Hello everyone, I just picked-up an 03 GS300 and am loving everything about it. Coming from an 02 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro I can say I made the right choice. One issue I would like to fix is...There are a couple of small dents in the chrome trim that connects and runs parallel to the bottom of the drivers side front window. I recently had my windows tinted and I think they dented the trim! Since I have been there today to have them re-do one window they screwed-up on the film (this is my 3rd car they have done and the first two were perfect) I am not sure they will be excited to see me return. I am going back though. If they refuse to fix I may want to do it myself - does the door panel have to come-off? The dealer wants $68 for the part and $90 for labor. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks and I am glad to be a part of this forum. Happy Holidays.

 

Hey, Hakes. Yes, the door panel comes off (pretty easily once you get the hang of it). As I recall, there are 4 or 5 screws that run along the bottom of the panel, one underneath the arm rest, one behind the handle/release (you have to pop off the piece of plastic there), and one more at the far left part of the door where it opens. Once all of the screws are off, you need to pull the panel towards you from the bottom (there are some plastic pegs/clips that need to be released), and then lift the panel upward. Be careful, though, because the panel is still connected to the door via two cables (which I believe control the door lock). You can release hte cables, but it's a little tricky and I never did it. I think the chrome strip is attached to the top of the door panel with some pins and adhesive.

Check out BananaGS's web site. I believe there are some pictures there on how to do it. Hope this helps. Check out #1 under interior.

http://lexusmodz.netfirms.com/

e-man

P.S.: If you plan on doing it yourself, you might want to call Carson Toyota to get the part. I believe it is considerably cheaper than $68.

 

Flippin beautiful, this is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you e-man.