How to Install a Dash Kit

Caution: Avoid any direct skin contact with chemicals while performing this dash kit installation. A dash kit can be a great modification that will give that added appeal to the interior of any vehicle. However, proper procedures must be taken to ensure proper fitment of a dash kit. The installation process of the interior dash trim will vary depending on the type of dash kit and the manufacturer; below are a few tips, guidelines, and steps that can be taken that can be used for most installations. To ensure proper fitment, there are a few precautions and steps you can take before and during the installation of the dash trim kit. First and foremost, make sure that all of the pieces came with the kit, and that each piece will fit correctly in the interior of the vehicle. Also, check to see if any of the parts were damaged or lost during shipment. If this has occurred, immediately stop the installation, and contact the manufacturer before continuing any further. Furthermore, check to make sure that the following materials are available before beginning the installation: - Rubber gloves - Alcohol swabs - Adhesion promoter - Hair dryer or heat gun Once you have determined the pieces fit, the actual installation process can began. Most likely, you will have received some form of alcohol cleaner and/or pads; this can be used to clean the interior surfaces of the dash and trim pieces to allow the adhesive on the new dash kit to adhere. If there is any type of liquid protectant such as Armor All, make sure to remove all of the protectant so the new dash kit can adhere properly to the surface. If it seems as if it is slippery or has an oily feel, continue cleaning until a dry, rough texture has been achieved. After cleaning, the adhesion promoter can be applied to the surface of the dash panel trim of your interior. Make sure to only apply the adhesive bond to all the areas where you will be installing the trim piece overlay that came with your kit, and not on the actual dash trim pieces. The adhesive should dry after approximately 1-5 minutes depending on the dash kit manufacturer. If working in temperatures below 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it is highly recommended that a heat gun is used first to make the dash trim pieces flexible, and pliable. To install the pieces of the kit, start first with a smaller piece, and partially remove the tape backing on the trim piece. Than carefully align the trim, and peel of the backing of the tape, while holding the trim in the proper position. After, firmly stick the dash trim onto the surface. Repeat this process for all of the dash kit pieces, and the installation has been complete. For a finished look, clean any fingerprints or extra adhesive from the front of the dash pieces using a clean, soft cloth. Now, just sit back and enjoy your appealing, new interior!

Read More

Extra, Extra! Car Covers Save Car!

Your automobile is one of the most important investments you will make aside from your house. So it only follows that you would watch over this prized possession as a mother would her child. While singing it lullabyes, you will want to keep it from getting scratched or stained. This is where a good car cover comes in. Without this simple but highly effective protection, you are sure to have your baby sporting dents and scratches in no time. If you’re looking for a good guide to choosing a car cover for your vehicle, you have come to the right place.

Imagine the dread when you find the first dent or scratch on your new vehicle. Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life. Unless you are considering covering your vehicle in plated steel, chances are you will be seeing more of these dents and scratches in your life. However, a good car cover can, at the very least, keep your car away from many of the needless scratches it could endure.

Birds, trees, and dust all pose a scratch hazard to your car. They may seem harmless, but looks can be deceiving.

Birds
Don’t you just hate it when those birds just can’t seem to let loose their bombs unless there are right over something important? Jump the gun! Get protection for your car!
Bird droppings are acidic and could cause discoloration or even corrosion to your paint finish. Most outdoor car cover fabrics are designed to keep those droppings from harming your car.

Trees
We all love them for the shade. But trees have a deadly sense of retribution. Falling branches, nuts, fruits, and sap can all put scratches and stains on you car. And don’t forget our friendly neighborhood birds (where else would they be found?). If you’re really unlucky, a large branch might come crashing your way. So always be careful which tree you choose to park under.

Dust
You might think that your car paint can weather dust storms. Unfortunately that armor of paint you talk about is only .006 inches thick. Dust that settles on your cars surface could cause tiny scratches if it gets rubbed in. Indoor car cover fabrics and Outdoor car cover fabrics are designed to keep that dust away from your vehicle.

Thieves!
That thin lining of cloth might not look like it can repel large hazards to your car. But, look again! It could even save your car from thieving fiends! Thieves usually bypass covered vehicles because they take more time to get into. Since their goal is to get the car out of there in the least amount of time, they usually look for those that are easier to get in to. Add a lock and cable to your car cover, and you will keep those pesky thieves scrambling for a different quarry.

Rain
Rain is usually harmless. But a strong downpour could assist dust and other debris in scratching the surface of your car. A good outdoor car-cover gives your car a much needed raincoat.

Sunshine
Harsh UV rays and the intense heat of the Sun can bleach the color right out of your car. A car cover makes sure these harmful elements are deflected. It also keeps the interior of your car cooler.

Winter
Your car’s finish will have no problem with the cold. It will, though, have a problem with the moisture and the salt. Both elements can wreck havoc on your paint job. Keep your car cover on to prevent this.

Things to Consider in Choosing the Right Car Cover Consider the following when choosing a car cover:

1. The places where you park and how frequent you use your car

2. Weather in the places you often drive to

3. What color will work best in the weather you drive. For sunny areas a light color helps keep the vehicle cooler. In area with snow, a high contrast vehicle makes for better visibility.

4. Parking areas. Make sure you know the hazards of your parking area. And be prepared to choose a car cover that addresses this.

5. The number of people and the crime rate at your parking lot. This will decide whether you will go for a car cover lock to discourage any thieves.

Choosing car covers might sound trivial to some. But for the well-informed person (that’s you), an investment in a good car cover could decide the lifespan of you precious vehicle.

Read More