DIY Shark Fin Removal w/pix!!!
08-24-16, 10:16 AM
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
DIY Shark Fin Removal w/pix!!!
After looking around, and not finding a definitive answer, or pix...I decided to keep track of removing my shark fin for wrapping the roof myself
Hopefully you find this useful, I apologize if I repost info that was already out there...
Hopefully you find this useful, I apologize if I repost info that was already out there...
08-24-16, 10:21 AM
#3
Driver
Thread Starter
Next, those pesky rear side pillar next to the seat. One bolt on each side to remove. Then the whole bolster pulls toward the front of the car, I just laid the bolsters down in the vacant area that the seat was.
*Watch out for the black stuff around the circles under the seat* (Nasty, sticky, gooey, oily stuff)
*Watch out for the black stuff around the circles under the seat* (Nasty, sticky, gooey, oily stuff)
08-24-16, 10:25 AM
#5
Driver
Thread Starter
Next I pulled the "Oh *****" handles off. Stupid cover on each end of the handle. (Helps to have a friend hold the handle down) You have to pry these off, literally. I'm not super mechanical, but they seemed to be the hardest part. They do warp and gouge easy FYI. I will be buying four new covers! The black covers pull off straight at the interior.
08-24-16, 10:27 AM
#6
Driver
Thread Starter
Next thing I dd was to pull the rear light off. Using a small screwdriver, I popped the cover off the light. Then there are little prongs in there that you kind of wiggle out.
08-24-16, 10:31 AM
#7
Driver
Thread Starter
Lastly, was removing, or loosening the rear headliner. There are 3 clips on each side or the car, passenger and drivers side. I stood out side the car and pulled those down. Hopped back into the rear seat, faced forward and pulled the last three clips along the rear window straight down. This loosened the headliner, and VIOLA, there was the elusive bolt! Remove bolt, unplug antenna, and you are ready for wrapping!!!
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08-24-16, 10:35 AM
#8
Driver
Thread Starter
I hope this helps.
I used the TIS diagrams for everything and still have them.
Its was pretty easy, aside from some damaged covers.
It took me about 30 minutes to do, with a friend for a few.
Please feel free to PM with any questions.
I used the TIS diagrams for everything and still have them.
Its was pretty easy, aside from some damaged covers.
It took me about 30 minutes to do, with a friend for a few.
Please feel free to PM with any questions.
08-24-16, 11:17 AM
#9
Driver
Thread Starter
Have to pull the seat bottom out to get at the bolts under it for the side bolsters.
Reaching the bolt through the light is possible if you have teeny tiny hands, and amazing dexterity. I tried and and couldn't get my hand and a ratchet in there, let alone make it move with the kind of force Lexus secured that bolt with. Plus, there are metal braces that hang down between the liner and the roof, and one happens to run straight past the opening between you and the bolt. You can see it in one of the pix. Best to have it down to access it from the rear and the light opening.
Reaching the bolt through the light is possible if you have teeny tiny hands, and amazing dexterity. I tried and and couldn't get my hand and a ratchet in there, let alone make it move with the kind of force Lexus secured that bolt with. Plus, there are metal braces that hang down between the liner and the roof, and one happens to run straight past the opening between you and the bolt. You can see it in one of the pix. Best to have it down to access it from the rear and the light opening.
08-25-16, 07:37 AM
#12
Driver School Candidate
nice info!
I think I had seen a post in the CL forum a long time ago about roof vinyl wrapping.
In that post, it talked a little about removing the shark fin antenna for wrapping it separately.
I think he did it by removing the rear end of roof liner and the rear lights.
Found that post but the photos are expired.
I think I had seen a post in the CL forum a long time ago about roof vinyl wrapping.
In that post, it talked a little about removing the shark fin antenna for wrapping it separately.
I think he did it by removing the rear end of roof liner and the rear lights.
Found that post but the photos are expired.
Last edited by xuzhili23; 08-25-16 at 07:51 AM.
08-25-16, 05:54 PM
#14
Driver School Candidate
Great DIY! Thanks. Anyway, you can post the TIS diagrams here or give us a link where we can find them?
08-25-16, 10:08 PM
#15
Driver School Candidate
Next I pulled the "Oh *****" handles off. Stupid cover on each end of the handle. (Helps to have a friend hold the handle down) You have to pry these off, literally. I'm not super mechanical, but they seemed to be the hardest part. They do warp and gouge easy FYI. I will be buying four new covers! The black covers pull off straight at the interior.