You'll be OK baby, they'll take care of you and replace your diseased timing belt and rotting water pump so you can properly haul a$$ for hundreds of miles. -Me talking to my car.
This is a huge milestone for me for personal reasons. The reason there is a Lexy 2 is because I think the first one's timing belt slipped. It was forever doomed after that.
As I was working on that car, I was praying for the belt to last long enough to fix it... But also that it would fail if it wasn't worth it. That car was a lemon and I knew it. It was two cars made into one - a rebuilt salvage title. But she showed me how awesome these cars are.
As I was working on that car, I was praying for the belt to last long enough to fix it... But also that it would fail if it wasn't worth it. That car was a lemon and I knew it. It was two cars made into one - a rebuilt salvage title. But she showed me how awesome these cars are.
And then, an angel appeared. I was looking for other LS400s on Craigslist because I knew inside that the '95 was dying. I had a gut feeling. It just so happens I got a great deal on a much better maintained LS400 and junked Lexy the First. I never regretted it.
I'm going to warn you guys now, this is not a typical article. I'm going over the whole history of my car and thus the website - 2 years back. You're going to be getting an insight into my life a little bit so if that's not for you, there's quite a few other articles that should fit your interest.
I'm going to warn you guys now, this is not a typical article. I'm going over the whole history of my car and thus the website - 2 years back. You're going to be getting an insight into my life a little bit so if that's not for you, there's quite a few other articles that should fit your interest.
I've shared this same picture here before but it's one of the best ones I have of the car. It was a Kodak moment (do they still exist?).
This car, the new one which is a 1996, had 210,000 miles on the odometer. It had just had an oil leak fixed, has ice cold AC, had a small misfire at the time, and was good but it was due for this job right about now.
The timing belt was cracked and I babied the car the entire time I've had it. Now, my dream of just having a reliable LS400 is about to come true. Sounds like I'm reaching so low but yet right now I am struggling in life and was able to do this. That is only because of dedication and someone looking out for me... I truly can't wait to pick the car up. I was able to save up for this by not buying that $2 soda or whatever it was. I always thought to myself, "What do I want more? Some small temporary things now or to get the car fixed before it goes?" Maybe that could help you too.
Just to put this in perspective, I went from a crashed LS400 that I personally changed a good 20 parts out on, hoping to get it to drive without worries. It pooped itself so I junked it. Then to actually get that model in white (much better) and to be on the precipice of having that car, but a better version with a lot more things working, and to have that finally be reliable about 2 years later...
It was a struggle. I mean, really it was hard but worth it for the experience.
And I feel so rewarded right now for not giving up. In a couple days, I will be taking a Lyft to go get my dream car in Phase 1. I mean it when I say elated. You know what? This car alone taught me how to get another 10 and have them all running good. That's pretty rare. It was motivational to me to know I could earn nice things. Save up for them and all of that. Watch my money.
I'll share this with you guys but for years I said I was gonna get a car nicer than my neighbor's 1990s Jaguar XJ-Series. It's an early 90s one and immaculate on the outside, pretty good inside. I finally beat his car depending on who you talk to!
Listen, I'm not a person that chases after objects. I just realized that what I wrote sounds like I was jealous but it wasn't so. I respected the man for having such a nice car and I set a goal of mine to beat that. No jealousy involved. Well, except for his 1969 Chevy Caprice convertible. I'll beat that one too old man!
Just to put this in perspective, I went from a crashed LS400 that I personally changed a good 20 parts out on, hoping to get it to drive without worries. It pooped itself so I junked it. Then to actually get that model in white (much better) and to be on the precipice of having that car, but a better version with a lot more things working, and to have that finally be reliable about 2 years later...
It was a struggle. I mean, really it was hard but worth it for the experience.
And I feel so rewarded right now for not giving up. In a couple days, I will be taking a Lyft to go get my dream car in Phase 1. I mean it when I say elated. You know what? This car alone taught me how to get another 10 and have them all running good. That's pretty rare. It was motivational to me to know I could earn nice things. Save up for them and all of that. Watch my money.
I'll share this with you guys but for years I said I was gonna get a car nicer than my neighbor's 1990s Jaguar XJ-Series. It's an early 90s one and immaculate on the outside, pretty good inside. I finally beat his car depending on who you talk to!
Listen, I'm not a person that chases after objects. I just realized that what I wrote sounds like I was jealous but it wasn't so. I respected the man for having such a nice car and I set a goal of mine to beat that. No jealousy involved. Well, except for his 1969 Chevy Caprice convertible. I'll beat that one too old man!
