Yes. Keep in mind, though, that most factory-installed wood dash trims are molded, so small areas of the original wood dash trim may be exposed. These uncovered areas are localized around the edges of the trim, and are not easily noticeable.
AutoAnything offers aftermarket dash kits to complement or add to vehicles with existing factory dash kits. These kits are known as factory match kits. AutoAnything is aware of the factory wood color in your vehicle, and the factory match dash kits will match the existing wood. Keep in mind, the factory dash kits are designed to match the color of the wood when the vehicle was delivered. If you have owned your vehicle for a few years, it is possible that the color may have faded and that the factory dash kit may not match your wood exactly.
Different dash kits have a different number of parts to install, so there is no hard and fast rule governing install time. However, you should expect to spend anywhere between 1 and 3 hours.
Absolutely not! Your dash kits mounts right to your interior using advanced 3M 4229P automotive-grade adhesive. There is no drilling, cutting or modifying required.
The following are the steps to install a wood dash kit correctly:
- Check the fit and alignment of your dash kit pieces to make sure you have been sent the correct dash kit for your vehicle. Do not remove the red backing on the pieces at this time.
- Clean the surface of your dash with isopropyl alcohol. This ensures that the dash kit's pieces will form a strong bond with the dashboard. If there is dirt, dust or oils on the dash, the trim will not stick properly.
- If the temperature is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, we recommend heating the dash kit pieces with a hair dryer or heat gun. This makes the dash kit pieces more pliable and easier to install.
- Carefully apply the adhesion promoter to the dash kit pieces and apply the dash kit to the surface of your dash.
- When you are ready to begin mounting the pieces, remove the tape backing to expose the adhesive. Carefully align the trim piece and press it into place. Molded pieces can go on straight, but flat pieces should be rocked into place from either side to side or from top to bottom. Only work with one piece at a time.
- To complete the installation of your dash kit pieces firmly press each dash kit piece into the correct position on your dash.
The best way to test if your dash is ready for mounting is to stick a small piece of masking tape to a cleaned surface. If the tape firmly sticks, you are ready to apply your dash kit. If the tape does not, you must repeat the cleaning process until it sticks tight.
Yes, you are able to remove the dash kit pieces without damaging the interior of the vehicle. However, AutoAnything does not recommend removing dash trim kit pieces after installation because there is a chance that your dashboard can get damaged. If you still want to remove the trim, follow these steps:
- Use a heat gun or a blow drier to heat up each dash kit piece one at a time.
- Continue heating up each dash trim piece one at a time and pulling it until entire kit is removed.
- To get rid of any 3M glue residue, use a soft cloth. You may want to apply Bug and Tar Remover and gently rub surfaces where dash kit was attached.
Cleaning your new dash trim is simple. Use a damp paper towel or lint free cloth to polish away any dirt or grime. For a deeper clean, you can use ordinary window cleaners, like Windex. Do not, however, use any vinyl treatments on the trim because it can cause the adhesive backing to breakdown. If you do clean your dash with Armor All or any other vinyl treatment sprays, cover up the trim with a towel and avoid rubbing the treatment around the edge of the pieces.
The difference between a flat dash kit and a molded one is that the flat kits are 2 dimensional while the molded kits are 3 dimensional. In other words, the flat kits are thin strips that lie flush against your dashboard, and the molded kits are thick pieces that extend out from your dashboard, adding more contours and a sense of depth.
Our genuine wood dash kits are crafted from choice blocks of domestic and exotic lumber. We have a large selection to choose from, including rosewood, maple, bubinga, camphorwood, walnut and zebra.
At AutoAnything, we have a large selection of custom-fitting dash kits to suit any budget. Not only do we offer luxurious genuine wood trim kits, but we also have a selection of high quality simulated wood dash kits as well as well. The simulated kits are precision molded from automotive-grade materials and covered with a wood-finish laminate.
Yes. During the selection process, a graph will show you all of the dash kits available for your particular year, make and model. For many vehicles, there are multiple kits that offer a different number of trim pieces. Every kit has a schematic that clearly shows which pieces are included. To see the schematic, just click on the "view" icon , and a new window will open showing each part that comes in that kit. The same schematic will ship along with your kit for easy reference during the installation.
We are presenting you with a hefty ammount of information, so it's understandable if you're feeling a bit dazed. You are in luck, though. We have a cure for information overload: give us a call. One of our knowledgeable Automotive Accessory Specialists is standing by to help you get the best dash kit for your vehicle. Our toll-free number is 800.874.8888.