Dash Kit Changeout

[chad07m35x]

I have an 07 35X with the wood dash and I can't look at it anymore. I recently purchased the entire Sports Aluminum dash kit, but have run into a few problems and need some advice.

I have looked at the shifter knob and am trying to decide how it should be removed as the lock button prevents this from being just a simpole screw on knob. Does anyone have any instructions for removing the shifter knob as the last thing I want is to lock my car into reverse or something horrible like that.

Also, I have not yet attempted the doors yet but if you have any help on removing the door panels other than the normal tabs which line the bottoms I would be very much appreciative.

[AD1787]

wow, what was the tipping point on the wood dash? I can see you getting into your car and saying, "you disgust me, I can't bare to look at you any longer" I thought I liked the wood but now you have me questioning myself.

Sorry I wish I had something of value to add. I just didn't want to be another lurker.

[chad07m35x]

I am just not a wood fan. I was looking at the Sport version, but with the amount of miles I put on a car I need something that had a little smoother ride. So I found an 07 with 10K miles and the dealer promised me they could replace all the wood with the aluminum trim. That was the all I needed to hear and I bought the car, only then to find out that the dealership was WRONG. They could not replace the trim but they had a 3M sticker kit that would cover the dash pieces however it left the door trim in wood. It looked horrible so I had them rip it off. Now I found an entire replacment kit and I am in the process of making the changeout. It looks great so far, but I am having trouble with the shifter knob. I really am being careful as I dont want to screw anything up.

[digiboy]

And you couldn't get the dealer to apply the kit once you found it? Maybe they could at least help with the shifter knob for you.

[chronicdesi]

This is from the repair manual.. Hope it helps. I think you can skip step one, that is refering the control assembly.


Modified by chronicdesi at 11:57 AM 12/13/2008

[bburns6]

Where did you get the aluminum kit? Does it replace all of the door trim as well?

[F1SportsFan]

This thread needs before and after shots!

[chad07m35x]

Many thanks for the help on the shifter knob. That pin was the key that I was missing. It was very hard to see if you weren't looking for it. I am out of town now, but the changeout is going very well. I have all the dash pieces and center consol pieces exchanged so that all I have left is the doors.

[chad07m35x]

I actually found a guy who used to work with Nissan / Infiniti and he ordered the parts. It does have all of the parts to exchange including the door pieces.

[chad07m35x]

No problem. When I finish I will send the before and after pics.

By the way, do you think we will get the F1 race back in the states in 2010? I sure hope so as my Father's day just isn't the same without being in Indy for the race.

[F1SportsFan]

I sure hope so, but my money is on Las Vegas for the next location. I think that would be great because flights are cheaper, tons of stuff to do, plus all the glitz and glamor that those F1 teams love.

I'm hoping for a night race down the Vegas strip!

The bad thing is that now the cars are so ugly it's unbelievable! http://img233.imageshack.us/im...7.jpg

Anyway, good luck finishing up the doors!

[aidan2474]

Do you remember how much the kit cost? I am looking to do the same.

Thanks

[NightWatch]

I've never seen a whole "kit" for sale, but there are a number of places you can buy the individual panels. Last time I looked it would cost you over $600 to replace all the panels in the car... is it worth it?

[aidan2474]

Yeah umm $600 hmmm probably not,.. I'd rather put that money towards a set of 19" OEM sport wheels.

Thanks for the info!

[chad07m35x]

I would have to say that I got really lucky. I found someone on ebay and I bought the entire kit for less than $350. I then installed it all myself and saved even more money thanks to a few people on this site.

If you ask Infiniti most of them will say that it is not possible and will not sell it. You can probably buy parts and pieces but it will be expensive. Sorry I dont have more info for you.

[nateburch]

Are you willing to sell the rosewood dash and door pieces? I am about to pull the trigger on a M45 Sport, but I really want the wood dash.

[chad07m35x]

Do you still want the wood kit? I finally completed the doors today and so I have successfully converted my m35x wood grain over to the aluminum sport look. It looks fantastic. I will sell you my wood grain kit for the same price that I bought the aluminum inlcuding shipping ($350.00). I have all the boxes and will gladly do the exchange with you.

[nateburch]

Chad - I sent you an email. I would like to buy your kit.

Thanks,

Nathan

[gibz4]

Chad - I sent you an email. I would like to buy your kit.

Thanks,

Nathan

Hello Nathan,

Would you be willing to sell your alum dash kit and door trim? I might be buying an M45 with rosewood and would like to replace it with your alum. trim. I'll buy it for the same price your getting it from Chad plus shipping.

[nateburch]

gibz4,

I would be more than happy to send you the aluminum. One minor detail.... I haven't bought the car yet. I should pick one up this week.

Send me an email to nathan (at) nathanburch dot com so that I have your contact information.

[wesdaniel]

Wow. This is interesting. I have the aluminum and really, really prefer the wood. I would spend $350 on the wood in a heartbeat, but I know there's no way in hell I'd be able to do the changeout myself. The idea of ever changing it never occurred to me!

[previnwaas]

I have the wood grain and would gladly switch with anyone who has the aluminium interior for no charge..P

[rural_m35x]

Interesting....my car has the wood, and it was one of the main aesthetic reasons I bought the car. I looked at the G, and the dash was I thought, cheap looking - no comparison (the wasabi or washi finish). I looked at the BMW M's and 3's and 5's, and the wood/titanium dashes that they had also looked gimmicky or plastic-like.

The wood and its finish was what separated the M from the other cars in its class I thought, and I assumed that everyone liked it. Now I am going to have to look again. Sometimes that which initially attracted you can become that which finally irritates you to the point of distraction.

Please send pictures of before and afters!

[gibz4]

I'm not a very big fan of wood in cars, in fact i had a BMW m3 and i replaced as much wood as i could but sadly the car was totalled not long after. Plus other cars from Mercedes to Landrovers that i've owned with wood always seemed to crack . Anyway, does anyone know how to remove the trim pieces off the doors? i looked at the PDF's but had no mention of taking them out. Only had instructions on how to take the whole door panel off. Has anyone done the changeout? I don't want to break any clips for fear of future rattles.

Thanks.

[chad07m35x]

Well first of all please remember that the aluminum trim for the M is WAY different from the G. It looks oh so much better than the brushed trim. There is also a little bit of texture to the pieces.

As for the install part, the from dash was easier than the doors. I could not get the door panels off bc they are a two piece system. So I went to a local car stereo place and asked them to do it. So for $45 I had all four doors changed out. One I sell the wood to Nathan I will have changed the interior of my car from non-sporty to all-sport for $45. Not a bad deal. And from reading the trail here it looks like Nathan will be selling the aluminum and so on and so on. Started a trend here.

I would post pics but this site doesnt seem to want me to. Any help here and I would be glad to post before and after pics.

[ly5598]

Wood trim... i think that the aluminum sets the M sports off. I like the 08 and up sport trim even better, but you cant switch over because of the card slot on the radio piece.

[M35xATL]

I have an 06 M35x with wood trim and would love to swap it out with anyone local in GA with alum trim