finally got my dash mod done

[workmeistr]

I did a search, Don, and I didn't see a pictoral of a removal. I had an extra Rodeo dash so I knew where the attachment points were that pop out. I also looked at the CD. Maybe I can do a write up with multiple pictures the next time mine comes out (likely this weekend.)

There is a sequence: remove lower panel from around ashtray, remove 7 screws to main panel, push down lower under-steering-wheel panel to free upper dash panel tabs, etc. You start releasing the panel from the springy clips by pulling the dash free from the fuzzy hole left side. Don't pull out the left side of the dash too far before shifting to the radio area. The recessed screw hole above the radio has to be freed before you pull the left side of the dash completely out. The same recessed screw hole issue also applies to the two screws above the gauges. (This has become more of an issue for me with the Kenwood that sticks out farther than the stock radio. The stereo surround area of the dash gets hooked up on the stereo if I pull the left side of the dash completely free before I release the stereo screw area).

I did this completely by feel the first time, along with the Rodeo dash for inspiration and the CD. Once removed, I put a light coat of dialectic grease of those clips, dialectic-greased the switches to make plug removal easier, and extended the wires and changed to a friendlier plug for the alarm light (the factory plugs are a PITA to free the first time you remove the dash).

[don moore]

very nice..I wanted to get a dash and try some stuff to it ...I cant wait for your pics.. thx

[pbkid]

does anyone know of any extra dashes available online??

im looking to do something similar to these but i dont want to guinea pig my own dash =D

thanks guys....

[workmeistr]

Search "Rodeo Dash" on eBay. I got the main dash from eBay (with the fuzzy hole switch plate and all Rodeo switches for $55. Pricey for just the dash, but good deal with the bezel and switches, I thought. I got the lower (ashtray area) dash bit from a local yard, no upper dash or pigtails (whole dash harness gone), available from that Rodeo.

I, too, did not want to paint the factory dash. It's hermetically sealed in the attic. I have since bought a new Trooper dash harness to get a few switch pigtails, to include one Fog Light pigtail.

96 97 Isuzu Rodeo dash gauge bezel trim w/ all switches
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=160253877650

[twistedsymphony]

you should also checkout the classifieds at http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/

just yesterday I found a guy parting out his SUV and I did a straight up trade of my fuzzy hole piece for the 3 switch plate with an OEM tailgate open button, a fog light button and a blank complete with pigtails for a clean wiring install.

sure beats paying $45 just for that tailgate button from an OE parts dealer.

[kodiak]

You need to visit you local do it your self junk yard. In SLC we have “Pick and pull” and “Tare A part” there like Disney land for me. I’ve past up dozens of good $90 4L30E’s in totaled Isuzu’s and Hondas. The odd thing is I never see a rusted out Isuzu.

[etlsport]

pbkid, ill take a look at the scrap yard for you when i go next (probably friday) if i find one ill send it out for 25+ shipping

[etlsport]

workmeister,

you inspired me to paint my dash again...

[Ldub]

Nice Work!...

[workmeistr]

That is nice, etlsport

I do like the blue.
I was considered doing mine in a contrasting, yet Foxfire-friendly color, as I was worried that the aftermarket Foxfire spray wouldn't match the actual color on the vehicle. It is slightly off, but not really noticeable.

I had intended to paint the door panels, too: Grey-to-black, Faux carbon fiber-to-Foxfire. That's on hold until I find a quality flexible black vinyl paint for the door panels (though regular, high-quality spray paint would probably do), hopefully a vinyl/flexible paint of better quality than what I used on the rear Rodeo headrests. That was a painful process to dye/paint the grey headrest to black without it looking light a spray-painted headrest.

For those that are on the fence about painting you dash, or just have a need to remove the dash panel for whatever reason, I did a dash removal step-by-step guide and Scott hung it in the "Tip's and How To's" section on the left of the screen.

[etlsport]

in my search for the right color i came across a few vinyl dyes at napa.. looked pretty easy to use but i didnt look that close


i was also thinking of doing my door panels.. but still torn on how or even if i want to do it.. if i do it i think i will leave the gray as is and paint over the carbon fiber to match the dash

although i LOVE this door painting job.. and think it would look nice in my vx in blue instead of red of course.. but i kind of like the lightness of the interior i dunno.. but this just looks so sexy

[workmeistr]

Yep, I have a similar picture saved with a similar paint scheme. I hadn't thought of doing the pocket in color, and I still haven't decided to do the whole CF area in color or just a section, like your example. I do think that the grey door panels would look better black, to match the rest of the panels; if I had a red interior, I might think differently.

[etlsport]

installed!

boo yah!





and just cause im bored.. a brief history of my fuzzy hole (btw my stock one is still for sale for $15)

[circmand]

Say what you want but I like a fuzzy hole. Love that red dash board

[So-CalVX]

hey Eric... I've noticed u like blue a bit... are u planning on painting the VX too? I think that would be pretty cool (if not a curse...) and everything would match....
sooooooo.... whats the verdict?