lex326

Someone banged up my front grill trim while I was parking.

Needs to be replaced. Where is the best place to get one, and how much labor is involved?

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

which grille trim? are you referring to the chrome part around the grille?

lex326

correct... im assuming (hoping) they're two separate things (trim vs. grille). The grille is fine.

lex326

Perhaps the word grill "moulding" is more appropriate.

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

take a look here i assume its part #5 you are referring to.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yes that's the chrome molding, expect around 110 bucks

lex326

Do I need a Lexus dealer do it or can Joe mechanic down the street install. I'm guessing lex dealer would charge ARM and a leg for labor.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

it's not too bad for a diy imho

lex326

Lex dealer/servicer gave me a worst case scenario of $300-350. He said he himself had never done a replacement on a GS, had to do one on an IS and it involved removing the grille and bumper.

That didn't sound right to me, but I don't know *****.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

parts, around 110. as far as i remember, there is no need to take off the bumper at all. just need to remove upper panel, rubber trim, then just pull it out

lex326

Sorry for not being a picasso here, but attached is the pic. The busted part of the moulding is on the left, on the left side of the grille. As you can see, the damage is exclusive to the moulding. There is a little thread-like thing sticking out of it - it is not a crack extending onto the grill as the pic might suggest.

The Lexus dealer told me they'd have to replace both the grill and moulding for $780. I pushed back and asked how that's possible when the grill is perfectly fine. They said there might be a clip that's broken and they'd have to replace the grill as well? When I gave them an incredulous look they kind of doubled back on themselves and said they'd have to take another look when I go in for my other service that needs to be done next week. I'm no car expert, but what they're saying is fishy.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

ok, if i see correctly, part of the "black" portion is also cracked, no? i believe that's part of the bumper itself?!

for the grille, even if a clip is broken, it's not going to affect anything, if you want to save some cash

lex326

The crack on the black part is pretty superficial. But even so that doesnt seem to have anything to do with the grill as the dealer suggests.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

agreed, i doubt the grille is affected.

BinaryJay

I can't even tell what's wrong with it... doesn't look worth fixing to me. Nobody is going to have their nose up to your bumper telling you how awful the car looks. I think I see a "crack" there but it looks to me like it could just as well be somebody's hair.