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I'm hoping I'm not the first person that this has happen too, so I'm reaching out for some advice.
When I was reinstalling the interior side trim pieces, on the tailgate of my 2010 RX350 (pieces that go on each side of the tailgate window), I didn't pull the clips out of the metal & put them on the trim first. Well, a couple of the clips decided to go insude the metal and for the life of me, I cannot figure out how to get them out. Any advice on how to access these would be greatly appreciated.
Buy new clips. I assume you mean the black plastic things. Search on www.lexuspartsnow.com for parts numbers. They have drawings to help identify them. You may also be able to find them on eBay as I bet this clip is used on a lot of Toyota/Lexus models.
Also, speaking as someone who has taken apart the interior of at least 6 cars, you really do not need all those clips. If only missing one or two, just put it back together. If it does not rattle, you are good to go.
See illustration. The ones I have are white. I agree, you don't need to have them all, but I don't like hearing them rattle when I open & close the hatch.
If they are inside the metal hatch door itself it appears you would have to remove all the interior trim to try and locate them. I guess they would fall to the lowest level. Maybe one of these alternatives would work:
If you removed 74511D and 64785A maybe you could get at them. Or try removing the rear tail light for access.
I had a plan to remove the same pieces on mine a couple years ago. Bought a complete set to have as spares then plans changed. Still here.......somewhere.
They are very cheap to buy if you choose to.
Try this first:
Get a small rigid rod or wire ( thin coat hanger....maybe).
Put a small square of 2 sided tape & start fishing in the hole they fell into.
You can hear them while opening the door means they are not lodged anywhere.
See illustration. The ones I have are white. I agree, you don't need to have them all, but I don't like hearing them rattle when I open & close the hatch.