^ This +1.
Last week, I attempted to install a CF dash insert from Trufiber. The project ended in a fail. I thought I'd provide some insight as to what the task involves, tips, etc.
While I am familiar with the different weaves, their thicknesses, resins, etc., I had not handled CF items before.
If you're contemplating the project, YouTube has several videos as to how to remove and replace the factory dash insert.
Tip: before attaching anything, test fit each piece, in the car, without clips. Ensure the items fit well, are not misshapen, etc.
Tip: the dash insert is attached by a series of white, yellow and green clips. I lost a few white and yellow clips along the way. It would be a good idea to order some before the project. I've included part numbers for the white and yellow. I didn't need the green clips (used only in the area of the vents and gauges).
Tip: gauges are held by Torx head screws. When installing the gauge module into the new section of CF, there are no threads. It takes some effort to get the threads started, the piece will be creaking and all that. Eventually, the screws will bite and take hold. Just use moderate, gradual pressure.
As you'll see on Youtube, it is as easy as pulling off the factory pieces; they are held by the clips. Open the glove box. Wiggle and pull the small adjacent dash insert. Starting at the right side, do the same to the main dash insert. The panel will start coming loose and out.
Gauges will be attached by one connector, which you can remove by hand.
On the left side of the dash, it is much of the same. Pull out the triangle-shaped bit first; with this removed, you'll see a bolt: remove the bolt. Now, wiggle and take out the light switch assembly.
The light switch assembly is held by a socket. When you remove the light switch, the car's interior will begin beeping in a low tone. The car will not stop beeping until the circuit becomes closed again. You can temporarily reconnect the switch to the socket and just leave it hanging.
When I first attached the main insert, I felt things went OK. Unfortunately, towards the end of the project, I noticed a large gap, near the gauges. I removed the insert and re-installed. Better, but not great. Finally, I pulled it, removed all the clips, and placed it against the dash. And this is when I recognized the problem.
In the photos that follow, you'll notice the highlighted areas. On the main insert, it's pulled back a bit, twisted, near the gauge and vent area; this was preventing a good connect and seat.
Further, looking a long the main section, there is a gentle twist or curve which is not present in the factory piece.
I elected to tap out. I was done. I put everything back together and stopped. All the factory pieces immediately snapped into place, without issue and looked like they did at project start.
Afterwards, I was actually happy. I got everything back together the way it was before. No holes poked in the seats, no cracks in the dash, no electrical issues, no scratches to the display. I saw it as a win.
The first tip, the test fit, is crucial. IDK if the mold was a bit off, the pieces changed when curing, this is expected, etc. Trufiber does have a refund and restock policy. But I'd already clipped the pieces on/off twice. Further, I was leery about trying this again.
YMMV.
P.S. If you're interested in replacing the radio bezel with a CF piece, it's a bit more involved, more difficult to remove. "Sometimes you just have to give things a good yank.", as one YouTube video explained. Once out, you then detach the front and back bezel halves, relocate buttons, etc. It is for these reasons I never considered replacing the radio bezel.
Notice the highlighted section, how the CF piece pulls back a bit.
Twist on the long end, not in the factory piece.
Too much material removed below. Big gap. Did not seat well.
Something about the highlighted area below. The headlight switch would not "click" into place here.
It's all Anderson. The hood and spoiler fit great but all of the side skirts, front bumper and rear bumper pieces leave something to be desired.
Different manufacturers use different clear and sometimes different weave patterns. If you buy from the same company they lay the weave a certain direction and it will all match up. If you mix brands than theres a good chance that it won't match up weave direction wise. However, from afar it would be hard to tell the difference if you mixed and matched.
