Remove Silver Trim Pieces on 2004 Sport

[billie26]

Hi all,

I have a 2004 4Runner Sport Edition and want to remove the silver trim above the armrests on all 4 doors to paint them. Can you pry them off, or do you have to remove the door panel and if so, is it a difficult job? Another member here did it, as seen here http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/kylebacc/Mods/DSC00125.jpg

Thanks,
Billie

 

[gaterose]

Did you read his full thread?

I believe he asked a similar question in that or another thread. The panels are attached with sort of plastic rivets that I suggested removing using a large drill bit and spinning it only a few times to pop off the enlarged part that holds it together (leaving the portion that passes through the door panel intact). They could then be reattached using very small sheet metal screws.

You'll have to remove the panel to get to the back of the plastic rivets, if you pry them off I believe you're going to mess something up.

 

[gaterose]

Here ya go:

Any ideas on how to get this off?

 

[billie26]

Repaint Alternatives

Wow, I may just tape around them and spray in place.

My silver trim on the doors, as well as the silver trash bag holder behind the center console, have these slight discoloration spots (almost like smudges) that I've been told the only solution is a repaint. Has anyone else had these problems, and if so did you fix it? I've thought about wet-sanding with 1000 grit or so on an inconspicuous spot and seeing if it blended in. I've tried a multitude of cleaners, etc.