The ultimate car dash kit guide
Dash kits enhance and dress up your dashboard in various styles, finishes, and colors. Dash kits can be made for all cars and some motorcycles too. It is essential to, therefore, get the right fit for your vehicle and give it that elegant, unique look. Upgrading the infotainment system can be a fun project. You do not have to be frustrated trying to install a universal-fit radio and head units. Making an intelligent choice of an installation kit will get you that factory fit finish.
How to Choose a Dash Kit?
Tips on picking a dash kit
Photo on rvinyl.com
A dash kit or a dash trim kit is a dashboard accessory that improves the look of the OEM dashboard, making it more stylish. A dash kit also allows for the installation of aftermarket car radios. They are designed to match the overall look of the car’s console area and may or may not feature built-in control buttons and digital displays. There are two types of trim kits namely:
Flat Dash Trim Kit
It is a decorative add-on for the car’s interior. They are put over the existing dash surface for a more visually pleasing look. They fit well on flatter surfaces and those with gentle curves. They are also flexible and will conform to the dashboard surface. It is important to note that flat trim kits are not molded and will not conform to tight curves and angles of the dashboard surface. These are mainly cutouts for the dashboard elements.Flat trims are mainly found in smaller cars as they have less interior space and the surfaces are flat.
Pros:
- They offer a wide variety in terms of color, finish, and design. Be it matte, camouflage or even a metallic finish, you are sure to find what you want.
- They are not pricey, so they will not affect your budget a lot.
- They are easy to install, but extreme care has to be taken.
- They can easily be changed depending on the user’s taste.
Cons:
- It is not ideal for large vehicles whose interiors tend to be more contoured. The pieces can be heated to conform to soft bends but not sharp edges or curves.
- They have a lot of pieces.
Photo on rvinyl.com
Molded Trim Kits
They are 3D and are precisely made to fit the corners, sharp curves and moldings of the dashboard, giving them a more natural look. It is made of a durable plastic material called ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) that is vacuum formed to the original OEM look. Unlike flat dash trim kits, molded kits are usually one piece.These are found more in larger trucks and SUVs where the dashboard contours and curves help keep the surface interesting while adding more functional spaces along the surface.
Pros:
- It looks like it was made to fit into the car’s interior from the factory.
- They are more durable than flat trims that is why they are ideal for bigger vehicle’s.
- It usually comes in 4 to 10 pieces that cover large areas of the interior.
- They snap into place and have a snug fit providing more durability than a flat trim.
- They give a more convincing overall luxurious look.
Cons:
- They are expensive.
- They have limited applicability as not all car interiors have molded trims.
Photo on daily-delaware.com
What to consider before getting a dash kit
Here are some factors to keeping mind while searching for the right dash kit:
- The make and model of your car – this will help you find the right fitting kit for your car console. Most kits come made for specific car models. You can also choose to have a kit custom made; this can be costly depending on the material used. This will also help you decide what type of trim to go for, either flat or molded.
- Budget – this will influence your choice in what to get. Flat trims kits are cheaper and have more variety in color and finish, but they do not have the same finished look like molded trims.
- The quality of the dash kit – a good kit will give you not only a quality finish but also a long service duration. Good quality, the correct installation, and maintenance prevent common product failures like cracking, fading and clear coat separation.
It is important to note that dash kits sizes are not a universal fit. They are dash kits for all car makes and models, but they are made specifically for these cars. They are as diverse and unique as car interiors are, and there is no one size fits all solution.Below are some dash kits available:
Stereo Dash Kit
These area molded type dash kit. They allow for a more easier car stereo installation. Most of these kits include two trim panels, a pocket, spacers, mounting brackets, and rear support brackets.
Dash Panel
These are trims made for the instrument panel located directly ahead of the driver.
Trim Rings
These are decorative accessories for your car’s wheels. They are a cheap visual improvement option. They are available in different sizes regardless of what car model you have. They commonly come in chrome, aluminum or stainless steel finishes.
Housings, Pockets, and Brackets
These are all parts of trim kits. Depending on which package you get, they can be included or not.
What are these Dash kits made from?
They can be made from many materials like real or synthetic wood, carbon fiber, aluminum, or chrome. They have three layers; an adhesive layer, the material finish and a high-quality polyurethane gloss coating. They can be obtained in a range of colors and finishes.
Why buy a car dash kit?
The right dash kit will:
- Create a luxe-looking interior, and that gives a more enjoyable driving experience.
- It adds to the appeal and value of your car.
- It spruces up a bland car interior.
- It is an easy way to revamp your old, worn, or damaged factory parts.
Photo on daily-delaware.com
How to Install a Dash Kit?
A guide to putting in a dash kit
This installation procedure applies to both flat and molded kits. There are purely flat or 3D kits and kits that include both these types.It is essential to read the instructions thoroughly and be sure to familiarize yourself with the procedure. Check to make sure that the kit is the right one for your vehicle model. For example, if your car has an automatic temperature control and manual transmission make sure you do not get a kit with a manual temperature control and automatic transmission. Each kit has a schematic of the included pieces indicating where they should be put. Be sure to check that what you have matched this schematic.
Dash Kit Installation Procedure
1. Have a kit package checklist – You should have:
- A dash kit
- A schematic
- Instruction sheet or manual
- A warranty information sheet
- Alcohol wipes, the number depends on the kit size
- Adhesive – These can be 3M tape sticks or whatever adhesive that is included in the kit. Some kits have an adhesive promoter that is needed to install some of the dash pieces, especially those on curved surfaces. It is corrosive so wear protective clothing and be careful that it only touches areas that will be in contact with trim pieces.
