Refined Elegance LS430 build thread by Gato

The Time has come to replace the Futura Design LS430 and I decided to make this build thread to document all progress and to keep momentum.

This build thread has a minimum 3 month time frame for completion. So lets get this rolling.

As everyone knows I picked up an already beautiful LS this January. so to begin I removed everything I will not be using...

front bumper, headlights, and brakes removed to start
[IMG]http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSC04235.JPG[/IMG]

second line of business is removing all old interior parts... 
[IMG]http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSC04234.JPG[/IMG]

two sets of wheels came in as I will have two diffrent sets.
20 inch OZ Futura and 20 inch Brabus III
the brabus will not be chrome and will be getting bigger lips...coming soon
[IMG]http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSC04245.JPG[/IMG]



I got extremely lucky on finding another set of 20 inch OZ Futura. as I searched on Google back in february I ran across a thread on audizine with a set of oz's for sale.! i was too good to be true to pass em up.
[IMG]http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSC041611.JPG[/IMG]


The lips are only 2 inches all around and unfortunately they came with cheap fake center caps....
so new deeeep lips and new center caps coming sooon!

[IMG]http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSC041711.JPG[/IMG]

all interior wood trim is being sent out to Mike over at [B]ORIGINAL GARAGE[/B] in Houston for a special order

[IMG]http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSC04231.JPG[/IMG]

.

This is going to be an epic build!! Can't wait to see what you do with this car! What you do with the kit the car came with??

looking good mang, cant wait to see the next Futura Design LS.

Nice..looking forward to the build

[QUOTE=xxjustimajinxx;389691]This is going to be an epic build!! Can't wait to see what you do with this car! What you do with the kit the car came with??[/QUOTE]

Im actually keeping the vlene cause its súch a clean kit....the entire body kit will be getting some modern updates

[QUOTE=airmax;389699]looking good mang, cant wait to see the next Futura Design LS.[/QUOTE]

Thanks brotha ....i wasn trying to be ready foro the vip section going down at the end of june but ill be pushhing it

Good to see you back Gio. I want to see those brabus re-lipped.

What's being done to the wood?

noice!!

RE doin' it big once again :biggthumpup:

My man.

I know what's being done to the wood...gonna look hot Gato.  I hope I can get done for end of June too.

IN for brabus content.

Can't wait to see this complete.

the plans sound great!

[QUOTE=jeebus;389711]Good to see you back Gio. I want to see those brabus re-lipped.

[/QUOTE]

yes for sure... lip sent out to germany we'll see what they say. its an odd looking step lip.

oz lips should be in this week :dance:

looks like a deep build but 3 months? ill be keeping a eye on this.

brakes are in.... camera shot does not do justice to the real color of these calipers... its more of a aqua turquoise...simply stuning

[IMG]http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/2011-04-29_16_08_16.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=L3GDKANG/JDM-KANG;389747]looks like a deep build but 3 months? ill be keeping a eye on this.[/QUOTE]

.(really more like 6 months total) but three months from now since most items are here and more already on the way...

[QUOTE=gato;389749].(really more like 6 months total) but three months from now since most items are here and more already on the way...[/QUOTE]
 :smiley-rofl:oh ok i was gonna say thats crazy cause ive been building my car since05 and am just now really getting it where i want it.

Can't wait to see where this goes!

The kit is clean.  Glad you are keeping it

let me know if you need bodywork Gato... we can redo what we discussed.

Was it hard removing the woodgrain? I plan on changing the interior theme of my LS and changing color of the woodgrain is one of my goals.

can't wait looking forward to this Gio.

looking forward to see this build

can't wait to see all the plans come to life. let me know when the OZ lips come in, so I can start mine too. lol. ;)

2 RE 30s getting simultaneous makeovers? uh oooh...

lemme know when you put those brakes on, ill lend a hand.

Hummm ... all over again Ballin .. :biggthumpup:

Nice, waiting to see the finish product....

[QUOTE=gato;389749].(really more like 6 months total) but three months from now since most items are here and more already on the way...[/QUOTE]

6 months??? I can't wait that long G!!!!

+1

do want brabus monoblocks

damn this is gonna be nice.

awesome..pretty soon everyone in RE gonna be on OZ Futuras LOL!  whats goin on with the wood grain? OG got a hook on dipping interior pieces and stuff?

Man you RE guys go ALL OUT.
color me inspired/jealous

[QUOTE=NguyenDC2;389768]Was it hard removing the woodgrain? I plan on changing the interior theme of my LS and changing color of the woodgrain is one of my goals.[/QUOTE]
Its pretty simple lots of screws on door wood...most of rest is clipped
[QUOTE=MrExecutiv;389789]can't wait to see all the plans come to life. let me know when the OZ lips come in, so I can start mine too. lol. ;)[/QUOTE]
ok should be anyday now
[QUOTE=BAHC;389863]awesome..pretty soon everyone in RE gonna be on OZ Futuras LOL!  whats goin on with the wood grain? OG got a hook on dipping interior pieces and stuff?[/QUOTE]

 Not sure if he hooks up dips...but i knw mike personally and knw hes a stickler for perfection so im trusting hell do great work

mike does hydrographics now?

Mike hooked up with h20print. which is great cause they're local :)

brb, pulling apart my interior

[QUOTE=Kohinoor;389919]brb, pulling apart my interior[/QUOTE]

word...me too

sweet man, love the color of the brakes!! 

Man, we got 3 LS430s on the wayy...  2012 is gonna be a crazi year :dance:

subd'
 
cant wait for updates

[QUOTE=BAHC;389863]OG got a hook on dipping interior pieces and stuff?[/QUOTE]
 
water transfer service is now offered but gio's pieces are being custom painted. the interior on this one is gonna be beast.

i cant wait for more pics!!! thanks for sharing!!

Looking forward to your build Gio

Edwin

Nice pick up Gato!!!
Straight up unstoppable :dance:

just got my wood & some dash pieces done with hydrographics...changed to black wood.
 
i'd like to see how gato's custom painted pieces turn out

Can't wait to see Gato's finished product! :giggity:

[QUOTE=revtek_gs3;390747]just got my wood & some dash pieces done with hydrographics...changed to black wood.
 
i'd like to see how gato's custom painted pieces turn out[/QUOTE]

Any pics?

I already know this is gonna be a dope build, Gio never fails:biggthumpup:

thanks for the kind words everyone...


finally got the centercaps in for the OZ's

they came machine finish.

I found a color anodizer so I took the rings in this morning. he called already for pickup...fast service.

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/ozcaps.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/DSCN0014.jpg[/IMG]

local anodizer?  does he have a website?  I might drop some things off to him...

for a second, I thought you were anodizing your wheel lips that color

got the ok to drop progeress on gio's "ogBusiness".
 
[IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/BLACKonBLACK98/Gato/8503b64d.jpg[/IMG]
 
premium finish starts with premium product.
 
[IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/BLACKonBLACK98/Gato/4b402bee.jpg[/IMG]
 
paint is only as good as the prep. all parts were scuffed and cleaned using ultra fine scotch pads and an abrasive scrub.
 
[IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/BLACKonBLACK98/Gato/6d379d14.jpg[/IMG]
 
they were then sprayed with an adhesion promoter/sealer, followed by ppg base/clear.
 
[IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/BLACKonBLACK98/Gato/b09ce2a6.jpg[/IMG]
 
no cut, no buff. this is just the first layer. more progress as it's done.

[QUOTE=speedaddict;392057]local anodizer?  does he have a website?  I might drop some things off to him...[/QUOTE]

Hey bro its a small mom an pop metal shop. Text me ill shoot u the number

Looking good big mike

nice! i vouch for the 3000 clear! :)

Ths Build is on fire ... :biggthumpup:  jk jk ... 
 
Nice work .. cant wait to see the finished product:biggthumpup:

This reminds me lunch is over I got to get back in the booth. Looks good can't wait for more updates.

Interior pieces look great! Excellent choices with all the paint products btw :biggthumpup:

got the center rings for the oz's back in a aqua anodize
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-06-09202103.jpg[/IMG]

floor mats are finished.....cant wait for lips to get here....:shrug:
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/DSCN0078.jpg[/IMG]






.

man you're going in bro. what's up on the upholstery status?

Some good paint work going on there! Did you paint it yourself? Either way looks sweet. Can't wait to see it all put together. GL w/ The project.

I was never offered Futura floor mats... :sad:

You would get Pastura lol

[QUOTE=OG;393522]man you're going in bro. what's up on the upholstery status?[/QUOTE]
Yea. Picking up interior parts on tuesday. But only to take em elsewhere lol...its all good...sometimes things are meant to be.
[QUOTE=JDMJNKY;393530]Some good paint work going on there! Did you paint it yourself? Either way looks sweet. Can't wait to see it all put together. GL w/ The project.[/QUOTE]
You mean the center caps? Those are anodized. The wood is being custom painted by original garage
[QUOTE=speedaddict;393537]I was never offered Futura floor mats... :sad:[/QUOTE]

 Lol' we'll produce soon

damn!! making me hate man! wish i could make a build like this!!

Looking good Gato..

I love seeing updates G. Those rings look sweet. 

[QUOTE=speedaddict;393537]I was never offered Futura floor mats... :sad:[/QUOTE]

me too. :sad:

WOW yo im speechless and this aint even the half of it smh :biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

Gio never disappoints.

Put me down for some mats if you can make some to match my car:biggthumpup:

I'm ordering me a set of mats.

cars looking good homie! lovin all the updates!

[COLOR=#dbdbdb][FONT=Verdana]I loved your last build very much. Although this one is not your original canvas – I feel that your great attention to detail and quality in collaboration with past desires now being present will make this car even more supreme.[/FONT][/COLOR]

excellent progress Gato, cant wait to see more pics!

Great stuff. Can't wait for more progress pics

Wow, lookin forward to progress on this build. Later.

You guys down in Texas NEVER disappoint!!  Can't wait to see more of this-----

thanks for the kind words yall...

Alllll the wayyy from Germany.....Finally...

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/germany.jpg[/IMG]

ok so we have here not your ordinary alluminum lips but Rather.....custom made Stainless Steel step lip 3 inches up front and 4.5 inches rear...

Thanks to Tuner Shop in Germany for creating these for my new OZ Futura 20's


[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/ozlips.jpg[/IMG]

and just a little taste of whats coming....YES!!


[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/45lipsoz.jpg[/IMG]

.

so sick G! can't wait to redo my set

That there is sooo hott bro :biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

i think this one is gonna s**t on the first (second) one you built.

niiiice updates

that looks so sick!

too sick!  good shit man.

good stuff!!!

all i can say is wow!

Damn can't wait to see some real build pics!

i cannot get over the night and day in this...Damn


[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/DSCN0014.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/DSCN0370.jpg[/IMG]

.

ok so lets get started on the door sills.

first off with a heat gun warm up the metal portion to loosen the adhesive and carefully remove 

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/DSCN0371.jpg[/IMG]

once loose...its just peels off...

