My Vip-inspired SC300 build

This thread will detail the build of my 1992 SC300:

*This is the car bone stock the day after I got it:
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SC02.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SC06.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SCGS01.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SCGS03.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SCGS06.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SCGS07.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SC03.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SCGS05.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SCGS04.jpg[/IMG]

The interior was pretty bad:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SC04.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/STOCK_02.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/STOCK_01.jpg[/IMG]

I started to dye all the parts to black, I decided to go with a black on black Lexus:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0025.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0024.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0022.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0019-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0017-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0016-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0015-1.jpg[/IMG]

Converting a car from tan to black is a long and time consuming process, I would not recommend this to anybody unless they're stuck with a tan interior and wants something different.  Anyways, here's some pictures of the re-assembly process:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PHASE1_01.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PHASE1_02.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PHASE1_03.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PHASE1_04.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PHASE1_05.jpg[/IMG]

Finished the door panels:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_01.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_02.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_03.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_04.jpg[/IMG]

Here's a random artsy picture on the night of the Lunar Eclipse:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC300_ARTISTIC_01.jpg[/IMG]

My first choice of wheels and suspension were Tein Comfort Sports and Work Euroline DH:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC01.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC06.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC03.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC02.jpg[/IMG]

JP neckpads from Luxury Bippu Style:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC05.jpg[/IMG]

Another interior shot:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC04.jpg[/IMG]

A small Lexus shoot with some of my friends:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/LXSHOOT_05.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/LXSHOOT_01.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/LXSHOOT_02.jpg[/IMG]

I don't think the original owner took good car of the motor, so the stock motor started giving me problems.  To fix this issue, I ordered a 1JZ-GTE from JHOT Imports with only 40K miles on it (pix sent from JHot):

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/DSCN6094.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/DSCN6095.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/DSCN6096.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/DSCN6097.jpg[/IMG]

While waiting for the motor to come in, something else came in from Carson Lexus.  My Auto Couture kit finally came in after months, and I ordered the stock grill, fog lights, and body moldings as well.  Here's some pictures of it installed:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_10.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_01.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_08.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_07.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_06.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_05.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_03.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_02.jpg[/IMG]

Also got my JDM Toyota window visor:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_09.jpg[/IMG]

Got my black carpet in finally, here's some pictures of it installed:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0919.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0934.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0935.jpg[/IMG]

Steering wheel remote control for my Pioneer AVIC-Z2:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0936.jpg[/IMG]

TRD Horn badge for my IS300 Steering wheel w/ the Celica airbag:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0932.jpg[/IMG]

Here's some pictures of the 1JZ-GTE installed in my car.  The motor runs like a dream, so much bang for the buck:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_02.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_03.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_04.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_04.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_07.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_05.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/1JZGTE_01.jpg[/IMG]

nice progress so far!

[quote=leg0man;221458]nice progress so far![/quote]

Thanx man, I'll be updating with more pictures shortly.  :biggthumpup:

Coming along nicely...

i like it. how did you go about dyeing the interior? spray dye?

I like your attention to detail on the interior.  Very nicely done.

Love the Autocouture kit. Car's coming along nicely.

looking good

[QUOTE=JOee;221471]i like it. how did you go about dyeing the interior? spray dye?[/QUOTE]


X2 .   Curious how you dyed it.  Looks amazing.   I really like the car; keep up the good work!

Hey guys, thanx so much for the props.  I will update with some new pictures shortly, after the rain clear away.  Anyways, the dye I used is actually a vinyl spray paint that chemically bond to vinyl and plastic.  The brand is called Folia-tec, it's a German product.  It's kinda hard to come by, but it's like $20 a can.....and I had to buy a lot of cans to get it right.

The process:

*Clean the part really well with Dawn dishwashing detergent to get rid of all the grease.

*Dry it really well with a blow dryer.

*Spray the adhesive primer onto the part and let that dry

*Spray about 3 to 4 coats of the base paint

*Seal it really good with the clear coat.

*For best results, use all Folia-tec products.


I recently bought this other vinyl paint called SEM, I bought all their primer and clear, and tested it out because I coudln't find anymore Folia-Tec paint to buy.  SEM is not even half as good as Folia-Tec.  So if you guys could find a place that sells it online, let me know.  I need to finish off a few more interior items.  :biggthumpup:

Very time consuming process though, it took me a little over 2 weeks doing it after work and waiting for good weather since I don't have a garage.

Great job on the interior!

[quote=romeo291;221495]Hey guys, thanx so much for the props. I will update with some new pictures shortly, after the rain clear away. Anyways, the dye I used is actually a vinyl spray paint that chemically bond to vinyl and plastic. The brand is called Folia-tec, it's a German product. It's kinda hard to come by, but it's like $20 a can.....and I had to buy a lot of cans to get it right.
 
The process:
 
*Clean the part really well with Dawn dishwashing detergent to get rid of all the grease.
 
*Dry it really well with a blow dryer.
 
*Spray the adhesive primer onto the part and let that dry
 
*Spray about 3 to 4 coats of the base paint
 
*Seal it really good with the clear coat.
 
