Total newb. Interior questions. :)

stoavio · Post by **stoavio** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 9:05 am

Hello everyone. After months of shopping around for my first car, I decided to get a 2003 Pontiac Vibe (dark blue). The car is used, and has had 1 previous owner, so there is some *light* scratching around the silver bevel trim stuff around the CD player (what's the correct name for it?) I'm wondering if this is something that can be easily replaced, as I'm assuming it can be, and if so, at what expense? It looks like something that can be popped off and replaced entirely. I'd rather do that then try to cover the scratching. I've seen this particular piece painted different colors so I'm assuming it isn't hard to remove. Where can I buy a new or used one in good shape? Also, the Pontiac logo on the steering wheel shows some scratching. Can that be taken off easily and replaced? For exterior scratching in the paint, should I use wax or touch-up paint to help conceal the minor imperfections? I have absolutely zero mechanical experience so unless the fixes are relatively easy, I'd best not attempt them. I do have a Dad who's much more mechanically inclined than I am, but I'm not looking to make any drastic modifications - I just want to make some simple improvements. If someone could provide some tips and a website were I can get 2003 Vibe parts, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Mason

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:01 am

Here's a radio bezel on Ebay.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ZWDVW For the paint, unless a scratch is very deep, touch-up paint makes it look worse. Wash the car and clay bar it and then wax. There are nice decal overlays available to cover and customize the Pontiac Logo on the wheel. http://grafxwerks.com/

stoavio · Post by **stoavio** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:07 pm

Sunny, thank you so much for those links! They're exactly what I'm looking for. Do you know if it's hard to remove the existing radio bezel and install the new one? Can it just be popped off or is the process more involved than that?

NascarXprt · Post by **NascarXprt** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 2:35 pm

Nope removing the bezel is easy as pie. just go to the bottom of the bezzel and lift out and up then it should come off.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 3:17 pm

i had my bezel off the car the first day i bought it. then proceeded to paint it by day 2! welcome!

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:10 pm

Quote, originally posted by AKLGT Â»i had my bezel off the car the first day i bought it. then proceeded to paint it by day 2! welcome!Showoff!

stoavio · Post by **stoavio** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:29 pm

You guys rock, thanks ! I was worried it would be tough to fix but it seems this is something even I can manage. Do I have to worry about reconnecting the wires to their respective buttons? Anyone have any idea where I can find a bezel in perfect condition? I'd prefer to buy it new but if someone has a used one they're looking to get rid of and it's in excellent shape, I'd buy that too. Thanks again everyone!

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:34 pm

the wire connections are fool proof... they can only go back to their perspective locations...Not sure what to tell ya where to buy it though

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 1:23 am

ebay....http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QrdZ1

stoavio · Post by **stoavio** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 3:47 am

Thanks Keithvibe. I saw the one on eBay already but was wondering if this is a part that can be ordered from a dealership or manufacturer for possibly less. $25.00 is fine, but they're charging $15.75 for shipping!Regarding the pontiac logo steering wheel inlays offered by grafixwerks -- do I have to peel off the original logo on the steering wheel or does the new inlay simple go on top of that? By the way, I'm ordering the LiquiDome kind.

NascarXprt · Post by **NascarXprt** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 1:50 pm

with Grafixwerks over lays all you need to do is just clean the surface and put it over the original. no removal nessacery.as for ordering the bezzel from the dealership best to try and get it from toyota (much cheeper, just mention its for the matrix.) or go to GM.

stoavio · Post by **stoavio** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 2:52 am

@NascarXprt: Thanks for your input. It's best to purchase the radio bezel from a Toyota dealership? I didn't know that. Interesting. So, the radio bezel in the Martrix and Vibe must be identical than, correct? You're positive those no slight variation that would make it not fit correctly in my Vibe? Also, which year Matrix should I be asking for the bezel for? Will a Matrix 03 radio bezel work in my 03 Vibe? What about a Matrix radio bezel from 05? Thanks for the tip!You guys have all been very helpful.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 3:23 am

I believe they are all the same for all years. For most parts the Toyota dealer will be cheaper because most of the car is made by Toyota so there is no middleman cost.

dianebrat · Post by **dianebrat** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 3:45 am

I thought the Matrix had a different bezel around the radio? was it only certain years?http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=27578Diane

mcgusto82 · Post by **mcgusto82** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 3:54 am

I do bellieve the 05 + Matrix received an updated TOYOTA radio which is wider than the Vibe's. So i don't think they are identical.

stoavio · Post by **stoavio** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 5:25 am

Ok, so I'll keep my eyes peeled for Toyota Matrix radio bezels '04 and older and see what I turn up. Thanks!

ZubenElGenubi · Post by **ZubenElGenubi** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:30 am

I have an '04 radio bezel in very good condition (light wear near AC buttons). Check my IM to you.

stoavio · Post by **stoavio** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 1:27 pm

@ ZubenElGenubi: I've received your IM and have responded. I'm interested. If anyone else has one for sale, please feel free to contact me as well. I will update this thread when I've purchased one. Thanks!

NascarXprt · Post by **NascarXprt** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 2:35 pm

yea most matrix radio bezzels will fit.

Total newb. Interior questions. :)

Total newb. Interior questions. :)

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