meyst

I just wanted to share my experience with the Metra Dash Kit for my Lexus ES 350. Installation was mostly straightforward, but there were a couple of snags.

Overall, it looks very good once installed and the quality is fine once installed. However, you will have to take some additional steps to get it to fit correctly. Step 12 (Figure O) of "Kit Preparation" is not correct -- you will have to trim off some additional plastic to get everything to fit back together.
Below are a series of picture to demonstrate:

Here are the Metra directions:


Here is what they SHOULD be (only the left side is shown, the right side is the mirror image of this):




Here is what it looks like after the little extra is removed:




And finally, here is what it looks like when re-assembled. Notice how it now clears the edge?




In Kit Assembly, Step A, the supplied screws are too small to securely fit into the sides of the A/C circuit board plastic (I had to scavenge for some larger screws). There is one on each side.





There is a slight gap below the A/C controls, but I doubt that it will show up once installed in the dash without light shining through the gap.





Otherwise, the kit fits great and looks "stock" (which is the highest praise there is for looks!).





One tip: During Kit Preparation, pay attention to Step 7 & 8 -- it's easy to miss the fact that you must take the plastic off the backside of the A/C controls and take the 4 screws out of the circuit board during the excitement of the installation!