Plastic Trunk "rivets"

[peter hausberg]

They say there are no stupid questions. I'm afraid this one is. I want to change a taillight bulb in my 2000 GS300. But in order to get at the bulb I have to first remove the inside fuzzy fabric covered cover. In order to do THIS I must remove the plastic rivets which hold the cover in place.

The rivets are the problem. Just how do you remove and reinstall them without breaking? I did manage to pull (and break) one using brute strength. Please....someone help before the cops give me a ticket.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[1990LS400]

They say there are no stupid questions. I'm afraid this one is. I want to change a taillight bulb in my 2000 GS300. But in order to get at the bulb I have to first remove the inside fuzzy fabric covered cover. In order to do THIS I must remove the plastic rivets which hold the cover in place.

The rivets are the problem. Just how do you remove and reinstall them without breaking? I did manage to pull (and break) one using brute strength. Please....someone help before the cops give me a ticket.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

There are tools made just for doing this: http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=car+trim+removal+tool&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=14504006850&ref=pd_sl_l28t3im3y_b

I bought mine at a local auto parts store. I don't remember how much mine cost but it was cheap ... I've used it countless times.