Carbon fiber dash kits are decorative pieces that can be added to a car’s dashboard and interior panels. They are sold as individual components or complete kits and can be installed using double-sided tape or liquid adhesive. They are only used for visual effects and do not provide structural support. Higher-end kits require disassembling the dashboard for installation.
Carbon fiber dash kits are pieces of carbon fiber or simulated carbon fiber that can be attached to a vehicle’s dashboard and interior panels to add a look of aged technology to any car. Often sold as individual components or complete interior kits, these kits can be installed in no time, typically requiring only minimal installer skills. They are typically manufactured and marketed by aftermarket companies and are commonly formed using actual parts of the vehicle’s dash as templates to ensure that the trim components fit correctly and look good. While actual carbon fiber parts are used in the highest quality kits, the much less expensive ones use a simulated carbon fiber applique placed on a plastic or composite backing material.
In most applications, double-sided tape is used to secure trim panels into position on a vehicle’s dash. As long as the area has been properly prepared and is free of grease, dirt, and wax or cleaning residue, the tape is tacky enough for most applications. Occasionally a liquid adhesive is used when installing real carbon fiber to the interior surfaces of a vehicle. Adhesive can seep into the gaps and crevices of the carbon fiber, creating a much stronger bond than tape can provide. However, the use of the liquid adhesive means that the trim cannot be removed without damaging the original dashboard.
Since carbon fiber dash kits are only used for visual effects, only a very thin layer of the material is required to create the parts. Unlike an actual carbon fiber component that would be required to provide strength and support while reducing weight, trim kits are used only to dress up the original component that is designed to provide all of the structural functions within the vehicle. Lower-end kits simply snap onto the dash and sand down for a proper fit, while higher-end kits occasionally require the dash to be disassembled to complete the installation.
On higher-end kits, the components really protrude behind the instrument cluster and stereo, generally providing the best appearance for both driver and passengers. Once the dash has been removed and disassembled, the parts are snapped into position in the frame and the instruments are replaced with no gaps between components and trim pieces. This provides the illusion that the dashboard is made of carbon fiber.
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