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/DSCN0372.jpg[/IMG]


Next stop is to see Sal at a local water jet cutting place....
mached alluminum sheet metal and now he will have Futura Logo made...

stay tunned for the full progress on these illuminated door sills....

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/doorsill.jpg[/IMG]

.

i love the attention to detail! makes me want to start over from scratch!! keep it up!!

nice Job G...

[IMG]http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264543_195425903839142_100001152001876_474270_1881000_n.jpg[/IMG]

dope

this is just amazing! every single car you lay your hands on, turns out just freaking awesome!!

I´ve just found my jaw on the floor!

Gato is ballin out of control.. Cant wait to see the finished product bro. Those lips look crazy!

just keep this one in the garage this time :)!! this is gona look so dope in for this

Gato you never cease to amaze me. True OG setting the bar every time

traight up gangta

Wow nice detail work  question i cant find any info on the bbk your running where can i get a set? Or are they custom made?

PM him.

Futura Design brakes..8 piston front with 15" rotor and 6 piston rear with 14" rotor

What car do you have PMD CoachBuild?

Gato you got it locked!!! Nobody's messing with you playa...I'm glad the whip got into the hands of an enthusiast..

need to go bigger with the brakes.. go maybach style and do two caliper system in the front. So you can stop the heavy train of awesome

interior pieces look great

Soo much attention to detail... Gonna be a show stopper!

[QUOTE=alpha;395686]this is just amazing! every single car you lay your hands on, turns out just freaking awesome!![/QUOTE]
very much appreciated!
[QUOTE=Gottagitmines;395695]Gato is ballin out of control.. Cant wait to see the finished product bro. Those lips look crazy![/QUOTE]
lol your crazy...I really got on it after running into you and Jun... miss rollin hard...
[QUOTE=tommiedred;395837]Gato you got it locked!!! Nobody's messing with you playa...I'm glad the whip got into the hands of an enthusiast..[/QUOTE]
thats straight up bro! thank you




all wheels should be ready for pick up by Wednesday of this week and time to choose proper tires... 
and here
the center of the center cap high polished to match the lips..
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/coz.jpg[/IMG]

The Interior is starting to take shape as Mike over at [B]Original Garage[/B] is in motion and looking great on the wood pieces.....

The cream and black interior will feature double stitch patterns, suede, and badging

the Nappa leather hides came in. both solid and perforated 
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-06-23141322.jpg[/IMG]


cell phone pics. the color in person is a rich soft vanilla

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-06-23141412-1.jpg[/IMG]

so I got down to it with chalk so there's no misunderstandings...
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-06-23143523.jpg[/IMG]

your attention to detail is amazing! thanks for the inspiration!

[IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/BLACKonBLACK98/IMG_20110624_151342.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/BLACKonBLACK98/IMG_20110625_141305.jpg[/IMG]

NOT rattle can.

[QUOTE=OG;396055]NOT rattle can.[/QUOTE]

:innoutrofl2:

waiting to see the completion of this car, and not only that but so OG can concentrate on my car 100% LOL

[QUOTE=OG;396055]NOT rattle can.[/QUOTE]

LOLOLLOL

Wow! Truly Inspirational! Keep up the good work!!

mmmm nappa leather. sofa king soft

where did you get the hides? pm me :)

damn man, me myself am more about the car the wheels are on, not the other way around but i gotta say that is one hard ass mod. especially common thread from your former ride to this one. once the sills are in, led's illuminated through coupled with the blue all the way through. forgrtaboutit.

seats are going to be killer Gio...I did mine both perforated and solid as well

:runcoold:

Once again you come through with an amazing build and this one was already great to begin with

[QUOTE=gato;394714]once loose...its just peels off...

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/DSCN0372.jpg[/IMG]


Next stop is to see Sal at a local water jet cutting place....
mached alluminum sheet metal and now he will have Futura Logo made...

stay tunned for the full progress on these illuminated door sills....

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/doorsill.jpg[/IMG]

.[/QUOTE]

Ok where are the updates on this as I may have more work for you if you can spare the time?!

i want seats done like that man! and i think they made the illuminated door sills somewhere, can't remember off top of my head though

Awesome details

[IMG]http://originalgarage.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/img_1830.jpg[/IMG]

[url]http://ogsincebirth.com/2011/07/02/not-rattle-can/[/url]

[QUOTE=OG;396055][IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/BLACKonBLACK98/IMG_20110624_151342.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/BLACKonBLACK98/IMG_20110625_141305.jpg[/IMG]

NOT rattle can.[/QUOTE]

Really?! Maybe its a terrible pic because it looks to be drawn with magic marker. Once again prolly the camera along with this shitty computer screen. Also remember pinstripes going out with zoot suits but id like to see the whole thing installed to get the full effect. :biggthumpup:

:pat:
 
i'm not going to do it this time, you got it homie. it's by no means flawless but, as we all know, nothing is in my eyes. as far as the styling, that's gio's call not mine (although i think it will be dope). for reference, this is where the inspiration came from:
 
[IMG]http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/17-brabus-ibusiness-20.jpg[/IMG]

the cream color is matched to the leather sample he gave me. lots more pieces to go still.

the braubus is a lot less spacing between stripes.  Can't wait to see what it looks like installed

i think it looks that way because the pieces that are done are small. either way, the spacing was measured so that the stripes will align with the 430's ac vents.

[QUOTE=L3GDKANG/JDM-KANG;396843]Ok where are the updates on this as I may have more work for you if you can spare the time?![/QUOTE]

This i like. :biggthumpup:

Holy shit! This is like WOW!

I applaude your attention to detail and unwillingness to cut corners.

Some people should take note:

This how a build thread is done.

[QUOTE=OG;397318]i think it looks that way because the pieces that are done are small. either way, the spacing was measured so that the stripes will align with the 430's ac vents.[/QUOTE]
Now that's attention to detail! And big props to Gio for stepping the game up evenmore once again :biggthumpup:

Love the Yankee pinestripes... :biggthumpup:

^^ LMAO!  

Love the interior bits!  So fresh!

[IMG]http://www.funnyloremipsum.com/images/moar/moar0.jpg[/IMG]
 
I WANT MOAAARRRRR

Reminds me of the old gangta suits, well done:biggthumpup:

That interior, and those panels gonna be retarded sick, can't wait to see this come together. :runcoold:

I never knew "retarded" was a good thing...LOL

thank you everyone for following and for your feedback

ok so the wheels are put together...looking reallly good....time to choose tires tomorrow



[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-06-30110238.jpg[/IMG]
satin anodize rings to match caliprs and high polish center to match lips!
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-07-05210334.jpg[/IMG]
gonna end up at 20x9.75 f\Fronts and 20x11.25 Rear
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-07-06233851.jpg[/IMG]


a little teaser on whats to come of the custom vlene bumper....
to start out with old wire mesh and in with a new thicker flat blk mesh insert
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011grille.jpg[/IMG]

smaller pieces are cut to go in smaller holes by fogs
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-07-05123140.jpg[/IMG]

stay tuned for updates on front and rear bumpers.....

'

Wheels look dope.

love the wheels Gio.

wow GIO...Attention to detail

I want ur wheels yo =) my patience is running out, finish already :signdammit: im bout to have a mild stroke

I'm leaving work now guys..  I just jizzed in my pants.

the addition to that bumper should be sweet

wheels look great gato!

[IMG]http://originalgarage.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/img_1860.jpg[/IMG]

almost there. i never want to see another pinstripe in my life.

Looks sick.  I remember looking at the S550 Brabus Business with you and trying to figure out how they did it and replicate the look cleanly.  Looks like you got it down.

Coming together nicely.  Can't wait till this is done!

man we redid this so many times to get it acceptable. it's still not flawless but the overall effect overpowers the imperfections. after trying to figure out how to do it i can only come to the conclusion that the brabus is silk screened. dip is not possible becuase the water distorts the lines and hand striping is unlikely. there was some stuff that couldn't be done because of our process, and sometimes we just simply came up short on experience. all that being said, we're still proud of it and once it goes in place with gio's other mods i think it's going to be part of something great.

Looks cool, cant wait to see it installed!

Damn gio great progress and the pinstripe is looking amazing I have an idea similar but very different hope it comes out the way it's been envisioned

i'm jealous :sad:

WOW!!! that looks awesome!!! are these lines hand pained or what??
I hope you guys do something with the buttons (seat heater and others).

OG, if i may make a suggestion. 

I do a lot of sand blasting for glass doors and windows. I draw all my art and then upload it into the computer, and print it out on a special laser cutter. you can get the vinyl in various thickness for blasting. I suggest doing this next time.

The vinyl is very mailable and you use an exacto knife to remove the film and you got perfect lines and edges. you can do multiple pieces this way and easy to line them up and cover the whole console

[QUOTE=silos5;400259]WOW!!! that looks awesome!!! are these lines hand pained or what??[/QUOTE]
 
they aren't hand striped. here's the process:
 
scuff and adhesion promoter on all pieces
basecoat (cream) the backside
basecoat (cream) and clear the faces
scuff again
lay guide lines using 1/16" fine line tape to enusre everything is straight and adjacent pieces line up (requires assembly and disassembly of some parts, some distortion caused by curvature)
lay custom cut vinyl
mask off edges using fine line and 2" low tack tape
basecoat (black)
clean up edges using 1000 grit wet to pull the black back
touch up
clear
wetsand and buff
 
[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;400265]OG, if i may make a suggestion. 
 
I do a lot of sand blasting for glass doors and windows. I draw all my art and then upload it into the computer, and print it out on a special laser cutter. you can get the vinyl in various thickness for blasting. I suggest doing this next time.
 
The vinyl is very mailable and you use an exacto knife to remove the film and you got perfect lines and edges. you can do multiple pieces this way and easy to line them up and cover the whole console[/QUOTE]
 
that's pretty much what happened. this is a custom cut paint masking vinyl. shout out to mike at innovation designs (same guy who wrapped mrexecutive's car, look him up if you're local) for the vinyl. we used damn near every bit of 4 yards of 30" wide vinyl.
 
also, because of the curvature of some pieces a lot of the lines would lay down crooked. it was great guide but i'd say 80% of the stripes were pulled up and relayed individually. not as hard as it sounds but very time consuming.
 
there were also some adhesion issues here and there (particularly on concave surfaces) from masking on top of fresh (scuffed) clear coat. some of the vinyl stripes would pull up jagged edges when removed but, liike i said, the over all overpowers the imperfections.

Looks Awesome Mike.

Really nice work!!! those wheels look awesome too

[QUOTE=OG;400161][IMG]http://originalgarage.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/img_1860.jpg[/IMG]

almost there. i never want to see another pinstripe in my life.[/QUOTE]


:biggthumpup:only when outcome is worth the journey can one say it was worth the sacrifice

Looks great!!!

[QUOTE=JDOX;400307]:biggthumpup:only when outcome is worth the journey can one say it was worth the sacrifice[/QUOTE]

did you steal that from a fortune cookie?

