Omar Khalid
Installing a molded plastic dash cover is a quick and easy way to restore the look of your car's dashboard. It is an affordable alternative to expensive dashboard replacements. The dash cover is molded to the exact shape of your car's dashboard and mounts right over the top to cover cracks and holes, giving it a seamless look. The installation process is simple and can be done in a matter of minutes without any special tools or equipment. The first step is to clean the original dashboard and the underside of the new dash cover with an ammonia-based cleaner such as Windex. Then, you need to test fit the new dash cover and make any minor adjustments with a utility knife or sandpaper. Once the dash cover fits snugly, you can apply silicone or adhesive to the underside and press it down evenly so that it seats properly. Finally, reinstall any accessories and clean up any excess adhesive.
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What You'll Learn
Clean the dashboard
To install a molded plastic dash cover, it is important to first clean the dashboard thoroughly. This is because a clean surface allows for better adhesion of the new dash cover. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your dashboard before installing a molded plastic dash cover:
Step 1: Remove Dust and Loose Debris
Use a soft, clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the dashboard and remove any dust, dirt, or debris that has accumulated. If there is a significant buildup of dirt and gunk, you may need to use a plastic scraper or a flat object to gently scrape away the residue without damaging the dashboard.
Step 2: Choose a Suitable Cleaner
You can use an ammonia-based glass cleaner, such as Windex, to clean the dashboard. Alternatively, you can opt for an industrial degreaser, especially if there are stubborn stains or grease on the dashboard. Do not use Armor All, acetone, paint thinner, or any petroleum-based solvents, as these can damage the surface.
Step 3: Apply the Cleaner
Lightly spray or apply the chosen cleaner onto a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid spraying directly onto the dashboard to prevent overspray and potential damage to surrounding areas. Gently wipe down the dashboard with the cloth, ensuring you cover the entire surface.
Step 4: Allow to Dry
Let the dashboard air dry, or you can use a paper towel to lightly pat down any wet spots. It is important to ensure the dashboard is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Step 5: Optional - Use Natural Oils for Conditioning
If desired, you can use natural oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or petroleum jelly, to condition the dashboard. Apply a small amount of oil to a clean, soft cloth and wipe down the dashboard. This helps restore shine and can prevent cracking and fading caused by UV rays. However, be cautious as excess oil can attract dirt and cause a shiny glare on the dashboard.
Step 6: Final Wipe-Down
As an optional final step, use a vinyl upholstery cleaner on your dashboard, following the manufacturer's instructions. This will ensure that your dashboard is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the installation of the molded plastic dash cover.
Remember to always test any cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not cause discolouration or damage to your dashboard.
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Prepare the cover
To prepare the cover, start by cleaning your existing dashboard. Use an ammonia-based cleaner, such as Windex, to remove any dust, dirt, or grease. Do not use Armor All, acetone, paint thinner, or any petroleum-based solvents as these can damage the surface. Once the dashboard is clean and dry, you may need to trim away any raised spots or uneven areas on the dashboard using a utility knife. This will ensure that the new dash cover fits as closely as possible. Be careful not to trim any areas that will not be covered by the new dash cover.
Next, prepare the new dash cover by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol or Windex. Make sure to remove any oil, grease, or dirt from the surface. You may also need to sand the surface of the new dash cover to create a rough texture that will help the adhesive stick better. After the dash cover is prepared, you can start to apply the silicone adhesive. Warm up the tube of adhesive in a glass of warm water for a few minutes to soften it, then apply the adhesive to the lower surface of the dash cover, along the perimeters of the air vents and the entire outer edge. Do not apply silicone to the middle areas of the dash cover, and avoid creating a solid bead—it's best to have gaps.
If your vehicle's dashboard is cracked, you may need to take additional steps to prepare the cover. Clean your dashboard with an industrial degreaser to remove any dirt or grease. Brace any cracks using extra 100% silicone RTV adhesive to prevent further cracking or rattling. This will create a stable and level foundation for the new dash cover.
