8.27.2006

The Art Of Rvinyl Vinyl Dash Kit Installation: Annotated Edition


SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:

*Why is it that no one ever reads these precautions? Maybe if we used a better
word than "special". Maybe if we called them "Extremely Special" or, better yet, "Xtreme Precautionz" we'd get more of a response.
  • Ideal ambient application temperature is 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (contact me for a link to Celsius conversions if this is really important to you).
  • Do not bend dash trim kit pieces back and forth as this causes the adhesive to wrinkle when applying.
  • If any part of the dash trim kit is installed, the dash trim kit becomes the sole property of the purchaser.
  • Install the complete dash trim kit at one time. (That's right don't start on your Dodge Neon and, halfway through, switch to your Ford Probe. You're sure to get confused)

CLEANING:

Clean the surface where the dash trim kit pieces will be applied. Use a clean, lint-free cotton
cloth with denatured alcohol or Prepsol (available at your local hardware store) and repeat two to three times. If the dash has been treated with any dash preservative, such as Armor All, it will be necessary to clean the dash at least three more times. Cleaning outside the dash trim kit coverage area is not recommended. For the vinyl to properly adhere the dash must be free from oils and residues.

INSTALLATION:

1. Work left to right or vice versa. Do not work from the center out when applying pieces. Also, do not work upside down as this tends to make all of the blood rush to your head causing a headache or fainting. The Rvinyl Team! will not be responsible for any injuries sustained while installing dash kits in an inverted position.

2. Do not touch or allow dust or dirt to touch the prepared area or the pressure sensitive backed adhesive. Body oils (including Jerry Curl Juice) and contaminates will promote delamination.

3. Be sure not to bridge any areas by sticking the top and bottom and then trying to stick the
middle of the kit as this will create air bubbles.

4. Start at one edge and work through bends using the palm of your hand (rather than your thumb or forehead) apply the kit. Large sections of vinyl may be applied by using a squeegee or other similar object to evenly apply pressure and greatly reduce air bubbles. Large pieces may be cut into several smaller pieces to ease installation overlapping the seams.

5. If air bubbles are present they may be popped with a pin and gentle pressure may be applied to smooth out air trapped underneath the vinyl. As the vinyl breathes, small bubbles will gradually decrease.

6. Vinyl is flexible, thus no two installations are alike. This is why some pieces require
trimming.

  • Allow 48 hours for the adhesive to fully bond to the dash before trimming.
  • Certain dash kits cover large volumes of area and as such may be cut into smaller pieces for ease of installation. Carefully consider this before applying the kit. If pieces are to be dissected, this must be done so when the kit is still attached to its white craft liner.

TRIMMING:

Allow the kit to cure for 48 hours (makes it sound like meat doesn't it?), trim any extra covered area with an Exacto blade/razor blade. Pieces may be heated after application with a hair dryer to insure adhesion and aid in the trimming process.

Click here for the entire catalog of Xtreme Installation Instructions!!

-The Rvinyl Team!

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