*For best results, use all Folia-tec products.
 
 
I recently bought this other vinyl paint called SEM, I bought all their primer and clear, and tested it out because I coudln't find anymore Folia-Tec paint to buy. SEM is not even half as good as Folia-Tec. So if you guys could find a place that sells it online, let me know. I need to finish off a few more interior items. :biggthumpup:
 
Very time consuming process though, it took me a little over 2 weeks doing it after work and waiting for good weather since I don't have a garage.[/quote]
 
 
 
When I was working on a buddies MK4 GTI, he used a lot of Folia-Tec stuff.  Only time, other than that, that I have heard of anyone using it.

nice start. Car looks pretty good. A bit more aggressive stance would be sick but still lookin good man!

good shit! some 97 tails would complement your car nicely

very nice and clean :biggthumpup:
i like what you've done to the car. if i were to buy a SC, thats how i would want my car to look =)

Installed some chrome door sills:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/DSC_0001.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/DSC_0007.jpg[/IMG]

Next up will be black leather seats, custom faceplate for the head unit and EDFC module, and a new paint job.

looks really good I love the Auto Couture kit.

Thanx for the props fellas!  I just ordered some black leather seats, so I'll post pictures of that when it comes in.

that's a serious transformation! looking forward to more updates/pics. i feel your pain on the interior swap. i did a tan cloth to black leather conversion in my maxima, everything from dashboard to carpet to trim pieces and it was a mother to do.

New black leather seats installed:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_04-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_01-1.jpg[/IMG]

My kurotsuna:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_02-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/INT_03-1.jpg[/IMG]

Kurotsuna from the outside:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AC_01-1.jpg[/IMG]

wow, I cannot believe you did a complete interior color swap/change. So much work, but the end result seems well worth it. Car is coming along very nicely.

^Thanx man, it was a PITA, but yup, definitely worth it.  Here's a photo I just edited, I recently got interested in photo editing.  Check it out:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/AT_SC300_01.jpg[/IMG]

Very nice!

Look into a product called Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil to use on those seats. You will be amazed what it could do for them!

haha seems like you know what you're doing already! Pic looks really "soft", Im feelin it!

very nice progress on the build.  the interior is really nice

Nice Car man.  I really like your interior.  great job!!!!

very nice. you got a good build thread.

Noice....you've done an excellent job thus far. Im starting to like the sc's more and more.

wow very nicee sc keep it up :biggthumpup:

yeah! I would so drive this!

Good job on the build thus far. I commend you on your dedication with converting the whole interior from tan to black. Get those wheels poking out a bit more and you'll be good to know.

Real nice project. 
Any antension on going any lower.

[quote=jdm94sir;233183]Real nice project. 
Any antension on going any lower.[/quote]

[B]I[/B]ntention :thumbsup: =P

[QUOTE=romeo291;221495]I recently bought this other vinyl paint called SEM, I bought all their primer and clear, and tested it out because I coudln't find anymore Folia-Tec paint to buy.  SEM is not even half as good as Folia-Tec.  So if you guys could find a place that sells it online, let me know.  I need to finish off a few more interior items.  :biggthumpup:

Very time consuming process though, it took me a little over 2 weeks doing it after work and waiting for good weather since I don't have a garage.[/QUOTE]

[url]http://www.autoaccessorystore.com/home_n.asp?dir=detail&id=253[/url]  I found this site...is this the spray you were using?  It says steering wheel paint..... but can this be used on the interior as well?  I think these guys are located in NY.

damm nice.. the interior looks very clean from what u started with.

nice... keep up the good work:biggthumpup:

lookss clean :dance:

the interior looks killer bro.
 
i love sc's they're classy as shit and can have a ton of powerrrrr

Total transformation, definitely diggin it

very nice build thread. the interior looks really nice.

this is super clean...nice build man.

lookin real good, I love vip style SC's!

love how you changed the tan to black interior.. thumbs up

Elite Auto Style Puddle Lights:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddlelights_01.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddlelights_02.jpg[/IMG]

Some close-up/macro pics of the puddle lights:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddle_lights_01.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddle_lights_02.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddle_lights_03.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddle_lights_04.jpg[/IMG]

My stock SC300 2-piston brakes are horrible, and with the 1JZ, it's not gonna cut it.  I am upgrading it to LS400 Brakes.  Decided to paint it gold, the results turned out pretty well:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/LS400_BRAKES_02.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/LS400_BRAKES_01.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/LS400_BRAKES_03.jpg[/IMG]

LED winker side mirrors (don't mind the car, it's filthy dirty and in need of a new paint job.  I got just a few more things to mold and shave before I put it in for paint):

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SIDE_MIRRORS_01.jpg[/IMG]

Here's a sneak peek at my new shoes:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/BEILS_01.jpg[/IMG]

oh snap.. nice update!! is that beils?

