Installing Chrome Door Handles on RX
08-06-08, 08:55 PM
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Installing Chrome Door Handles on RX
The '09 RXs has chrome door handles which looks nice, so I was thinking of buying a set but I was wondering if anybody had any experience installing them. How hard or easy. I heard it could be a nightmare. I don't want to get the cheapie chrome door cover even though it would be much simpler.
Last edited by yippeeiaye; 08-06-08 at 09:43 PM. Reason: for correction of year
08-07-08, 06:25 AM
#2
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I don't know the answer to your question, but I for one was disappointed to see the end of the matched door handles and the use of chrome on all colors in '09. Maybe on the silver I don't mind as much. In fact, to make the driver's door as sleek as possible, I installed the key plug, as shown here on a silver car (not mine - I think this is from the seller's web page). I guess my point is that I don't know if Lexus thought that the silver handles were a touch of class or if they were a cost-saving move. Maybe it's just a matter of taste and what you like.
08-07-08, 09:17 AM
#3
You can get a nice door handle cover, would cost some $$. And they are really nice and would stand abuse.
Replacing them would be a task. I have had the dealer replace all 4 of mine due to a paint problem (fading). It did not take them a lot of time to do. With instructions, I think it is doable. But trying to work on the door is a nasty process, you will have to break the seal on the door, they have the gooey glue and all (I know Honda has them, but have not worked on a Lexus-Toyota).
Replacing them would be a task. I have had the dealer replace all 4 of mine due to a paint problem (fading). It did not take them a lot of time to do. With instructions, I think it is doable. But trying to work on the door is a nasty process, you will have to break the seal on the door, they have the gooey glue and all (I know Honda has them, but have not worked on a Lexus-Toyota).
08-07-08, 01:22 PM
#5
I like the chromies....and they should have the side mirror LED's, too....I wonder why they went cheap on this option, why is it not offered.
08-07-08, 09:30 PM
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If the door handles on the RX are the same kind of assemblies as the handles on the SC430 (They look pretty much the same), then the job is extremely easy.
I was thinking of replacing the handles with the chrome ones as well. I think it looks great especially paired with chrome rims.
I replaced my SC door lock a few weeks ago. All that was involved was unscrewing one screw in the door jam. The entire lock assembly comes out, and without the lock assembly there to block the handle from coming out, the whole door handle slides right out.
So if the RX is the same, it is a matter of removing one torx bolt in the door jam. I'll take a look at the RX door jam tomorrow to see if its the same and get back to you guys.
I was thinking of replacing the handles with the chrome ones as well. I think it looks great especially paired with chrome rims.
I replaced my SC door lock a few weeks ago. All that was involved was unscrewing one screw in the door jam. The entire lock assembly comes out, and without the lock assembly there to block the handle from coming out, the whole door handle slides right out.
So if the RX is the same, it is a matter of removing one torx bolt in the door jam. I'll take a look at the RX door jam tomorrow to see if its the same and get back to you guys.
08-08-08, 10:04 PM
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If the door handles on the RX are the same kind of assemblies as the handles on the SC430 (They look pretty much the same), then the job is extremely easy.
I was thinking of replacing the handles with the chrome ones as well. I think it looks great especially paired with chrome rims.
I replaced my SC door lock a few weeks ago. All that was involved was unscrewing one screw in the door jam. The entire lock assembly comes out, and without the lock assembly there to block the handle from coming out, the whole door handle slides right out.
So if the RX is the same, it is a matter of removing one torx bolt in the door jam. I'll take a look at the RX door jam tomorrow to see if its the same and get back to you guys.
I was thinking of replacing the handles with the chrome ones as well. I think it looks great especially paired with chrome rims.
I replaced my SC door lock a few weeks ago. All that was involved was unscrewing one screw in the door jam. The entire lock assembly comes out, and without the lock assembly there to block the handle from coming out, the whole door handle slides right out.
So if the RX is the same, it is a matter of removing one torx bolt in the door jam. I'll take a look at the RX door jam tomorrow to see if its the same and get back to you guys.
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09-07-08, 05:20 PM
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Well I decided to order chrome handles (OEM ones). I haven't looked at the work to change them but did read the previous post on removing the plug and accessing the screw holding the handle. Seems easy enough.
Only problem is that I couldn't find the same setup for the rear doors.
Do I have to remove the door panel and get to the handle from the inside or is there an easier way to remove the rear door handles.
Any help is appreciated.
Only problem is that I couldn't find the same setup for the rear doors.
Do I have to remove the door panel and get to the handle from the inside or is there an easier way to remove the rear door handles.
Any help is appreciated.
09-08-08, 06:08 AM
#12
Handles
Well I decided to order chrome handles (OEM ones). I haven't looked at the work to change them but did read the previous post on removing the plug and accessing the screw holding the handle. Seems easy enough.
Only problem is that I couldn't find the same setup for the rear doors.
Do I have to remove the door panel and get to the handle from the inside or is there an easier way to remove the rear door handles.
Any help is appreciated.
Only problem is that I couldn't find the same setup for the rear doors.
Do I have to remove the door panel and get to the handle from the inside or is there an easier way to remove the rear door handles.
Any help is appreciated.
09-08-08, 08:35 PM
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I'm tracking the handles from Japan ordered on Sept 5th. They just entered Canada Customs so I should get them in about 3 months 
.
I'll post pics of the handles and the process when their done. Ordered them from Ebay for $163 delivered. Great communication with the seller. Authentic Toyota parts. I can confirm once I get them.
.I'll post pics of the handles and the process when their done. Ordered them from Ebay for $163 delivered. Great communication with the seller. Authentic Toyota parts. I can confirm once I get them.
09-09-08, 08:58 AM
#14
Can you please let us know who the vendor is? Thanks.
09-09-08, 09:17 PM
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The handles arrived today. Man that was fast. Ordered them on the 5th from Japan.
They are real Toyota OEM parts. Or at least that is what the tags say. Look genuine - no reason to question it.
The seller is zeroism702 on Ebay. Wasn't sure if I could post the auction. You can lookup his id. He was really good to talk to and answered my question promptly. Sent a tracking number right away.
Now I just need to find the time to change the handles - might be a weekend job. Also need to figure out which part numbers go on which door.
They are real Toyota OEM parts. Or at least that is what the tags say. Look genuine - no reason to question it.
The seller is zeroism702 on Ebay. Wasn't sure if I could post the auction. You can lookup his id. He was really good to talk to and answered my question promptly. Sent a tracking number right away.
Now I just need to find the time to change the handles - might be a weekend job. Also need to figure out which part numbers go on which door.