[QUOTE=airmax;400328]did you steal that from a fortune cookie?[/QUOTE]
:smiley-rofl:

^I was wondering about that too, lmao...

Incredible build G...you've built to impress since the GS but this is by far the sickest...your attention to detail is immpecable I definitely look forward to the next update...

nice, i do pinstriping on cars and have the best time with Fineline from 3m. you can get it in various thickness and when lifting off it never leaves a rough edge, and never seeps under. I was wanting to do something similar but a much wider strip cause i could not find the teak i wanted for the trunk since it will be getting the most usage and was going to do piano black stripes over a light wood color. 

still looks gorgeous though!

i used 3m fineline for the guides, but it was not the usual blue. for the 1/16" it's a green papery tape. this is a little different than normal striping since the stripes are masked vs. laying down one shot on top of clear. the first layer of clear had to be scuffed and i think that's where some of the problem was. if the black base did not bite it would lift when the tape was removed. i'm sure this is an area that we will improve on with experience but as it is most of the lines are very crisp. it's a small percentage of lines that had issues and it seems to be more common on certain curvatures.

[QUOTE=airmax;400328]did you steal that from a fortune cookie?[/QUOTE]

you know it.....:biggthumpup:

[QUOTE=Qfour5;400246]Damn gio great progress and the pinstripe is looking amazing I have an idea similar but very different hope it comes out the way it's been envisioned[/QUOTE]

thank you hit me up when you do.
[QUOTE=jbo;400368]Incredible build G...you've built to impress since the GS but this is by far the sickest...your attention to detail is immpecable I definitely look forward to the next update...[/QUOTE]

good looking out, good looking out..


[SIZE=3]Ok[/SIZE] so its getting a little tight in here and this is where the all nighters in the garage start happening. 
I set a 3 month minimum on this build on 5-22-2011, so I essentially have about [SIZE=3]1 month[/SIZE]:pat:

Big thanks to [COLOR=Green][B]Original Garage[/B][/COLOR] for making this into reality with this tedious work on the black piano pin striping wood grain pieces. If anyone needs pin striping done contact Mike at Original Garage..... haha ok just kidding

ok so on to some minor updates, the big update is when I get to piece together this rich interior I have in mind!

ok so anyhow,  so now that the wheels were put together, I called Brian at Discount tires and ordered me some new rubber.
After considering various choices I ended up with General Exclaims UHP, I guess the fact that its owned by Continental tires I was good. plus the deals on these are sweet.
Fronts I went with 
[B]235/30/20[/B] on a 9.75 wide wheel
Rears I went with
[B]265/30/20[/B] on a 11.25 wide wheel
The right stretch i was looking for came perfect with these. not too much not too little
Mount me baby
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-07-16134810.jpg[/IMG]

immediately called my friend Taylor and we got to work...(he's been messing with my cars for years) except this time we didn't listen to Country..haha. only country shit!  .[I].let me tell you bout this....
[/I][IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-07-20235138.jpg[/IMG]

And finally... you know what I love, these are 5x112 wheels so probably on a mercedes and mercedes usually have larger brakes...so whala, these fit and clear bbk with no adapter needed!
my old set was 5x120 and 5x1143 and required adapters
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-07-21001848.jpg[/IMG]

so stay tuned as I need to do some tweeking before this baby hits the floor. should be on all fours by next week...









.

OH WOW!!!! That is some nice fitment sir! DAMNNN!!!! So wait are you using the adapters right now?

Ps who did the body work? more info on that please. Thanks.

ok so whats a build thread without sharing....

got the door sill back. Sal did an amzing job keeping this logo looking legit as they cut through the stainless.

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-07-07074731.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-06-30112957.jpg[/IMG]

the actual sills you see above are at morales [COLOR=Silver][B]chrome dipping[/B][/COLOR] for that official clean look!

meanwhile skipped over to Cezars interior shop to pick up the door sill holder as they were wrapped in black suede with a cream double stitch to match the armrest and headliner.
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-07-19131700.jpg[/IMG]
more on these sills to come... 
for now let me mess with your head as this car will not be utilizing any LED lights...but rather eclectroulminescence lighting...among other lighting techniques 

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-07-21003001.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/mailgooglecom.jpg[/IMG]
and yes perhaps Im gonna run stripes on the EL tape like this... haha
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-07-20002807.jpg[/IMG]


.

[QUOTE=Sleepy Wagon.;400766]OH WOW!!!! That is some nice fitment sir! DAMNNN!!!! So wait are you using the adapters right now?

Ps who did the body work? more info on that please. Thanks.[/QUOTE]


thanks bro

[quote]And finally... you know what I love, these are 5x112 wheels so probably  on a mercedes and mercedes usually have larger brakes...so whala, these  fit and clear bbk with no adapter needed!
my old set was 5x120 and 5x1143 and required adapters[/quote]

Gio, you never cease to amaze me. updates are great. i LOVE your wheels and i cannot wait to see them in person. man this got my hype lol.

:werd2:

There's so much detail in your build...You inspire me...Good work

lovin them rims

I know it's black
but damn! Green suede looks DOPE!!!!!!!

this has me excite

:dance:

[QUOTE=speedaddict;400796]:werd2:[/QUOTE]
oh.my^^^

awesome progress

word, well if that wasnt enough....I stopped by the body shop today to check on my front bumper and to talk about what were going to do to the rear.

I love Vlene already, but always wanted to add my own things to it so this was my chance.

the rear will feature a molded rear valance with a special exhaust tip coming...and rear reflector

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/gggggg.jpg[/IMG]

the front is gonna be reallly clean with the new mesh inserts and a new bottom lip.

this is just a mock up of lip...the lip will actually come accross the whole bottom and will be removable by clips. with a small line cavity running through center between lip and bumper.
more pics and updates coming soon on that. body line inserts will be added for the official oem feel.

Im going in.......
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/733.jpg[/IMG]
.

:rules: take notes

For the win

The warlock of 430's

freakin gio

Hold up your going too fast homie.....
 
[IMG]http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQZW2GdVGnAJuSXB7FbgCV0wE6kQALP86h1XygT23GOr-u0IcP_iQ[/IMG]

[QUOTE=Sleepy Wagon.;400766]OH WOW!!!! That is some nice fitment sir! DAMNNN!!!! So wait are you using the adapters right now?

Ps who did the body work? more info on that please. Thanks.[/QUOTE]

When the body work was completed to the first time around (fenders, unmodded vlene kit), it was done by Dreamakers Kustoms out of Endicott, NY.

Good luck on the next round of mods Gato, keep the updates coming.

this is straight out of jaypan!  its like a half vlene half junction produce front bumper..and the rear bumper is right there with what theyre doing over seas...loving it so far..this may just be my new favorite build

Jeebus CHRIST this is all sick!

Step up your game ladies and gentleman...the bar has been raised.

word...has been raised indeed.

man you yall are too much!

so im excited as all el lights, panels,strips came in as well as all 12v converters for all my EL lighting technology

now if it wasnt soo damn HOTT in Texas i could actually go to work in the garage!

so Headlights and tail lights mods coming last...

30 day count down starts now...........
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-07-22235149.jpg[/IMG]

need to meet up in the morning Gio...hit me up, I will be up early at the gym

Freaking awesome G!

This is past VIP styling.

Can I ask who did you go through on the el glow stuff?

...when i get my jeep i'm puttin put breed on the chrome...

-McBreed

keep sh*ttin on em gato

RIP MCBREED.

im speechless. this build is amazing!

Awesome looking ride there mate.  Can't wait to see the finished product.

wow very nice stuff Gio.

This is most def. another one for the books, the bar is Not raised, its been totally remove and replace with Gio's Throne #TruStory :biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

[QUOTE=cefiro;401785]This is most def. another one for the books, the bar is Not raised, its been totally remove and replace with Gio's Throne #TruStory :biggthumpup::biggthumpup:[/QUOTE]
:smiley-rofl::smiley-rofl:

ok so the reality is I wont make the deadline I set for my self.....:sad:

but it will come together soon enough....=)

Its been Hell and this Texas Heat don't play either so car went on the back-burner for a minute....

I got two minor set backs but nothing that cant be fixed....

First the Leather stitching and all is beautiful and all but the diamond pattern I asked for is totally incorrect.... they used a small single stitch....so these are now being torn down to get the proper double diamond long diagnal diamond...coming soon...

here is the one that went back to them....

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-07-27163426.jpg[/IMG]

the other small set back is the rear wheels stuck out more than I thought.... (my math was off by a bit lol)

so the already aggressive rear fenders (if yall remember) and still sticking out 

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/IMAG0113.jpg[/IMG]

I got reallll lucky though again on these new OZ's and the fact the I still have about 13mm from the back of the wheel to the rear brake caliper...

so tomorrow Im taking the rear wheels to get like 9mm shaved off the back pad...

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-08-111655001.jpg[/IMG]

next round of business was getting the right tail pipe for the car.....woah,,,,I looked at tons of aftermarket tips and oem tips from all makes and models and finallly landed on these...


yes I had to buy the entire assembly :(
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-08-11150506.jpg[/IMG]

it was hard shelling out at a dealerships part department... of course [COLOR=Green]OG[/COLOR] kinda talked me into not taking a short cut on these...
plus I get dealer discounts so it was somewhat decent...

the only problem Im faced with right now is that im gonna have to go get my rear bumper from current bodyshop thats doing the front bumper.

Ill have to take it elsewhere to have the holes cut for these pipes, add my rear reflectors and do a contour line rear valance with a dual finish.
(only cause they been taking longer than we expected on the front bumper and Im not gonna wait that long for the rear...

this was just playng around...but the reflector is actually gonna be lower kinda close to pipe....
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-08-11193344-2.jpg[/IMG]

the front bumper should be ready for paint next week... its actually coming together quit nicely IMO....
some more contouring taking place soon and some oem style lines and such to be added....if anyone remembers the Vlene didnt look quite like this...

additional grille inserts will be in the two holes next to fogs along with dual blades...
and the actual lip at the bottom will actually have a seperation along the bottom 

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-08-11195059.jpg[/IMG]

More updates as I get them...

nice with the updates! I still like the seats tho, you should send me your old inserts :P

wow gio, way to improve on an already nice car! love your attn to detail.

best build in the states is taking place...seriously..and those front seats were sick haha
 
 
edit: fuck im getting so anxious and keep reading your updates over and over agian LOL

Gato: shutting down the builds in the US

Lol yall are making my head big haha.....

Ok so I just got called by machine shop that has wheels....unfortunatley 7mm is all hes gonna be
Able to squueze ....i was hoping for 10 to 12 since I had so much room...

