Wood Dash Kit install....COMPLETE!

[TWTrojan]

Well, 86 pieces, two days and nearly $500 later, and my OEM-match California Walnut grain dash kit from www.wooddashexperts.com is complete!

What do you guys think?!?!?

[CplDaugherty]

very nice install bro... good work.

[TWTrojan]

Thanks! Here's some more pics...

Now all I need is the damn walnut steering wheel and shifter that this is supposed to match! Oh, and the door handles!

[DUBSTER]

Nice job bro!!!!!!!!

[Spider]

Hi,

I would like to know how long did it take you to fix this great dash kit ... and how hard was it ?

[todqb10]

i would like to know how long it took also and i hate to tell you but you can get the kit much cheaper at edashkit.com

[TWTrojan]

It took two afternoons of about 4 hours each. I wouldn't try doing it in one day...it takes alot of concentration. It wasn't difficult. Patience was the key; not getting in a hurry. Also, once a piece is on...it's ON! There's no do-overs. Lastly, it's a two person job. Having somebody helping you is a necessity in my opinion.

That kit on edashkit.com looks to be the same. It doesn't include the door insert, which adds cost. But you're right--it is a bit cheaper. Can't be sure that's the same manufacturer, though, and I can't vouch for the quality or fit. I'm real happy with mine, though. Only the rear-view mirror doesn't fit--neither of the two included fit right, but that's ok--I didn't really want wood there anyway. In fact, I didn't plan on putting all the pieces on. It's a bit overkill, but once I got started and noticed the big difference, I couldn't choose what to put on and what not to, so I did it all! I think if you have the nav system and the digital temp controls the dash portion looks better. There's an awfully large number of pieces that make up the center console portion of mine, and the other formats seem to be more solid.

[teahead]

Looks great! That color really stands out!

Just curious, didn't want to do the steering wheel?

http://www.300cforums.com/forums/int...what-pita.html

I would advise anyone doing this, to paint the radio/Nav/HVAC bezel flat black BEFORE you put on the wood there (mask off the bevel area where the clock is; you want to keep that silver). The kit doesn't really cover the radio bezel completely and it shows through big time. So...I had to end up removing the bezel and masking it like crazy (took awhile) to paint those areas that showed through.

Made it look a LOT more factory looking hiding those shiny areas that the wood didn't cover.

Later.

[todqb10]

which door insert are you talking about?

[TWTrojan]

Thanks, teahead! Your install looks fantastic! Believe it or not, I've always wanted birds eye maple interior accents, but just didn't think it would match my interior (dk/lt slate grey). It matches yours very nicely, though--good choice! You gave some great advice in your thread. I only had to peel off one section , but your observations regarding do-overs and not enough primer are spot-on. Luckily (?) I didn't have to deal with a chrome center console...it's a base 300. But I would recommend removing it if possible from an installation and accuracy perspective. I didn't do the steering wheel because I intend(ed) to buy a maple steering wheel and shiftknob. I can only find the wheel at moparsupercenter, and they want $488 (and $85 for the shifter). I bid on one on ebay, but that one went in the same neighborhood, and it's not (quite) worth that much to me. Besides, the chrome is actually kinda nice in that it ties in the rest of the chrome areas and breaks up the wood.

qb10, the door inserts are those trim pieces right next to and in-line with the door pulls (straight across the top of the door). All but the base 300 have chrome there...we had nothing but an empty notch.