CLass of 1

Random question for you guys, but I’m wondering how the clips and plastic parts generally hold up on these cars? Asking because I’ve found one to purchase that’s pretty badly faded with some clear coat missing on a few panels and so all I can really think about is when I go to redo the interior and build the car for swap and boost, that I may have a ****ty time with tons of broken connectors and clips and stuff like that, due to all the sun exposure.

Are these cars prone to this kind of thing? Some cars hold up really well despite the age and heat and others don’t so much.

Its a 1998 in case that matters.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Nick

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

If Lexus had used the dash material throughout the car, these things would be indestructible. Unfortunately, much of the other plastics don't hold up nearly as well. The connectors tend to be pretty good, but often hold too snug and I end up mangling the tab trying to free them up. Interior trim panels almost always have crumbled plastic around fasteners, rear seat belt receivers usually have broken surrounds, etc. Nothing major, just little annoyances.

CLass of 1

Thank you for the feedback. Would you shy away from buying a car that’s obviously seen a bit too much sun?

Nick

SC_coupe

The quality of the plastics, rubber seals, and clips from Lexus of this era is above any other car I've disassembled. There are certain interior pieces, namely the window surround trims and vent registers that get brittle and crack with heat and UV exposure, but everything actually holding stuff together or sealing your cabin is nearly indestructible.

Removed my lower door trim and door seal last night any everything came apart beautifully. I'm usually breaking clips and cursing taking apart my much-newer BMW. I wouldn't be concerned at all if the rest of the car is what you're looking for.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

Yeah, I wouldn't consider that a reason to not buy the car. I'd be more concerned with the condition of the paint, if it's been baking in the sun.

I consider '90s era cars, at least the good ones, to be the pinnacle of build quality. Prior to that, materials science and manufacturing tolerances were still evolving pretty rapidly, and after that necessitated cutting corners wherever possible to keep prices relatively flat.

CLass of 1

I thank you guys for the insight. It’s what I needed.

As for the paint, I’m planning to do a complete strip down restoration and repaint, so I’m not as concerned about the paint.

Thank you guys for helping me make that decision.

Nick