Shoot I might just have some bodywork to do

dew it...the way we talked about up in Dallas...

meh
just add a few degrees of camber front and rear and space the fronts accordingly, imo.

normally i'd agree with you Adrian, but the attention of detail in this build needs to be continued in the rear quarter panel

[QUOTE=BAHC;405402]meh
just add a few degrees of camber front and rear and space the fronts accordingly, imo.[/QUOTE]


yep this is exactly whats happening like this tuesday...8mm in and add some camber cant wait
[QUOTE=speedaddict;405427]normally i'd agree with you Adrian, but the attention of detail in this build needs to be continued in the rear quarter panel[/QUOTE]
and this is defnitley happening after wekfes.... i can picture the lines now....gonna be sweet

[QUOTE=speedaddict;405427]normally i'd agree with you Adrian, but the attention of detail in this build needs to be continued in the rear quarter panel[/QUOTE]


you know my style is to have keep the stock body line on the fender where it drops down, and ive expressed that to the original owner as well..but i still think the car still needs some camber, regardless of if he redoes the fender work or not, to give the car all the presence it deserves..its just the last piece on the OMFG WTF THATS CRAZY pie

still not sure on the bumper, everything else looks good. it's going to be crazy when you're assemblling the car and watching the details come together. you're going to sleep in the garage that night.

[QUOTE=gato;405397]Lol yall are making my head big haha.....
 
Ok so I just got called by machine shop that has wheels....unfortunatley 7mm is all hes gonna be
Able to squueze ....i was hoping for 10 to 12 since I had so much room...
 
Shoot I might just have some bodywork to do[/QUOTE]
 
That tire looks beefy as hell. how about going with more stretch to compensate along with shaving the 7mm off the back pad:shrug:

Nice, I like the color of the seat covers

good thing I came in late, didnt have to go through as much anticipation as everyone else...haha

build looks amazing so far, and cant wait to see finished product =)

Amazing work gio!

man this is going to be incredible!!

You should switch to pink Gio!

[img]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/297011_247265318637733_156078191089780_832244_3697041_n.jpg[/img]

yea...that's hot

[QUOTE=MrExecutiv;406330]Amazing work gio![/QUOTE]

+1.. insane. :biggthumpup:

i got nothing but set backs lol :pat:


well heres the rear wheels back at adams with star tire in Dallas for a fresh coat after spending a few days at my machinist shop getting filled/redrilled and shaved 9mm from back pad,,,
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-08-25_133116.jpg[/IMG]

good news on the interior is that im liking the double diamond that has that 3d effect... this pic is before steaming and pressing where the diamonds should pop even more!
i cant get over the color in person...almost like a blue bell vanilla ice cream lol
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-08-25134152.jpg[/IMG]
the only thing left is the the door panels.....so here we go finally gonna get to put these wood pieces in with this leather

Another set back was the rear bumper....but Thanks to [SIZE=2][COLOR=Green]OG[/COLOR][/SIZE] in Houston, I made the 8 hour round trip last tuesday and made a deal with Mike to take on the project on a tight schedule!


.

AMAZING SHIT GOING ON RIGHT HERE!!!!! :bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown:

Love the seats!

i really wanna see this interior go together. send me the door sill bro.

[QUOTE=gato;407882]i got nothing but set backs lol :pat:

well heres the rear wheels back at adams with star tire in Dallas for a fresh coat after spending a few days at my machinist shop getting filled/redrilled and shaved 9mm from back pad,,,

.[/QUOTE]

Why did you get them filled and re-drilled?

And those seats look very sweet, can't wait to see the interior all done:biggthumpup:

TWORD...looking good Gato.

tword can't wait

whats up with the burned faces? or is that just residue?

[QUOTE=gato;407882]Another set back was the rear bumper....but Thanks to [SIZE=2][COLOR=Green]OG[/COLOR][/SIZE] in Houston, I made the 8 hour round trip last tuesday and made a deal with Mike to take on the project on a tight schedule!
[/QUOTE]
lol as if mike didnt have enough to do. :pat:

seats have super swagger appeal.  where did you get the hides from? (sorry if its been said already)

very nice...
 
perfect example of why diamond stitching belongs in the interior and not exterior...

ohhhhhh

[QUOTE=flexinsteelz;407935]very nice...
 
perfect example of why diamond stitching belongs in the interior and not exterior...[/QUOTE]
 
you mad?

[QUOTE=OG;407899]i really wanna see this interior go together. send me the door sill bro.[/QUOTE]
mee too should install interior foirs of next week. u should of got sill yesterday
[QUOTE=Juzzo;407903]Why did you get them filled and re-drilled?
[/QUOTE]
because the only way to shave more mm from backpad was to re allign the bolt holes higher so figure might as well make them 5.114 while i was at it
[QUOTE=Kohinoor;407913]whats up with the burned faces? or is that just residue?[/QUOTE]
yeah, welding gets hot unfortunantley. their getting refinished again. should be ready to pick up by monday
[QUOTE=airmax;407916]lol as if mike didnt have enough to do. :pat:[/QUOTE]
haha i knw
[QUOTE=BAHC;407921]seats have super swagger appeal.  where did you get the hides from? (sorry if its been said already)[/QUOTE]
im not sure bro I will ask him. i have the link somewhere...when i find i will post for you

Nearly same thing I'm doing with the exhaust on my van.... Nice.

Amazing work going on, very interesting read

progress pics of front bumper and some minor setbacks...

I cant be mad though cause I walked in the bodyshop an hour ago and this thing is beautiful in person.... 

it all tied well together and definitley did change the front style more to where I was aiming.

Although the bumper will be staying there an extra week due to...

-blades are cocked to high on sides closest to grille insert.
-body indention lines missing from each side
-hole to be cut so bottom lip is separated
-bumper to be shot with proper paint code

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/Mobile%20Uploads/537.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/Mobile%20Uploads/675-1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/Mobile%20Uploads/544.jpg[/IMG]

.

wow that looks great!

not feeling the front bumper, but awesome progress nonetheless

i really appreciate your honesty Tony. 
( i too dont like certain things about it)

yall keep your opinions coming good or bad.

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/Mobile%20Uploads/675-1.jpg[/IMG]

hmm, not sure if i like the vertical slats on the center portion. rest of the bumper looks good, though

[QUOTE=gato;408246]yall keep your opinions coming good or bad.[/QUOTE]
 
[QUOTE=OG (to self)]don't do it, it's a set up![/QUOTE]

gio, those vertical bars are throwing me off, I think it'll look better without that (maybe i'll change my mind once on the car). I have to say I like the bumper though more than the original vlene bumper since it resemble a bit like Job Design.

[QUOTE=cheez80;408248]hmm, not sure if i like the vertical slats on the center portion. rest of the bumper looks good, though[/QUOTE]


i knew going into it my style of choosing the vertical lines in the mesh was gonna throw people off.

But thats my favorite part of the bumper. grilles is nuts!


[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011grille.jpg[/IMG]

Looks really nice like the perfection you're going for

i think the reason why it throws people off is cause it looks crooked. the middle slat doesnt follow the same lines at that angle as the two outer ones.

Just my 2cents. looks good though!

This is honestly one sick @$$ build bro, most anticipated for me, i jus wana see it all done and put 2gether :biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

damn...lots of details in this build...will look dope once all done...

no likey vertical slats...but I texted you that reply yesterday.  I remember seeing another black car with them and they looked terrible...can't remember which car it was though.

I think that the vertical lines could work if they flow with some subtle body line on the hood/grill... can't really pass judgement until the car is fully assembled... Plus, those vertical bars can be eliminated with minimal efforts.

I got to see the bumper on before saying I dontlike it.  With all the good stuff going on in this build I'm not gonna rule it out looking good quite yet.

I think it looks koo..  itll look even better with a matching rear diffuser with vertical slants..

I would have to see what it looks like mounted. However with the bumper off the car I would keep the grill and loose the vertical lines if u could. imo

i too am thrown off by the vertical lines, but without seeing what else it ties into with the rest of the car, its to be expected....lots of details in this build and i cant wait til its done.  bumper DEFINITELY reminds me of job design tho..woulda never guess that you started with a vlene bumper

[QUOTE=BAHC;408383]i too am thrown off by the vertical lines, but without seeing what else it ties into with the rest of the car, its to be expected....lots of details in this build and i cant wait til its done.  bumper DEFINITELY reminds me of job design tho..woulda never guess that you started with a vlene bumper[/QUOTE]

i thought mode because of the foglights

[img]http://blowdesign.co.jp/exterior/images/msgr/01/01.jpg[/img]

but it also looks like a job design hybrid neo bumper haha

[img]http://www.jobdesign.co.jp/photo/albums/userpics/10002/normal_433.JPG[/img]

so end result = a job design bumper with mode fogs? coooool

Great look!  The details are on point and reminds me of builds coming from Japan.  It's all about originality and custom bumpers and this is a perfect example.  To each his own.  Keep up the great work, and again, it's your custom build and that's all that matters.

I also agree with the vertical slats, but leave it as is....cant judge the bumper until its mounted with the rest of the car together....

:giggity:

[QUOTE=gato;408246]i really appreciate your honesty Tony. 
( i too dont like certain things about it)

yall keep your opinions coming good or bad.

[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=mrsandman;408438]Great look!  The details are on point and reminds me of builds coming from Japan.  It's all about originality and custom bumpers and this is a perfect example.  To each his own.  Keep up the great work, and again, it's your custom build and that's all that matters.[/QUOTE]

 to each his own...LOL  he's asking for honest opinions haha :slap: not back up for his custom build. :smiley-rofl:

the vertical lines are like.. too vertical bro :420yawn:

Once the bumper is on I think it will come together, Im more of a keep it clean kinda guy. If it were me I would have left the bumper alone. In the end I know this is gonna be a great build, Any interior pics yet?

Damn gato the details are crazy,I actually like the bumper a lot without it being on the car & the interior is insane. I  look forward to seeing the end result which I know is gonna be killer..

[QUOTE=Kohinoor;408542]the vertical lines are like.. too vertical bro :420yawn:[/QUOTE]
 :smiley-rofl:

I absolutly love this car, probly my favorite ls430 of all time

gato - are you going to run more camber in the rear or what?

[QUOTE=phillygs3;408565]e. In the end I know this is gonna be a great build, Any interior pics yet?[/QUOTE]
almost there... should be finished putting interior together by this Friday...


[QUOTE=Mr.Doback;409230]gato - are you going to run more camber in the rear or what?[/QUOTE]

yes sir, but it will be last...perhaps when I drive the car to muffler shop to put on the tips... last thing haha

Im only needing the door inserts ... other than that everything Interior wise is in the garage and should be done very soon..

here is a close up of the leather.. stunning in person... poppin!

