Dash Trim Kits- Yay or Nay?

[itsjustbusiness]

Hey guys,I know a couple of you guys, like doc, have modded your dashes. I'm guessing with the dashes from Auto Accessory World. What do you guys think? Is it worth it? Is the quality good? Can you notice that it isn't OEM? I've heard its a bit tacky but if anyone can convince me otherwise I'd love to add this mod to my car. Any feedback or pics would be appreciated.

Cheers,KSong

For those who don't know what this is:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ZWDVW
Modified by itsjustbusiness at 11:28 PM 2/9/2008

[XxXSnake23XxX]

You can sometimes tell that it isn't OEM but you have to do what you have to do.. and if you like then thats your prerogative. But IMO, OEM is the best

[m79kaplan]

Hey guys,I know a couple of you guys, like doc, have modded your dashes. I'm guessing with the dashes from Auto Accessory World. What do you guys think? Is it worth it? Is the quality good? Can you notice that it isn't OEM? I've heard its a bit tacky but if anyone can convince me otherwise I'd love to add this mod to my car. Any feedback or pics would be appreciated.

Cheers,KSong

For those who don't know what this is:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ZWDVW

Modified by itsjustbusiness at 11:28 PM 2/9/2008

i think if you are worried what others are going to think, you are already screwed. Take a look at it. if you like what you see, then do it. Plain and simple.

Personally i like a lot of the dash kits out there. Some are a bit poorly made/designed though so be careful

[rjdmmfl1]

i think if you are worried what others are going to think, you are already screwed. Take a look at it. if you like what you see, then do it. Plain and simple.

Personally i like a lot of the dash kits out there. Some are a bit poorly made/designed though so be careful

I agree 100% here's where I got my dash kit from... as you can see, they use my pictures for their listing!http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...87126

As far as quality, many of the companies use the same 3M-backed materials as the stock sheets, whether it be real carbon fiber, real wood grain, brushed aluminum, etc. The most important aspect of a dash trim kit is the installation process, by far. I've done a couple of writeups already, but in any case its extremely important to properly prep the dash.

As far as whether or not to do it, its gotta be about what you like. Although I get plenty of compliments on my dash, I could really care less what anyone else thinks because its what I wanted, and I'm the one who drives it. So, to ask folks here what they think, you are gonna get a mixed response!

As far as compared to OEM, well, believe it or not, many car companies actually use some of these dash companies to make their trim kits for their vehicles! Toyota is one that does it for sure. I can say that, If I had gotten the blond interior with the wood grain, I may have only added a couple of dash pieces. To me, the OEM interior looks plain, and lacks appeal, Especially the black interiors. Look at the G35s and G37's, that is what an interior should look like, not just black plastic. In any case, that's just my opionion, some actually like the OEM interior, to each his own. get what you like!

[rjdmmfl1]

Here are the pictures of my complete install... in case it helps you make a decision...

[itsjustbusiness]

Thanks for the input guys and yeah, I'm definitely going to base this on my opinion but just wanted to see what the people who had already installed it thought. If people said it was messy and really not worth it then no bueno. The only part I'm worried about is the actualy install. I feel like some parts could turn out sloppy and it would be obvious that there's something ontop of the OEM dash. Did everyone who has the dash kits do it themselves? Also, say I wanted to take off the dash kit at one point for one reason or another, would I be able to without having sticky gunk all over the original dash? I know people have taken their badges off, held by 3M, but maybe its different for the dash material? Last question, I have a 2.5S without tech package and without premium or convenience package, would the dash kits fit? Thanks again!

And Special thanks to Doc for the pics and the consistent help with well...all of my car dilemmas. Cheers!

[rjdmmfl1]

Thanks for the input guys and yeah, I'm definitely going to base this on my opinion but just wanted to see what the people who had already installed it thought. If people said it was messy and really not worth it then no bueno. The only part I'm worried about is the actualy install. I feel like some parts could turn out sloppy and it would be obvious that there's something ontop of the OEM dash. Did everyone who has the dash kits do it themselves? Also, say I wanted to take off the dash kit at one point for one reason or another, would I be able to without having sticky gunk all over the original dash? I know people have taken their badges off, held by 3M, but maybe its different for the dash material? Last question, I have a 2.5S without tech package and without premium or convenience package, would the dash kits fit? Thanks again!

And Special thanks to Doc for the pics and the consistent help with well...all of my car dilemmas. Cheers!

kevin, yes I did the dash install myself. I HIGHLY suggest doing this. I suggest this because each dash piece needs to be prepped like 3-4 times prior to install. Install shops are NT gonna spend that much time on each piece. They will do each piece MAX 2 times, and then do the install. In the end, it will look the same for the first couple of months, but will begin to peel off as the left over impurities and oils disrupt the 3M backing. That's why each piece needs to be cleaned so thoroughly.

In regards to vehicle models, yes, they have kits to kit each model. The only way you would need a custom center piece is if you get an aftermarket center console for an aftermarket deck.