Custom Dash Questions...

[Roadkill]

Hi list,
I was hoping for some input from those of you who have either painted your dash or have used the insert/overlays. The painted ones are quite nice looking but how do they hold up as far as scratching/ normal wear and tear? I would think around the shifter area you might have scratching problems (doorhandles too) Also, how difficult is it to remove the dash for work? Secondly, those of you who have the carbon fiber/ other type kits.. how well do these apply onto the existing dash fascia? also is it fairly intense to get these kits to look good as far as fit and finish? I want to do something as the "flocked" dash scratches wayyy too easy
-Bruce

 

[Elite1]

I found this place that will apply several coatings, one of which is a nice carbon fiber, to your actual dash. You send in the dash and they use it rather than fitting pieces to it. Check out http://www.exoticwooddash.com/coating.htm

I had a quote from them awhile back for ~$460 or so for the whole dash and center console area done in black CF.

Let me know if you decide to do this. I've been planning on it and just haven't done it yet.

 

[GCHDEALER]

I chose to refinish mine. It will require several hours to complete. (Be Very Patient) Check my media section for all photos. The new finished dash is so much more durable than the old there is no comparison.
Before

During

After

Paint used

 

[Vip-RT10]

Roadkill, it seems like you have an RT/10, so your dash will be like the cheap looking Gen1 fuzzy dash.. It is really easy to remove. First remove both panels where your knees would be, remove ash tray and gently lift up the center console. The radio bezel section should be attached on the upper section with 2 metal tabs, so just pull it off gently. Remove the screws now exposed by the removeal of the radio bezzel, open the glove box and remove those screws. Locate the headlight switch and reach below it and you will feel a little bump on the top of the light switch housing, press it and the light switch knob will come out. Tilt steering wheel down, and start removing dash by pulling from the passenger side. There are about 5 metal clips holding the upper part of the dash, so pull gently to remove them. I think that the door bezzels are slid forwards to remove them. Unscrew the 2 scres on th einside of the door jamb and the long center door bezzel screw (has a washer on the rear, so be careful). You should be done. I cleaned and painted my dash to flat black and I have a CF ki on it. Check out http://www.villagephotos.com/pubgallery.asp?id_=61698
and go on Viper pics for pics of my dash. Let me know if you want the dash or need help. Good luck!

 

[AndyR]

Here are pix of the back of the dash and radio bezel. The green circles indicate where the pop in clips are.

The black squares are the heavy duty "velcro" connections.

 

[Roadkill]

Thanks much guys for the photos and tips on removal.. VERY helpful!
It looks like either way of repainting or doing a dash kit is very viable.. Who was the kit from/ price range? that carbon fiber really stands out.
Thanks,
-Bruce

 

[Makara]

I have a carbon fiber dash kit that I bought for my GEN I before I sold it for my GEN II. I never put it on and can let it go for a good price if you are interested.

 

[Don]

I have a carbon fiber dash kit that I bought for my GEN I before I sold it for my GEN II. I never put it on and can let it go for a good price if you are interested.

Can you put up a few pictures of it?

 

[tim721]

GCHDEALER, what was your process, step by step, if you dont mind???


How would it look if it was just sanded down??

 

[BADVENOM]

These are from Scott @ elite motor sports. I had this done in my car and looks great. Give him a call. You won't be disappointed

 

[KepRght]

These are from Scott @ elite motor sports. I had this done in my car and looks great. Give him a call. You won't be disappointed

HOLLY CRAP! That is a SICK DASH!!@!@!@!@!!

WOW!!@!@!@@!

OK, Im calm now. That is really nice.

 

[tim721]

Roadkill, it seems like you have an RT/10, so your dash will be like the cheap looking Gen1 fuzzy dash.. It is really easy to remove. First remove both panels where your knees would be, remove ash tray and gently lift up the center console. The radio bezel section should be attached on the upper section with 2 metal tabs, so just pull it off gently. Remove the screws now exposed by the removeal of the radio bezzel, open the glove box and remove those screws. Locate the headlight switch and reach below it and you will feel a little bump on the top of the light switch housing, press it and the light switch knob will come out. Tilt steering wheel down, and start removing dash by pulling from the passenger side. There are about 5 metal clips holding the upper part of the dash, so pull gently to remove them. I think that the door bezzels are slid forwards to remove them. Unscrew the 2 scres on th einside of the door jamb and the long center door bezzel screw (has a washer on the rear, so be careful). You should be done. I cleaned and painted my dash to flat black and I have a CF ki on it. Check out http://www.villagephotos.com/pubgallery.asp?id_=61698
and go on Viper pics for pics of my dash. Let me know if you want the dash or need help. Good luck!

Very useful description...thanks!

I swapped out my dash last night in less than 2hrs

 

[XS TORQ]

Tim721,
What did you swap out your dash with??
Thanks!
M

 

[tim721]

XS TORQ,

I replaced it with a newer dash from another '94.

My old dash was fine, but had a lot of surface scratches in it. I bought another one that had been painted over and got rid of that fuzzy material. My old one would be a perfect dash to paint over as well...

I'm gonna get rid of the old one, if you, or anyone else is interested, shoot me a PM

TIM

 

[THOR]

Has anyone tried to put a (black) OEM 1996 Dash into an earlier Gen I? If so, any pics you can post, or tell of your experience?

 

[tim721]

Has anyone tried to put a (black) OEM 1996 Dash into an earlier Gen I? If so, any pics you can post, or tell of your experience?

Yes, my father did it to his '94. Put in a black one from a '96. I know a few other people on here that have done it as well.

It works fine

 

[malcoll]

I've often wondered if a Gen II sub dash and dash could be retro fitted into a Gen I??

It seems logical that the only difference between the Gen I and Gen II would be a bolted in sub dash assembly to which the gauges attach... then the Gen II interior dash would attach to that?

Are the attachment points for the sub-dash to the vehicle's interior in the same place for a Gen I and Gen II sub dash?

Just curious.

 

[SingleMalt]

You still have the carbon fiber dash available? If so, who did the work and do you have any pics.

Thanks alot,

Mike
[email protected]

 

[THOR]

Has anyone tried to put a (black) OEM 1996 Dash into an earlier Gen I? If so, any pics you can post, or tell of your experience?

Yes, my father did it to his '94. Put in a black one from a '96. I know a few other people on here that have done it as well.

It works fine

Thanx Tim. I have ordered the 4 parts '96 dash parts through my local dealer. I look forward to their arrival.

 

[redrt10]

Has anyone attempted making their own carbon fiber parts for the interior or rear bulkhead? If so, how difficult is it? I have seen these carbon fiber kits relatively cheap, but dont know the details, any info would be much appreciated.

 

[XS TORQ]

Thor,
I am afraid that you may be disappointed when your dealer finally realizes that the 96 dashes are not available anymore. I tried buying one, and nobody had any more of them. If you DO get your parts, let us know!
M

 

[joe117]

I replace all the dash parts on my 94 with OEM black. Worked great.
I sold all the old parts on ebay.