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-08-30214051-1.jpg[/IMG]

I was originally gonna keep the steering wheel black and do the wood grain in just plain vanilla...

but things and thoughts change....
so I matched the woodgrain with the rest and converted the black steering wheel to vanilla with purf leather wrapping

this pic is a trip cause the lighting makes it seem as if theres more stripes
but thats essentially how we lined the pinstripe is by following a light reflection
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-03172537.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-04104458.jpg[/IMG]

and now let the fun begin to what I really like doing...
today I began the headlight mod. Im gonna keep it clean and simple.
tin snips, EL tape, and some some flexi plexi glass to start
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-03005725.jpg[/IMG]

lay plexi to shape
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-01222806.jpg[/IMG]

shape patterns to cut...need extra to mess with
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-03014417.jpg[/IMG]

and cut.. stay tuned as this headlight mod will be the most straight no bs as i have learned from my mistakes
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-03020754.jpg[/IMG]
...

interesting recovery on the steering wheel.

the steering wheel looks awesome. can't wait to see the headlights done.

yup really like the steering wheel and the color of the leather looks amazing...gonna be painful to keep that interior clean brother lol

awesome interior work Gato.  I almost did perf stitching, glad I didn't cause didn't want to bite it.  The steering wheel turned out great too.

Lovin the wheel, cant wait to see it all come together. Hope you dont plan on putting kids in that car, my two boys would go to town on them seats =)

loved your previous LS build and this one is looking amazing as well! as everyone else has mentioned, the attention to details is second to none. from all the interior pieces, your wheels and the center caps, and the custom exhaust tips! cant wait to see this build completed

[QUOTE=phillygs3;409526]Lovin the wheel, cant wait to see it all come together. Hope you dont plan on putting kids in that car, my two boys would go to town on them seats =)[/QUOTE]

lol he has 5 of them :runcoold:

This project is coming along great. Love the details and the steering wheel is dope.

nice, waiting to see what you have in store of the headlights...

[QUOTE=tommiedred;408577]Damn gato the details are crazy,I actually like the bumper a lot without it being on the car & the interior is insane. I  look forward to seeing the end result which I know is gonna be killer..[/QUOTE]


big dog hit me up if you can 2145861611... looking to see if you have the kenwood head unit code... i  put ihead unit  back in and asking for code. i pmd u too.

steering wheel looks dope!

[QUOTE=OG;409509]interesting recovery on the steering wheel.[/QUOTE]
word thanks. not sure if thats a compliment but we'll talk soon
[QUOTE=MrExecutiv;409512]the steering wheel looks awesome. can't wait to see the headlights done.[/QUOTE]
yesssir
[QUOTE=phillygs3;409526]Lovin the wheel, cant wait to see it all come together. Hope you dont plan on putting kids in that car, my two boys would go to town on them seats =)[/QUOTE]
their actually all anticipating when can they all ride in what they call the "shiny black car" but the know the rules.. no shoes lol

[QUOTE=plusonechoi;409553]loved your previous LS build and this one is looking amazing as well! as everyone else has mentioned, the attention to details is second to none. from all the interior pieces, your wheels and the center caps, and the custom exhaust tips! cant wait to see this build completed[/QUOTE]

thank you.i excited on all the small details more than big haha


been a long night in Texas but the weather was finally great and spent some time in the garage..

wifey probably thinks im crazy ,,, with headlight in the oven

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-05230646.jpg[/IMG]

taking these off was a breeeze. since they had been taken apart before.

probably 10 minutes each 
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-05232713.jpg[/IMG]

nice clean housings. but too much chrome for me,

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-06001217.jpg[/IMG]

I layed the clear thin plexi on the housings.
drying overnight and off to body shop tomorrow to shave excess areas and paint certain areas of housing.
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-06020716.jpg[/IMG]

sneak peek the interior is coming together.

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-05233312.jpg[/IMG]

pictures do absolutley zero justice here. i almost didnt post this pic thats how insane in looks in person.

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-06020920.jpg[/IMG]


.

Gato raised the bar thats hard to beat !! :drool:

man this is starting to look WOW !

oh snap...

WOw.........

coming along very nicely.

not sure how i feel about the pin stripes..but everything else im literally kicking myself over out of jealousy...the cream going on is so sick..steering wheel was icing on the cake

looking forward to seeing it in person

Wow. Very nice. Try not to wear blue jeans when your driving. Lol

liking it... do we see this car hit the streets before the end of season 2011?

I believe its set to debut for Wekfest October 15h.  Seems like its right on schedule:biggthumpup:

You\'re killin it Gato!!  I can\'t wait for the finished project!

[QUOTE=BAHC;409719]not sure how i feel about the pin stripes..[/QUOTE]

I feel the same way when i look at it on pictures... but when I go to the garage and see in person it absolutley changes everything! 


[QUOTE=excluesiveonez;409769]liking it... do we see this car hit the streets before the end of season 2011?[/QUOTE]

absolutley hope to be driving by first of october. I have a scheduled photoshoot before the show for Futura Design.

Nice...the anticipation is killing all of us...lol
 
Get some better interior pics Im sure it looks insane in person...

steering wheel was a good call. didn't realize you were doing the lower dash. is it dyed or wrapped?

Interior is lookin gewdd

[QUOTE=OG;409826]steering wheel was a good call. didn't realize you were doing the lower dash. is it dyed or wrapped?[/QUOTE]
 
Looks wrapped to me... Came out very good... The pinstripe trim flows well with the light interior... Nice touch gato.  :biggthumpup:

solid! Can't wait til its done...

you're gonna kill it at wekfest gato! i smell best of show...cant wait for finished pics!

only reason im going to wekfest is to see this car, speedaddicts GS and khanhs ls430 rebuild.

[QUOTE=OG;409826]steering wheel was a good call. didn't realize you were doing the lower dash. is it dyed or wrapped?[/QUOTE]
its not wrapped. i wanted to but everyone complained how complicated it would be on the glove box. I will one day wrap when I find the right person.
[QUOTE=airmax;409997]only reason im going to wekfest is to see this car, speedaddicts GS and khanhs ls430 rebuild.[/QUOTE]
:biggthumpup:


Finally fresh new back pad to 5x114, 10mm less and new finish on front.

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-07223244.jpg[/IMG]

wooh, it was a close call clearing the Futura Brakes

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-07225246.jpg[/IMG]

I knw, crappy pics. but shes sitting on point.

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-07225818.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-07225759.jpg[/IMG]

perfect

word. bumper updates tomorrow homie!

Wow looks good we gotta get our cars together somewhere when they are both done I think we could get some great pics (no homo). Love your direction and focus on everything very excited to see each new detail finished.

nice job Gato

when am I gonna get the invite over? wheels are on point.....

I want to be a baller like Gio.

youre putting some serious hours in, everything looks flawless

[QUOTE=OG;410079]word. bumper updates tomorrow homie![/QUOTE]

Pics to share?

[QUOTE=Qfour5;410092]Wow looks good we gotta get our cars together somewhere when they are both done I think we could get some great pics (no homo). Love your direction and focus on everything very excited to see each new detail finished.[/QUOTE]
Word, thank u. Come to texas :)
[QUOTE=junjdm;410120]when am I gonna get the invite over? wheels are on point.....[/QUOTE]
Just lmk
[QUOTE=MrExecutiv;410126]I want to be a baller like Gio.[/QUOTE]

baller like mrexecutive

amazing! Shaving the back pad really made a difference. If only i could come to wekfest in texas...


:giggity:

[QUOTE=Mr.Doback;410399]amazing! Shaving the back pad really made a difference. If only i could come to wekfest in texas...
 
 
:giggity:[/QUOTE]
 dewwit... :dance:

Deep futuras ftw:biggthumpup:

fit looks on point!

Sick build Gato.. I have to see this in person..

in for update:giggity:

[QUOTE=gato;410391]Pics to share?[/QUOTE]
 
i'll grab some today. been on other stuff for the last few days but al's been handling it.

nice job Gio, likin how it sits.

anticipating update photos!

been working hard on putting this whole car together. 

should hit the street 1st of october if everything goes as planned.

Just 2 weeks before Futura Design's official debut.

So the door sills got shipped to OG to color match the vanilla in pinstripes.

once these are in against the black suede holders should look very official.

once back from paint I had the sills domed with an epoxy coating.

this ensures that the letters are not exposed and gives it a rich clean look.

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-13134333.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-13180947.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-13181010.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/newsil.jpg[/IMG]
once I receive all the correct lighting these will be done by next Tuesday.....stay tuned






.

update on the lighting is going as planned.

pics dont do justice on how clean this looks!

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-13193023.jpg[/IMG]

as you can see the clear acrylic act as if its part of the same housing and also emulates that of an lcd panel.

when the Electroluminescent  lighting is on off mode it ties in together with the whole black and off white stripes...
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-13214617.jpg[/IMG]

and whala! once lighting is on, it flows with all the aqua accents on the car.
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-13220237.jpg[/IMG]


More updates coming real soon. 
You live and learn and evidently the clear plexu glass is weak and cracked with pressure and sunlight.

back to drawing board on material. 
sourcing a flexible acrylic from a local shop....





.

like whoa....

love it. I can't wait to see this car in person in a month. :) I love your attention to detail.

hella slick! It will match your business exec bank shirts too =)

what series bmw?

damn that door sill is killer

[img]http://blog.gadgethelpline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/free-MrBurnsExcellent.gif[/img]

[QUOTE=gato;411112]
You live and learn and evidently the clear plexu glass is weak and cracked with pressure and sunlight.

back to drawing board on material. 
sourcing a flexible acrylic from a local shop.... [/QUOTE]

Check out polycarbonate sheets too instead of acrylic.

awesome updates Gio, cant wait to see it all put together!

wow man..door sill lighting to match the bbk/wheel accent...headlights to match the interio..bananas on a whole nother level.

wow, things are going smooth.

Omg are u serious !!!! Your car is a sema build....loving the attention to detail....ur killing it 

Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;411129]hella slick! It will match your business exec bank shirts too =)

what series bmw?[/QUOTE]
haha...sick. I just picked up a little 3 series 07 as a daily. its white on tan sport package pretty sweet ride. people talk and say im driving a girl car but I use it to zip around town as much as I drive. Plus I got a beast in the garage so I dont care lol
[QUOTE=normandie;411162]Check out polycarbonate sheets too instead of acrylic.[/QUOTE]
I really appreciate that. I ordered it today and will be here on friday. they say it doesnt crack. good looking out.

[QUOTE=BAHC;411187]wow man..door sill lighting to match the bbk/wheel accent...headlights to match the interio..bananas on a whole nother level.[/QUOTE]
:runcoold:
[QUOTE=chik-n-little;411250]Omg are u serious !!!! 

Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]
pretty much haha,,,


sneaky peak....cause im still awake and probably see the sun come up on this night...
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-15012822.jpg[/IMG]

LOVE IT MAN!

looks DOPE!!!

hella yes!

I'm Loving this build.

i love this! cant wait to see it in person!

too effing sick

all these updates are a big tease! looks amazing! makes me wanna tear out my interior and rewrap too...

how will the turn signal work? on your fogs?

wow....sickest build i've seen so far. so much attention to detail! more pics pls!!

gangstar.

Without a doubt the sickest stateside build to date..

