Howplum

I posted something under the How To heading about removing the centre console. Basically it just clips in. Carefully lever the wooden trim up at the rear first, although removal is easier if the gear selector is in drive or neutral.

Have you checked on amayama.com or megazip.com?

By the way, I think SGS also offer a refurbishment service.

I got my LS400 bonnet struts from this company, via eBay: http://www.gasstrutengineering.co.uk/ Or you could try: https://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts?gclid=Cj0KCQiA6Or_BRC_ARIsAPzuer8hEGtvf5yaT2hmI-ks5HO8U8wZcRwRqMb0CnR1Le6atdeRDFZ-sP4aAgz3EALw_wcB

I have just bled the cooling system and added nearly 2 litres(!) of coolant in the process, so obviously there is a lesson learned there. At least the heater works now, although I noticed the level in the expansion tank has dropped to about half, so that will need topping up when it's cooled down, as well as checking the engine level by removing the 17mm plug.

I found the following which seems to cover the procedure, so I'll have a go later, although I did read somewhere else that it may have to be done more than once. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-1st-and-2nd-gen-1990-2000/609291-how-to-bleed-the-cooling-system.html

There's no evidence of a leak, so hopefully not.

Yes Stuart, I did both of those things. Still, I will try again, perhaps whilst on ramps?

Ever since changing the timing belt etc. I find that I have to regularly top up the coolant expansion tank, even after fairly short journeys, although there are no apparent leaks. This morning I noticed the heater no longer works, so I am wondering if I have an airlock which has found its way into the heater matrix. What is best way to "burp" the system please?

Here's an Autocar article I found from 2017. Judging by the figures mentioned I assume values were at their lowest. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-car-buying-guides/lexus-ls400-used-car-buying-guide

As a benchmark, I paid £73 plus £6 P & P in March 2020 from LPD, as part of a bigger order.

This is my battery label.

I looked at various alternatives last year, but in the end I bought one from Lexus Parts Direct, who offered the best price, and of course it fitted perfectly.

Out of curiosity I have just started keeping track of LS 400s and Celsiors for sale, and the first thing I have noticed is that there seems to be a tipping point between 80,000 and 100,000, under which the asking price is over £5,000. Admittedly there are only 10 cars on the list, so I shall persevere. Hopefully this means that the better cars will be more appreciated for what they represent.

Edward Hall doesn't sell cheap cars, but they have a good reputation. Perhaps, as the saying goes, the quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.

https://www.edward-hall.co.uk/1996toyotacelsior

Enjoy!

When I got my 1996 project last year I had problems with the security system, especially as described by you. I had it disconnected in the end. Anyway, the supplement in my Owner's Manual explains the reset procedure, as attached.

Or you could try Febest: https://febest.eu/en/ They list a number of suspension components, but appear to only supply to dealers, so a bit of research will be required. PS: There are 4 UK dealers shown towards the bottom of the home page.

It looks as though Megazip's address is www.megazip.net

amayama.com, based in Japan, sell genuine parts at a lower cost than our main dealers. Apparently they work out cheaper even after allowing for shipping, duty and VAT, although I have not used them myself. Another option is rockauto.com in the US, who also sell aftermarket parts. The same caveat about import costs also apply though. Assuming the rear suspension is not dissimilar to the saloons it might be possible to source bushes only for some components, whereas Lexus only sell complete assemblies. It probably depends on whether or not you want to stick with Lexus sourced parts. Finding a reliable alternative source of parts in the UK is difficult, unlike BMW and Mercedes-Benz, for example.

I spotted this, in case anyone's looking for one: https://swva.co.uk/classic-car/lexus-ls400-1995/

Having bought the rear OEM spring insulators from Paul, I have now bought a pair of KYB shock absorbers, which seemed to be the most reasonably priced, although the choice did seem a bit limited. That will be a job for next year though. In the meantime I decided to add a little more bling by having the wheel badges sprayed gold to match the body badges. At some point I will be repainting the wheels and having the clip on weights replaced with self adhesive ones on the inside.

Thanks. Easy when you know how!

On the subject of change I would like to suggest an idea for any future revision. I am also a member of the Mercedes Benz Club and on their forum I am directed to the last post read by me under a particular topic instead of the first. It seems a small detail, but it is very convenient.