1969 Chevy Caprice.
As some of you may know, a dear reader sent me an LED kit, something to give the interior a little bang. You will find the picture as you scroll down and it shows the backup lights. I'm also reupholstering the seats. I know I said you guys wouldn't see anything else before I had it all together, but you know what, I'm celebrating.
What's that? Why, that's most of the new fabric going on the front seats. I am truly teaching myself to do upholstery and this is the first big project that I've undertaken that is coming out even better than expected.
You should be able to tell what the deal is. The parts on the top go over the back of the seat, allowing the measured seat part to go over the bottom part while an extra flap connects everything behind the seat, locking this into place.
The picture above is a mock-up of what I'm doing. To be more clear, I simply overlaid this on the driver's seat with the back part actually slipping on like how it's supposed to. The passenger seat has a typical car seat cover. Little bit different...
I have learned so much doing this. My knowledge base concerning cars in general has grown a few times over. A job that was quite literally impossible or near impossible to do for me to do not long before starting this website is now something relatively easy.
Recent LEDs - gift from a reader!
I hope to inspire young people to invest their money into a car they can work on instead of running around on the streets (drive around instead) and also I hope certain people realize that they have a trade, something they can live from. Cars mean a lot to people because the sky is the limit as far as what you want to do in this huge auto business if you so desire.
You can truly carve a life out for yourself that is respectable and rewarding but I mean it when I say carve because some days you're going to be dragging your body by your bloody fingernails but one day... That one day... You will realize that, well, your dreams? They came true.
You can truly carve a life out for yourself that is respectable and rewarding but I mean it when I say carve because some days you're going to be dragging your body by your bloody fingernails but one day... That one day... You will realize that, well, your dreams? They came true.
Back to the whip, quick. It's leaking oil and quite a bit so I'm praying it's something relatively cheap. I literally told the mechanics to ignore it but let me know if it's something that could be fixed while they're doing the timing belt and then I have to hope I can afford it. Otherwise I guess I'm adding a quart every few days until I can take it back. You know how annoying that is?
Still, I won't get the chance to spend the amount of money I am to do the belt and pump for a long time so I'm doing it now. No choice. Not even considering any other option. The life I live, one that is very random, has taught me to take something you need when you can and that time will come. Don't miss it and wonder what's going on!
Let's talk more happy things. I am excited to move into Phase 1. What that means is the car has to run right, look good, and perform well. To me, it looks good but yes, the paint is flaking and there's minor dents on one door.
I plan to pop those and spray paint (Rust-Oleum 2x) the car white. I think I'll do the hood pins at this point. The upholstery will be finished, including the center console, shifter, and entire back seat once the front seats are finished.
What else? I always forget what they're called but they go above your windows and provide a little shade. I want those for sure. I'm doing my headlights yellow when I can get enough yellow tint film. I had ordered some but it was about the size of a piece of paper so my back-up lights are tinted. Also, they are extremely bright thanks to that LED kit now.
My car is slowly starting to stand out. If it wasn't for a couple minor (hopefully) problems that I mentioned such as the leak, I would be saving for what my original readers know I want and have wanted for a long time.
A catback exhaust or possibly just a muffler delete, although the former is probably what I'm going to end up doing. It's not for power because you won't get any. It's so the car actually sounds as powerful as it is! I want to hear that engine. On this car, a straight pipe is super loud and I don't want that. It has four (read 'em, 4) catalytic converters and deleting two greatly increases the sound already.
Working on the seats' skin.
Anyway, this car has literally brought me joy, tears, different paths to take in life... I've never had a car that literally inspired me to do better.
I know some of you may have noticed my upholstery skills have gotten much better. When I say the car opened up new paths for me, this is one of them. I want to learn this trade that is truly rewarding for me. I haven't done anything for work that was nearly as satisfying. I see that as a big thing in my future.
Guys, I hope you enjoyed my rant and please share this website. It's hard for me to get the word out and I only do this because it's part of my passion. Whatever car you own, don't be afraid to try things on your own and make it unique. If you have an interesting build you want to share, want to write for the website, or just simply want to ask me a question or cuss me out, you can email me at norgin@gmail.com.
I know some of you may have noticed my upholstery skills have gotten much better. When I say the car opened up new paths for me, this is one of them. I want to learn this trade that is truly rewarding for me. I haven't done anything for work that was nearly as satisfying. I see that as a big thing in my future.
Guys, I hope you enjoyed my rant and please share this website. It's hard for me to get the word out and I only do this because it's part of my passion. Whatever car you own, don't be afraid to try things on your own and make it unique. If you have an interesting build you want to share, want to write for the website, or just simply want to ask me a question or cuss me out, you can email me at norgin@gmail.com.
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