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Back from Belfast via Belper. Because of the amount of paint on the lights I used a Stanley knife blade at an angle and dragged it back across the 'flat' plane of the light clusters, which 'peeled' the paint off in light layers until the colour of the plastic could be seen and then mounted the drill with a polishing pad, in the vice and used cutting compound and polished,polished,polished, yes it took a long time but eventually got there without scratches and applyed a coat of satin black to the rubbers to finish off. Now that the car's looking right, the washer pump was next. When I eventually found the pump I thought there's more wiring there than there was behind the dash on my 1st car. New replica pump from local auto shop £12, ebay £20 or Lexus £74+vat. They are exactly the same except the contact spades ( an easy mod ). Both O/S shockers had broken springs right at the top but managed to get a complete rear shocker which I put on but only a spring for the front which I had fitted to the shocker by the garage I use for the work which is beyond me. I then fitted it to the car myself. Excellent service from a breaker in Lancs (off Autotrader)and one in Kent (off ebay). The variation in S/H spares is unbelievable. I'll fill in the rest in the next couple of days. It had a silver painted visor stuck to the screen but this peeled off ok. Front side light bulbs and brake pads all round but pad wear sensors were cut by previous owner. Off to the garage where it needed brake pipes and the stub ends were really stuck tight in the unions and that was enough to pass its MOT with an advisory on a stone chip near the bottom of the screen well out of field of vision. When I viewed the car I felt there was plenty tread on the spare (Michelin) but taking it out of the boot at home the dreaded tyre fitters chalk came to light. Tyrespot found it had been badly repaired on the inside but fixed me up with a really good used one for £35. New 17" Michelin £185.

Back from Belfast via Belper. Because of the amount of paint on the lights I used a Stanley knife blade at an angle and dragged it back across the 'flat' plane of the light clusters, which 'peeled' the paint off in light layers until the colour of the plastic could be seen and then mounted the drill with a polishing pad, in the vice and used cutting compound and polished,polished,polished, yes it took a long time but eventually got there without scratches and applyed a coat of satin black to the rubbers to finish off. Now that the car's looking right, the washer pump was next. When I eventually found the pump I thought there's more wiring there than there was behind the dash on my 1st car. New replica pump from local auto shop £12, ebay £20 or Lexus £74+vat. They are exactly the same except the contact spades ( an easy mod ). Both O/S shockers had broken springs right at the top but managed to get a complete rear shocker which I put on but only a spring for the front which I had fitted to the shocker by the garage I use for the work which is beyond me. I then fitted it to the car myself. Excellent service from a breaker in Lancs (off Autotrader)and one in Kent (off ebay). The variation in S/H spares is unbelievable. I'll fill in the rest in the next couple of days.

Do you remember the LS on Ebay about 4 weeks ago with the silver painted front indicators and rear light clusters which I took a chance on as my first Lexus and bought it with only 4 weeks MOT left on it. Well, it passed its MOT today. Yippee. But not without a reasonable amount of work and expenditure. We are going away tomorrow so I will update you next weekend on parts, costs, insurance and how I removed the paint from the lights. Here's a taster: Cost New, 1997 'P' reg MK3, £47050, 1st owner 4yrs 44000mls, FLSH, 2nd owner, cost £16200,100000mls, FLSH, 3rd owner, 110000mls, one Lexus service, 4th owner 123000mls, one indie service. I bought it with 123,000 mls. What it needed : washer pump, wipers, side light bulbs, pads F/R, wheel centre cap, passenger mirror partially working, O/S/F spring broken, O/S/R spring broken, pad wear sensors cut, brake pipes, 1 tyre. I'll fill you in next week.

This seems an amazing price! I believe there are various systems available. What would the range of this 70 lt tank be? I seem to remember reading you can't actually empty the tank.........? David Check with the installer how much gas can be used from a full tank. Doughnut tanks have welded brackets so should be bolted securely to wheel well. Fit the biggest tank you can as I dont think 70ltrs is big enough for a 4ltr v8. Ask for the filler to go under the petrol flap where an adaptor is needed hence no ugly holes in body or bumpers.

This seems an amazing price! I believe there are various systems available. What would the range of this 70 lt tank be? I seem to remember reading you can't actually empty the tank.........? David Check with the installer how much gas can be used from a full tank. Doughnut tanks have welded brackets so should be bolted securely to wheel well. Fit the biggest tank you can as i dont think 70ltrs is big enough for a 4ltr v8. Ask for the filler to go under the petrol flap where an adaptor is needed hence no ugly holes in body or bumpers.

Bosch Super Plus 22S 550mm/22" drivers side wiper C/W wind deflector. £11. Send your lass for it and they'll fit it as well.

I' ve just got a Bosch complete with wind deflector from AutoSport in Washington for £11. Works fine quiet no smears. I'll get the number off the box for you tomorrow. I also had to have a new washer pump £74 + vat from Lexus and an after market one which fits exactly with a little mod to the spades, £12.

