We love our Jeeps, and will do anything to keep them looking good. After a while though, the dash can start to look dingy — especially if you take your Jeep off-road. A dash kit can be a great way to breathe new life into your dash without spending too much money. How can you install a dash kit on your Wrangler’s dash, and where should you be buying your dash kits to ensure you get the best product?
Where to Find Dash Kits
Like most aesthetic and aftermarket devices, not all dash kits are created equal. These kits come in two different types — domed polyurethane kits and vinyl kits. The domed kits are designed to add a bit of extra dimension to your dash. Manufacturers normally sell these kits to dealerships to help improve the stock trim on the dash. Vinyl kits are less expensive and are self-adhesive, making them easy to install in any car. As a bonus, the vinyl kits are easy to remove without damaging the dashboard beneath.
The trick with dash kits is to make sure you’re getting one that will fit your Wrangler’s dash exactly. You can purchase a dash wrap and cut it yourself, but that’s an extra step you don’t necessarily need to do.
How to Install a Dash Kit
Installing a pre-cut dash kit is a fairly easy way to breathe some new life into your factory dash. Before you start trying to place the kit, the first thing you need to do is thoroughly clean your dash. Remove all the dust and pay extra attention to the hard-to-reach areas you wouldn’t normally clean — dust or dirt can prevent the kit from adhering properly.
Once you’ve cleaned everything well, go over all the surfaces where the kits will be adhering with an alcohol wipe to remove any remaining dust or skin oils that could interfere with the adhesive.
Next, check each piece before you start sticking them in place to ensure they fit your dash and will seat properly around all the knobs and buttons on your Wrangler’s dash.
Your kit will include an adhesion promoter to help the kit stick well. The next step is to paint the adhesion promoter onto the dash itself. Make sure you’re ready to stick the kit in place — you’ll only have about 20 minutes between when you put the promoter on the dash and when the pieces need to be in place.
Now it’s time to start putting your kit pieces in place — peel off the adhesive backing and press the pieces into place one at a time. Make sure you get it right the first time — you won’t be able to move the kit pieces once the adhesive on the kit comes in contact with the adhesion promoter. Keep going until you have all the pieces in place, then wipe down the dash with a soft cloth to remove any fingerprints.
That’s all there is to it!
Whether you want to add carbon fiber, wood accents or something completely different, dash kits can be a great way to add a bit of color and character to your Wrangler’s interior without breaking the bank. Installing a dash kit is a simple DIY project you can complete in an afternoon, and still have some time left to enjoy a little off-road adventure.
