nprest2

hi everyone - has anyone ever taken apart the whole sc430 radio assembly? I have the 2006 model. I noticed that the front panel / cover assembly is attached to the radio when looking at pictures. My radio face plate is worn and I would like to replace the radio with an OEM unit.

The least expensive option seems to buy one on eBay. Some of the units for sale offer just the radio but not the panel assembly. Is it easy to take off the front panel assembly from my existing radio and add it to the new radio that I purchase or will this be a challenge? Is this something anyone can do? I don't have any experience and wonder if I can do this myself or have to go to a shop.

Thanks!

Bgw70

its easy and you should do it.
several of us have had the center dash apart, to include the nave screen and radio.

do a search and you will find threads with pictures.

let us know how it goes!

DshngDaryl

Do you mean the little wooden door that covers up the radio? Yes, it is quite easy to remove. It is 4 bolts if I remember correctly.

Take a look at these removal instructions: http://gromaudio.com/installs/lexus_..._grom-usb.html

In picture number 8 you can see two bolts that secure one side. There are identical bolts on the other side.

BTW, if you want to add modern functionality to your OEM radio, GROM is a good way to go

jzdulexus

If only the face plate of the radio is worn then you are probably better off leaving it as is. Replacing a radio requires some handy work. If you are not mechanically inclined its not worth it. Most ebay radios are 2005 and prior. Do not exchange a 2006 radio for a 2005 and prior just for the sake of better looking face plate, as you will lose important functionalities.

nprest2

would you recommend trying that Lexus program where they take your radio and give you a refurbished one in its place? The face plate looks rather ugly, previous owner did not do a good job taking care of it and I am rather upset with the appearance.

in addition to the radio I am also wanting to replace the shifter panel / gearbox plastic cover and the climate control piece - either just the top cover plate or perhaps the entire part, the plastic is stained in a way similar to the radio but there is also some sort of line underneath the clock that looks like a LCD problem.

jzdulexus

My understanding is that car dealership programs are not structured like cellphone programs where you can swap for refurbished units with minimum cost. If you find one please let us know.

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

I do not agree. Taking the radio out if extremely easy. Changing the face plate (wooden panel) is simple. With that being said, you shouldn't have to buy the WHOLE radio to replace the wooden cover. They should sell it separately and different finishes across the different years. Let me do a search for you and I'll link it here.

Seems like it's part number 55420B. Here it is.... https://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.c...1324170B0.html. $560!!! Yeah better to just remove it, and refinish it (light/deep sanding, refinish, and clear coat). Google searching for the number, 5541324170B0, pulled up some junk yards with it. If that doesn't work for you, buy a used radio from Ebay. Most listings for the radio have them included. Swap it out, and then sell the radio with/without your "refinished" cover.

Not sure what color, but if dark walnut... http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-2006-LEXUS-SC430-OEM-Dash-Radio-Head-Unit-Wood-Cover-Trim-/263081338451?hash=item3d40dea653:g:TykAAOSw2iNZY4rA&vxp=mtr and http://www.ebay.com/itm/5540624010E0...VZYrqX&vxp=mtr

jzdulexus

Shawn, I think the OP was talking about metallic looking face plate not the wooden door. But without the pictures we don't know which one he is referring to.

nprest2

As you see here is what I am struggling with. Overall the car is in great shape save for these few items and I'd really want to restore the interior to make it look / feel new.

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

You can always go unique and do vinyl wrap or even hydrodipping (my future plan).
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...or-wrap-3.html

Oh sorry, I guess you are talking about the metal face finish. I haven't heard of a way to change that without swapping the entire unit (A/C control or radio). There's a possiblity of maybe trying to strip it with light sanding to get the grain to match? No idea though. Sorry. I do have a 2002 Radio Unit (swapped my unit to 2007) to sell in the future, but not ready to sell yet, though. Update: will look to sell it in about a month.

nprest2

I think I do have to go with a new radio. Is it hard to remove the panel from my existing unit and add it to the new radio I buy?

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

From what I know and have read that front metallic panel doesn't remove easily. A few have tried (when trying to clean the LCD screen), and broken the "digitizer" overlay and ended up with damaged LCDs instead. Probably safer in just swapping out the radios and installing the track and cover on the new one. Many people choose to just go with an aftermarket radio also. Something to consider for the price you might end up paying for a replacement OEM radio. I'm sure there are people that have configured the door mechanism to work with newer radios. I updated post above, if you want my 2002 radio, i'd be looking to sell after August 10th. I'll be posting it here... https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...430-parts.html

Harold57

Isn't the radio face stainless steel? If so, just try to either clean it or hit it with a rough pad.

jzdulexus

I think its a stainless steel finish. IMO, its a lot of money ($$$$) to order a 2006+ radio just to get rid off the blemishes. From the photo they don't look too bad, though they are far from being showroom conditions.
For the shift plate, someone on this forum just refinished it with wood veneer last month and I thought it looked great.

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

3M makes a stainless steel vinyl wrap. You could cover it and cut out the holes very carefully with a hobby knife.