THUNDR CLOUD said:
2002 LTD
Oak Leather
Just purchased a wood add on kit from Jason Burtman. Would like any tips/tricks that anyone has used to install one of these kits.
I spent a couple of hours looking at this forum and found several mentions of dash kits but nothing in detail about the instillation.
I'm new here as I just got my RUNNER Dec 15, 2004 so any help is appreciated!
I must have missed this post. Hope you like the kit.
Instructions do come with the kit. But these are my own detailed ones.
The comes in a flat, large box about 3 inches thick and maybe 3 feet long. Everything is well packed in styrofoam liner and set up so that nothing will scratch!
The instructions are brief, but clear and to the point.
Each piece needs to be carefully "dry-fit" to the dash. That is, put thepiece in place BEFORE removing backing on the 3M adhesive on the back of each piece.
The pieces are initially quite stiff, but laying them out on your dashboard in the sun for 10 minutes will really soften them up. It's a good idea to warm them before you apply them to the dash! A hairdryer will also help.
Then, you'll need to use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to wipe off each part of the dash to clean it. Even if it looks clean, it can be dirty. You can also use 3M bug/tar remover from any auotparts store, but you only need to use that is any type or armor-all or shiny protectant was used on your dash.
The Key step:
Remember again that the key to a good installation is patience. Each piece should be carefully fit in place after warming on your dashboard in the sun.
After you're convinced you have the pieces fitting properly, you'll need to PEEL off the backing.
Another tip: For all but the smallest pieces I recommend pulling off only 5-10% of the backing first. Then position that amount of the adhesive down on the dash and slowly peel off the rest of the adhesive as you carefully fit the piece in place. Then firmly press down each part of the wood cutout.
Remember, once that adhesive is stuck down. It is almost IMPOSSIBLE to remove. It's like trying to lift an elephant. That stuff STICKS!!!
You're done!
One more tip: When you're all done, leave the car for a few hours to cure. The pieces must take some time to bond to the dash, and If the car is warm, the pieces will hold their final curved shapes better.
If you place a piece down crooked, you have about one chance to pull it off and re-lay it down again. There is a lifetime warranty when you use a sunshade to protect it.