[QUOTE=junjdm;411336]how will the turn signal work? on your fogs?[/QUOTE]

actually its gonna be awesome when you find out how the turn signals work,,,

but not gonna mess with it until after wekfest cause the stuff im using for it is from japan and wont be here til oct 3rd and I wont wanna reopen headlight then.

[QUOTE=tommiedred;411361]Without a doubt the sickest stateside build to date..[/QUOTE]
Thank you sir, much appreciated... pleassssse check your PM lol

it is a big tease but the next 2 weeks will be nothing but updates to completion...

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-15215725.jpg[/IMG]

Pinstripes look really nice on the door inserts!!! :biggthumpup:

Luks sick....

stop being a stripper with the teaser :signdammit:

[QUOTE=tommiedred;411361]Without a doubt the sickest stateside build to date..[/QUOTE]
 quoted for truth :dance:

ivory/creme + pinstripe = sex!

[img]http://images1.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/Suit-Up-Poster-how-i-met-your-mother-859246_500_357.jpg[/img]

[QUOTE=speedaddict;411419]quoted for truth :dance:[/QUOTE]
 
+2, just wow.

time for everyone to hang the gloves.


Very well done Gio, didn't think you could do too much to make the previous look better but boy was I wrong.  It's going to be a new beast when it's done.

[QUOTE=tommiedred;411361]Without a doubt the sickest stateside build to date..[/QUOTE]
 
 
i share this sentiment.

[QUOTE=tommiedred;411361]Without a doubt the sickest stateside build to date..[/QUOTE]

quoted for the truth.....:biggthumpup:

[QUOTE=jeebus;411451]time for everyone to hang the gloves.


Very well done Gio, didn't think you could do too much to make the previous look better but boy was I wrong.  It's going to be a new beast when it's done.[/QUOTE]


ehhh....its alright if you ask me...........lol 

in case any of  you bums think i'm serious.....I'm not..........ha-ha

lookin bad a** G!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Damn, that shit took my high to the next level :biggthumpup: well done gio man

and he's ALWAYS high ^^^:smiley-rofl:

by request of gio here's some in progress pics of his rear bumper:
 
[IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/BLACKonBLACK98/Gato/21bd9466.jpg[/IMG]

the cutouts were modified for his new trapezoid exhaust. this was done by making a mold of the tips, widening it, molding it in, and trimming. the vlene's body line was then modified into a diffuser shape by sinking in the corner. gio, being  a man of details, didn't want the sides of the bumper completely smooth so we retained a portion of the original  body line behind the wheel and faded it in. this pic was in the early stages btw.

[IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/BLACKonBLACK98/Gato/1c436939.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/BLACKonBLACK98/Gato/e027bde6.jpg[/IMG]

these pics show the diffuser section being built up to match the contour of the tips. we weren't too concerened with the extra build up since it will only make the diffuser section look more seperated from the bumper.

somehow i didn't get any of the tip fitment but the bumper should be in primer today so expect more pics.

kittyhair is such an awesome product

man the interior is sick. can't wait to see more updates to the bumper.

[QUOTE=speedaddict;411856]kittyhair is such an awesome product[/QUOTE]

YUP!!

Coming along beautifully...keep the pics coming

Wow ... impessive !

Ohh sweet Lord....im down with the KING!! attn to detail to the fullest....DOPEnesssssss!!!

thought of your car when i saw
[IMG]http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/MINAHO-WHEELS.jpg[/IMG]

did you ever get the kenwood stereo code? its KCAR. you gotta type it in on the remote with the numbers corresponding to the letters like a phone would. 7229 IIRC.

Can't wait to see

[QUOTE=gato;411252]


sneaky peak....cause im still awake and probably see the sun come up on this night...
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-15012822.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]

need more Gato...so full of NGUYEN!

wow.. im speechless.. you have set the bar and I dont know how the hell someone is going to beat it!
 
i literally just passed up sex to read the entire thread!! lol:signdammit:
 
you make me want to just keep my car and build it with your help :)

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;413008]thought of your car when i saw
[/QUOTE]
damn that is nice. that girl has turned that car around in a nicer way.
[QUOTE=nervekiler;413036]did you ever get the kenwood stereo code? its KCAR. you gotta type it in on the remote with the numbers corresponding to the letters like a phone would. 7229 IIRC.[/QUOTE]
Man ive tried that an no luck. I also tried the 555 behind but no luck :signdammit:


[QUOTE=VIPNiSS;413624]wow.. im speechless.. you have set the bar and I dont know how the hell someone is going to beat it!
 
i literally just passed up sex to read the entire thread!! lol:signdammit:
 
you make me want to just keep my car and build it with your help :)[/QUOTE]
haha thank you. much appreciated.

[QUOTE=speedaddict;413116]need more Gato...so full of NGUYEN![/QUOTE]


here you go...


we should be just days away from taking out for a Spin!

waiting on a few lighting components and well, the front and rear bumper...lol

should be veryyy sooon.

finally dialed in on the front.  but of course now waiting on narrow wheel studs to grab some thread. something always comes up!

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-27233242.jpg[/IMG]


interior is completeley installed (minus door sills) and it looks, feels incredible.

so much that seeing it in person is a must or I might have to hold up to get a professional lens out here to shoot this madness 

shift knob to match steering

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-27232943.jpg[/IMG]
[SIZE=4]FTD
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-09-27232758-1.jpg[/IMG]
[/SIZE]

Very nice can't wait to see the rest of the build as it is put together and I think I like the shift knob better then the steering wheel. Looks great can't wait to see some more and when I do my interior I will be trying to do something close to your level. Can't wait to get my car out and get some pics up for everyone as I'm sure you feel the same. So please keep us up to date on the pics as you can and great job once again

Been watching this build progress, LOVE the leather work, door sills, wheels and brakes.  :biggthumpup:

love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

this car went from g shit to gato shit!!!!! :biggthumpup:

We should meet up this weekend G, since we need to talk through some stuff anyway.  I can bring my camera.

Damn, this thing has gotta look sick!!

Dude, all you need now is a gangster pinstripe suit to rock when you show up at shows:

[IMG]http://www.suavecito.com/images/Suits/zoot-suit-black-gold-gangst.jpg[/IMG]

i would think gato already has a zoot suit already lol

i was gonna say the same thing.

wow...this is incredible! wish i could see this in person

is it me or are the lines not straight on the door panel and glove box section? looks weird

[QUOTE=tony21;413703]is it me or are the lines not straight on the door panel and glove box section? looks weird[/QUOTE]


Look at the picture again, I mean really look. It may be me as an artist that see's it immediately but the lines flow down off the glove box and into the lines on the door. this makes it look like one complete flowing line positioned to pull off a smooth flowing specific look  as opposed to flat.

if this car doesnt make into VIPCAR mag, I´ll be dissapointed ! :dance:

[QUOTE=tony21;413703]is it me or are the lines not straight on the door panel and glove box section? looks weird[/QUOTE]
 
[QUOTE=JDOX;413726]Look at the picture again, I mean really look. It may be me as an artist that see's it immediately but the lines flow down off the glove box and into the lines on the door. this makes it look like one complete flowing line positioned to pull off a smooth flowing specific look as opposed to flat.[/QUOTE]
 
Agreed, if the lines were "straight" in respect to the sections you're talking about, they would in actuality be off, but you have to look at it carefully to see the detail that went into making the lines truly straight.  Very nicely done by Gato's paint and body guy!!!

Will and Gato.. If y'all meet.. Hit me up! Haha can't wait to see this in person

yeah okay, Gato lives closer to your side of town anyways.

love this build .. Nice work G

that interior is real dope:biggthumpup:

This car is on a whole other level.  Fantastic attention to detail.  I love that you're pushing the boundaries in almost every way.  Good shit!

zoot zoot!

well it has been an extremeley long night.

Im only two weeks away and it was time to finish t he headlights and door sills since the only thing missing are the bumpers at this point. (should be very soon on the bumpers)

I went in tonight hoping that both headlights and all door sills would be complete...

well, its 3am and I started at 11pm.

here is my somewhat messy work station, I got so much stuff its unreal... 12v inverters, El tape, panels, wiring, solder, self adhesive laminate, tapes, glues, ect ect...lol
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-02002010.jpg[/IMG]

first things first I found me a good connection source under dash to make these door sills light up. it happends to be the courtesy amber led that comes on when you open door.
so I connected my source along with a 12v inverter and a two way splitter to run one side...
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-02010256.jpg[/IMG]

the thing that took me the longest tonight was getting the tape evenly on the backside of the sill so it doesnt illuminate anywhere else.
remember, when cutting these tapes you must immediately laminate them or tape the edges shut, otherwise moister and heat will interfere with the phosphors and you lose light.
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-02005217.jpg[/IMG]

these connectors were kinda flimsey on the ends so it was a bit challenging wraping the wire around em to run to inverter. finally after success, I quickly soldered it for durability 
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-02025215.jpg[/IMG]


well all these hours and all I got done was the first sill.
:pat: it was a bunch of BS of a night, but from here Ill take it the other three will be a breeze. times running short so stayed tunnned. headlights will be functional by monday might.

Here it is.....finished to where the light up only when door opens!

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-02024740.jpg[/IMG]



.

looks awesome, Gio!

Very interesting work! How many inverters do you need for each sill? or can you run one and have all four to it?

nice work again Gio...can't wait to see it in person

looking forward to it also

all this attention to detail makes me tingle. 

now make the lights strobe with music. :giggity:

Thanks everyone.
cant wait to roll it 
[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;414516]Very interesting work! How many inverters do you need for each sill? or can you run one and have all four to it?[/QUOTE]

im running one inverter on each side. ( i suppose i could of ran one for all but seemed easier this way)

nice! I am still thinking about this.. Rolls Royce use it in their cars which is nice to see you are going this route for lighting as well since there is no breaks in the light out put it produces.

Are you able to control the brightness?
And what did you use to laminate it

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;414625]nice! I am still thinking about this.. Rolls Royce use it in their cars which is nice to see you are going this route for lighting as well since there is no breaks in the light out put it produces.

Are you able to control the brightness?
And what did you use to laminate it[/QUOTE]

yueah for sure. when im done therewont be one single led in the car.

i cannot control the brightness, but there is a wide spectrum of hues out there that ive messed with.

there is a heating laminate material they sell and a self adhesive non heat. gotta go with self adhesive cause you dont want direct heat on panel/tape.

oh okay! cool. I wanted to use it for dome lights and the lights fade out, so that is why i ask. And the possible use for foot well lighting and the slats in between the teak deck lid and trunk. I just dont want it to bright while driving. I guess I could tint the epoxy over it a bit darker if need be.

anyways! awesome work. cant wait to see the rest!

So i went at it for another 3 hours tonight...

