The car undergoing some paint:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PAINT_BOOTH_01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PAINT_BOOTH_03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PAINT_BOOTH_02.jpg

[robz_11]

cant wait to see the final product

[lightwave76]

Car looks great. I love checking out the progression of the build. Great work on the dye job too.

[208Soarer]

WOW!!! What an awesome undertaking!! Looks amazing-

[DUMAvip]

Cant wait to see the finished product. lookin clean

[rusvip]

Damn that is one clean car and what a transformation it is, is there more??

[rusvip]

To be honest I was never a big fan of Soarer, but this one just have to stand out the most to change my opinion. Its a very clean and well build Soarer, well done.

[Dajap]

Great build! Can't wait to see what's next!

[MR.J]

DAMM !

car looks good ...

[1slowg35sedan]

Messing with the interior ain't a joke!

[Neteru]

Elite Auto Style Puddle Lights:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddlelights_02.jpg


sick build. Definitely done right the first time.

where did you get those side mirrors, and how much they run you? i've been looking for a pair myself

[GS300ToM]

its comin along really good...

[mike043081]

Lookin good can't wait to see finnished pics

[BLKBEASTSC400]

The interior was pretty bad:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SC04.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/STOCK_02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/STOCK_01.jpg

I started to dye all the parts to black, I decided to go with a black on black Lexus:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0025.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0024.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0022.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0019-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0017-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0016-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0015-1.jpg



What kind of dye was used to dye the interior? I like how it came out.

[CashUZ]

He said he used a vinyl dye/spray by Folia-tec.

I'm really interested to see how well the dye is holding up, obviously we've all seen the dodgy attempts where the shit cracks or peels off after a few months, but it seems you did all the right prep work in the first place.

Let us know how its looking

[Neteru]

I'm really interested to see how well the dye is holding up,...


X2

any updates romeo291 ?

[ni5mo240]

nice build, keep us updated man

[VIP_Monkey]

in for updates! lookin real good. love the interior swap and choice of parts :biggthumpup:

[nmssr08]

this car is looking better every time i see it. keep up the good work!!!!

[jspecdan]

great looking build. keep it up!

[VipDout]

Wow alot of work to the interior and came out great and looking forward to seeing the fresh paint and wheels in some new pics

[romeo291]

Wow, this thread got brought back from the grave. I actually sold the car to Ultra Vip. I wanted a 4-door, so I have a 98 black on black LS400 now. Here are some photos of the car before I sold it:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4032339298_5e0f29f40d_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3737700770_8715ea1026_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3431/3736946025_d94b92a5d5_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3733276749_9aa158828b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/3675671782_dcf0d7eaef_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2180/3674775155_8893e3ac1f_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3674774941_2c9a4db937_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/3674774757_d7fd37eebe_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3675583850_ee1684d574_o.jpg

[20sburning]

Who's Ultra Vip?

[romeo291]

Who's Ultra Vip?

He's a member on here and on club Lexus. Joe from VA Beach.

http://insanestanceandoffset.blogspot.com/2010/01/ultra-vip-gs.html

[tomlee]

very nice! I want your wheels!

[jgul23]

wow very nice progress :) I am starting on an SC soon, plan on doing a 1JZ swap something simple, clean, and fun to drive on a daily basis.

[RawKusX187]

one of my fav buildups....alot of time and dedication put into it!

[Tabaka]

I'm looking at an SC tonight. This thread has given me so much inspiration. I hope the new owner is enjoying it.

[tomlee]

Wow, i hope mine comes out similar when i'm done!

[romeo291]

Here's some photos that the current owner of the car posted a while ago. His wife drove it and cracked the front bumper, but Joe fixed it. It also went through some other bad luck, but I think it's all good now.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/4204761802_2025629b15_o.png

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4204761302_9ffc5d4901_o.png

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/4204004575_0696811e7c_o.png

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/4204004263_2d547b87ca_o.png

[Tabaka]

Super clean SC! You did an awesome job while under your ownership. This car is still talked about on clublexus from time to time.

[liveordie72089]

Talk about Sex on Wheels. This thing is just class....

[khur]

wow.....i love it....

sweet ride.

[lowlifeY33]

wow man that was one clean and attention to detail build. Love how you changed the interior around. The y33 I just bought has tan interior which is thrashed so im going to have the seats re-upholstered in the dark brown leather that is in the car and hopefully find a dark brown carpet for it. Always loved SC's and you did an amazing job on it!!

[onelowr]

Still looking good

[terry pham]

that was a sick build, sick interior dying. Any updates on the LS?