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Wood/carbon fibre/aluminum trim dash kits

72 messages,  Last post on May 04, 2009 at 10:24 PM

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What is this discussion about? Interior

Messages Page 5 of 8

#33 of 72 Possible to *remove* a trim kit without damage? by devore

Mar 08, 2001 (8:17 am)

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience removing a trim kit after it's been applied.
 
I ordered a metallic dash trim kit to be installed with my new 2001 Civic. A day after I picked up the car, I realized that the installed trim (which is metallic with a "gold" hue) doesn't match the standard trim (which is metallic with a "silver" hue) around the stick, and on the door handles. So right now if I look at the inside of my car, I can see trim that's gold-hued, and trim that's silver-hued - yuck.
 
Honda apparently has realized that people would make the mistake I did, and they are releasing a "sliver" hued dash trim kit. My dealer has offered to remove the old trim kit and install the new one for free.
 
But is it possible to remove these things without damaging the dash? I'd rather have the silver trim kit, but not if the dealer has to damage the dash in any way to remove the gold one.
 
I've looked at the installation instructions for the trim kits and both use an adhesive backing to apply the part.
 
Thanks for any info!

#34 of 72 Sure it is "possible" to remove it... by joe166

Mar 08, 2001 (9:25 am)

but it is also possible that it will damage the dash. It is stuck on with a heavy duty adhesive, but the ones I have seen are basically double sided tape (very good quality double sided tape) with some sort of foam or other padding between the adhesives to allow for some imperfections. If nothing else you can just rip off the trim and the adhesive backing will split at the padding. Then they will have to clean off the residue with some sort of solvent. That will almost certainly "damage" the dash, but since you are going to cover it again, why do you care. If you mean are they going to gouge the surrounding area while trying to pry off the trim, you better ask the dealer. They could replace your entire dashboard with a new one if they screwed up so if they say they can do it, let them.
 
I just installed a "wood" kit on my car and really didn't like the looks of one particular piece which I thought was overkill. I just ripped it off and cleaned off the adhesive with alcohol, but this was only on about an hour before I had my epiphany. I expect that if it is on for several hours it will then be much harder, but not impossible.

#35 of 72 Damage by devore

Mar 08, 2001 (11:44 am)

Yeah, like you said, I'm not so concerned with them using solvents to remove the adhesive. I'm more concerned about them using some kind of tool to "pry off" the old trim. I'm thinking doing a bunch of prying on the dash might lead to it vibrating or creaking, which I'd like to avoid since the car is brand new.
 
I'll have to ask them exactly how they plan to remove it and how traumatic it would be. Thanks for the info.

#36 of 72 devore by lwittorf

Mar 09, 2001 (11:59 pm)

Yes you can remove it if they didn't use a solvent to score the dash where they put on the after market. use a hair fryer to heat the kits glue and gently pull it off the heat will soften the sticky so it comes off with out to much work. I would make sure of what they did for pep though so you won't run in to a surprise.

#37 of 72 Help with Installation Company by mdames

Mar 30, 2001 (11:38 am)

Does anyone know of a company that can install the wood trim kits on cars in the Los Angeles area?
 
Thanks

#40 of 72 Help to above post by tronsr1

Apr 13, 2001 (3:06 pm)

Check your yellow or white pages. Most "detail" shops will install same for about $40.00.

#41 of 72 Aftermarket gold kits? by deuce56

May 07, 2001 (10:36 pm)

Can anyone point me in the direction of a "gold kit" distributor? I'm specifically looking for an "add-on" kit to supplement the factory kit that came on my '01 Olds Silhouette. Possibly the two plastic chrome grill pieces and the wheel hub cover (recessed Olds insignia). Can these be done at local aftermarket shops? Does anyone have any experience with having this done? Thanks in advance!

#42 of 72 Automatic Wood Knob for Jetta GLX by vtwaters

May 14, 2001 (1:05 pm)

Does anyone know where I can get an wood automatic shift knob for my 2001 Jetta GLX. I've seen some Jettas w/ wood trim that had a wooden knob and some without it. Mine doesn't have it for some reason.

Messages Page 5 of 8

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