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| | IMPORTANT! Do not install any portion of
your kit until you have inspected it thoroughly, and test-fitted
each piece to be sure it fits properly. If you are dissatisfied
with the kit in any way, do not install any portion of it. There
are no refunds for partially installed kits. Please refer to our
Warranty Information page for return instructions.
FLAT DASH KITS
Materials required:
1. Soft cotton cloths
2. Cotton swabs
3. Lacquer thinner (available at hardware stores)
4. Isopropyl alcohol (available at drugstores)
5. Adhesion promoter (supplied with kit)
6. Hair dryer or heat gun
STEP 1: DASH INSPECTION
Carefully inspect each kit. Ensure that you have all the pieces
and check for flaws. Without removing the red backing tape,
test-fit each piece to your dash. Make a mental note of how the
piece looks best.
STEP 2: PREPARATION
Caution: cold dash kit parts will break. The interior of
the car and the dash pieces must be warm. This makes the pieces
flexible for test fitting and ease of installation. It also
activates the tape for proper adhesion. Heating the pieces can
be accomplished by laying them on top of the dash and let the
sun or the car heater warm them. The pieces can also be warmed
with a hair dryer or heat gun. Do not let the pieces get hot to
the touch. Use extra caution with a heat gun.
Thorough cleaning is absolutely essential. Failure to completely
clean the dash will cause the pieces not to adhere properly. If
dash preservatives such as ArmorAll were applied, several
cleanings will be necessary.
Avoid applying any chemical to surfaces that will not be covered
by the kit pieces.
- First, wipe all dash surfaces the pieces
will adhere to with a clean cotton cloth dampened with
lacquer thinner. You must repeat this process several times
to ensure thorough cleaning of the dash, or the pieces will
not adhere properly.
- Next, wipe the same surfaces thoroughly
with a clean cotton cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
This is required to remove the oils that were left by the
lacquer thinner.
- After 1 and 2 above are completed, apply
adhesion promoter sparingly to the receiving dash surface
with a cotton swab if a packet was supplied, or with the
promoter pen if that was supplied. Stay just inside the
outer edge of where the piece will be applied. Once the
promoter packet is opened, it dries fairly quickly, so do
this step for all areas without interruption.
Special Note: If any of your kit pieces are to be applied
directly onto Plexiglas (such as over the speedometer area),
do not pre-clean the Plexiglas with any chemicals. If
needed, wipe it clean with a water-dampened soft cloth.
STEP 3: INSTALLATION TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
Position yourself comfortably, directly in front of the piece
you’re installing. Test-fit again to determine how the piece
fits best. Note that the red backing tape may be in more than
one piece. Ensure all red tape is removed prior to or during the
installation.
Peel a small portion of the backing tape from one end of the
piece. Realign the piece and allow the exposed tape to touch the
dash only after you are satisfied with the alignment. Continue
removing the backing tape while holding the piece in its proper
alignment. Slowly work from end to end. Caution: do not stick
two ends and then try to push down the middle; always work from
one end. Also do not bridge over any bows or dips, and do not
twist the piece to get better alignment. These actions may cause
cracking of the dash, and/or eventual separation of the piece.
Remember that once the tape sticks, the piece can’t be
removed, so working slowly and carefully will help ensure a
successful application. You can clean/shine your beautiful new
dash with a glass cleaner or furniture polish applied sparingly
to a clean soft cotton cloth.
MOLDED DASH KITS
Materials required:
1. Clean, soft, lint-free cloths
2. Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
3. Sponge (included with kit)
CAUTION!! The isopropyl alcohol may
stain some interior vehicle surfaces if spilled. Keep the
alcohol away from all surfaces except the surface to be mounted
and the adhesive.
STEP 1: CLEANING THE VEHICLE'S SURFACE
Using the alcohol and lint-free cloths, clean all surfaces on
which you will mount the components. The surfaces must be clean
to ensure a strong bond with the adhesive.
WARNING!!!
If the surface has been treated with a dash preservative, it
must be thoroughly cleaned to remove the preservative. It is
best to clean the dash several times to be sure it is completely
clean. Components WILL NOT adhere to a dash that has not been
thoroughly cleaned.
STEP 2: PRELIMINARY FITTING
Follow these preliminary-fitting steps for each component.
Without removing the red plastic adhesive liner, place the
component where you will mount it. NOTE, when working with
consoles, make sure that ashtray lids are open and remove
moveable plastic trays. Adjust the steering wheel if possible
for better access to the dash.
Check the fit. Make sure that the component's edge and openings
line up with the surface's edge and openings. Also make sure the
switches and vents move freely.
STEP 3: PERMANENT INSTALLATION
Remove the plastic adhesive liner from the component by lifting
the tab and slowly peeling the liner away from the adhesive.
Soak the sponge thoroughly with the alcohol, squeezing out
excess but making sure the sponge is thoroughly damp. If the
sponge is not thoroughly damp, it will stick to the adhesive and
ruin the component. Make sure the sponge is completely soaked
with alcohol.
Spread the alcohol on the adhesive with the alcohol-soaked
sponge. Make sure you cover the entire surface, including
crevices and parts that will go up and over your vehicle's
existing surface. Avoid leaving pools of alcohol on the
component as the excess alcohol could leak out, damaging other
surfaces.
 | By using the alcohol, you temporarily
lessen the adhesive's stickiness. This gives you
approximately 3 minutes to fit the component before the
adhesive starts to permanently stick. |
Place the component on the surface, adjusting
to correct any alignment problems.
Starting from an inner point on the component, apply firm
pressure in a massaging or kneading motion. Work your way out to
the exterior edges. This ensures that the adhesive is in contact
with the surface and that air bubbles are removed.
STEP 4: CLEANING THE SYSTEM
Clean and shine your new Authentic Factory Dash System with
glass cleaner.
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