SilentWish

i have a 2010 IS and i guess my rear dome lights are different from the 2008 and prior models?
the plastic cover is not surrounded by the soft roof, but by the top hard plastic console.
This rear dome is actually harder to open than the front dome.
Wondering if there's a way to smooth out these scratches and dents? can i sand them down? as long as i can make it smooth again.. i don't really mind minor marks.. it'll be less noticeable than these dents!

also, for those who have a 2009-2010 IS, how do you open your rear dome lights? I've tried using two credit cards to slip it under the cover and even then was it hard to get out! even using a small flat head and denting the top console a bit couldn't get it coming out! i had to struggle and bend two credit cards before successfully taking the cover off once! i can't imagine what i have to go through if the LEDs die and i have to replace them

vinconist

iTrader: (9)

use the flat head in the tool box that came with the car and put electric or painter tape on it, and for the scratches, u can always tape out that section and sand it, use 2000 grit soaked in water over night

brociouz

iTrader: (65)

I think all 2IS's have rear domes like that. The trick is to use a LARGE screwdriver, stick it into the slot and then gently pry it open. When the lens starts to stick out, just grab it with your fingers.

As for how to fix it, I don't think sanding will do anything. Next time you go in for service swap with a loaner.

SilentWish

thanks for the input guys!
i'll try a larger screw driver next time..
perhaps the flat head in the tool bag that came with the car as vinconist suggested!

or maybe i can use a suction tool to help my grip! let me try that next time :P

as for sanding.. i'm willing to try it if it really works lol
i'm just worried that i'll end up screwing it up even more haha.. so i'm thinking if i should leave it as is? sigh..
do you guys have small dents and scratches like this from replacing any LEDs in the car?
(not sure if you still consider these as small dents....... )

brociouz

iTrader: (65)

^ Yeah, I would wait to hear from someone with experience in sanding plastic before taking action. It really doesn't look that bad in your pictures.

I don't have any noticeable scratches or plastic warping on mine, guess I'm lucky.

SilentWish

you are one lucky mate!!
sighhhh.. i guess it doesn't look that bad
but i guess i'm picky about small things like this

yea i'll see if anyone has any experience sanding the plastic part in the car
i've seen people with worst dents and scratches as me tho

SilentWish

vinconist! do you have experience sanding these plastic parts in the car?
when you say soak the 2000 grit over night, should i sand the plastic with it while it's still soaking wet? or is soaking it over night softening it and i can sand with it even when its dried afterwards?

thanks!

shadowman

iTrader: (2)

LOL! That's the most creative thing I heard today.

You're a bad influence man.

SilentWish

lol i thought about brociouz's suggestion
but i thought.. if I have the loaner and remove that rear console
how will i return the car to the dealer without the console..
go back to my car, put the console in, and replace my dented console into the loaner that i've already given back to the dealership?

brociouz

iTrader: (65)

I feel you on the OCD man, just try not to look at it!

You mean a good influence? You know you'd do it if you were in the OP's shoes.

shadowman

iTrader: (2)

Take yours out in advance and leave it in your back pack. Bring in your car for service, then get a loaner. Swap out the parts and keep the good one from the loaner car. When you get your car back, install the good one.

Hey... I learned all this from Brociouz. None of it was my idea.

On topic:

Perhaps they have plastic filler out at automotive shops. You try that. Just mask off the scratched area and fill it in. Smooth it out then wait till it dries. Then use sand paper to create the texture.

SilentWish

LOL that swap seems like a big hassle.. and i might end up scratching the console even more taking it in and out like that and putting it in my backup LOL
and i have a feeling the dealer will ask "what the.. what's this hole on your roof? where's the rear console??" lol

in terms of filling the plastic.. wow that sounds like a lot of work haha
and knowing that i'm not a handy person.. i'll probably make it worst than it is now

516IS

iTrader: (12)

Looking at the pics, it doesn't really look that bad, who will look up at the console anyway? I rarely have anyone sitting in the back...

SilentWish

lol that's exactly what i'm trying to persuade myself with!
maybe after a bit of time.. i'll just forget about it
or it'll stop bothering me when other things in my car starts to wear out with time!

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

You should get plastic trim remover tools next time.
http://www.amazon.com/Automotive-Mol...451416&sr=8-11