rivertime

hi all. Just wanting thoughts on replacing the front speakers. Ive decided on what I think is a good fit for me, but I HATE the grill covers. (Polk MM6501) For anyone that has replaced the front speakers, do you end up throwing away the grills that come with the speakers and utilise in door ones? or? Im at work now, so havent had a good look at how it works on the door. Thanks for any advise

thanks, ill give it a go.

hi all. Ive got a small stone chip on the front right wing that has started to develop into a small 5mm diameter rust spot. (does seem to be getting a bit worse over time) Any advice on the best way to stop it spreading/repairing? Thanks

Hi Jak. Thanks for the very detailed response. Heres what Ive learnt. I sorted tried what you recommended, instead of running a long speaker cable to the rear speaker, i got one of my bookshelf speakers from my house and connected that to the rear output from the new headunit. I was shocked to hear exactly the same "bass only" sound coming from the book shelf (its rated at 8ohm) so I thought there must be some setting in the headunit that would cause this. I then found a setting sony call "Rear Bass Enhancer" this doesnt enhance your bass in the rear, all it does is turn off any mids or treble from getting to the back speakers!!! so lamn. So, now that I discovered that, I tuned it off, plugged the bookshelf back in and low and behold, full range! re-wired up the rear speakers, and its now full range. I think the biggest issue I have it seems is the technology of sound in cars has changed so much since I last really paid attention. It seems that the front speakers are now the most important set as they build the sound field up from them to mimic the idea of how you have your speaker positioned at home, this seems so bloody obvious now, but I used to always have the sound biased to the rears. Guess its just something Ill have to get used to. Either way, it seem the bypass works as it should, its just me being an idiot! Maybe Ill change out those rear one day to get some better efficiency out of them (they seem a little underpowered) Was thinking of these from Polk MM691 (although they are rated at 2.7Ohm, maybe dangerous with my headunit) or the DXi690 (rated at 4ohm) with a range of 30hz-25khz (94db) and 35hz-23khz (92db) respectively they seem good bang for buck (round $190 a pair) Thanks for your help! dave

Hey Jak. Got the bypass done, all seems to work wel... accept! The rear speakers just sound like they have bass onl coming from them. Ive been through the manual and it doesnt seem to be anything related to a setting in the headunit, so im at a loss? It was a sports luxury model, so Im not sure if there was something else I need to do. Any thoughts? thanks dave

thanks left kidney. I dont drive my car hard (its a 99 model with about 80,000 klm on it!) so im only interested in getting back to being what it was, id obvioulsy be keen for a little better, but not keen to sink a lot of dollars into doing it. its just my daily driver. thanks again

Hi there. Can anyone tell me is there is a difference between the sports luxury 99 model and the standard model? Im trying to track down some replacement parts and am being asked the question. Also, would you recommend swapping out the springs the same time as the shocks if Im getting some pretty rough banging and clanking when driving now? Parts seem so much cheaper form the UK. this guy has everything I need delivered, for about half the price in aus http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Lexus-IS200-2-0-SAL-RWD-KYB-FRONT-Shock-Absorber-99-06-341262-/290824007407?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43b6762eef thanks dave

how did you go with this? My 99 IS200 is needing a suspension overhaul as well (Im experiencing quite a bit of knocks and sharp bumps now, it comes in both noise and feel) last time i had it serviced the mechanic recommended i deal with it within 6 months. Im not sure if its just shocks that would need doing or more? any thoughts? thanks

sorry for the late reply Jak. been away. All makes good sense, thanks for the great detail. Ive got the cable on its way from the UK now. headunit and facia should be waiting at work when i return next week. I think ill leave the amp in situ as I dont really need to get rid of it, and it means i can return it to factory if need be. Thanks again for your response. ill let you know how i get on. dave

Did you have a wiring diagram you worked form? from all the photos ive seen, the space to work with where the amp is tight! did you cut the connector that goes into the amp? or connect to it somehow? know of any how too's online with photos to step me through? id be confident to do it, but a starter always helps! Im in Newtown, Sydney.The facia sounds great (assuming double din?). what sort of money you after? send me a PM with details. thanks

or is this a better option? anyone use one of these? http://www.ebay.com....1#ht_733wt_1139 this is what the back of the unit looks like. and a pdf link to the wiring diagram http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/4422719111.pdf

Hi All. Firstly, I apologise for bringing this topic up again, I know its been covered quite a few times, but for the life of me, I really dont feel confident in ordering the correct cable I require. I am wanting to replace the stock headunit, this is the 3rd ive gone through, stuck CDs mainly, now the radio has given up. I replaced the aerial but it didnt help, then I read quite a bit of stuff saying some onboard modules died meaning a rather expensive repair. Im over them now, just want something a bit more "of the time" Im going to get a Sony XAV701BT. I know I need to get an amp bypass cable, but I cant seem to find one that states it supports a 1999 model. The one I think is closest is this http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/autoleads-pc21054-lexus-is200-is300-amplifier-bypass-wiring-harness-adaptor-p-11086.html but it says Wiring Harness Adaptor suitable for the following Vehicles: Lexus IS200 : 2001 to 2004 (Amplifier Lead) Lexus IS300 : 2001 to 2004 (Amplifier Lead) Can someone please advise me as to the correct cable to get? Ideally the company I would buy it from would also sell a facia kit so I can save on shipping. Thanks for any help dave

had my is200 for about 10 years now. still drives like the day i bought it. the radio is another story. Thats why im here, need help with replacing. ill post in the appropriate forum. look forward to learning from you all. thanks for having me.