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Annoying interior trim reflections... suggestions on trim cover/replacement?

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vroomer

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2023 RAV4 Adventure
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Discussion starter · #1 ·
2023 RAV4 Adventure

Car has silver trim around the front vents that reflect in the front windows, obscuring the side mirrors.
Poor design, never had this issue in other cars before.

I am thinking that changing the vent trim color to black/carbon fiber will solve the issue.

Has anyone done this? I have found some carbon fiber trim covers (adhesive mount), but not sure of the quality.

Could use suggestions on trim replacements/covers!

Image

Image
 
#2 ·
vroomer said:
2023 RAV4 Adventure

Car has silver trim around the front vents that reflect in the front windows, obscuring the side mirrors.
Poor design, never had this issue in other cars before.

I am thinking that changing the vent trim color to black/carbon fiber will solve the issue.

Has anyone done this? I have found some carbon fiber trim covers (adhesive mount), but not sure of the quality.

Could use suggestions on trim replacements/covers!

View attachment 191221
View attachment 191220
Click to expand...
CarTrimHome has all kinds of overlays for the shiny trim in the RAV4. I had the same problem so I go these: Free Shipping Matt Black Front Side Air Condition Vent Cover Trim For Toyota RAV4 2019 2020 2021 2022 LHD Very easy install and they look great.
 
#3 ·
I also got a bunch of "carbon fiber" pieces from cartrimhome.I did not trust the adhesive strips as supplied with the parts.....sooo I made the commitment of a semi Permanant installation by carefully using 3M contact cement and now the interior look's really nice and nothing has come loose yet....cartrimhome has some good stuff I like all of their parts and accessories.
 
#4 ·
Ditto with FKHeath on the vent covers. I bought mine from Amazon for easy return in case it didn't fit. Turned out it did. They didn't have the flat black so bought the carbon fiber and painted it with plasti dip (Luxury metal black sapphire). Figured in case I didn't like it I can take it off. Also removed the original adhesive and used strips of Outdoor Command strips. Again in case I decide to take it off later and hopefully leave no residue.
 
#6 ·
Image

Image

Image

I pulled the trim pieces out and painted them with Satin Black Rustolium rattle can from Walmart. It matches the sheen of the center display outer trim nicely. Gently pull straight back on the trim pieces. There are several fingers/clips that simple push into the dash. No more shadow trim glowing in the widow.
But why black? These cars are fun! Paint the trim dark green, dark blue, dark grey. And when you get bored of it pull them out and repaint another color.

I will buy the stick on trim caps for the gear shift and door handle area and paint them before installing. Pulling the door and center trim would be a pain just to paint them.

And you’ll notice the steering wheel black out emblem. I bought the black one on Amazon. You’ll be glad you do it too. The glare off the chrome badge is worse than you think.
 
#7 ·
there was a smoke color as well
kinda translucent.
make sure to prep the areas well before paint...
lots of oils and protectant used inside a car these days.
had to get the paint to stick for sure.
nothing worse than flaking paint after a few months.

they make paint just for trim as well.
flat colors work well on the dash.

that SEM brand is the pro stuff they use in body shops.
 
#8 ·
iowagold said:
there was a smoke color as well
kinda translucent.
make sure to prep the areas well before paint...
lots of oils and protectant used inside a car these days.
had to get the paint to stick for sure.
nothing worse than flaking paint after a few months.

they make paint just for trim as well.
flat colors work well on the dash.

that SEM brand is the pro stuff they use in body shops.
Click to expand...
Thanks for sharing. Question: how would you compare using Rustoleum vs. PlastiDip for these parts? I've never used PlastiDip but have been seeing it mentioned quite a bit.
 
#11 ·
No_No_Bad_Dog said:
View attachment 191285
View attachment 191286
View attachment 191284
I pulled the trim pieces out and painted them with Satin Black Rustolium rattle can from Walmart. It matches the sheen of the center display outer trim nicely. Gently pull straight back on the trim pieces. There are several fingers/clips that simple push into the dash. No more shadow trim glowing in the widow.
But why black? These cars are fun! Paint the trim dark green, dark blue, dark grey. And when you get bored of it pull them out and repaint another color.

I will buy the stick on trim caps for the gear shift and door handle area and paint them before installing. Pulling the door and center trim would be a pain just to paint them.

And you’ll notice the steering wheel black out emblem. I bought the black one on Amazon. You’ll be glad you do it too. The glare off the chrome badge is worse than you think.
Click to expand...
No_No_Bad_Dog said:
View attachment 191285
View attachment 191286
View attachment 191284
I pulled the trim pieces out and painted them with Satin Black Rustolium rattle can from Walmart. It matches the sheen of the center display outer trim nicely. Gently pull straight back on the trim pieces. There are several fingers/clips that simple push into the dash. No more shadow trim glowing in the widow.
But why black? These cars are fun! Paint the trim dark green, dark blue, dark grey. And when you get bored of it pull them out and repaint another color.

I will buy the stick on trim caps for the gear shift and door handle area and paint them before installing. Pulling the door and center trim would be a pain just to paint them.

And you’ll notice the steering wheel black out emblem. I bought the black one on Amazon. You’ll be glad you do it too. The glare off the chrome badge is worse than you think.
Click to expand...
this looks great! I am planning on pulling and wrapping these pieces this week. Any tips for this? Did you just use your fingers or any kind of tool?

thanks!
 
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