Restore (don't replace) the window/door trim - pitted, spotted (1 Viewer)

[Manhattan]

If you park your 100 in the sun, you've likely seen the pitting/spotting that shows up on the trim at the tops of the doors. It's the one thing that makes my truck look old. I priced the replacements... $240, and figured it was worth trying to restore them before replacing them.

Mine were pretty bad...

So, I got out orbital buffer, and two compounds: Liquid Sand (high-grit) and Polish... taped off the paint and played...

Before:

After:

Side by side:
Left: before; Right after (and before Polish stage)

Not 100%. But way (!) better than before, and well within the acceptable range. All in, $0 and 30 min.

 

[cwmoser]

Nice job. I like reading posts like this.

 

[badlander]

That's is quite an improvement!
So what is the original finish? Is it paint, plating, or what? Do you think they are metal or plastic? If they are metal I wouldn't want to leave them "raw", with no finish left on them.

 

[2000 LC]

I like it. I guess that's one plus of living up north, no sun.

If you don't mind where did you get those wheels? I like the look

 

[Manhattan]

That's is quite an improvement!
So what is the original finish? Is it paint, plating, or what? Do you think they are metal or plastic? If they are metal I wouldn't want to leave them "raw", with no finish left on them.

Either a hard plastic or steel coated with a softer plastic/rubber. And yeah - it should be sealed with something after restoring. I'm going to use a ceramic sealant - same stuff I use on the paint. Time will tell...

I like it. I guess that's one plus of living up north, no sun.

If you don't mind where did you get those wheels? I like the look

Thanks. They're base model Tundra steel wheels. Also used as the spare on the upper trim level Tundras. These came from a vendor in TX. That style steel wheel is hard to find as a set in S.E.

 

[spaber05]

I was wondering whether a good compound could bring this back, it has been bugging me for a while. Thanks Manhattan!

 

[scottmbbp]

I did the same thing with some fine steel wool. Amazing results.

 

[PADDO]

Those "magic eraser" pads work too, though not as fun as a power tool. Follow up with something like Black Magic trim dressing.

 

[Manhattan]

Ya know... I bet that would work even better.

I did the same thing with some fine steel wool. Amazing results.

 

[SWUtah]

Thanks. They're base model Tundra steel wheels. Also used as the spare on the upper trim level Tundras. These came from a vendor in TX. That style steel wheel is hard to find as a set in S.E.

[/QUOTE]

Where in Texas did you get the steel wheels? How much? Ordering info would be great. Think they would look good with my Grey LX470. I want to replace my blink chrome Lexus wheels (attached pic) Are they the same size/off set as the 18" Lexus wheels on my 2005?

 

[Manhattan]

Where in Texas did you get the steel wheels? How much? Ordering info would be great. Think they would look good with my Grey LX470. I want to replace my blink chrome Lexus wheels (attached pic) Are they the same size/off set as the 18" Lexus wheels on my 2005?[/QUOTE]

It was an Ebay vendor. I checked the Purchase History... but it doesn't go back far enough

 

[GaFJC]

Manhattan - What brand compound/polisher and also sealant did you use? My 100 spent the first 12 years of its life in the ATL and the window trim is badly pitted.

 

[bamabrock]

Those "magic eraser" pads work too, though not as fun as a power tool. Follow up with something like Black Magic trim dressing.

Thanks for the suggestion. My trim needs refurbing so I'll try this first

 

[implayaz9]

My trim is getting really bad.. I wonder if I should just redo it with Trim paint kit your get at the local store.