e-man

Hey guys. I figure someone must know the answer to this. The chrome strip that runs along the inside top part of my driver's side door has a bunch of small dents in at (don't ask, because I have absolutely no idea how they got there). I would like to replace it. I tried to remove it, but I just can't seem to get it out. Does anyone know how to remove the strip? Do I have to take apart the door? Thanks in advance for any help.

e-man

e-man

Here's a close up look at it. I really couldn't get the dents to stand out, but there are about 15-20 of them and they run along the entire strip of chrome. I'm thinking it might have happened when the first owner had the tint put in, but I really don't know.

rgarjr

iTrader: (1)

That chrome strip may not be a single item you can replace, meaning you probably have to replace the whole door panel. You probably need to take the door panel out and do check out how it connects at the rear.

retrodrive

Tske off the door panel. The chrome strip is attached to the door by pins that you can get loose. Those pins are a part of that chrome strip. Kinda easy when you take out the door panel.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yeah if you take off teh door panel it's pretty easy to take off the strip, i just hope you can get the strip separately.

there are couple of screws all around it. then pop the cover on the door handle, another screw inside. look down from below the armrest, another screw. slide out the front tweeters covers, and you shoudl be able to slide out the panel

e-man

Thanks guys. Before I start taking apart the door, I will check with Lexus to see whether that strip is sold alone as a single part. I can't imagine that you'd have to replace the entire door panel to replace that strip, but I'll find out. Romini, thanks for the instructions on how to take apart the door.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

no problem man, anything to help. just be very patience when you take off the door panel, don't force it, you will scratch something. another advice, roll down the window before taking it out, that way you can be sure you don't scratch the window

ntran18

iTrader: (27)

This should help illustrate rominl's instructions. It looks like you can get the part separate from the others.

GlobeCLK

iTrader: (5)

once you get the hang of it it'll be pretty easy. The first time I tried to take my door panels off to paint the wood pieces it took me about 30 minutes to remove 1 door. Now I can do it in 2 minutes.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yup, it's always about practice

e-man

For all of you who are interested, I went to Lexus today to check on buying the chrome strip. Apparently, it is sold as part of the door panel (more than $1,000). Does anyone know if there are companies that make aftermarket parts for these kinds of things? I really don't think it needs to be a Lexus part. As long as it looks the same and fits well, what difference does it make.

2SAVVY

Have you tried looking in a junk yard.. If you are lucky you might find a GS to scoop parts from.. Scooped up a couple factory scissor jacks that way and also shift ****.. Go through your yellow pages to find them and just never know what you can find.. Hope that helps!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

have you tried talking to steve ganz? maybe he can pull some miracle for you

e-man

Having only been participating on the site for 3 months or so, I have to confess that I don't know who Steve Ganz is. Is he the rep at Carson?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

he's the parts department manager at carson toyota. pm him (supratrd) about the prices

or call carson toyota, ask for parts department, talk to bobby and you are good to go