i have a 01' ls430 and the front and rear chrome around the windshield and rear windshield has come off. my question is, is there any way to rechrome this without having to remove the seals? also i need to paint the trim that runs along the room of my car as well but do not knw how to remove them. i dont want to just start pulling and pushing and end up breaking the clips if this is what holds them on. any help on either of these questions would be very much appreciated. thanks in advance.

need to remove these...




need to rechrome these...

 

I recently replaced my chrome trim on the top of my windshield - looked like yours does. I ordered the piece from Sewell and then paid a local safelite shop 25.00 to install - I could have installed the piece myself but did not want to take a chance on screwing something up and having some kind of new wind noise.

Here's a link to the parts - the rail guards (not sure if that's what they're called) are also on here.

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...S430-2001.html

Good luck

 

thank you for the site. very helpfull. i think i have a glassmaster's near me so i hope i get a deal like you got. im trying to get a few little odds and ends straight before i start my vip build.

 

A few month ago the chrome trim around the rear window had become a dull gray color. I thought the chrome had come off. But after cleaning with a cleaner and waxing, I found that the dull grey color was just a build up of gunk. Guess I had failed to really wax it when I waxed the car. Looks like new now.

 

oh wow! My "chrome" looks simmilar to yours. In fact, since I did not have the car since new, I thought it was brushed aluminum. So what you guys are saying, is that these trim pieces around the front and rear glass are actually supposed to look like chrome, ala door handles?! Mine are all smokey! Who knew? What would be a could course of action? Maybe some klasse AIO. What did you use jayclapp? Any pictures of the outcome? I would do the trim while on the car as I don't want to risk breaking it. Besides, I permatexed my front trim piece to reduce wind noise, so it's not coming off unless I need a new windshield one day.

 

I haven't done my entire car yet but I was pleasantly surprised by a quick spot of Mother's (I believe their Billet version. Incredible results as they apparently have no clear coat (once again I have not done but a small portion of the rear window trim). Also to be on the safe side keep it off the paint, use blue painters tape if preferred (and likely a smart choice, I plan to do it the right way once I take the time).

 

Sorry, Mother's Billet Aluminum polish that is.

BTW, I'm also curious about replacing the top drip rail covers, any info is appreciated.

 

OOOH so, that chrome is REAL! I've got some polish....nice. what about the chrome along the mid section of the doors and bumpers? Is this the same stuff as the rear window trim? Im all excited

 

Yep, all the same stuff!

I think it's more polished aluminum, however, but it lacks a coating from what I can tell, making a little elbow grease go a long way. And I feel ya on the excitement, I was pumped when I saw how well mine cleaned up

 

Jason - here's the link to the drip rails...

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...S430-2001.html

 

thanks for all the replies guys. i assumed that the trim was chrome coated plastic or i would have tried some polish. i have some and ill give it a try and let you guys know how that turns out. i think im agreeing with lust4lexus when he said just repaint the drip rails while on the car. im afraid of removing them and breaking the clips(again if this is how thy are held on). my ar was repaint not too long ago by the previous owner. not the best paint job but it will do for now. i do belive they saned over my chrome trim when sanding and this is what has caused the dull color i have. never the less, i shall try the polish and see where this gets me.

 

ok so quick update. i tried the polish on the front and back seals. didnt work for me. i have picture if the back. i think im just gonna have to buy new ones. as for the front all it did was make the grey shinny lol.

rear seal..

 

jsteezy- I JUST finished my car 10 min ago. My moldings looked EXACTLY like yours. Mine shine like mirrors now. Originally, I was going to use Brasso. 1st- it made me nervous around the paint- even if i masked it off. 2nd- iit left a little micro marring. I sealed a small area that I had polished with some zaino z5 pro. Lo and behold. the zaino had enough cleaning power on its own to do the job and it obviously safe for the paint. CHA CHING! my moldings after 3 hours of OCD tediousness are PERFECT like factory. Use an old microfiber towel and some zaino z5, and sound off like you gotta pair if you catch my drift. your fingers will be stiff after you do the car. It's worth it though because then after you do your moldings with it, you will have a great sealant for your paint to boot! Trust me - they are perfectly fine under that dirt. DON"T waste your money! You would be a fool to buy new ones. :-) here is a crappy iphone pic that does not do them justice

 

When I had my windshield replaced last year, they replaced that chrome trim as well as part of the install. Once you take off any old trim from a 10 year old car, either the trim or the clips are very brittle and will most likely need to be replaced.

 

now heres an idea. what if, just what if i need my windshield replaced. lol se where this is going. as for the rear idk. ima try tomorrow as i intend on washing an waxing the car tomorrow since we have good weather her in sc for the weekend. ill try polishing again and let you guys know how it goes.