[quote=20sburning;240441]oh snap.. nice update!! is that beils?[/quote]

yezzir :biggthumpup:

Ahhh gotta love the updates ! MOAR !

man.. i want those rimss!!!

what a drastic difference. always loved the soarer. you just need the post '97 tail lamps now.

keep up the good work

hot man!  keep it up

Very sweet Romeo!!

Thanx fellas.  I need to find some time to get the car ready for HIN.  It's rough finding time when you have a full time job, a newborn, and another job on the side.  =[

I'm lovin it man! keep it up!

Interior looks great.If you think yours was bad to begin with you should see mine.lol.

man i love how ur building this car. finished project is gonna be A1!!!

LOWER

lookin good romeo! :bigok:

Finally got around to actually installing my sideskirts back on with the puddle lights:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PUDDLELIGHTS_01-1.jpg[/IMG]

The car undergoing some paint:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PAINT_BOOTH_01.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PAINT_BOOTH_03.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/PAINT_BOOTH_02.jpg[/IMG]

cant wait to see the final product

Car looks great. I love checking out the progression of the build. Great work on the dye job too.

WOW!!!  What an awesome undertaking!!  Looks amazing-

Cant wait to see the finished product. lookin clean

Damn that is one clean car and what a transformation it is, is there more??

To be honest I was never a big fan of Soarer, but this one just have to stand out the most to change my opinion. Its a very clean and well build Soarer, well done.

Great build!  Can't wait to see what's next!

DAMM !
 
car looks good ...

Messing with the interior ain't a joke!

[QUOTE=romeo291;240399]Elite Auto Style Puddle Lights:


[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/puddlelights_02.jpg[/IMG]
[/QUOTE]

sick build. Definitely done right the first time.

where did you get those side mirrors, and how much they run you? i've been looking for a pair myself

its comin along really good...

Lookin good can't wait to see finnished pics

[QUOTE=romeo291;221447]The interior was pretty bad:
 
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/SC04.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/STOCK_02.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/STOCK_01.jpg[/IMG]
 
I started to dye all the parts to black, I decided to go with a black on black Lexus:
 
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0025.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0024.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0022.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0019-1.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0017-1.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0016-1.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/romeo291/Dsc_0015-1.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
 
 
 
What kind of dye was used to dye the interior? I like how it came out.

He said he used a vinyl dye/spray by Folia-tec. 
 
I'm really interested to see how well the dye is holding up, obviously we've all seen the dodgy attempts where the shit cracks or peels off after a few months, but it seems you did all the right prep work in the first place.
 
Let us know how its looking

[QUOTE=CashUZ;278988]
I'm really interested to see how well the dye is holding up,...[/QUOTE]


X2

any updates romeo291 ?

nice build, keep us updated man

in for updates! lookin real good. love the interior swap and choice of parts :biggthumpup:

this car is looking better every time i see it. keep up the good work!!!!

great looking build.  keep it up!

Wow alot of work to the interior and came out great and looking forward to seeing the fresh paint and wheels in some new pics

Wow, this thread got brought back from the grave.  I actually sold the car to Ultra Vip.  I wanted a 4-door, so I have a 98 black on black LS400 now.  Here are some photos of the car before I sold it:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4032339298_5e0f29f40d_b.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3737700770_8715ea1026_b.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3431/3736946025_d94b92a5d5_b.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3733276749_9aa158828b_b.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/3675671782_dcf0d7eaef_b.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2180/3674775155_8893e3ac1f_o.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3674774941_2c9a4db937_o.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/3674774757_d7fd37eebe_o.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3675583850_ee1684d574_o.jpg[/IMG]

Who's Ultra Vip?

[QUOTE=20sburning;297574]Who's Ultra Vip?[/QUOTE]

He's a member on here and on club Lexus.  Joe from VA Beach.

[URL]http://insanestanceandoffset.blogspot.com/2010/01/ultra-vip-gs.html[/URL]

very nice! I want your wheels!

wow very nice progress :) I am starting on an SC soon, plan on doing a 1JZ swap something simple, clean, and fun to drive on a daily basis.

one of my fav buildups....alot of time and dedication put into it!

I'm looking at an SC tonight. This thread has given me so much inspiration. I hope the new owner is enjoying it.

Wow, i hope mine comes out similar when i'm done!

Here's some photos that the current owner of the car posted a while ago.  His wife drove it and cracked the front bumper, but Joe fixed it.  It also went through some other bad luck, but I think it's all good now.

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/4204761802_2025629b15_o.png[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4204761302_9ffc5d4901_o.png[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/4204004575_0696811e7c_o.png[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/4204004263_2d547b87ca_o.png[/IMG]

Super clean SC! You did an awesome job while under your ownership. This car is still talked about on clublexus from time to time.

Talk about Sex on Wheels. This thing is just class....

wow.....i love it....
 
sweet ride.

wow man that was one clean and attention to detail build. Love how you changed the interior around. The y33 I just bought has tan interior which is thrashed so im going to have the seats re-upholstered in the dark brown leather that is in the car and hopefully find a dark brown carpet for it. Always loved SC's and you did an amazing job on it!!

Still looking good

that was a sick build, sick interior dying.  Any updates on the LS?