Bob King

The secret is catching them before they start to rust the slam panel….new nuts would also help. Maybe go stainless steel 👍🏻

You done very well with your purchase Gary, and I’m guessing no other problems other that getting it serviced ?

Yes I found it spot on, I only sprayed the centre section upto the rubber bonnet stops, can’t see a difference in the paint finish . if it helps this is what I bought …. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hycote-Bodyshop-Satin-Black-400ml/dp/B004SHKJES/ref=sr_1_19?crid=37PKU6ZAFC3PF&keywords=Chassis+gloss+Black+400ml&qid=1707868486&s=automotive&sprefix=chassis+gloss+black+400ml%2Cautomotive%2C223&sr=1-19

Yes…solution in buy them new from Japan ..cheap as chips👍🏻 Being at the front i think they are susceptible to road salt ☹️

The slam panel I done in satin and the radiator brackets in gloss👍🏻 I guarantee the rad brackets will rust again only answer is to buy new…for me enjoy the challenge 😉

Dressed up the slam panel with a fresh coat of satin black, also stripped off all the brackets and painted them, then reassembled with my obsession of black plastic caps on all the bolt heads….I really need to get out more ! 😄😄 10mm plastic caps can be found on eBay 👍🏻👍🏻

Yes..I was struggling to push trim back in and hold fuel cap cord at the same time …all sorted. Plus get interior light and roof flap switch wiring plugs in place 🙄

Since I had the boot interior out looking for a water leak (now fixed), it seemed a good time to sort out the broken parking sensors. Pulled out the original dealer sensor kit and fitted one I’ve had at home for ages . I managed to pull the new wiring through the bumper holes by taping it to the old wiring and pulling it into boot. once tested and all good, I refitted the whole boot interior , also tested roof still folds away . parking sensors are black but so close to the Windsor blue, I’m happy with it 👍🏻

The white jap import and the late blue colour at 11995 and 12995 did sell last week . Yet a few others like the grey and two black ones are close to 6 months now 😮

Good news the car now steer and brakes well 👍🏻 The MPG is best checker over a tank full, best I managed in the summer at the motorway speed limit was 33mpg 👍🏻

Pity you can’t have a chat with this guy he seems to know his ECU’s….. https://youtu.be/Nupy486Fz7Q?si=r8ZSJ_xXDGo0crhm

Here’s another Japanese import parts company….. https://www.megazip.net/

My understanding is there is not duty on products from Japan under £135 ? See here…… https://wise.com/gb/import-duty/from-japan

I’m a firm believer of a mechanical deterrent, the Stoploc pro elite does just that, if there are 3 cars like yours in one street, yours would probably be the one still on the drive in the morning , as the other cars without a Stoploc would be the easer target . Yes I live in the real world and if a thief wants your car he will get it but it’s just reducing your percentage chance of it being you . https://www.driveden.com/product/stoplock-pro-elite-steering-wheel-lock-6573 This is one of the few mechanical devices that is Thatcham Category 3 approved, seems £55.00 well spent 👍🏻 With electronics devises the thief doesn’t know what’s fitted to your car until he’s ripped out the bumper and wiring , with a Stoploc it can be seen as theft approaches the car …again it’s about reducing the percentage of you car being taken for the £55.00 outlay .

If you do explore that avenue, be aware these companies don’t always get involved with import cars ☹️

Think you might of hit the nail on the head , the 2001-2003 RAV4 has know problem with corrosion on the gearbox ECT, if the problem is fixed early the gearbox survives. See if these guys can advise you… https://www.ecutesting.com/

This claims to fit a SC430…… ..but I guess you get what you pay for ☹️ https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/364490204531

Just don’t put your hand on it then 😉

Put the tape on the inside will look less noticeable…then black it over with a marker pen 👍🏻

The speed sensor is also called an ABS sensor, so a look on the internet for a Lexus sc430 nearside rear ABS sensor, a few come up from genuine £270 to £35.00 copy a part.

Had a look on Google and found the Lexus/toyota specialist…. https://www.toyo-tech.co.uk/

Slightly more concerning if it wasn’t the Lexus it might have been the horse in the background 😮

Owner said he was going to speak with his insurance, I would have fixing it and keep away from insurance. Insurance wise, it could have been bought back but would be classified as a Cat C and worth less on resale . Fixing it might cost 2k but with a retail of upto 8k…. Decisions decisions !

Spotted this on FB, not sure what the news headlines would read…"mature Lexus driver, meets would-be rally drive in lane". Eveyone was ok and Peugeot was lifted off with a tractor, think the Lexus would be an uneconomical repair now ☹️☹️

Got out for a little drive, not been washed this year but still looking precentable 😎