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DIY Project #7

D-I-Y Dash Kit Installation
by RonsRallyRedGT  (difficulty level: easy

I was browsing EBAY one day, looking under Elantra GT and Elantra, and came across some auctions for Dash Kits.  One in particular that interested me, was a Dash Kit for the Elantra being auctioned by Motorgear. You can email them directly at sales@motorgear.com and ask what their current price is for the Elantra Dash Kit.   

 
I especially liked two things about their kit.  First, it had a Lifetime Warranty.  Second, it was an EXTREMELY easy installation!  They use an Ultra Flexible Polyurethane coating on the Dash Kits, which, if applied correctly, will last for some time.  Below are the parts sheet layout that you will receive and some recommended finishes for the GT. They actually have 30 finishes available for the dash kit.

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DASH KIT INCLUDES:

 

Parts sheet (specify which Make/Model/Year & Auto/Manual Trans)

NOTE:  The Dash Kit for the Elantra fits the GT perfectly as well.

Alcohol Wipes

Adhesive Promoter Pen

Instruction Sheet

 

REQUIRED TOOLS:

 

Hair Dryer

 

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DASH KIT INSTALLATION:

 

  1. Remove all pieces from the cardboard backing.  DO NOT REMOVE THE RED 3M TAPE from the back of the pieces. (Pic 1 below shows the Dash piece front for the Ashtray.  Pic 2 below shows the Dash piece back with the red 3M tape.  The Adhesive Promoter Pen is in the bottom of both pics.)

 

  1. DO NOT REMOVE THE RED 3M TAPE!  Fit each piece to the dash to ensure proper positioning and fit.  Take note of where each piece goes, and what part of the original dash that it touches.  This will be crucial when you begin the cleaning and adhesive process.  NOTE:  Some pieces of the trim will not apply (Auto/Manual Trans pieces, etc.) and can be set aside or discarded.
  2. Once you've checked all pieces for proper fit, set them aside.
  3. Remove the alcohol pads one at a time, as you need them from their pouches. (Alcohol will evaporate in a matter of minutes, so use them sparingly and rapidly.)  Wipe each piece of the original dash with the pads, where you intend to adhere the Dash Kit to.  Ensure you get the crevices and curves where the Dash Kit will be applied, to ensure proper adhesion.  If you're in the habit of using an interior cleaner such as Armorall or McGuires wipes, youll want to be sure you thoroughly clean the areas to remove and greasy or filmy residue.
  4. Once you've thoroughly cleaned the dash, you are ready to begin the installation process.  Take your time, and dont get in a rush.  Determine what order you will apply each piece.
  5. Using the Adhesive Promoter Pen, slowly press the tip to allow the glue to flow.  This glue is like water, so try it out on a piece of paper or cardboard first.  The harder you press down, the faster the glue will flow.  Once you get the hang of how fast the flow will be, and are confident you are ready, slowly apply the glue in a smooth fashion to the original dash area where you will apply the Dash Kit.  The Adhesive Promoter, is used simply as an extra bonding agent for the Dash Kit pieces, to firmly adhere to with the 3M Tape.
  6. Once you've covered all areas that you will be applying the Dash Kit to, replace the pen cap and set it aside.  Make sure you set it outside of the car, in the event glue is still leaking from it.  Allow the glue on the dash to dry.  This will only take a few minutes.
  7. As you prepare each piece for application, heat it gradually (DONT GET TO CLOSE) with the hair dryer to make the piece flexible for easier installation.
  8. Slowly remove the red tape from the back of the pieces (ONE AT A TIME AS YOU APPLY EACH PIECE) and position it on the original dash.  You will not have any floating, where you can slide the pieces around for proper fit, so get it right the first time, or you'll have to remove it and apply it again.  JUST GO SLOW!  As you apply each piece, gradually rub it against the dash, to allow the 3M tape backing to adhere to the glue on the dash from the Adhesive Promoter.
  9. Once you've applied all pieces, rub each piece again to ensure proper installation and adhesion.  If for some reason, you should see a piece coming loose within the next couple of days, re-apply the Promoter Pen and allow to dry before you re-attach the piece.  After a few days, you will notice that the Dash Kit has become harder. This is normal. Within a few weeks, it will be solid.
  10. Sit back and enjoy your new dash!

          RRRGT

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Click here for some hi-res photos
of RRRGT's dash kit installed!