I finally dialed in the last sill and I must say everything went as planned.

here is the last one feeling some pressure form the claps. it will be ready in the morning to mount
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-03234215.jpg[/IMG]

not bad, it really looks great how it all flows together... in person its Amazing!
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-04000748.jpg[/IMG]

the next line of business tonight was the headlights.
and I made a Mess! jeez just a few hours and my work station is cluttered lol
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-03231342.jpg[/IMG]

heres what it started as... this is NOT the color....crappy phone camera doesnt capture the blue green aqua it truly is...
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-03220416.jpg[/IMG]
for those of you that will get to see this in person your in for a treat for sure!
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-03231418.jpg[/IMG]

again I cant stress enough the beauty in person cause of the black and turqoise contrast!
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-03233248.jpg[/IMG]

well, tomorrow ill throw on front bumper and we can see this complete within a week or so.... Stay tuned for more.

hahaha sick!!

i love it.

I may have to bite this pretty damn hard haha. I wanted to do something with the tails.. but now.. I am thinkin i need to revamp my headlights.

Love this build ! 
 
Great work gato !

I can really appreciate the ammount of work going on here. Builds really stand out when someone has a clear vision of what they want and then go all out with attention to detail. Good job!! Looking forward to seeing the car completed! On a side note, kinda reminds me of the visuals in the movie Tron (does that make me a nerd I dunno hahaha)

^ nerd...


Looks great Gato.  Those headlights flow so well with everything. Nice job!

Thats sick man.  Can't wait to see it in person!

Dayum dude, your build is the realest shizz!!!!!!!  Soooo much dopeness, imma hyperventilate now.

Wow...super amazing things going on here :biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

This guy here wont stop.  dope shit on those headlights Gio.

looking good Gio! cant wait to see it at wekfest.

DAaamn those headlights are sick!

badass

Everything about this build is awesome!

:giggity:

Great job on this car Bro!

headlights are siick

NIceee! Those lightup pad thingys... you can cut them into any size and they will still light up 100%?

badass!!!

I don't even know what to say anymore...

:bowdown:You keep raising the bar...

[QUOTE=revtek_gs3;415065]I don't even know what to say anymore...[/QUOTE]


hehe i love it! Im not finished :)



it was a crazy day today. Last night I made an error during instillation (i think the hours being spent on this car all  week  is getting to me lol)

I thought I was doomed.  I shorted out one of my el panels and I didnt have anymore.

well, not anymore with their own connector. so I dug up some scrap left over from the panel and spent 2 hours figuring out how the phosphors work with the magnetic strip.

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-05213748.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-06005628.jpg[/IMG]
after finally nailing the source, today I visited with Rich over at Kustoms Unlimited  and we concurred on the placement to make this work.
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-06161219.jpg[/IMG]
At first I looked at it mistake as burdensome, but in the end, this makes me that much more proud of this build. I surely was happy that in less than 24hrs it was back to this..
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-07021422.jpg[/IMG] 


.

so on my way back from situating the lights, the day got better when Mike from [COLOR=Green]ORIGINAL GARAGE[/COLOR] call me saying he's driving up to Dallas this evening to bring my rear Bumper!

Are you serious, talk about passion and customer service![COLOR=Green] OG[/COLOR] came through BiG on this last minute rear bumper modification and the guy drives up 4 hours to hand deliver it and even wrapped it! It was like XMAS in my garage..

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-07002859.jpg[/IMG]

for those that will get to see this in person, you're in for a treat. the work is insane and the factory like elegance is superb
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-07003916.jpg[/IMG]


.

Sick!!

Awesome stuff!  Out of curiosity, what's the life of those lights? That would be one of my biggest concerns especially for cars that have those LEDs from the factory too.

[QUOTE=gato;415645]so on my way back from situating the lights, the day got better when Mike from [COLOR=Green]ORIGINAL GARAGE[/COLOR] call me saying he's driving up to Dallas this evening to bring my rear Bumper!

Are you serious, talk about passion and customer service![COLOR=Green] OG[/COLOR] came through BiG on this last minute rear bumper modification and the guy drives up 4 hours to hand deliver it and even wrapped it! It was like XMAS in my garage..

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-07002859.jpg[/IMG]

for those that will get to see this in person, you're in for a treat. the work is insane and the factory like elegance is superb
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-07003916.jpg[/IMG]


.[/QUOTE]

DAYUMMMMMMMMMMMM, OMG, Heart Attack.  Shit is too awesome man.

i like that.

Niiice. Wish I had a chance to see the car in person :(.

such a tease seeing a pic here and there. can't wait to see the feature on this build!

great progress...you have ls460 fogs right? with the strips like your headlights?

saw the bumper when i picked up my car - super clean paint! the lines on the bumper look great.

original garage ftw! mike has a great work ethic.

OG FTW

awesome and yes mike is a BAMF

[QUOTE=BAHC;415772]great progress...you have ls460 fogs right? with the strips like your headlights?[/QUOTE]

they are mode parfume prizm


everyday progresss... for the next 5 days there will be work done for completion...
bumper on tonight (wifey helped on this one) props to her

tomoroow morning, muffler shop to weld tips

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-07231559.jpg[/IMG]

ghea...looking hot!  times tickin!

like the pin stripes on the tails

You know OG'S Working hard on this build he is not on the chat these days ..

yeah been wonderin why my doctor said my blood pressure is down

amazing.. DROOL

[QUOTE=gato;415880][IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-07231559.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]

daaamn. i know it's kind of lame to pat yourself on the back but that looks sick. gonna be even sicker with the tips.

man i really wanna see this in person.

damn, OG do work!

Airmax, you need to just come out bro!


Again, daily updates til completion....

the muffler shop took longer than normal but in the end it was all worth it!
the dude was creaming all over the wheels hehe...he was a fan for sure

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-08093321.jpg[/IMG]

This is soo sick, today was the first time taking out of the garage in what...like 5 months lol... 
dont get me wrong the bmw is a great drive but DAMN!! I forgotten how silky this LS is...drove it without front bumper....completion of that hopefullly tonight..

it was deserving to this car to have a rear end like this....

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-08110441.jpg[/IMG]

.

Amazing! Is the rear all the way down??

wowwww..... made it look like it shoulda came from the factory with that rear!

LOVE IT

looking great gio

looking very very nice...

OMGAH. i want to see in person!

That rear bumper is incredible looks clean and flows so well with the rear end. But you should already know that.

G you are taking this modding game to a different level ..great job bro

Damn im speechless... japan aint got shit on you!!

i have a boner!

I possibly get to see this thing tomorrow...can't wait!

This car... is amazing...

Amazing how well it flows with your car....:biggthumpup:

Last thing I wanna do is be a hater mate, cos I'm not!! Thing is stunning!

Just, this pic makes it look like the exhausts are not level? The right one looks more sunken by a few mm's than the left. Could just be the angle of the photo?
Hope it can be 'fixed up' soon if there is a mismatch there :D

[QUOTE=gato;415988]

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-08110441.jpg[/IMG]

.[/QUOTE]

WOW, AWESOME!

[QUOTE=rustyP;416112]Last thing I wanna do is be a hater mate, cos I'm not!! Thing is stunning!

Just, this pic makes it look like the exhausts are not level? The right one looks more sunken by a few mm's than the left. Could just be the angle of the photo?
Hope it can be 'fixed up' soon if there is a mismatch there :D[/QUOTE]


thats what i get for using phone camera on build thread. its definitley the angle of pic.

they both look like the one on left

SO FUCKING CLEAN !!!

Amazing! Awesome job!! Flows very well!!

[QUOTE=gato;415988]Airmax, you need to just come out bro!


[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-08110441.jpg[/IMG]

.[/QUOTE]


So clean and factory looking.nice job man,,I stand and applaud your work....

REALLY nice
I want

Amazazing!!!!!!! I love your LS Gio!

[QUOTE=waijai;416073]I possibly get to see this thing tomorrow...can't wait![/QUOTE]

I got to see Gio today but not his car. :(

However I did finish my BBK install.

well hello there white diamonds as that is your name forever now lol

nice Gio.

[QUOTE=waijai;416233]I got to see Gio today but not his car. :(

However I did finish my BBK install.[/QUOTE]

Saw pics on fb, came out nice bro....if only i could save up to get a set =)

[QUOTE=waijai;416233]

However I did finish my BBK install.[/QUOTE]


that it will be very nice to see all those cars next weekend with these on!

I really appreciate all the comments! 

the front bumper is finally on and all the lighting working properly.

next move is figuring a out is a pinstripe is gonna be possible.Then reinstalling the trunk audio area since it had to come off when removing rear bumper. few lights out in there...we'll fix and move to next things.
[SIZE=2]
[/SIZE] [B][COLOR=MediumTurquoise][SIZE=2]still looking for a code for the radio if anyone has suggestions... its a Kenwood DNX8120 and its locked asking for password.
I got a few pw from previous owner but none of them worked.[/SIZE]
[/COLOR] [/B]
anyhow on to the pics...

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-09234233.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-09234511.jpg[/IMG]

It's Itching to get at those Roads...
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-09234412.jpg[/IMG]


.

man dat looks hot!

hella hot.. so sick

I love it.

Is it the 4-digit security code?  Just looked up the manual for it.

[url]http://manual.kenwood.com/files/B64-4089-00_EN.pdf[/url]

Dayummm that rear is sexy!  I wanna smack dat ass!

car looks great mang. i love that you were able to make an already nice car a such a badass car!

Car is super amazing Gio and im speechless at this point, aint nutn i can say that havent been said already, Car is jus DOPE!! :biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

Sik build all around.
The vertical lines in the front bumper could be done away with IMHO.
Interior is real slick.

[QUOTE=Schnitz;416350]Sik build all around.
The vertical lines in the front bumper could be done away with IMHO.
[/QUOTE]
 
This....but I've already told you that

:BermudaBowned:=?:eek2:
everything about this car is just sick :biggthumpup:
photoshoot soon? :)

damn bro its clean

shit is just straight ass and titays (The good kind)  loving the front and side views...love the exhaust tips, but i do feel as if the "diffuser" is missing some detail.

[QUOTE=gato;416277]that it will be very nice to see all those cars next weekend with these on!
 
I really appreciate all the comments! 
 
the front bumper is finally on and all the lighting working properly.
 
next move is figuring a out is a pinstripe is gonna be possible.Then reinstalling the trunk audio area since it had to come off when removing rear bumper. few lights out in there...we'll fix and move to next things.
 
[B][COLOR=mediumturquoise][SIZE=2]still looking for a code for the radio if anyone has suggestions... its a Kenwood DNX8120 and its locked asking for password.[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B]
[B][SIZE=2][COLOR=mediumturquoise]I got a few pw from previous owner but none of them worked.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B]
 
anyhow on to the pics...
 
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-09234233.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-09234511.jpg[/IMG]
 
It's Itching to get at those Roads...
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-09234412.jpg[/IMG]
 
 
.[/QUOTE]
 damn this is clean:thelaw:

Looks like it would be a new Lex of next year which is why I like it. Lexus done messed up lol

Gato: Love love love it man.. keep up the excellent build!

:drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:  WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

car is looking great gato. wish i could see it in person

I am very happy I can't make it to Wekfest...
 
I would make myself get another credit card or two to try and keep up after seeing this in person. 
 
