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Best way/How to install carbon fiber on dash?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by macmaster05, Jun 4, 2011.

  1. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    I'm *considering* wrapping the plastic dashboard/armrest trim in carbon fiber. I've never done this before and was curious which is the best way to go about it. I know I can cut the carbon fiber out to size and just stick it on the dash without removing anything, but I also know you get a cleaner look by wrapping the it around the edges/corners of the pieces. Since this is the way I'd like to do it, I'm wondering if I need to take my dashboard apart to access these plastic pieces. OR, is it possible to leave everything intact, stick on the carbon fiber, and then push the excess cf wrap into the gap between plastic pieces (with a sharpened popsicle stick or something). That way it can still look like the carbon fiber is wrapped around the whole piece. I'm not trying to be lazy, I just really don't want to disassemble my dash ( = broken clips, lose parts), ...if I don't have to. So to reiterate, my questions are simple;

    - Is there an easy way to remove/access the plastic pieces without disassembling my entire dash?
    - Will tucking the carbon fiber in between the gaps (w/o removing the plastic pieces) work just the same?

    Creatives, modders, anyone, please lemme have it. Thanks!
     
    #1 macmaster05, Jun 4, 2011
  2. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    You seem to be forgeting the other thing you need to do, the appllcation of the epoxy resin so the fiber sets and becomes a hard piece. Usually you have a mold and apply raease to the mold drape the fiber on the mold. Theen paint it over with resin, place the piece inside a airtight bag, suck out the air and let the resin set.
    I want to replace the cloth part of the armrest. mine is quite dirty on the edges. Yeech! I was considering leather, but a piece of carbon fiber might look good.
    Maybe we can collaborate on something!
     
    #2 KK6PD, Jun 4, 2011
  3. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Thanks KK6PD...

    I think you're referring to the "old school" way of using carbon fiber. I was referring to using products like 3M Di-Noc, which is essentially a flexible cf sticker that you apply with a heat gun.

    Maybe... Maybe! ;)

    After a bit more research, I realized this modification isn't as common as I originally suspected. Most carbon fiber dashboard applications seem to come in pre-cut kits, in which they just layover the plastic pieces. I think it looks bad, because this is when the carbon fiber really does look like just a sticker.

    I've also seen some examples that look really nice and monolithic, but I get the feeling those were done professionally. The ones posted by forum members usually don't look very good - either weirdly shaped or overall inchoately formed.

    I'm thinking that this is not a very simple or common DIY, and the process is akin to a window tint. Thoughts on this?
     
    #3 macmaster05, Jun 4, 2011
  4. LIPriusFreak

    LIPriusFreak Can I haz JDM?

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    if you could somehow trace a template of the dash surfaces on cardboard you could use that to cut the di-noc but I think that if you live in an area where you see at least 3 seasons, its going to eventually peel off because of expansion and contraction of plastic dash.
     
    #4 LIPriusFreak, Jun 4, 2011
  5. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    There are loads of Di Noc how-to videos on YouTube. Some good, some useless.

    I have been using some Di Noc and had good results on flat or simple curved surfaces like door switch panels. When it's a 3D part that requires stretching to accommodate the part shape, like AC vent surrounds, I've had problems with it coming loose where there is residual tension. I haven't tried the Primer 94 yet. I may be able to solve the problem but am not going to tackle large expensive parts until I get the process worked out. If you want to experiment, you might want to start out on a small not too expensive to replace part like an AC vent surround.

    Most of the dash parts in a Gen III are made from polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE). Gen II dash parts probably are too.

    3M recommends against using DiNoc on PP or PE without their 3M Primer 94. Several other online sources agree. 3M has installation instructions for Di Noc and Primer 94 on their website. Primer 94 doesn't help on all surfaces but sounds essential for complex shaped PP/PE surfaces. The basic problem is that it's difficult to get anything to stick to PP/PE, so a special primer or other surface treatment is needed.

    I think you will need to take the dash pieces off the car to do a good job. If you push the edges into the joints you will be stretching the material right at the edge where it can cause the most problems.
     
    #5 xs650, Jun 4, 2011
  6. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Mac, I recently saw a new (to me) CF look vinyl called Scotchprint 1080. It looks like Di Noc except it's shiny and also rated for outdoor use.
     
    #6 xs650, Jun 4, 2011
  7. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Thanks for the leads guys. /OUT
     
    #7 macmaster05, Jun 4, 2011
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