2013 ToyotaFest car show: A definite must attend for Toyota, Lexus and Scion fans Part 4

Here we are to wrap our belated coverage of the 2013 ToyotaFest.  Enjoy the pictures and we'll see you there next year! 

2013 ToyotaFest car show: A definite must attend for Toyota, Lexus and Scion fans Part 3

A very nice MKIV Supra on HRE wheels.

We head into part 3 of our coverage of the 2013 ToyotaFest, where we waded past row after row of Supras and MR2s.

2013 ToyotaFest car show: A definite must attend for Toyota, Lexus and Scion fans Part 2

ITBs and a Levin front end conversion.  Very nice!

In part 2 of our coverage of the 2013 ToyotaFest, we move away from the Lexus vehicles and onto the Scions and Toyotas. 

DIY Fix: How to Remove and Replace Lower Ball Joints and Outer Tie Rods (Lexus GS 300/Toyota Aristo JZS161)

Ball joints and tie rods are critical for maintaining steering control and safety.  A broken ball joint or tie rod can result in a catastrophic accident.

In recent weeks, we've received quite a few questions from people asking if we can help them identify odd noises coming from their vehicles.  While we cannot guarantee we can help them pinpoint the exact cause of the noise, we generally ask them a few questions or ask them to send us a video to help us get an idea of the general location of the noise. 

The most common one thus far has been odd noises coming from the front end of a person's car, and aside from shocks or wheel bearings, we noticed that ball joints and tie rods are the usual culprits.  Follow along as we explain how to check for bad ball joints and tie rod ends, and show a general how to on our very own project car.

2013 ToyotaFest car show: A definite must attend for Toyota, Lexus and Scion fans Part 1

Each year in the spring, the Toyota Owner's and Restorer's Club (TORC) hold an event for all fans of Toyota, Lexus and Scion cars to attend.  This year's event held at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA continued the tradition of a family friendly event filled with cars that any gear head can appreciate.  There were project cars in various stages of their build, fully restored classics, heavily modified cars, and factory stock cars in mint condition.  Toyota also set up shop with games, allowing attendees the chance to win prizes such as cell phone holders, MKIII Toyota Supra shaped air fresheners, and portable chairs.

2013 Z Car West Coast National Car Show - Motorsport Auto

Every year since 1996, Motorsport Auto holds a Datsun/Nissan car show in Orange, CA.  Z car owners of any generation Z are welcome to enter their vehicle in the show, and attendance is free to everyone.   This year, the show was held in front of Motorsport Auto's facility.  An entire block of West Collins Avenue was closed for the event. 

DIY Fix: How to Replace Your License Plate Bulb / Light (Car: Lexus GS 300)

Spring is in full effect, and since the days are getting longer little by little, some of us may not have to use our lights as often while driving.  One thing to check after a winter driving season are your vehicle's exterior lights.  Many times, this is a really quick inspection that people forget to do.  The ones that we do check often are the brake lights and headlights, but there are a pair of lights which do get ignored: the license plate lights.  These tiny bulbs can sometimes be the reason for being pulled over.  Follow along as we show you how a mini DIY tutorial on how to replace the license plate bulbs on a Lexus GS300, aka Toyota Aristo for those of our readers in Japan.  Remember, that this tutorial is just a reference and we are in no way responsible for any damage you do to your vehicle.  If in doubt, consult a professional for assistance.