Hey fellas!

What's the verdict on dash kits? They look great on pictures but are they the real deal? If so, what's the best company and is it hard to do? Also, is it possible to remove them without damaging the center console after a while or will the silver we have now be damaged afterwards?

I have been eyeballing something like a brushed aluminum or stainless steel look as I like the look and my center console has multiple little but noticeable scratches so I thought this might be a good way to cover up! I find it hard to believe a foil would really fit on there especially around the edges but maybe you guys know more!

Thanks for any and all comments!

 

Only true way to get a perfect cover around edges is doing a Hydrographic dip. Nothing better out there. Google search it and you'll be amazed.

Example site: Water Transfer Printing, Hydrographics, Custom Dipping

 

Very neat! Only question would be where to get this done? The way I see it all the parts would have to come off (so the whole center console taken apart) - I don't know how hard that would be! Wonder if it's hard for them to do the armrest as it has a weird shape and not the whole piece is in the same color (black/silver).
This definitely sounds like the best way to go about this though!

 

Just do a Google search for Hydrographics and your city or county. I found several in the central area in my state. Others advertize that you can send them the parts. You'll also find some DIY kits. I've seen a couple of interiors , mostly done in carbon fiber so it was all a single color but looked very cool and professional. I've thought about doing a blue carbon fiber to my interior to match my Aero Blue Pearl SRT6. Many have stated that the stick on 3M Di Noc stuff works but the corners are a PITA and don't stay put for long.

Couple of DIY kits:

My Dip Kit - Water Transfer Printing -- Camo Dip Kits - Car Diping Kits - Home Hydrographics Kit, Hydro Dipping Film, DIY Water Transfer Printing Film, Activator, Camo and Dash Kits, Camouflage, Hunting, Carbon Fiber, DIY camo

Dip Wizard Hydrographics

DIYDipKits - Do-It-Yourself Hydrographics

Just type in "Hydrographics" into the custom Google search at the top of the forum page and you'll find members threads that have dipped rims, windshield surrounds and other parts with total satisfaction.

 

So are these DIY kits better on the edges than the 3M stuff?

Do you have any experience on how hard it is to do?

 

Absolutely. But don't take my word for it; I've never attempted it. A search on YouTube shows many vids showing the process. It fills the small nooks and crannies completely. Check the links for their videos.

 

Why not just wrap it? Cheaper and easily removable if you don't like it.


http://autovinylsolutions.com/3M_1080/Brushed_Aluminum
.

 

Ok, here's the deal. The kits with the 3M adhere well if the instructions are followed. It's not hard to do but care must be taken, once it's on, if it's wrong, it can't be removed and put back on. It can be taken off though and the console can be cleaned with adhesive remover to like new condition. As for removing the console, there are 6 screws and 2 bolts and the whole thing comes out. You do need a set of keys to remove the head unit, about 6 bucks at Walmart. As for the arm rest, the silver parts can be separated from the dark. The best looking is the dipped finishes, they cover everything.

 

Here's some Hydro work done to the exterior of SRT SIX's XF...

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...aphics-cf.html

Notice how completely the rims get covered!

 

I am looking at installing an overlay dash kit. I have received some Ebony Zebra Wood & Titanium Burl Wood samples. They look totally black without any sun on them. I already have the standard black & gray interior so I will have to look at some other colors/options. I have a Blaze Red XF but am a little concerned about putting red trim inside. I have seen a blue roadster with a brown wood trim kit that looked good. Brown is not an option for my car. I'll be doing more research.

Update: I installed a Japanese Cherry Wood from Dash Kit Mall. I am really happy with the final result, finish & color. Check my Gallery for pics.

Stan 2004 Coupe purchased 2-2014

 

At CarID they have several brands, covering a variety of patterns. Everything from multiple Carbon fiber options, more than a few wood patterns to solid colors. They all would look OK on the right car. A word of advice, test fit the pieces before exposing the adhesive.