:shrug:

The ride look sick men nice job :biggthumpup:.

Very very nice

Looks magnificent gato!
I'm so stocked for the up and coming photo shoot pics =)

Loving your leds headlights...

"Your sister is hot but your mom does that thing with her tongue"

gato .... ur the man

Gonna be hard for anybody to beat this!

Drop dead ..gangster :runcoold:

[QUOTE=Dajap;416495]Gonna be hard for anybody to beat this![/QUOTE]


[IMG]http://static.tumblr.com/nv5z8ec/QiTlk68p6/challenge-accepted.png[/IMG]


gio, I'm coming for you! haha

anyways i'm looking forward to seeing this in person, can't wait.

F**kin sick!!! aighjeelkjgajgoiheoighaogehoihaoahgoghoaghoehkjkejagkjegh!!!!!!!!!!

[QUOTE=khanhdom;416544][IMG]http://static.tumblr.com/nv5z8ec/QiTlk68p6/challenge-accepted.png[/IMG]
 
 
gio, I'm coming for you! haha
 
anyways i'm looking forward to seeing this in person, can't wait.[/QUOTE]
 
smh....:slap:

lol what thomas?

wow! Im glad i dont own a LS :smiley-rofl:

Philly, they're going for cheap these days...maybe you should build one :dance:

It just keeps getting better and better cant wait for some crisp shots great job Gio nothing was left untouched...

WOW!!!! definitely inspirational and attention to detail is awesome :biggthumpup:

[QUOTE=khanhdom;416544]


gio, I'm coming for you! haha

anyways i'm looking forward to seeing this in person, can't wait.[/QUOTE]

then im not sharing any secrets with you....haha

you got me bro you know it. 


ok so it seems like now its like everydday im in here since theres a deadline to finish by friday night.

I have an appointment tomorrow at a audio shop that says theyre gonna reset my radio code so I can jam.

Im going in garage now for a hand polish and hand wax... pics to come soon.

last night I had to clean up the trunk area and put it all back..

lucky for me this nice system curtousy of tommy...

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-11224314.jpg[/IMG]

And since I was back there already I added a piece of el tape to illuminate the plate 
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-11224338.jpg[/IMG]


.

[B]30k page views, yall are Nuts! I really appreciate the support!
[/B]

Things I didnt get to do before wekfest....

coming soon...
taillight mod 
re-do ICE
hand pinstripe the car
mod the fogs
debadge the trunk lid
more mods to headlights
illuminated seat badges..(yup, i had FD ss badges made that light up when open door)
but project fell thru. Il make it happen
radius fenders
add oem edge like on fenders

and more coming soon...

[COLOR=MediumTurquoise]Make sure you check out my next set of FUTURA DESIGN (Big 8 new design with 405mm rotors coming dec 2011)[/COLOR]

[img]http://www.blu-byte.net/images/9MustNotFap2.jpg[/img]


A_M_A_Z_I_N_G

with that mod list like that ..  its on to 6 zeros build  pretty soon :biggthumpup:

hocey low (holy cow)...
 
you is da man...don't remember seeing the stereo before.  Pretty awesome work from the previous owner.

only thing i would change is the trim around the mufflers...i would have gone with gloss black to match the rest of the car...
 
your build came out sick...those headlights are dope too...everything flows smooth...
 
can't wait to see the radius...

Man, I freaking love that el tape.

this srsly gets better each time i see it, you got me second guessing coming to wekfest. might ride up sat only to check out yours and bigT's cars.

[QUOTE=gato;416811]
[COLOR=MediumTurquoise]Make sure you check out my next set of FUTURA DESIGN (Big 8 new design with 405mm rotors coming dec 2011)[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

I'm still debating if I should upgrade too...that means I'll need a 20" spare.  :)

[QUOTE=gato;416811]radius fenders
[B][U]add oem edge like on fenders[/U][/B]
 
 [/QUOTE]
 :thankyou:

[QUOTE=VIP-UCF;416863]only thing i would change is the trim around the mufflers...i would have gone with gloss black to match the rest of the car...
 
your build came out sick...those headlights are dope too...everything flows smooth...
 ..[/QUOTE]
mmm, i like it now. I will probably throw a darker graphite next time though...or when OG gets the car lol
[QUOTE=airmax;416897]this srsly gets better each time i see it, you got me second guessing coming to wekfest. might ride up sat only to check out yours and bigT's cars.[/QUOTE]
im telling you ...come on out! hehe
[QUOTE=waijai;416901]I'm still debating if I should upgrade too...that means I'll need a 20" spare.  :)[/QUOTE]
ahhh Im definitley in. the new Big 8 with the 405 rotors is soo clean! 



so what a morning! 
this morning was the appointment to get the radio code sorted out...
only thing was how to get the car out of the driveway...

my first plan (which failed) was using blocks that I bought at lowes...
(when I use to love here before I had the burg GS on coils and thats how I would get it up the ramp...but didnt work for the front of this car...:(

[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-13090926.jpg[/IMG]

the rear does clear when I go angled...this is a pic of me trying it straight on so I can use the blocks...(angled and blocks dont work cause one side will be slammmmed and one side really high)
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-13090353.jpg[/IMG]

so if you know me you know I ALWAYS have a plan B..:biggthumpup::pat::smiley-rofl:
i didnt feel like unpluggin the sensors and the fogs since theyre rigged in there...so plan B worked...
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-13092523.jpg[/IMG]

Not too shabby huh, she made it to the destination....
(I can now remove the front bumper with in 2 minutes as many times as it has come on and off lol
[IMG]http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af122/gococotan/2011-10-13114554.jpg[/IMG]
.

Dam homie, Ride is looking amazing. 

Are you gong to ziptie your bumper on and off everytime u leave the house like a friend of mines does? lol :smiley-rofl:

[QUOTE=gato;416811] 
[COLOR=mediumturquoise]Make sure you check out my next set of FUTURA DESIGN (Big 8 new design with 405mm rotors coming dec 2011)[/COLOR][/QUOTE]
 
 
this interests me, dont forget about me bro !!

[QUOTE=BAHC;416950]this interests me, dont forget about me bro !![/QUOTE]

i need a set too. 22" wheels are no joke ;)

I am confused you have to do that to leave the house? Or go where the stereo place is. Cause this is madness

[QUOTE=gato;416811]
[COLOR=MediumTurquoise]Make sure you check out my next set of FUTURA DESIGN (Big 8 new design with 405mm rotors coming dec 2011)[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

I thought u guys already have a 8piston caliper? Or is this new setup only bigger rotors? Still hoping to get a full set but paper talks....

OMFG! JIZZZZ!

yes there's already 8 piston calipers but bigger rotors, nax

time for an upgrade lol

[QUOTE=ViPCeo;417070]I thought u guys already have a 8piston caliper? Or is this new setup only bigger rotors? Still hoping to get a full set but paper talks....[/QUOTE]

Bigger 8 piston caliper and bigger rotor

What you plan on doing with the old BBK set-up? You have anything from before this build left over? I have an '04 UL LS and wouldn't mind getting some different pieces from whoever, lol...

my tl needs biggest 8 pot around and I need more pics of this car.

[QUOTE=ultm8mind;417109]What you plan on doing with the old BBK set-up? You have anything from before this build left over? I have an '04 UL LS and wouldn't mind getting some different pieces from whoever, lol...[/QUOTE]

Sell it to a lucky winner.  End of next year I'll probably swap out my Wald kit for something else...kbreak or mode parfume.

[QUOTE=ultm8mind;417109]What you plan on doing with the old BBK set-up? You have anything from before this build left over? I have an '04 UL LS and wouldn't mind getting some different pieces from whoever, lol...[/QUOTE]

i am upgrading mines so if you are serious let me know...i have front 8pot & rear 4pot brembo...probably want to sell it 5.5k.

Samson.... selling in gatos build post... lol

8 pot , gosh dayum! if u hit the breaks it will throw u through the windshield , lol! 

"Your sister is hot but your mom does that thing with her tongue"

I came.

Car was stunning in person

man, I was truly humbled today parking next to gato's car at Wekfest Dallas.  The car is just awe inspiring in person and left me speechless.

[QUOTE=REV-01;417256]i am upgrading mines so if you are serious let me know...i have front 8pot & rear 4pot brembo...probably want to sell it 5.5k.[/QUOTE]

I can get you a brand new set of Futura Design 8-pot & 6-pot for cheaper. :)

[QUOTE=speedaddict;417271]Samson.... selling in gatos build post... lol[/QUOTE]

nah nah just wanna sell it now or else everyone is getting futuras and i can't sell it later. i might upgrade to futuras too..

Some pics of the beast from today at Wekfest!

[img]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k76/moog177/Wekfest%20Dallas%202011/_MG_2045.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k76/moog177/Wekfest%20Dallas%202011/_MG_2017.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k76/moog177/Wekfest%20Dallas%202011/_MG_2014.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k76/moog177/Wekfest%20Dallas%202011/_MG_2015.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k76/moog177/Wekfest%20Dallas%202011/_MG_2016.jpg[/img]

love the vehicle.  sticker is a nice touch - saw the car today, such a sad day.

:drool:
some how you have managed to take tommy's Ls to another level when it was already on top .. 
 
 
Big props to R.E for repping the B.K sticker .. did see that coming :biggthumpup:

:pat: I dont need to see anymore. I am done. game, over

Wow!!!  Fantastic build.  As I and many have said before, phenomonal attention to details.  Can't wait to see it with the radius!

This is state of the art.

Very very well put together.

Gio, your car and Thomas' are inspirational. True works of art. Seeing them in person was a treat and just the motivation I needed to do work on my gs. :)

[QUOTE=Kouki Monster;417377]:pat: I dont need to see anymore. I am done. game, over[/QUOTE]

This!!!!:biggthumpup:

:biggthumpup:you win!

So nice

:dance: That car is sooo mean!! I'd rock a pinstripe suit everywhere i went with that LS! Great build

Lost for words - beautiful car

heres a few pics i found today while looking, wish i had a chance to come up and see this in person...

[IMG]http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g57/scionscion/wekfest%202011/20111015-IMG_2336.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g57/scionscion/wekfest%202011/20111015-IMG_2334.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g57/scionscion/wekfest%202011/20111015-IMG_2333.jpg[/IMG]

Really intrested in your EL PANEL WORK. where did u order the panel? Where did u find out how to work with it?  Your car is absolutly beautiful good job

This thing is ridiculous!!! Job well done, I have a black LS and I am sooooo envious. Amazing, to put it bluntly.

PS- I'll take the bumpers off your hands whenever you get bored of them, lol...

I dont even know what to say man.... such an eventfull weekend I gotta give my props to everyone on my next post cause Im dead tired!

but WTF is JUN thinking...WOW!
[IMG]http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298386_297593380251924_100000037938583_1266295_406223364_n.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298644_297593276918601_100000037938583_1266292_1622920852_n.jpg[/IMG]


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