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  1. Don2222 Minister of Fire

    joined: Feb 1, 2010
    5,380 posts
    Salem NH
    Hello

    I picked up an 03 Toyota Matrix with 92k miles on it fairly cheap.

    How can the paint be touched up on this trim panel? Does the panel come off? Is it cemented on?


    As you can see in the pic with yellow arrows below there are many spots where the paint came off and you can see the black plastic!

    Attached Files:

    #1

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  2. begreen Super Moderator

    joined: Nov 18, 2005
    36,118 posts
    South Puget Sound, WA
    If it was assembled, it can be taken apart. Remove the assembly, remove the switches, sand down the old paint and scratches and repaint.
    smoke show likes this.
  3. smoke show Minister of Fire

    joined: Apr 17, 2008
    4,611 posts
    Pittsfield, Wi
    Or go junkyard shopping or buy new. Yes repainting will be cheapest.
  4. semipro Minister of Fire

    joined: Jan 12, 2009
    1,700 posts
    SW Virginia
    This should be relatively easy to remove. If you don't find any screws it likely pops off.
    Krylon makes a paint called "fusion" which is made specifically for plastics.
    Whether you use that or standard paint make sure and degrease the surface (after sanding) with a good solvent such as mineral spirits or maybe alcohol. Otherwise you'll end up with "fisheyes" or worse.
  5. Don2222 Minister of Fire

    joined: Feb 1, 2010
    5,380 posts
    Salem NH
    I think the dealer tried to get it off and when he tried to pop the bottom half it came loose and is still loose!

    There are no screws, could the pins that hold it break or was it glued?
  6. Danno77 Minister of Fire

    joined: Oct 27, 2008
    4,749 posts
    Hamilton, IL
    Seems like a lot of work for little reward.
  7. Don2222 Minister of Fire

    joined: Feb 1, 2010
    5,380 posts
    Salem NH
    That is why nobody else wants to do it! But that is not right, people who do body work and this stuff should still do the small jobs. If they do it right then the next time they will get a good customer! My used car dealer I got this from has done it in the past but now noone there can do it anymore! What is wrong?
  8. Danno77 Minister of Fire

    joined: Oct 27, 2008
    4,749 posts
    Hamilton, IL
    Those panels are usually held on with a clip at both ends. You depress the clip with a knife slid under the panel. USUALLY.
  9. Jack Straw Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 22, 2008
    2,011 posts
    Schoharie County, N Y
    My Avalon is just like that and it pops of if pried with a small screwdriver, but I did break one of the tabs that holds it in place. I put a small brass screw in it to hold it in place. I believe you can remove the switch and paint the piece.
  10. Fifelaker Member

    joined: Oct 3, 2011
    178 posts
    NW Mi
    I would be tempted to leave it on and de-grease . Then paint with testors modlel car paint and a detail brush.
  11. Danno77 Minister of Fire

    joined: Oct 27, 2008
    4,749 posts
    Hamilton, IL
    Fife, that's what I was thinking, except being married and all I was trying to decide whether or not my wife just has some nail polish in that color.
  12. Don2222 Minister of Fire

    joined: Feb 1, 2010
    5,380 posts
    Salem NH
    Cool, Thanks so much for the Info. Since mine is also a Toyota, it probably works the same way.
  13. Don2222 Minister of Fire

    joined: Feb 1, 2010
    5,380 posts
    Salem NH
    I bet the dealer already did me the favor of breaking off the bottom tab since it moves around and does not stay where it should!
  14. Don2222 Minister of Fire

    joined: Feb 1, 2010
    5,380 posts
    Salem NH
    Well maybe if I put a small screw in to hold it in place, I can touch it up. Although matching it with nail polish may not be a perfect match?
  15. Jack Straw Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 22, 2008
    2,011 posts
    Schoharie County, N Y
    [IMG]

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