caddyowner

I'm trying to install the center console astray alternative, but I cant remove the wood trim pieces. I tried the fishing line technique and they won't budge. I bought a forked interior panel remover, but it's too flat and can't get under the trim pieces. The Lexus instructions talk about using a flat screwdriver, taped up, but I have a CL with leather trim that will get marred. Other ideas?

caddyowner

Never mind, I found the perfect tool. While cleaning off the kitchen counter before going to bed, I saw this object sitting in a cup of pens. I wrapped it in some blue painters tape and the panels popped right out. I don't know that the object is, but it is now my interior trim panel remover and it lives in my toolbox.

Once the pieces are off, it's less than a 15 minute job: unplug the lighter, remove the plastic end pieces from the ashtray and box so all 4 screws can be accessed, swap the boxes, replace the end pieces, and put everything back. I only have one bloody knuckle.

The new lid is a slightly different shade (mainly noticable with the flash), but it doesn't have the scratches that were on the old lid. The box is the perfect location for a couple travel packs of tissues.

kg19989

Nicely done! I am going to do mine later today. I take it that tool you found in the kitchen is pretty rigid?

kg19989

Caddy... Did yours come from Sewell? I got mine in early last week and it looks like there is a stain in one of the corners on the felt... I am thinking it must be glue or something because there is no evidence of this having been installed before.

fencera

That looks great! Do you happen to know the part number for the kit (I assume that's how it comes)? I'd like to do the same thing.

Thanks for posing the picture and information.

caddyowner

The tool is quite rigid. The little curly-q in the center of the handle is also quite sharp when you stick your finger through there to yank the panels out.

It box came from Sewell. I called Darrell there and got the correct part number for my VIN. I believe there is a FAQ on the install or it's an easy search. My wife really appreciates it.

REV-01

iTrader: (13)

how much is this piece again? i don't smoke i whether have this piece

caddyowner

With the CL discount, the price was $175.02 plus $8.51 shipping.

kg19989

Here is the link...


http://www.sewellpartsonline.com/par...id=47562&all=Y
order code for CL members is "BARON"

REV-01

iTrader: (13)

cool...what site to order from?

caddyowner

Must be a late night for you. Look up to kg19989's post.

AlexusAnja

Nice job caddy... for me, I had no issues getting the trim off with fishing line. Guess you're was extra tight. Hopefully you did not get any rattling after installation.

Love this console over the cigarette lighter thing. Wish they had made the cigarette light the option and the tray standard. Oh well...

fencera

Thanks! Appreciate it.

caddyowner

That console box is very welcome for my wife. She wants quick access to tissues and can't lean forward to reach the slide out drawer on the center stack. In the Lincoln, the grab handle on the door had a solid bottom, so that was her tissue stash. As someone recently noted, the door pull in the LS430 is a bottomless pit.

Jabberwock

Looks good!. Its a great feeling to get that nasty ashtray out of this nice car.