One broken spring on the front off side and one broken on rear off side. The shockers are ok and your link prices are about the same price quotes I've had. I have ordered one spring from ebay from some one I've dealt with before but as yet still need a rear. The link also shows they are handed. Thx. Jim

Would shockers from MK 1,2 and 4 fit a MK3?. I have 2 broken springs and I'm awaiting answers from other breakers as well as trying here. Thx.

First update: The front indicators are now cleaned and ready to go back on the car. I would say they were taken out to spray as there's no signs of overspray. I've started on the rear ones today and its going to be a long job as the paint is so thick and the shape and area dont help. These were taken out to paintl and refitted with a couple of nuts instead of four. They will go back properly. I've taken the 'sunshade' off the windscreen which just peeled back very easily. I've put the drill in the vice with a rotary pad and velcro polishing pad and buffing the lights using cutting paste and Tcut cos hand rubbing isnt feasible. Far too physical. I have one rear light finished and its come up champion, I'm more than pleased. Thursday is my next free day so I'll do one at a time, steady away youngun. I'll fit the new washer pump as well. I've taken some pix and if I find out how to post them I'll do so when finished.

H/light washers work when you press the right buttons. Underneath again to check power to W/screen pump and yes there is, so pump is packered. Hello Lexus how much for a pump part no. 85330-50010. That'll be £74 + VAT sir. I will piggy back an after market pump to the original and that should do.

just found this http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1236484.htm I've looked at that one 3 weeks ago. Sad looking car, baldy tyres, bubbly alloys, couple of the centre console displays dont work, flat battery, gaffer tape round the air intake to engine and a bit scuffed inside. LPG fitted 3 years ago by local company,6yrs Lexus history and full history by independants with 2 belt changes. £3000 for an M reg in this nick wasnt for me.

Yes. That was the first thing I tried. Checked the manual again and ran out in the rain to confirm the H/L washer is to the left of the H/seat switch. Yes it is. Cant see that when lying on your back looking up at the washer bottle. Its an age thing. The pull towards you is a mist wipe. Tomorrow I'll try the H/L washers properly and ,fingers crossed, if they work then the W/S pump could be nacked. I'll settle for that.

There is a press button on the top of the wiper stalk to engage the washer pump. The headlight washers only work when the lights are on with running engine I thought Yes, I've tried them. Its bugging me cos it would fail the MOT and once its fixed I can get on bringing this car up to scratch and enjoy my 1st Lexus. My days of lying under cars are long gone. There isnt a scrappy round here with a Lexus 400 in, and Ebay breakers too dear.

1997 MK III. Wipers work on all functions but the washers to windscreen and headlights dont. I checked all the fuses under the bonnet and the one marked wipers under the dashboard. Is there one dealing with washers or maybe a relay. The wiper symbol on dash display lights up and goes out on starting the engine so I assume power is getting to the bottle as there are 4 electric gubbins attached to bottle. Little pump for windscreen, big pump for H/lights, 2 wires under bottle for fluid level and dont know the other one. As the owners manual doesnt say, I assume the wiper stalk is pulled towards you to wash wipe and the lights on to wash h/lights. I dont find it much fun lying on my back struggling. There is water in the bottle and I've tapped both pumps so is it the stalk or a bottle off ebay. Any help welcomed. Thx.

This is what the car is really like. I'll go from bad to good. Washers dont work. The bottle was empty so topped it up but after several presses could not hear the pump,so this would be an MOT failure. MOT and tax till end of November. Struts dont hold the bonnet up. Front heated seats dont work. Havent tried the rears. Without taking the wheels off I would say the discs need replacing all round as there was a wear ridge on all discs. Passenger mirror only works up and down. One wheel centre cap missing. Small scuff and bit of paint peel on the rear bumper. The seller says it passed its MOT with those lights but you can hardly see the flashers. Needs cleaning and valeting properly to my standards. Lexus history to 119,000mls and 123,000mls now. Cam belt change at 64,000mls + plugs ,discs,pads, ball joints battery etc, over a period of time. It drives lovely, smooth, quiet, responsive, no vibes or wandering and the brakes felt ok with only a small short judder under heavy use, hence my brake comments. Wheel refurb by Lexus. The wheels may have been an option from first owner?. A mixture of tyres but 2x Conti, 2x Michelin and Dunlop with plenty of tread. The body and paint are really good with nosigns of damage or bad dents etc. No excessive wear to the interior and should come up good after a leather clean and feed. Dash board and centre console all light up and work. Memory seats and steering ok. Rake of receipts and all manuals,complete unused tool kit with working torch, trinket box under passenger seat, wallet and even a note explaining the code for the audio. I thought it good enough to buy, my first Lexus, so I did. I only got it home last night, took off the small front indicator and tried Tcutting it which I dont think will spoil the plastic (keep me right if not) and it is taking the paint off but its going to take a lot of rubbing. Anyone with front indicators and rear clusters to sell I would be interested. I'll let you know how the 'running project' gets on. The washers and lights are first to sort and then I can get a new MOT.

I've just messaged him and will let you know sometime tonight when I get back home.

From what I've seen of ebay/autotrader/Lexus forum a MkIII or IV as I like the dash layout and general upgrades made over the years. Sat/Nav worked ok ,maps and audio came up nice and clear. Thanks for your points and I'll keep looking.

