Wood dash kit installed today (Pics)

I ordered my Bamboo dash kit, got it yesterday, I did a dry fit.
I noticed that the area under the mode switch buttons does not appear will sit flush as there is no 3M tape around that area.
it is definitely raised compared to the other areas.
the area between the small circle and the large rectangle.
it is raised when i do a dry fit.
i'll enclose a pic of the underside of the bottom piece.

 

Mine was exactly the same and mounted just fine. just make sure the fan button is not touching when mounted..that's what i had trouble getting right. Looks great installed.

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I am returning my kit, I'm not thrilled with the quality for $160.00
the lower dash piece is pretty funky on the left side, the part that wraps around the left side of the center dash is MUCH MUCH lighter in color than the rest, and the material is paper thin there .. just doesn't look right. and I don't trust the fit with that area being raised below the mode buttons, there is considerable flex there, and daylight.
i'd have to modify it to stick i think.
I did however have a crazy idea, If i kept it, I would spray the outside (bamboo) side of the pieces with spray glue and roll some black leather on it, wait till it dries and trim the edges with a razor....
I think it may be pretty cool...

 

Shawn,

You are right about the lighter color on the side. Buy a BIC MARK IT fine point HONEY BROWN marker from Staples. They sell them individually for a couple bucks. Mark up the area in long lines real good and then rub it off right after with a barely damp hand palm (very firmly). Rub it in real good and it is a perfect match to darken it up to match the top. It will leave the streaks and wood accents just as the rest of the pieces. What's left will stay in the plastic without wiping off. I know the marker color looks light but it goes on darker and you will be amazed. I found this out after quite a bit of trial and error.

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Sorry, but I am not a big fan of these stick on kits as they don't look flushed...

I opted for real carbon fiber interior pieces for my Subaru, which was more expensive (OEM option). Wish such kits are available for our Prius.

 

Agree with Dean. I added the dash kit last year and really like it. It's thin, fits exactly, and looks like it came from the factory IMO. Added the lower rocker moldings last week. They make a nice exterior accent.

 

The bamboo dash kits from Sparks really do look great installed. They are the only ones that are formed to the curved dash and window controls and are an actual Toyota part. They all look exactly the same and have the same inherent light area I have circled. A little honey brown marker did the trick. I will post some pics tomorrow

I think the key is to only use the parts where they add a nice touch...but don't overwhelm. I actually combined it with some parts from the REMIN set found on CarId. The SPW color matches very well to the bamboo, so I added the front and rear cup holder pieces which I am very happy with.


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Why would anyone want any carpet color/mats other than black? Its looks the cleanest!