ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012) Discussion topics related to 2007+ ES350

Touchpad Beautification

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Old 03-30-10, 05:17 PM
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MonAndrew7
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Default Touchpad Beautification

Folks,

My A1 touchpad is installed!

http://www.a1electric.com/Merchant2/...uct_Code=AKE-5

Works beautifully without any interference whatsoever when doing normal smartkey entry functionality. But if I want to forgo the smartkey entry, I can control all the normal functions, lock, unlock, trunk etc. ...plus custom codes and so forth.

The only trouble is the overlay is butt-ugly and the lights are too bright. No worries on the lights, I've got that under control, but the overlay is another matter. So I need to fashion something. Essentially the overlay is nothing more than an adhesive face with the holes in it. I'd like to fashion something out of plastic or metal and have it chromed to essentially match the look of the door handle. What do you think? Any suggestions? Any place that can make something like this for me? It would effectively be a custom part with the five oblong holes in it......

Thanks....
Attached Thumbnails Touchpad Beautification-lexuskeypad.jpg  
Old 03-30-10, 06:19 PM
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jagtoes
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Looks out of place. Why is this needed? I would rather remove the door handles.
Old 03-30-10, 06:55 PM
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Blueshark
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It looks very nice, i think we have to look as a whole picture to appreciate it. I'm afraid that people will pick on it since it attract. I would like to ask you why are you installing it since the FOB will unlock the doors for you ?

Chroming it would be a nice touch.
Old 03-30-10, 07:01 PM
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JRey350hou
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Originally Posted by MonAndrew7
Folks,

My A1 touchpad is installed!

http://www.a1electric.com/Merchant2/...uct_Code=AKE-5

Works beautifully without any interference whatsoever when doing normal smartkey entry functionality. But if I want to forgo the smartkey entry, I can control all the normal functions, lock, unlock, trunk etc. ...plus custom codes and so forth.

The only trouble is the overlay is butt-ugly and the lights are too bright. No worries on the lights, I've got that under control, but the overlay is another matter. So I need to fashion something. Essentially the overlay is nothing more than an adhesive face with the holes in it. I'd like to fashion something out of plastic or metal and have it chromed to essentially match the look of the door handle. What do you think? Any suggestions? Any place that can make something like this for me? It would effectively be a custom part with the five oblong holes in it......

Thanks....
my question also why ?? I've seen these on inexpensive Mercury vehicles...honestly it just doesnt fit the Lexus es350 IMO...but maybe you have rhyme/ reason for the install.
Old 03-30-10, 07:22 PM
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MonAndrew7
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It's so I can get into the car WITHOUT carrying my keys or wallet with me when swimming or cycling (which is literally five times a week.) It's also so my wife can get into the car without adding another fob to her key chain. That's it.

I agree the overlay looks horrible. But I think if I could create a new one, it would be OK. Any ideas where I could have one made? It would have to be sort of in the shape of let's say 4" by 3/4" and it's very thin....maybe 1/8 inch. Something streamlined that will essentially look like a match to the swooping door handle.....
Old 03-31-10, 05:11 AM
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MikeP
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It's not very attractive, so I would paint the overlay the same color as the car.
Old 03-31-10, 05:30 AM
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MonAndrew7
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That's my point. I need a NEW overlay made out of plastic. Any place you folks know that could do this? Essentially it would be a custom plastic piece?
Old 03-31-10, 05:55 AM
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LexBob2
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Maybe the place where you bought it might know of a source where you could get an overlay.

FWIW I agree with oithers that it looks out of place. Kinda like a Pep Boys added on item. But if it meets your needs, I hope you can locate the overlay you're looking for.
Old 03-31-10, 06:58 AM
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Joeb427
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I'm not fond of the look of that piece in any case.Painted or not,it will look like a aftermarket add on.
Also, I would have centered the piece under the door handle if I needed it.

Last edited by Joeb427; 03-31-10 at 07:03 AM.
Old 03-31-10, 11:12 AM
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garsarno
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Had Lincoln - Mercury products before our ES350 and they all had the touch pads. I never used them, just the remote fob.
Old 06-20-11, 12:30 AM
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007Dirty
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Just my .02, that looks hideous. WHY would you ruin a car by putting that ugly thing on it and then it's not even aligned correctly. The reasons you give are strange. Why not give your wife the other fob to carry? Why couldn't you put your fob in one of those little metal boxes that are magnetic and go under the wheel well? It sounds like a non-problem but WOW.
Old 06-20-11, 06:27 AM
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MadMax96
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Holy thread resurrection Batman!
Old 06-20-11, 09:10 AM
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007Dirty
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Originally Posted by MadMax96
Holy thread resurrection Batman!
Yeah, sorry LOL, didn't realize how old it was until I'd already posted.
Old 06-20-11, 11:05 AM
  #14  
MonAndrew7
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For the record after a deer strike, the door was repairs and I ditched this piece of garbage. Never worked right. Piece of junk. If you wan this functionality you souls just buy Ford.....

My car is back to normal....

A
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