On some 2005 ES330’s, the trim strip above the rear license plate is chrome and on others it’s painted-over chrome. Mine is painted-over chrome and the paint is peeling off and looks bad. How does one remove the paint and not harm the chrome. It’s not “plastic” chrome. I checked with a magnet.

I FINALLY got a picture posted that shows the problem. The paint won’t peel by pulling on it. It chips off. It’s unsightly.

Just found the answer on another discussion on the internet. Spray oven cleaner on the paint and let it sit for 30 minutes. Paint wipes off. Paint thinner works too.

Of course, you have to remove the piece first.
Pass it along.

For reference, the Lexus Part No. and Name is:

Lexus Part No.: 76801-33090-B1
GARNISH SUB-ASSY, LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT DOOR, OUTSIDE

Finished product. Paint gone and chrome is shiny bright. Used Easy-Off oven cleaner and no, the paint did not wipe off like I’ve read on some discussions here. Had to scrub it with nylon brush in the kitchen sink with water running on it and my tough thumbnail.

Getting the Emergency Trunk release off is a hassleand this discussion speaks to it. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...ase-latch.html

The trunk insert has 3 fasteners that come off with a butter knife and there are two more glued to the lnside you can’t see, one on each side of the trunk latch. Pull the insert towards you to unclip. There are 4 - 11mm nuts to remove and two wire connectors to the license plate lights to remove. The trim then comes off.