Wood grain trim removable?

[Myanmar Shave]

I removed mine using a heat gun and brute strength. I think that my hand strength increased considerably when it was done.

That wood-grain makes great trim protection. The stock panels underneath it look brand new.

 

[kbaum99]

I bot my 99 3 months ago no wood trim. Do some of the packages not have the wood trim or did the previous owner remove the fake wood? My Landcruiser seems to have the majority of the options available that yesr.

 

[Myanmar Shave]

It was added as a 'Distributor Installed Item." LC's were so hard to come by in 2000 that we were on a waiting list, and the dealers added all kinds of crap to the cars. So we had little choice but to take it with whatever BS options that they put on it.

 

[rmtannerjr]

Same as Myanmar, I used a heat gun and a little goo gone on a few spots. Took no more than an hour. No paint under my 2000 LC center console. Sadly, it really cheapened the look of the interior. But most of the laminate had peeled from mine anyway. Oh and I actually left the radio trim since there was no peeling with no direct sun exposure.

 

[1loudLX]

I've heard that real wood fades quicker than the fake and will crack. I too am a real wood proponent, put I don't want to replace the trim every other year or so.

I've had my truck for 11 years, no cracking wood, not faded either.

 

[hoser]

My wood is good.

 

[2000UZJ]

My wood is good.

lol...

 

[kbaum99]

It was added as a 'Distributor Installed Item." LC's were so hard to come by in 2000 that we were on a waiting list, and the dealers added all kinds of **** to the cars. So we had little choice but to take it with whatever BS options that they put on it.

Thanks, makes sense most of the LC's I looked at had wood trim.

 

[Desert Yeti]

I removed all of the wood on mine just after I got it. It was pretty easy. It was real wood... I have since replaced it with real Carbon Fiber. It looks pretty cool.

Definitely don't do that Ebay thing LJ. Those are just vinyl stickers. Hence the $24 price. I think my CF cost over $300.

Removing it is pretty easy. I just started picking at it in traffic and at lights at first and had 25% removed in a few days

 

[jttexam]

I removed mine using a heat gun and brute strength. I think that my hand strength increased considerably when it was done.

That wood-grain makes great trim protection. The stock panels underneath it look brand new.

I sat and drank beer watching him do this. It was painfully slow, but it looked a ton better when he was finished. He is right, it looks brand new underneath.

any ideas on how to replace the wood on the steering wheel. I like the wood in mine, and everything looks brand new. However the wood on y wheel is completely dried out and cracked. it looks likes lizard skin.

Start calling body shops and ask them to quote you a replacement steering wheel. I have no idea what this should cost, but the body shop/insurance world can source parts like this much cheaper than others. You just have to find a body shop guy that won't mark the price up too much.

 

[MidTex]

Same as Myanmar, I used a heat gun and a little goo gone on a few spots. Took no more than an hour. No paint under my 2000 LC center console. Sadly, it really cheapened the look of the interior. But most of the laminate had peeled from mine anyway. Oh and I actually left the radio trim since there was no peeling with no direct sun exposure.

To each their own. I thought it made the interior look much better.
If you like it just order a new kit.

 

[bamachem]

I sat and drank beer watching him do this. It was painfully slow, but it looked a ton better when he was finished. He is right, it looks brand new underneath.



Start calling body shops and ask them to quote you a replacement steering wheel. I have no idea what this should cost, but the body shop/insurance world can source parts like this much cheaper than others. You just have to find a body shop guy that won't mark the price up too much.

New OEM is $1800+

Ebay used is ~$500.

Refinish it yourself for $5.

Get some 800-grit sand paper, some BLUE painter's tape, and a can of clear enamel (good brand like Rustoleum). Take the wheel off and mask off the leather where it meets the wood. It will be VERY important to get this part RIGHT, so take your time.

Sand the wood/varnish so that you get a good smooth surface and enough abrasion for the new enamel to adhere. Cover remaining exposed leather with some newspaper or plastic bag, etc.

Using a piece of wire or rope, hang the wheel by threading it trough the hub and let it dangle from a garage door frame, etc. You will need to be able to spin the wheel as you spray areas to get the finish even.

You'll need an enclosed place to keep dust/debris down, like a garage, etc. VERY LIGHTLY spray the new clear enamel on the wood. Use VERY light coats. Spin the wheel every so often to make sure the coats are even and well-distributed. You'll want 10+ light coats rather than 2-3 heavier ones. Let each coat dry about 10-min @ 60-70°F so that it's dry to the touch, but not fully cured/hardened.

Once finished, let dry overnight.

Re-install and enjoy.