aqua

True. I didn't even see the other pictures below, just the 3/4 angle shot.

Although it doesn't have the adjustable air suspension, which is weird cuz it does have the auto folding side view mirrors, the rear air vents, the wooden steering wheel, premium audio, navigation etc.

All that jazz above the base model IMO I think the moulding came with the vehicle.

rxgxmdx

Those things can be added to the base model as optional packages, but the air suspension is exclusive to Premium. You cannot even get it from Sewell .

Koz

The easiest way to tell the difference (base & premium) is first the door molding and second is the chrome trim going around the rear side glass (from the front is the headlight washers).

Koz

rxgxmdx

The wrap-around chrome trims look nice. Should be easy to DIY.

Tnorling

OMG! Drilling holes in your doors for these? No way! Buy the Premium version if you desire the look.

wannaGX

I had the side moldings added at Sewell. I asked about the wrap around chrome but they were ridiculously expensive. forgot how much but I didn't think it was worth it. Love the molding tho.

rxgxmdx

I read through all the discussions on this topic scattered across a number of threads, and finally pulled the trigger. Just wanted to share the simple steps I took and some pictures.

The overriding conclusion is: it is easy; you can do it without drilling holes!

OK, let's start with a few photos of the parts. Note the "infamous" clips and double-sided tapes in the third picture.

rxgxmdx

The first thing is to get rid of the clips. They are fairly easy to remove. Just wiggle them loose using your fingers (or pliers).

Note on one end I didn't remove the base of the clips because they had the tapes. Those are the only two clips you need to cut the protrusion off.

rxgxmdx

Next, mask the locations of the moldings. I followed the drawing posted by Luke27617 (my thanks!):

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/5643272-post4.html

The paper technique was great. I found it easier to measure and mark the two end points with the doors open.

The measurements placed the masking tape just above the factory crease line. Because the moldings are shaped hard plastics, it is quite simple to verify the masking is done right: align the bottom edge of the moldings with the top of the masking tape and see if they fit snugly against the door curves.

rxgxmdx

Finally ...

aqua

terrific job and thanks for providing us with your detailed instructions.

how long did the job take you?

it seems that the long mouldings had the tape on the clips but the short mouldings don't have the tape on the clips

did you have to add more double sided tape to anything?

Great Job on now "2" moulding jobs!

rxgxmdx

It took me about an hour. I was a little too meticulous.

No, I didn't use extra tapes.

Forgot to mention one detail. I bought a small bottle of rubbing alcohol and used that to clean the area above the masking tape.

You can do ti!

rxgxmdx

Here is another picture showing the side molding. It looks good especially on dark-colored body.

The photo was taken today after I was done with detailing (2 coats of zaino).

patgilm

Looks so much better with the molding. I would do the same thing if I had a base model.

rs/ss

yes, thanks for the write up. It looks very nice.