For anyone looking for the reusable plastic rivets for the engine cover, here is the link.

http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Lex...r_p/a21525.htm

 

Those look like the ones for the IS, not the GS. Even the link says for ES, IS and RX. The clips noted on Sewell's website for the GS don't show as being compatible with the IS so proceed at your own risk. Here's the link:

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2009/5386.html

 

[QUOTE=anthrax144;7874605]Those look like the ones for the IS, not the GS. Even the link says for ES, IS and RX. The clips noted on Sewell's website for the GS don't show as being compatible with the IS so proceed at your own risk. Here's the link:

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2009/5386.html[/

These exact rivets are actually on my car now. I a have never replaced them, so unless the dealer broke and replaced them all I don't know. All I know is they fit and work great. Even though they are plastic they are pretty hard to break. I guess it doesn't matter which ones are used as long as they fit. Thanks for the reply and heads up.

 

Oh okay, good to know! They are definitely cheaper than ordering from Sewell. Thanks for sharing!

 

I replaced my inboard city lights tonight, and MAN those push-pin-clippy things are the goofiest design I've ever seen. Kinda surprised Lexus would design a fastener that is far less user friendly than the ones underhood on my Suburban.....

 

I also ordered from this site but i ordered the round one that you just push down, I broke almost all the oem ones, i agree its the strangest design for sure. The ones i got from this site breaks really easy FYI, i should have ordered an extra set since their so cheap anyways.

 

I popped a couple when I changed my spark plugs. Actually, these are the best I've seen from the previous cars that i've had.

 

I went to Lowe's and got the Christmas tree style clips and they are the only way to go. Those push top clips are a joke

 

pics to show how it look?

I thought these are pretty good. It has 3 stages, one for insert, two for clip, three for unclip. Take it out and reset it to the insert stage. Resetting is a bit hard and I guess that's where you guys broke it's legs.

 

Im getting tired of mine too! You got any pics of how you have yours set up?

 

Yes please post a pic of the one that fits from Lowe's - they have like a million styles in those little drawers....

 

I too was dissatisfied with the plastic clips. Even when they were all properly installed, the covers still seemed loose. My solution was to eliminate the clips altogether. I replaced them with threaded inserts and thumb screws. When these cinch down, it's much more secure.

Just as with the plastic clips, the thumbscrews can get lost. But the bag comes with 25 pieces and the car only needs 12, so I have spares.

No, not the cheapest solution, but it is the final solution in my case.

Here's the BOM:
Zinc/Yellow Plated Steel Rivet Nut for Plastics 10-32, pack of 10 ($11.42 for 2 packs)

Plastic-Head Thumb Screw Black Knurled Head, 10-32 Thread, 1/2" Length, pack of 25 ($13.11)

Wrench-Drive Rivet Nut Installation Tool, for 10-24 & 10-32 Thread Size ($29.84)

Notes:
While the fasteners work like wall anchors, the screw itself will not be able to collapse the legs. I found that out the hard way, and had to buy the installation tool. That makes it a breeze.

The anchors are very slightly larger in diameter than the existing 7mm holes. I used that step drill in the picture to take them to 5/16" which was very easy for both the plastic and metal holes. For the metal ones I then dabbed some touch-up primer on the bare edges.

The thumb screws only need to be 1/2" long to fully engage the insert. Keeping them short also takes less time to install/remove, and maintains clearance beneath.

 

Some pics of them in your engine bay would be great! I've been looking for a while for a new solution to the OEM clips as they seem to always get lost somehow.