Finally, before installing the new dash cover, it's important to test-fit it to ensure a proper fit. Place the new dash cover over the existing dashboard and make any necessary adjustments. You may need to use a thin putty knife to gently nudge the cover into place, but you should not have to force it. The cover should fit snugly and give a seamless look.
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Apply adhesive
To apply the adhesive, start by placing the tube of silicone adhesive in a glass of warm water for a few minutes to soften it up and make it easy to apply. Next, 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 any areas that will not be hidden under the new dash cover.
Then, clean the original dashboard and the underside of the new dash cover with rubbing alcohol or Windex to remove any oil, grease, wax, or dirt. Sand both surfaces with sandpaper to create an abrasive surface for better adhesion.
Now, you can start applying the silicone adhesive. Apply the silicone only to the underside of the new dash cover, around the edges, and vent holes. Do not apply silicone to the middle areas of the dash cover, and avoid creating a solid bead—it's best to have gaps.
The adhesive strip should be about 1/2" in size and run about 1/2" inside the dash cover's edge. After applying the adhesive, carefully place the new dashboard cover over the original dash, aligning all the edges. Press down evenly on the new dash cap so that it sits properly and the adhesive spreads evenly.
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Install the cover
To install a molded plastic dash cover, you will need to first clean your existing dash with an ammonia-based cleaner. You should avoid using Armor All, acetone, paint thinner, or any petroleum-based solvents. Next, test-fit your new cover and make any minor adjustments with a utility knife or sandpaper. The dash cover should fit snugly over the entire dash. Practice putting it in place, as you will eventually do this with silicone on the cover.
Before applying the silicone, clean the underside of your new dash cover with Windex. Then, apply the silicone provided in your kit to the underside of the dash cover. Only apply silicone around the edges and vent holes, avoiding the middle areas. Do not make a solid bead—it's best to have gaps.
Once the silicone is applied, carefully place the new dashboard cover over the original dash, ensuring that all the edges are aligned. Press down on the new dash cap evenly so that it seats properly and the adhesive spreads evenly along the edges.
To finish up, clean up any excess adhesive with a clean rug. Hold the new cover firmly in place using paper towels, wedges of cardboard, elastic or rubber twine, and weights. Let it rest for at least 4 hours to allow the adhesive to dry and set. After 4 hours, check that the silicone gel has cured and remove the securing items.
In some cases, you may need to install an optional instrument panel trim cover. If so, simply repeat the process of cleaning the underside and applying silicone around the bottom edges.
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Finishing touches
Once you've applied the DashSkin molded plastic dash cover to your dashboard, there are a few final steps to ensure a seamless and secure finish. Firstly, use a clean rug to wipe away any excess adhesive that may be visible from under the new dash cover. You can use regular car cleaners, such as soap and water or Windex, to clean and maintain your new dashboard cover.
Before applying any weights to the dash cover, ensure that all edges are aligned and flush with the original dashboard. You can use a thin putty knife with very light pressure to adjust the cover into place. Avoid forcing it, as this may cause damage. Weights such as phone books or wedges of cardboard can be placed on top of the dash cover to help it adhere to the original dashboard.
If your vehicle has a glove box, be sure to test its functionality with the new dash cover in place. Open and close the glove box to ensure that the cover does not obstruct its operation. Additionally, double-check that the cover does not interfere with the deployment of the airbag safety system. It is crucial to ensure that the airbag can deploy properly in the event of an accident.
Finally, allow the adhesive to cure for at least four hours before removing any securing items or clamps. This curing time ensures that the silicone adhesive dries and sets properly, providing a strong and durable bond between the new dash cover and the original dashboard. Once the curing time has passed, carefully remove any clamps, paper towels, rubber twines, or weights that were used to hold the dash cover in place. Enjoy your refreshed and upgraded dashboard!
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