Installation Instructions

Interior – Dashboard & Console

Dash Caps/Covers

Printable Version

 Instructions: How to Paint and Install a Dash Cover

Painting

If you ordered your custom molded dash cover without paint, you will receive it unpainted, in black color. You can easily paint the Dash Cover in any color that you desire, so you can match it with your vehicle’s existing interior. Here’s how to paint your dash cover before installing it on your vehicle:

  1. 1.      Always use high quality paint that can endure sunlight and heat without fading or cracking.
  2. 2.      Before you start painting, check that you have received the correct part by dry fitting it at the place where it’s supposed to go.
  3. 3.      Make minor adjustment, such as sanding, to make sure the dash cover fits exactly.
  4. 4.      DO NOT apply a primer before painting your new dash cover
  5. 5.      Use an all-purpose cleaner (such as Windex) to clean the surface of the dash cover and prepare it for painting.
  6. 6.      Make sure the surface of the dash cover is fully dry and clean before painting. Dust, moisture, or lint do not let the paint stick to plastic and can cause bubbles or cracks when the paint dries up.
  7. 7.      Use a spray gun to cover surface with 3 light coats of paint.
  8. 8.      Maintain a reasonable distance between the gun and the surface while painting, so that the paint doesn’t clump up or run.
  9. 9.      You may notice first 2 coats forming streaks, but the third coat will come out even.
  10. 10.   Make sure to use only light coats, to finish a professional paint job.

Installing

Tools and Materials: You will need the following tools and materials for installing your new dash cover:

  • Rubbing alcohol or Windex
  • Common knife
  • Screw driver set
  • Medium grit sandpaper (CAMI 80 or 100)
  • Paper towels
  • Cleaning rags
  • Strips of cardboard for wedges
  • Vinyl duct tape
  • Bunji-Cords or rubber for holding the dash cover in place

Instructions:

  1. Test the New Dashboard Cover: Dry fit the dash cover at its correct position to reconfirm you have the right item. Open and close the glove box to ensure the cover fits properly.
  2. Paint the Dash Cover: Follow the above instructions to paint the dashboard cover. You can always have it painted by a professional if you’re not sure.
  3. Warm Up the Silicone Glue: Place the tube of silicone adhesive that came with your dash cover in a glass of warm water for a few minutes, so that its softens up and is easy to apply.
  4. Even out raised areas on the original dashboard: Trim away any raised spots on the original dashboard using a utility knife so that the new dash cover fits as closely as possible. Be careful NOT to trim the areas that will not be hidden under the new dash cover.
  5. Prepare the surface: Use rubbing alcohol or Windex to clean the top of the original dashboard and the underside of the new dash cover. All waxes and oils must be Make sure to remove any oil, grease, wax, or dirt from both the surfaces.
  6. Sand the surfaces: Apply sandpaper to make both surfaces abrasive to get the best adhesion.
  7. Apply the silicone: Start applying the silicone adhesive to the lower surface of the new dash cover. Only apply the adhesive along the perimeters of the air vents and the entire outer edge. The adhesive strip should be about 1/2" in size and should be running about 1/2" inside the dash cover’s edge.
  8. Install the new dash cover: Carefully place the new dashboard cover over the original dash in a way that all the edges are aligned. Press down the new dash cap evenly so that it seats properly and the adhesive spreads evenly along the edges.
  9. Reinstall the accessories: Replace the accessories that you removed before installation, such as pans, grills and vents.
  10. Finish up. Clean up any excess adhesive with a clean rug.
  11. Clamp in position: Hold the new cover firmly in place by using paper towels, wedges of cardboard, elastic or rubber twines, and weights. Let it rest for least 4 hours to allow the adhesive to dry up and set.
  12. Remove the securing items: After 4 hours, check that the silicone gel has cured and unclamp the dash cover by removing the securing items.
  13. Clean the residues: Remove any excess silicone that is visible from under the new dashboard cover. Use regular car cleaners such as soap water or Windex to clean and maintain your dashboard cover.

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