Pete's GS400 Build Thread
08-25-13, 01:29 PM
#362
Driver School Candidate
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: CA
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my god, what an awesome thread. I just recently got my black gs400 and now I'm motivated to learn my way around the orbital so I can get my paint looking like yours haha
08-26-13, 01:13 AM
#363
ha, thanks. the orbital is actually pretty easy to use compared to your average buffer. as it wont really leave any swirls or burn too fast etc.. I probably use that thing once every 2 weeks on random projects i have. i love it. and congrats on your GS4. you are going to fall in love with that car.
08-26-13, 07:18 PM
#364
Project: Mesh Grille
So, i wanted a mesh grille. But not the one that costs like $200. You know me, Mr. Budget. So i found one for like $79 that looks like the TRD one. Remember, if you skimp on the money, you get what you pay for
Came pretty fast considering it came from Japan.
show you difference
location of hood pull Tab is smaller and needs to be drilled out correctly
The mounting tabs and screws it comes with are garbage and dont line up at all.
made a paper template off the old one
you will need to cut these tabs off with a dremel or grinder to flush the lower part of the grille
test fit. looks good. let's paint!
I painted the backside of it first to ensure the mesh angles dont show or reflect the metal / silver
preppin' a new "endless" emblem.
couple coats of black primer
i use generic auto store black enamel for my first coats so i am not wasting the more expensive and harder to get Black Onyx. So, couple coats of black enamel.
Now the Black Onyx is laid
3 coats of Clear.
A lot of people have complained about seeing through the mesh and seeing the angled core supports behind the grille. Member "VVT-i" in the forum swapped the grille mesh with gutter guard. So i got some from the hardware store for like $4.99. I am going to double mesh it though as the gutter guard is very lightweight plastic. That will ensure a dark full mesh i think
Measured and cut new mesh. Then zip tied the outer most edges from the backside nice and snug
Installed!
One more view
I'll probably get used to this, wait for the paint to cure, wetsand, buff and then throw the emblem on.
So, i wanted a mesh grille. But not the one that costs like $200. You know me, Mr. Budget. So i found one for like $79 that looks like the TRD one. Remember, if you skimp on the money, you get what you pay for
Came pretty fast considering it came from Japan.
show you difference
location of hood pull Tab is smaller and needs to be drilled out correctly
The mounting tabs and screws it comes with are garbage and dont line up at all.
made a paper template off the old one
you will need to cut these tabs off with a dremel or grinder to flush the lower part of the grille
test fit. looks good. let's paint!
I painted the backside of it first to ensure the mesh angles dont show or reflect the metal / silver
preppin' a new "endless" emblem.
couple coats of black primer
i use generic auto store black enamel for my first coats so i am not wasting the more expensive and harder to get Black Onyx. So, couple coats of black enamel.
Now the Black Onyx is laid
3 coats of Clear.
A lot of people have complained about seeing through the mesh and seeing the angled core supports behind the grille. Member "VVT-i" in the forum swapped the grille mesh with gutter guard. So i got some from the hardware store for like $4.99. I am going to double mesh it though as the gutter guard is very lightweight plastic. That will ensure a dark full mesh i think
Measured and cut new mesh. Then zip tied the outer most edges from the backside nice and snug
Installed!
One more view
I'll probably get used to this, wait for the paint to cure, wetsand, buff and then throw the emblem on.
Last edited by Sevenevez; 08-26-13 at 08:03 PM. Reason: giving credit where credit is due to member VVTi
08-27-13, 10:49 PM
#370
eBay. Be prepared to do a grip of modding to get her to fit though Here's a link. I think this is the same one i got - http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEXUS-98-05-GS300-GS430-V300-ARISTO-SPORT-BADGELESS-FRONT-BUMPER-MESH-GRILLE-/251321409068?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AGS400&hash=item3a83ec5e2c&vxp=mtr
Here's a link. I think this is the same one i got - http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEXUS-98-05-GS300-GS430-V300-ARISTO-SPORT-BADGELESS-FRONT-BUMPER-MESH-GRILLE-/251321409068?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AGS400&hash=item3a83ec5e2c&vxp=mtr
09-02-13, 04:43 PM
#375
had a chance to get my emblem on and made the grille a little more sturdy.
sorry if things are slowing down on my build. think i only got about 3 more things i want to do to her cosmetically ( i think ) haha. i got another project i been focusing on. always regretted the last truck i did that i sold. working on another one now.
sorry if things are slowing down on my build. think i only got about 3 more things i want to do to her cosmetically ( i think ) haha. i got another project i been focusing on. always regretted the last truck i did that i sold. working on another one now.