TCCN has posted his final video on the 1 year restoration project of his '01 LS430 with 628,000 miles. The last 20 minutes of it he covers both the cost and the reasons for the restoration. I really respect this gentleman and am very happy for him.
There is going to be an event in Chicago in August where he will unveil it to the public and be there for the celebration..

 

That is what you call a labour of love. How the secondary door seals are attached (adhesive) is uh unconventional what a total pain in the neck. How much was spent? Estimated $60,000?

 

It looks like TCCN spent about $ 63,000 out of pocket for all oem parts and third party labor (detailing, paint work, body work, etc), including the cost of the initial car purchase. I think the video has a minor math error when he gives the grand total - I get this number by adding the out of pocket cost ($59K plus the cost of the car, at little over $ 4K.) This total does not include value of his own labor, he did it as a fun project presumably on time off, weekends etc.

The entire restoration video series includes a wealth of how-to information on his repairs. Hats off to TCCN. Its must watch for LS430 DIYers and enthusiasts, at least those like me that have the spare time.

 

$64k including the original $4450 purchase price.
When new back in 2001 it cost $55k.

 

I like the car care nut. And the videos are great resources for LS430 repair info.

But it is completely insane. a $4k car, dump $50k+ into it, and it's now worth $5k.

but I get it, it's a labor of love, its youtube content, i get it

 

*Flashbacks to original LS430*

Lord I don't ever want to go that level of restoration for a 430, I went 2/3 of the way there with mine and it cost me over 100 hours.

 

Talking about labor of love!
I just did a full brake job and all new OEM struts on mine LS, all new brake pads and resurfaced all brake rotors using elbow grease and sandpapers.
Brake rotors on the front still measured at 29.85mm and 15.8mm in the back and they are rust free and will stay rust free.
BTW I'm not cheap. I'm just leary about the quality of OEM, even the one from Lexus today isn't as good as the one currently on my vehicle.
Make sure to replace your brake caliper bolts and don't ask me how long it took to do this brake job.

 

man i love a black LS430

 

I wouldn't a restore a 2001, base, i'd restore a 2006 UL