"economical" ...(or broke) meticulous college student daily driver build
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Lead Lap
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edit: major thanks to olt and prs22 for tons of information through pm and additional help!
in short ... I got out of the s14 when i moved into from a house into a condo due to security frets. Moved onto a 1GS which i lLOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVED. only problem is, I kept getting HIT!!!!!!! like by other cars. long story short after that was totaled out (and i got hit once last time) i moved on to this SC300, a car ive always wanted to own. So... i owned it... got over the coupe thing then decided to sell it. made offers to tons of wtb ads but i never sold, though it has slowly been growing on me.
anyways on to the progress pics: as i said im a full time + + student so I dont do anything too crazy and i tend to move slow with my progress.
how i got her
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111021_233639.jpg)
first mod cause im a ricer was hids. (second thing i forgot to mention is im strongly function over form, so i chose 4300k)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111030_015147.jpg)
took it to the car wash to vacuum the filthy interior and assess the clear coat failure which is like.... a fourth grade drop out in a room full of physicists
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111101_100735.jpg)
cool random picture after printing stuff:
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20110823_220309.jpg)
car had no maintenance records so i did a quick rundown inspection of timing belt teeth, looks fair game
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111028_201533.jpg)
and replaced other minor issues such as blown power steering hose sun roof loose driver mirror etc etc steering rack bushings etc
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120101_132002.jpg)
how i get my aggressive driving satisfaction since I no longer can track (bike) or drive a turbo'd car
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111106_155913.jpg)
tinted fogs. didnt like the white as much as i liked the yellow... so made a set of headlights which sold
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111105_112118.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111212_150707.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111217_011011.jpg)
blacked out high beam housing also.
made some abomination 50/50 tail lights. which ive started redoing( waiting for my new set for more down time)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111219_002427.jpg)
tinted car. sold my g35 wheels.. then got some new ones for half the price ( totally didnt plan this)... test fitted those
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111229_171501.jpg)
they fit pretty weak. but im too cheap to get spacers so ill go with really fat tires. which means ill need a braided power steering line
2 toned the interior
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111228_085551.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111231_165853.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111231_200003.jpg)
so far my favorite thing about the two tone interior is the black volume /ac ***** i brought were from a 92 so theyre orange. it really flows well with the green lighting from my 97
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120102_071158.jpg)
did a crappy job rolling fenders. (this metal is thick as hell..) decided to call it quits until i'm ready to paint the entire car.. at that time ill pull them ( dont wanna leave too much metal exposed with paint chipping)
anyways next things on the list are
*install my coilovers ( i traded lexusftw) once they arrive here.
* nardi and steering hub adapter are also on the way in the mail
*black out the chrome trim on the windows (using blackout tape)
*install window visors
* remove yellow from fog lights and smoke them instead
* smoke clear corner thingies? whatever you call those
*finish tail lights once my replacement 92s come in... ill either redo these and sell them or redo these and keep them dependent on how i feel about the turn out compared to wearing smoked (automotive paint) 92 tails.
* once coilovers are installed. painting g35 wheels either a dark oem looking grey... or obnoxious metallic blue...actually im open to suggestions
* 5 speed swap if i can find someone who can lend me their garage or driveway and with access to an electrical outlet
*if i stumble upon ls400 calipers, sand blast/paint yellow and install
everything on list besides last two should be done before the week is over
anyways now i took some cellphone pics.. playing with contrast
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120102_072716.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120102_072957.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120102_072900.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120102_072917.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120102_073029.jpg)
also gonna black out/remove shields on high beams and throw in some es300 fog lights in there. aesthetics are all thats important
in short ... I got out of the s14 when i moved into from a house into a condo due to security frets. Moved onto a 1GS which i lLOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVED. only problem is, I kept getting HIT!!!!!!! like by other cars. long story short after that was totaled out (and i got hit once last time) i moved on to this SC300, a car ive always wanted to own. So... i owned it... got over the coupe thing then decided to sell it. made offers to tons of wtb ads but i never sold, though it has slowly been growing on me.
anyways on to the progress pics: as i said im a full time + + student so I dont do anything too crazy and i tend to move slow with my progress.
how i got her
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111021_233639.jpg)
first mod cause im a ricer was hids. (second thing i forgot to mention is im strongly function over form, so i chose 4300k)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111030_015147.jpg)
took it to the car wash to vacuum the filthy interior and assess the clear coat failure which is like.... a fourth grade drop out in a room full of physicists
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111101_100735.jpg)
cool random picture after printing stuff:
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20110823_220309.jpg)
car had no maintenance records so i did a quick rundown inspection of timing belt teeth, looks fair game
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111028_201533.jpg)
and replaced other minor issues such as blown power steering hose sun roof loose driver mirror etc etc steering rack bushings etc
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120101_132002.jpg)
how i get my aggressive driving satisfaction since I no longer can track (bike) or drive a turbo'd car
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111106_155913.jpg)
tinted fogs. didnt like the white as much as i liked the yellow... so made a set of headlights which sold
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111105_112118.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111212_150707.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111217_011011.jpg)
blacked out high beam housing also.
made some abomination 50/50 tail lights. which ive started redoing( waiting for my new set for more down time)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111219_002427.jpg)
tinted car. sold my g35 wheels.. then got some new ones for half the price ( totally didnt plan this)... test fitted those
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111229_171501.jpg)
they fit pretty weak. but im too cheap to get spacers so ill go with really fat tires. which means ill need a braided power steering line
2 toned the interior
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111228_085551.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111231_165853.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20111231_200003.jpg)
so far my favorite thing about the two tone interior is the black volume /ac ***** i brought were from a 92 so theyre orange. it really flows well with the green lighting from my 97
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120102_071158.jpg)
did a crappy job rolling fenders. (this metal is thick as hell..) decided to call it quits until i'm ready to paint the entire car.. at that time ill pull them ( dont wanna leave too much metal exposed with paint chipping)
anyways next things on the list are
*install my coilovers ( i traded lexusftw) once they arrive here.
