Rebuilt 2005 GX470 Project - From CO to TX and Back (soon)

Luckily I'm in a Tundra heavy market!

 

Finally ran a Carfax on the GX. And it's no wonder all the surface rust, it lived in NY and NJ from 2005 to 2012. Then it came to CO in 2013. It does have extensive service records, so that's good. Brakes were done in 2021

 

CarFax Report attached as PDF

 

Not bad on the rust considering the year and years it spend in that area. I've seen a lot worst on newer stuff in IL.

 

Picked up an OEM 6500lbs Tow Hitch off FB last night. They normally sell around $275

+ $80

Will update front page prices later today

 

Rear passenger side POR15 complete and new control arms in

 

On to rear drivers side

 

Since you are back there are you going to address those lines and bracket, that does not look good.

 

They really aren't that bad. But I plan to do that when upgrading the brakes in the future

 

They said no...but I think i can make it work! The holes are pretty close, if maybe a 1/4" off. But that was sloppy tape measuring.

5th gen 4runner TRD Skid Plate

+ $241

 

Uhh...maybe not lol. I'd have to break out the plasma cutter and go to town. I bought it from the local dealer for a reason though! Back it goes

 

Too bad, that would have looked sweet. Maybe RCI has one for your vehicle?

 

They do. I just wanted that sweet TRD logo lol. I just couldn't find part numbers for it online or a good used condition one. Gonna return this in person and ask them about it. Got this on a.black Friday free delivery deal, so it was worth the try

 

Can always paint the logo onto the RCI plate

 

Ya but it cost almost $100 more. I don't plan to off road this more than light trails. It's mostly street rig and towing the JK to trails when needed. I'll look a little harder for a 4th gen 4Runner TRD skid plate and refurbish a used one if need be. Was just hoping I could still find a new one

 

Old vs New OEM Rear Track Bar

 

Updated current costs on front page.

Direct vehicle total is $16,489
Supplemental costs bring it up to $17,345 (welder, cleaning supplies and other tools)

I still need to:

• Replace Windshield w/ OEM + $900
• Replace Front and Rear bumper covers + $6-700
• Chrome Delete/Black Window Trim + $120
• Chrome Delete/Black TRD Pro Style Lexus Grill + $150
• PDR kit to repair hail damage + $150-200
• Tires, lug nuts, TPMS + $1500
• Paint vehicle + $3-5,000

Future Goodies:

• Doug Thorley Long Tube Headers w/Accessories + $1500
• URD
  $10 Mark3 Syntech USB C to USB Adapter Pack of 2 USB C Male to USB 3.0 Female Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro Air 2024, Microsoft Surface, iPad,Samsung Notebook, Dell XPS and More Type C Devices,Space Grey
  Mark3 3" Cat-back exhaust + $900
• Whipple Supercharger by XAT + $5-7,000

 

New leathers arrived!

 

Rear is 90% done. New Upper and Lower Control Arms, Sway bar end links, track bar, bumpstops, spring conversion kit mounts, and shocks all mocked up into place. Just waiting on the Nolathane Sway bar to come in before putting the coil springs in. Not a lot of room to maneuver it into place. Hopefully it ships out soon.

Going to start on the seats next. Trying to knock out as many things as I can this weekend. I start my new job on Monday! So project work is going to slow down considerably.

 

Lookin good!

 

Think I'll eventually order new stainless steel nuts and bolts to replace all the factory ones I had to reuse.

 

Headrest covers removed. Not the easiest project. Just requires a lot if effort.

 

Uhhh, it's definitely not a project for everyone. I may have put more effort into the search before hand. But I feel like my end product/costs will come out better/lower than what I could've bought on the market. Granted it will have a Branded Rebuilt title.

Current "low" mileage GX470's like mine, in good to great condition from years 2005-2009 (VVT-i engines) range from $16-20k+. I'm currently under $18k including new tools bought.

And none of those are going to have brand new suspension, wheels, tires, full dynamat, etc.

So yes, i would do it again. This isn't my first salvage rebuild and won't be the last! I've been learning a lot with every build. I've never reupholstered anything, nor welded before. And those new skills carry on to future projects, whatever it may be.

 

Video I watched said you can hit the foam up with a steam cleaner and it'll "re-plump" the foam again like new. Will try that

 

Leathers off everything but the drivers seat. Rear double seat was a PIA. All the tutorials I can find online only gomover the front seats.

I need to do some research and either order hog ring pliers or see if there's an alternative to using them for reinstall.

Also the rear seats were REALLY dirty. Just crap falling out the bottom and in cracks....

 

To do it correctly I would say you will or should use the correct pliers, it makes things more easy.

those rings holds things in place.

plus those pliers holds them ring leaving your free handle to pull things tight and one hand the pliers

 

Agree. My buddy called me yesterday and asked if I would help him install leather in his son’s Silverado. I said sure, he said “the shop wants $1500 to do it” I said cool. Leather package will be $900 or so, $600 for labor is a steal for this job. He changed his mind and is taking it to the shop.

 

Love the build, and thanks for keeping post updated...its awesome seeing the progress!

 

I tried to put 18+ "cloth" seat covers in my 2010 Tundra, got hog rings & the pliers, fiddled with it for 3 hours & took it to a shop. lol

You can have my hogrings (if I can find them) and pliers.