Belt change. The car (97 mk iv) I've looked at today (full Lexus service beyond 100,000mls) had its belt done at 60,000mls so is it good till 150,000mls.

Tried another Lexus today, MkIV , sat/nav, loads of history, 127000,drove beautifully but the body was touched in,in loads of places,no damage or dents, I assume knocks and scratches. It got worse:these are the things that dont work : both mirrors,remote locking on both keys,rear windows on drivers controls,CD cartridge wont eject,drivers seat belt on door post,a reasonably poor drivers seat. The remote locking is the biggest worry as the other faults 'may' just need a good auto-leccy. No matter you've still got to live with the poor paintwork. As it stands its no longer a class executive saloon ( from the outside) but can that be offset against a 'good price'. I'm pondering. Why the gold badges?.

Looked at my first lexus last weekend. Sad looking car on an outdoor dealers lot which was a pity for it had some good things going for it. Yesterday took my first drive in one, (gold badges,why?)with a brand new MOT(no advicers) one key but no history or mileage as the failed clocks were changed now showing 185000. The seller (dealer from home) is contacting VOSA so will hear from him shortly... or not!. Apart from that car was pretty good and YES I did like the overall feel of comfort, smooth quiet powerful ride and lighter and easier than a 5 or 7 series. Chassis number : JT153UF2000041677. Is this a Mk2 please. My last two cars were LPG and just loved the low running costs (47.9ppl up here) but my yearly mileage is low now so a very nice one would fit the bill. I'll keep you posted on my progress but it may take a while.

Hi with regard to the flah lube kit the ls 400 does not need it. funny enough the gs300 does some converters insist on installing it though. Another thing is you cant empty the LPG tank as the gas pick up leaves about 8/10 litres in. This will assure others on here when they fill up they only get about 58ltrs in a 67 ltre tank. Put £10 of petrol in at the same time as you wont get the car started if you run out of petrol even when hot. Hi I put in £20 worth of petrol about every six months, On most systems the car petrol gauge works as normal (as with mine & the previous 2 cars ive had on lpg) If I was to need £10 worth of petrol every time I filled £25 worth of lpg I would have to tow a tanker behind me hmmmm..... does that mean that you can never actually use the last 8/10 litres .... definitely need the 84l tank then. Also sounds a really sensible idea to carry 5 litres of petrol on a can in the boot - just in case it's switched to petrol and you haven't realised. Mike Hi Mike my tank runs to empty or as near as,i get 56 litres in if the weather is cold which is correct for my tank, it will only fill 80% ( allows for expansion if it gets warmer). You only have a large amount of gas left in a tank when the tank is fitted incorrectly, with a doughnut tank( not level) or a cylinder type tank with the valve at the wrong angle. I have never had an issue with running out of petrol as my petrol gauge works normally & if it runs out of gas my gas gauge goes red & bleeps. It is a good Idea to get the biggest tank poss though, you will loose about an inch in height in your boot. The new gas systems are top notch & all automatic (fool proof) so unless you are in the habbit of running out of petrol normally you will not find it any different with a gas conversion. I assume your car has a fuel gauge as does mine. You have a gs300 so will need a flashlube kit fitted with the conversion ( prevents valve seat ressesion). Good point about poorly fitted tank. My tank was only held by a thin metal strap and not by the welded brackets on the tank which are then bolted to the floor.

Hi with regard to the flah lube kit the ls 400 does not need it. funny enough the gs300 does some converters insist on installing it though. Another thing is you cant empty the LPG tank as the gas pick up leaves about 8/10 litres in. This will assure others on here when they fill up they only get about 58ltrs in a 67 ltre tank. Put £10 of petrol in at the same time as you wont get the car started if you run out of petrol even when hot. Hi I put in £20 worth of petrol about every six months, On most systems the car petrol gauge works as normal (as with mine & the previous 2 cars ive had on lpg) If I was to need £10 worth of petrol every time I filled £25 worth of lpg I would have to tow a tanker behind me hmmmm..... does that mean that you can never actually use the last 8/10 litres .... definitely need the 84l tank then. Also sounds a really sensible idea to carry 5 litres of petrol on a can in the boot - just in case it's switched to petrol and you haven't realised. Mike Hi Mike my tank runs to empty or as near as,i get 56 litres in if the weather is cold which is correct for my tank, it will only fill 80% ( allows for expansion if it gets warmer). You only have a large amount of gas left in a tank when the tank is fitted incorrectly, with a doughnut tank( not level) or a cylinder type tank with the valve at the wrong angle. I have never had an issue with running out of petrol as my petrol gauge works normally & if it runs out of gas my gas gauge goes red & bleeps. It is a good Idea to get the biggest tank poss though, you will loose about an inch in height in your boot. The new gas systems are top notch & all automatic (fool proof) so unless you are in the habbit of running out of petrol normally you will not find it any different with a gas conversion. I assume your car has a fuel gauge as does mine. You have a gs300 so will need a flashlube kit fitted with the conversion ( prevents valve seat ressesion).