2. Do a dry fit first – This helps you identify where the pieces all go and how to apply them. Use vents, dials, buttons and other dashboard elements to match up the trim pieces well.3. Clean the area thoroughly – Using the alcohol wipes, clean the dash area where the trims are being applied. If you had any vinyl treatment done to the dash, you would need to repeat the cleaning process 2 or 3 times as some of them contain silicone. Any silicone that remains on the surface will significantly affect how the trim sticks to the dash. Do not use lacquer thinner as it will ruin the surface. The surfaces must be clean of dust, wax, grease, lint and other contaminants.4. Adhesive promoter application – Follow this step only if the instructions call for the application of adhesive promoter. Using an adhesive promoter stick, pierce the tube and squeeze the tube until the brush is wet. Apply the promoter only on the areas coming into contact with the trim pieces and let it dry for 2 two minutes. 5. When you start, do the easy fittings first – You can begin installing the dash trim pieces once you are done with the above steps.If the temperature outside is low, you will need a blow dryer or a heating gun to warm the trim pieces enough for them to be flexible. You can also put them in on a warm sunny day.Gently peel back the backing and gently lay the piece onto the dash and using your finger, gently tack the trim into place and make any adjustments if needed. Now firmly press the piece into place.With a 3D trim pieces carefully peel off the backing and place them wrong side up on a soft surface. Do this for all the parts. Slightly mist the pieces with the provided dash spray, this will prevent premature tacking resulting in a poor installation.Place the 3D piece in position and evenly apply it into position. Be sure to check for any adhesion issues.Repeat this process for all the pieces in the kit.6. Completing the installation and cleaning – Once you have installed all the pieces, go back and press them down again focusing on the edges. It takes almost 72 hours for the adhesive to fully cure so be sure not to interfere with the dash in the meantime. Once you are satisfied, clean off any smudges or fingerprints with some rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth.You can now enjoy your new look dashboard.
Photoon f15.bimmerpost.com
How to remove a car dash kit?
Use a hair dryer to warm up the pieces and soften the adhesive a bit. You can try pulling on the parts and see if they come off. Do not forcefully pull them apart. It is vital to warm them up well otherwise they will be hard and brittle making them hard to remove. Once you remove a piece, there will be some residual glue left. You can warm it up again or use some glue removing solvents. Be careful while using solvents so as not to stain the rest of the dash. You can use a rubber squeegee or damp cloth instead of a dripping wet one to apply the solvent. Avoid razors or metallic object as they may cause more damage to the dash.
How to Install the Right Car Stereo?
Car stereo fitting manual
Getting a new car stereo comes with the promise of better audio, exciting new features or just being able to experience music well, something some factory sound systems cannot provide. First, with aftermarket radios, you need to determine which one to get between a single DIN and a double DIN radio.
- Single-DIN radio – these refer to stereos that need an opening 7” wide and 2” high. These radios have simple controls and often have single CD capability.
- Double-DIN radio – it is taller than the single-DIN radio with a height of 4”. They have more features such as navigation, a, and even a DVD player. Some hybrid single-DIN radios have the functionality of a double DIN radio but in a slimmer more compact size. They have a touchscreen that slides out horizontally and flips up vertically.
Depending on your dashboard configuration, you can get a single or double DIN radio. You can also replace a single DIN radio with a double DIN one and vice versa, you will, however, have to add some additional installation components.
Photo on rvinyl.com
First, take out the old stereo:
- Disconnect the negative terminal cable from your car battery. This is to ensure you avoid short-circuiting the electrical system.
- Unscrew the screws that may be holding the trim in place. Be sure to remove all of them to prevent damaging any components.
- Remove the trim, working from the bottom upwards. You can use prying tools to get the pieces that are hard to remove.
- Remove the necessary parts. Make sure you disconnect any components wired to the car. You can take a picture of how it was wired for reference later.
- Loosen the stereo by unscrewing the nuts or screws. You can also use a radio removal key; these are most common in Ford vehicles.
- Gently pull out the stereo, double checking that you have not missed any components that may be holding it in place. Take a picture of the wiring here too.
- Unplug the connections starting with the antenna; this will be a thicker wire and plugged in separately from the rest.
- Next, remove the wire harness connectors.
Photo on wowtrim.com
Second, install the new radio:
- Match up the wires of the car harnesses to those of the new stereo. They are unique so figuring out which ones fit together is easy. You can also refer to the car stereo instructions.
- If the car stereo does not have wire harnesses, you will have to match up the wires manually. Since the cables are color coded, it should be easy to match up the right wires. It is best to study the installation instructions that came with the stereo. You can either solder or crimp these wires together for a more stable secure connection. Be sure to use the right crimper and avoid ta[e as it eventually dries out and falls off. You can use zip ties to bundle up wires.
- Put together the mounting kit for the new stereo and assemble it according to the instructions provided.
- Connect the power source to the stereo. With a wire harness, this is done when you connect the stereo harness to the car harness. Where there are no harnesses, you will have to do this manually.
- Ground the stereo. With harnesses, this will be done once you connect them. If you are doing this manually, find the bolt, wire or screw that connects to the car’s metallic chassis, loosen it and attach the stereo wire, which is usually black, to it. Grounding the stereo for optimal performance is vital.
- Connect the remaining wires as per the instructions and test the stereo to see if it works and put it off.
Finally, finish off:
Push the stereo back into the opening in the dashboard. Reconnect the components like the screws, knobs or any drawers that were removed.Snap the trim pieces back over the stereo. Double check that the screws and trims pieces are securely in place. Sit back and enjoy your new stereo.We hope that this post has aided you to know more about dash kits and all you need to get the right one for your car interior.