Wood dash kits
 

Does anyone have any experience with these wood dash kits available on the net from sites such as http://www.wooddashexperts.com and http://www.brushedaluminum.com?

There are at least five or more sites that have these products, and, without closer inspection, they all appear to be made by the same manufacturer and sold retail through these distributors.

I'm looking for ways to "spruce up" (:icon_no2:) my Shinka RX-8. I want to turn this car into a luxury jaw dropper. Wood and leather, doesn't get much better. But I definitely don't want to waste my time on a cheap dash kit that's going to look as cheap as it costs.

If anyone's got any high-res photos of a wood dash in an 8, links to actual reviews or articles, or even just some friendly advice or recommendations... I'm all ears. I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!

I've seen them on EBay before. I really don't have a clue on fitment or installation. Do what makes you happy. And by all means if you get a kit and install it, post some pics so we can all see.

Thanks E1. Making me happy is what I'm all about.

As I understand it, these kits are basically just adhesive-backed panel overlays. Some are simulated materials, but you can get veneer wood or even carbon fiber. The '05 Shinka's leather interior begs for something (anything) better than plastic, but I'm not sure if veneer-wood-covered-plastic is actually an improvement.

I'm going to look around the area here, see if I can't find a car with a kit dash. The big questions on my mind are: How good do the panels look compared to real wood? And, how well do they hold up over time?

Never fear Jedi is here!

First off: I'll warn ya...some members here despise these kits and are quick to break out the :flamed: Pay no attention to them. :D:

I had a wood dash kit in my '99 Mazda 626 and I actually LOVED it. The fitment was great, and looked even better. Honestly... peopl had no clue it was an adhesive backing product. You have to look very close to notice it.

- As for the RX-8: I personally know 3 members who have installed such kits. One was red, to match the black / red leather, another was yellow to match his 04 yellow 8, and last was a silver carbon fiber style that went well with the White 8.

I have yet to see a 'wood' style kit installed on an 8 (in person) but I can tell you that the kits they all purchased fit very well.
The only thing you need to remember is that once you apply the kit, it's pretty much on there for good. The adhesive is very solid and I sort of cringe at what it would look like if you tried to remove it after a few years.

I'll see if I can get them to post link to their cars and where they bought the kits...

direwolf: PM sent

I haven't seen one in person either. But I confess the thought of installing one of these has crossed my mind. I was thinking something in a metallic type finish, like Titanium to contrast with the outside of the car.
I don't think I would use all the pieces they offer. I was just thinking of something to follow the flow of the center console up.
So if anybody has any hard evidence (like pic's) let's have a look.
Thanks Jedi, this has kinda peaked my interest now.

easy: pm sent