2003 SR5 Plastic Cladding

[bradentyrer]

Today I upgraded from my 1996 to a 2003 SR5. I like the matte plastic cladding, but I noticed on mine that the plastic seems to be separating a bit from the car door (this is the front driver's side and passenger doors). Is this an issue and does it occur a lot? It's only at the front of the door, up near the hinge.

Thanks!

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Yeah it's pretty normal. It's the clips the hold it in place, they get brittle and start separating.

 

[bradentyrer]

how would you fix them? Is it something worth pursuing?

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

You'd have to replace them. Mine is doing it a little on all the panels on the doors and fenders/ quarter panels. It doesn't really bother me, you can't tell on mine unless you're looking in the side mirror or while washing. It isn't going to cause any leaks. It'd be a royal pain to replace them, and expensive too.

 

[NJshadow93]

When I had my 03, the whole truck was doing this. The cladding is secured, like said, with clips. I took it to a body shop and they replaced all the loose clips with new ones, only cost me $150, well worth it. Don't mess with it unless you're ready to replace those clips. They can't come off without breaking (if a clip doesn't break, I would still use a new one).