finally got my dash mod done

[etlsport]

took me forever to do it because ive been all sorts of busy.. but i finally mostly finished fiberglassing the spot of the fuzzy hole so i could add my own switches for my fan, lights etc..

Switches off

Switches on

Whole dash

Glowing!

[LittleBeast]

Nicely done. However if anyone else tried to drive your car I am afraid they might not know which switch does what. But then again that might be the point, lol. Looks good though. Very professionally done.

[tomdietrying]

Yep, very clean. I like it.
Peace.
Tom
012009

[nfpgasmask]

Pimpy, Eric, very pimpy. How did you do it?

Bart

[kodiak]

Nice job! I like it, you do some quality work.

[Ldub]

WAY sweet...very clean, a job well done!...

[workmeistr]

I just painted my dash after installing the Kenwood KVT-512 with iPod adapter. I probably wouldn’t have done it in any color other than Foxfire. I’m not sure how it would look in Proton (on a Proton, that is), but hey, I was jealous of the Silvers having a colored-keyed dash. It will come off and on many times as I add the XM, and eventually the Nav to the Kenwood. I bought a Trooper dash harness off eBay that had switch pigtails for one Trooper Light switch and 4wd switch. I repositioned the right switches to have the door popper (not yet installed) alone under the hazard and alarm light (I may move the light to another position if I ever need another switch, but definately not need now...). I’m looking for local Rodeos and Troopers in the yards to get pigtails for the other light and door popper switches so I don’t have to fab, and the dash-drill stays fluid (I’ve got it down to under 5 minutes, now). Now if I can just figure out why my cup holder doesn’t even fit a soda can… And don’t forget to remove the CD’s from the changer before you install the new stereo…

[don moore]

is there a picture version of how to remove and replace the dash panel..

[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....

[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?

[etlsport]

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?

I thought about it.. i would really like my VX in a similar color to the dash.. but I also really dig the blue and silver look.. plus a lighter color is easier to care for

i think if my VX ever does get repainted its going to be a gunmetal color