Chrome vent surrounds removal on 4200 coupe

[Advancedme]

As the dashboard is out for the heater matrix I decided to sort out the flakey chrome surrounds to the air vents.

Outer ones came out very easily indeed with just a pull and a wiggle
The two inner ones next to the clock was tricky...
I removed the 4screws at the back of the dashboard but they have melted into the leather. I had read that you can break them taking them out and can see why! Soooo tight in there. I found a technique that solves the issue in seconds. Using a plastic trim removal tool I inserted it 5mm into the sealed gap between chrome and leather. Ran it around the outside (you'll hear the stickyness breaking away/cracking) and then they just fall out with zero damage. Photos attached

 

[Advancedme]

Better picture of the technique I mean

 

[philw696]

One of the cheapest tools ever made and one I use for many purposes.
Mine are a Toyota special tool and it's called the Sharks tooth as that's what it looks like.

 

[Advancedme]

Finally got around to these trims!

Been busy trying to get 18,000rpm and 1.5bar boost in the meanwhile on a motorbike project!

Chrome Vents have been sent!

Hope that they come back as good as the buttons did!

Fingers crossed

 

[Advancedme]

Looking like new!
Cost about 40 quid per piece in the end.

I'll hopefully fit them this week

 

[safrane]

Looking good.

 

[RoaryRati]

I'll add this to our watch list - one of mine is starting to look a bit suspect

 

[Advancedme]

I must say I'm really happy with them. They are literally like new!

Good news is that the dashboard does not need to come out to do this. Pop the top cover and the head unit out, then you can get to the screws with a short positive drill bit and 6mm spanner

 

[Klive]

Where did you send them?

 

[Advancedme]

A place in Birmingham called Dual metallising ltd

 

[Advancedme]

I was brave and patient enough to get the gluey gunk off the vent centre.

Took 30mins to do 1. I found brake cleaner and Microfiber cloth did the trick for me.