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Experience With Wood Dash Kits?

R

RPHagan

Charter Member
SM 2003
Full Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2002
Messages
138
Location
Scottsboro, AL
Thought I would spice up the interior a bit so I picked up a rosewood dash kit off eBay. It is being made up somewhere in CA and should be here in 10 days or so. Anyone who has done this (i haven't) before, I would appreciate any tips (other than DON'T) on installation, etc. ???

Thanks ;D
 
Make sure the surfaces are Perfectly Clean before You go to put them on.., and use the Hair dryer to preheat them.., I did have a problem with two of the peices not sticking very well...., so I used 3M Plastic emblem trim adhesive on them.., it worked Great., there where a couple of peices I didn't use., only because I didn't think they looked factory, where they went.., other than that.., I was very Happy with the kit., and everyone who has seen it.., thought it was factory..., and came that way.., lots of nice comments on it.., really does add a nice touch... Butch.
 
That looks GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!

Do you know the actual vendor? I am looking forward to seeing the pics.
 
There are a number of manufacturers, most of which are coming out with Av trim kits. The one i am installing is made by a CA company called Bene-vento, which also makes sunroof wind deflectors. I bought it off eBay from specialtyseatcovers. They are made to order and take about 2 weeks to get.

RPH
 
Brief update on the dash trim kit project. Got most of it installed but have decided to change out the instrument cluster and add an Audiobahn amp to the stock radio. So I'm going to wait to install the final dash trim pieces until I'm through messing with the dash components, because the mirror finish on the rosewood, although beautiful, is susceptible to micro-scratching with handling. Will post pix when completed.

BTW: Ran across this site for Alliance Technology in a mag. They make the custom steering wheels for GM for the Denali and Escalade, and are offering a similar wood inlaid wheel for the Av as an aftermarket add-on. It is really sweet, although pricey, as are most aftermarket wheels. List price is $395. There is a standard $100 core charge for return of the stock wheel. They will deal somewhat on these numbers. Anyone done this yet?

http://www.stwheel.com/

RPH
 
Ta-DAAAAAAA ;D ;D
FINALLY got the trim kit installed. Also have the Wood steering wheel to go with it - thanks again, Jason. Here are some pics of it:

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=737120&uid=504987

I should emphasize--this is NOT, repeat NOT the same kit that is now available on a group buy for the club. It has several similar pieces, but some differences as well.

While we're at it, a couple of observations on installation:
- The kit I got did not have nearly enough alcohol swabs for cleaning the surface, nor did it have enough "primer" for all the pieces. This is mainly because both chemicals are very volatile and you need to take your time. So they dry out. Do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol at the drug store to replenish the swab, and a can of 3M Adhesive, Tar and Wax remover to use as a primer. It can be applied with a cotton ball.
- Start SMALL. The small size peices are MUCH easier to apply straight and flat than the larger pieces. Practice on the small ones first, because once you press it down, its there!!
- Finally, don't be afraid to use the heat gun/hair dryer. Get it plenty warm so the piece conforms to the dashes grooves and curves.

It's really not difficult -- just take your time. Have fun!! ;D ;D ;D

RPH
 
Hey you did a very good job. Question. I thought the wood pieces replace the plastic ones. Are you telling me us that the wood goes on top of the plastic? I don't know if I like that idea. What about how it will look over time? Do you think that it will become seperated?
 
Powersurge said:
Hey you did a very good job. Question. I thought the wood pieces replace the plastic ones. Are you telling me us that the wood goes on top of the plastic? I don't know if I like that idea. What about how it will look over time? Do you think that it will become seperated?
Click to expand...
All of the wood trim kits I have seen are applied to the existing trim. Most are very high quality wood veneer with a very fine finish. They have a substantial layer of 3M automotive adhesive applied to the back side. This is the same adhesive that holds many of the stock trim pieces and ornamentation on almost all American cars. It is extremely durable and stable, and should not deteriorate over time. As an example, my brother has used similar wood trim pieces on his show-quality Honda Gold Wing motorcyles for many years. They have stood up very well in a much less hospitable environment (sun, rain, cold, heat) than the inside of a truck. So no, I am not concerned with how well they will hold up, as long as you take reasonable care of them. ;D ;D ;D ;D

RPH
 
This is good news. The Wood kit was one of the first mods that I wanted to perform. I need to pay down some debt first :( but plan on doing the Billet Fuel Door, Wood Interior, Brushguard and nurf bars in a few months. ;D
 
Here is a dask kit I got on e-bay for $145.
The same guy has a carbon fibre one listed also.
It says he is from NY but it actually came from
Canada.

Not a bad kit for the money. :)
 
Hey RP Dash looks Great.., bet Your Glad You did it now, they really do add a nice touch of Class to the interior.., I see Your kit covers more areas than mine., but I like it.., nice job.., unless I tell them., everyone who sees it.., thinks the truck came that way......
 
Butch said:
Hey RP Dash looks Great.., bet Your Glad You did it now, they really do add a nice touch of Class to the interior.., I see Your kit covers more areas than mine., but I like it.., nice job.., unless I tell them., everyone who sees it.., thinks the truck came that way......
Click to expand...
Thanks, Butch. Yes, I'm very pleased with the results. No one who has ridden in the truck has even asked if I did it or it is stock, they assume it came that way. Thanks again for the encouragement. As with most of the mods on the board, it is not difficult if you just take your time and think it through. ;D ;D ;D

RPH
 
I,have been selling wood dashes for years.Now I dont use the old stick on type anymore as much! :p
I can now send out factory pieces and get them dipped
to be Dark Medium Burl,Carbon Fiber or Brushed Aluminum. On the Avalanche we have an eight peice kit.
The kit includes the main dash cluster,center console piece,front door switch bezels and all four door bezels around door opening handles. This kit also has a replacement leather,wood factory steering wheel option
that matches the dash. (y)
 

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I have ordered Carbon Fiber Dash kit from my local shop. I went with the 3 pc molded kit. I will post pic's after, I got a good deal because I also ordered Remote Starter to start my AV when the weather turns cold I will even be able to activate my heated seats ;D
 
Here is a couple of pictures of my Burlwood kit I installed last night. ?The quality of the e-bay kit is great and the vendor seems to be standing behind a missing piece issue. ?It is really a top notch kit in my book. ?Not a $600 one, but still nice :)

I think I am in love.. ? LOL

Dash Picture One
Dash Picture Two



Sorry folks, I am new to this board.. ?:)
 
I just cut and pasted Perpendicular url address and it works. Looks way better than stock Perpendicular! I went with the molded pcs just because I like it better. Sorry I wont have untill Mon or Tue next week....I cant stand waiting :8:
 
Ok, so I changed the way they came out in the post.

I was trying to show the pictures inside the post but it just didn't work. ?Need to read up more on how to do it.

Leather: ?Thanks for the comments. ?I was going to go with the molded pieces, but found this and haven't looked back. ?Can't wait to see your pictures!
 
Your dash kit looks very good, Perp. I like the gray on gray, similar to the Denali dash.
 
Looks great Perpendicular.

Any more thoughts from the group on longevity of these kits. That's the only thing holding me back. I don't want to have a crappy looking dash in 2-3 years. ???
 
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