1998 Lexus Ls400, The big build.

hey guys, 

Havent been on here in a while, Life kind of got in the way of cars for a little while. I still have the celsior (pic in sig but it will be for sale soon) But I'm back at it & unfortunately back at school (2nd degree in engineering). So this build will probably be going slowly. Currently I'm working up in the middle of nowhere in northern Canada. (summer engineer student for a gold company, gotta make $$ for school haha). I picked up a 98 Lexus ls400 for 800$ from my friend. It was his parts car, (he only took out the motor) and has a little damage (front drivers side) will post pictures when I'm home. So i was on the hunt for a cheap motor & found one for 800$.

So I decided i would start a VIP project and do it over some time. Wanting to do this right so I'm currently in the planning stages. Since the vehicle has front damage i was thinking of doing a facelift & rear end swap to a ucf31. (also debating between just a crown front or a century front) 

I am going to incorporate some of the things my celsior had in it to this 1. Like power curtains, heated and massaging seats. Maybe I could reroute the air and make a vented seat too. We will see. I will be going air. Not sure on the brand yet, airrex, d2, airrunner. Have to do more research & talk to some people.

Aero is currently up in the air, might make my own. I am following status ones ls430 with the custom made bumper-sides and rear. Might try something like that. Lots of time but custom.

Led drl idea: (UCF31 on the top, UCF20 on the bottom): Did a quick sketch 
[URL="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/Untitled-2.jpg"][IMG]http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/Untitled-2.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

The wheels im planning on (Work Schwert SC3) Sizing 19x10/11 (offset tbd):
[URL="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/workschwertSC3.jpg"][IMG]http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/workschwertSC3.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

& the idea (ucf20 w/ ucf31 front & rear):
[URL="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/ucf20-30-1.jpg"][IMG]http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/ucf20-30-1.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/ucf20-30.jpg"][IMG]http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/ucf20-30.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

i've seen a few in various mags and on line of the ucf20 chasis with ucf30/31 facia, and it looks pretty good but i have always wondered that for the money you could just buy a much newer 04-06 LS430 and then mod it and still prolly have some $$ and time left over. i realize the efforts and build quality that would go into it, but to me i'd just rather buy the newer LS and mod it.


EDIT

BTW I can't see photobucket pics from work, they are blocked by our firewall, but i noticed when i checked from home that you had attached some pics of the outcome,, ;)

I really like the SC3 wheel choice. Interested in how this will turn out

Interested to see how this goes down.

As for the headlights the first option with the leds under the light would be my choice. The other one looks too much like the last gen 5series.

Well my buddy sent me some pictures of it. Its a little rough, but itll be a good project. Need the whole front end (fenders/hood/lights) So im not sure if i want to do ucf20 updated or ucf30). might need a door & a new mirror 


Current color is silver, w/ black interior. Interior is mint. 

Damage:
[URL="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/photo3-2.jpg"][IMG]http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/photo3-2.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

I will take more pictures when i get home.

I really like this aimgain kit, so i think this is the plan. Need a new bumper anyways. Thinking about doing ucf20 updated front w/ a ucf30 rear end. I am trying to find someone good at photoshop to do the idea for me. If your good at photoshop pm me. I am willing to pay.

[URL="http://aimgain.net/products/aero/img/20celaf_jvip/pic1.jpg"][IMG]http://aimgain.net/products/aero/img/20celaf_jvip/pic1.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/Untitled-3.jpg"][IMG]http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/Untitled-3.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Also did a couple rear taillight led designs. Thinking about sequential turn signals. Can only do designs up here, i cant wait until i can actually work on the car. 
[URL="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/Untitled-4.png"][IMG]http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/Untitled-4.png[/IMG][/URL]


did a quick swap of the rear end:
[IMG]http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/graff-attak/untitled1.png[/IMG]

I like it, ill have my friend do a good render since she is a pro at photoshop.