* nardi and steering hub adapter are also on the way in the mail
*black out the chrome trim on the windows (using blackout tape)
*install window visors
* remove yellow from fog lights and smoke them instead
* smoke clear corner thingies? whatever you call those
*finish tail lights once my replacement 92s come in... ill either redo these and sell them or redo these and keep them dependent on how i feel about the turn out compared to wearing smoked (automotive paint) 92 tails.
* once coilovers are installed. painting g35 wheels either a dark oem looking grey... or obnoxious metallic blue...actually im open to suggestions
* 5 speed swap if i can find someone who can lend me their garage or driveway and with access to an electrical outlet
*if i stumble upon ls400 calipers, sand blast/paint yellow and install
everything on list besides last two should be done before the week is over
anyways now i took some cellphone pics.. playing with contrast
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120102_072716.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120102_072957.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120102_072900.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120102_072917.jpg)
![](http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr43/ouch617/sc300/IMG_20120102_073029.jpg)
also gonna black out/remove shields on high beams and throw in some es300 fog lights in there. aesthetics are all thats important
Last edited by greens14; 01-03-12 at 07:44 PM.
#2
Lead Lap
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oh and as for the economical part I scored this sc seven weeks ago with all the minor issues, needing tlc:
car purchase price :2400
parts sold/ interchanged etc while in possession so far: 1812.23
amount spend on parts and mods/ helping above line: 631.48 + i received coilovers as a gift.
so yea.. im super cheap. if you dont see any awesome mods, its cause im lame
car purchase price :2400
parts sold/ interchanged etc while in possession so far: 1812.23
amount spend on parts and mods/ helping above line: 631.48 + i received coilovers as a gift.
so yea.. im super cheap. if you dont see any awesome mods, its cause im lame
#3
Pole Position
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What happened to the original tailights?
A year ago I got mine for about the same price, but ive easily doubled that in suspension, tires, battery, water pump, gaskets, spark plugs, control arms, two alignments, and a black interior swap
Looks like you started out like I did.
A year ago I got mine for about the same price, but ive easily doubled that in suspension, tires, battery, water pump, gaskets, spark plugs, control arms, two alignments, and a black interior swap
Looks like you started out like I did.
#4
Lead Lap
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yea im on the same path! i think im gonna have to hire a friend who does alignments professionally to show me the ropes. I foresee myself doing them too often to not know how to do them myself!
and i sold the tail lights instead of ruining them. the chrome in them is too gaudy for my liking so decided to do 50/50 clears or tinted tails. whichever i like most once i get the wheels and coils on ill stick with!. tires have me worried though!
control arms do too! im struggling to find FUCA bushings for the 97.
and i sold the tail lights instead of ruining them. the chrome in them is too gaudy for my liking so decided to do 50/50 clears or tinted tails. whichever i like most once i get the wheels and coils on ill stick with!. tires have me worried though!
control arms do too! im struggling to find FUCA bushings for the 97.
#6
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youre entitled to your own opinion, but im not really one of those angry retaliating types: so yea voice the opinions, in which manner? youre a fan of the chrome or bright headlights/tail lights etc. interior. do tell im interested. It wont affect the course of where im taking it but i am definitely open to other viewpoints!
#7
Lexus Test Driver
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get a k and n filter (got mine used on here for $20) and do a DIY BFI intake, havent gotten around to mine yet but cant wait to.
as far as blacking out your chrome you can get a can of Plasti dip synthetic spray rubber from home depot for $6 , mask off the area and use that it is pretty resilient
as far as blacking out your chrome you can get a can of Plasti dip synthetic spray rubber from home depot for $6 , mask off the area and use that it is pretty resilient
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#8
Lead Lap
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Ive heard good things about "blackout" tape on the forums and already have it purchased, but the rubber spray sounds useful for some other applications, hows the removal process? i need something temporary as i plan on painting when the spring comes!
#10
Lexus Test Driver
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Let me tell you a story. I know this person who just got a brand new Prius. Now he wants to put red sticked headrests onto the vehicle. Cool right? Except he got the low-end model without Navi. Do you understand? He is overcompensating for not spending (more) money by spending (less) money. So I told him not to do it because it would just make the car look cheap(er). I guess maybe we all need to go through that phase of spending money on bad modifications....
#11
Lexus Test Driver
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Your car is pretty nice as is I would be very careful about what you do to it.
Best bet would be to save up for a good set of wheels, since you already got coilovers on the way you dont need much more then that considering your on a students budget.
#15
Lead Lap
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yea! form over function when applicable. I.e I wont slam my car on the ***** and compensate handling or unsafely stretch ( no offense stretch lovers) tires for maximum wheel poke just so i can tuck tire. I can respect the time and effort it takes but its just not my thing