I want to remove the chrome window trim so I can paint it.
No I don't want to plastidip it.
No I don't want to leave it on the car and mask everything else off and have it painted.
For reference it's the chrome trim on the exterior windows.
I don't mind breaking it to get it off then replacing with a new, already painted, window trim.
We were discussing this over on the "other board" but that forum fails to get as much traffic as this site does.

Does anyone have a helms manual that shows step by step how to replace the chrome?
Thanks in advance.

http://my.is/forums/f154/does-anyone...7/#post6430883

 

Get it vinyled.

 

+1 best bet is to get it vinyled. you can vinyl the chrome trim in gloss or matte, whichever you prefer.

 

Sorry, I've had bad experience with vinyl scratching easy.
I'd like to get them painted.

 

Just plastidip it lazy!!!

 

I have a vert so I don't have door frames to look at, I can try give you a general idea. I would start by looking to see if it runs under the side mirrors. If so, they will need to be removed first. Put the windows down and pull the weatherstrips out of both channels. You should be able to see if it appears to be snapped on to the door frame. Some cars will reveal rivets that will need drilled. If it's snapped on I'd start prying on the side with the smallest amount of overlap onto the door frame using a flat clip removal tool. Be careful when you get to flat part of the back of the door frame, it's likely that a small clip holds it flush up against that. If you're lucky it will be secured by a small screw which can be removed easier than a clip can be released but I wouldn't count on it.

 

a good vinyl typically shouldn't scratch easily... i would be more concerned with paint chipping...

but its up to you

 

plastidip is better easier cheaper good luck!

 

if he vinyls it he'll still need to take the trim off the car.

I haven't recall any DIY on this site that explains how to take off the chrome trim. The only people who I have seen have this done just took it to a shop. If you end up doing it yourself, it would be nice if you posted a DIY

 

you cant take them off. but sharpies are great!

 

^^ lol that'll just turn a dark purple afterwards!

 

I have successfully vinyled chrome window trim while on a car. Not on a Lexus but Lexus can't be any different from other cars.

You can get vinyl tape at the parts stores. I used Scotch 3M electrical tape. It's a quality vinyl that's 7 mils thick. I got it close on one edge and trimmed the other edge with a razor knife. Apply the tape without stretching it. Work from the rear to the front so any joints overlap. If you screw up, pull it up and try again - there's plenty of tape on the roll.

It's been on my DD for two years without any problems. I'm thinking of replacing it with matte vinyl this year.

 

So the trim isn't replaceable yet sewell sells the part? Interesting.

 

sewell sells everything...

 

LOL I'm beginning to see that.