02 dash kits

[sdman]

I see the 03-05 have a different dash than the 02. Here is what I found going through all the dash kit threads.
www.wooddashexperts.com
I like all the 26 pc kit

So where should I buy one that will fit my car.

[Leroy]

Re: 02 dash kits

The stuff devalues your car. Leave it original. If you or anyone tries to take it off it will be a mess. Just my two sense. Leroy

[SixPac]

Re: 02 dash kits

I'm biting my tongue. Doug, it's your car. Do what suits you.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: 02 dash kits

If you want to do, DO IT! When I did my first one, I ordered the entire kit, but opted only to install "some" of the pieces. Woodview out of Canada, manufactures the one for the 02. Don't know if they sell directly, but Aaron at TBC (Thunderbirdconcepts)can get it for you. He has been my ONE source for all my add-ons, on all three Birds.

[Guest]

Re: 02 dash kits

My tombstone will probably read "to each his own"... and for me, I love the dash kits, and I will leave it at that. Doug, you asked about 02 dash kits, so here are some pics of mine - it brightened the interior a couple of notches more.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=21263 (see thread #12)

Mark

[justjon]

Re: 02 dash kits

I'm considering a "dash Kit" myself. I disagree that it cheapens the car etc. Espcially for these somewhat plebian ineriors. But with these caveats ....
I put a real aluminum one in my last 99 Miata and it looked great! I did not use all the pieces but I did take the cluster apart so I could put the piece behind the guages in. It was NOT easy to install. It takes a steady hand and patience, one mis alignment or not being quick enough to put the piece in place before the accelerator sets to long and you have made a real mess. I put in one piece and my clever wife installed the rest.
That said. I don't like the fake wood, carbon, metal products. The real stuff looks way better, espcially over time. I am considering a piano black kit (real paint on plastic pieces) or a real wood kit, but i don't know what color. There are lots of manufacturers and distributers. The 26 piece kit that Woodview shows is one pattern. I don't like it because it aassumes you have heated seats and if you don't they supply plugs to fill the holes ... tacky. They also don't include the surround for the shift lever ( for the D, 1, 2, 3,, .. part) I would use that part rather then the larger (part #8) piece .. OK, maybe both. There is another pattern out there that does include a solid piece for the seat heaters and the Drive insert. I am assuming that manufacturers buy either one of these two patterns and laser cut the kits as ordered. There are huge price differences and most of it is in MARK UP. IMHO

[2FAST4U]

Re: 02 dash kits

I see the 03-05 have a different dash than the 02. Here is what I found going through all the dash kit threads.
www.wooddashexperts.com
I like all the 26 pc kit
So where should I buy one that will fit my car.

I agree with ''02bluebird'' when he says ''to each his own'' and also with ''justjon'' and like him, I don't feel that it cheapens the car.
''sdman'', my dash kit came from ''wooddashexperts and at the time I bought mine, they only had the kit for '03-'05's and after getting in touch with them to explain the few subtle differences there should be in a kit for an '02, I ended up being their ''guinea pig''... By that, I mean that they sent me several templates for the two most important pieces that needed to be made for them to offer a ''correct'' '02 dash kit. These two pieces are the piece that houses the lighter and switch for the top, and the last one below that. I told them that '02's were not offered with heated seats and that there are no switches is the last (lowest) center stack piece and it would definitely look better to have one solid piece rather than having to use the '03-style piece and put plugs in the unused holes like they were suggesting...
It took several attempts to finally get everything straightned out, but it was well worth the effort! Since then, they offer a separate kit for '02's!
If you decide to get a kit for an '02, you won't be dissappointed with it, believe me! As for other manufacturers, I cannot comment as I don't know if they offer a separate kit for '02's or if they just include all the necessary pieces for all four (4) years...
Hope this helps!
Claude

P.S: ''justjon'', both models of shifter surround pieces ARE INCLUDED in the ''wooddashexperts'' kit...

[SixPac]

Re: 02 dash kits

Where are the stats that show that a dash kit devalues the value of a car? Edmonds?

[fifty/fifty]

Re: 02 dash kits

Where are the stats that show that a dash kit devalues the value of a car? Edmonds?

Way to go Charlie
I agree, to each their own

[My Raven]

Re: 02 dash kits

I'm biting my tongue. Doug, it's your car. Do what suits you.

Ditto.

[sdman]

Re: 02 dash kits

Thanks for the advise all.
Claude you sold me, one more question for you. Standard wood or Premium real Wood from wooddashexperts ?? Thought Standard Newport Burl (snbw) would be what I'm looking for.

[2FAST4U]

Re: 02 dash kits

Thanks for the advise all.
Claude you sold me, one more question for you. Standard wood or Premium real Wood from wooddashexperts ?? Thought Standard Newport Burl (snbw) would be what I'm looking for.

I replied to your ''pm''...
Claude.

[sdman]

Re: 02 dash kits

OK I just ordered my dash kit. Total price was $125.97. Will post photos when it gets here and installed. Thanks everyone. I love shopping on line.

[Borla Babe]

Re: 02 dash kits

Doug, I don't have the dash kit in my car, but I've seen it in many of the cars and it's very nice looking. Enjoy!

[Leroy]

Re: 02 dash kits

I agree 100% anyone can do what ever they want to thier cars and my two sence means nothing. The only reason I metioned anything negitive about the stick on dash covers is from what I have seen. I have worked on restoring older Corvettes and other cars and bought and sold classic cars. The cars that bring top dollar are the ones that are the closest to being 100% original. After market stick on stuff to a buyer just means more work and more money to restore it back to the original surface. I consider these cars as classic cars and I take care on mine as such. I didn't mean to rub anyone the wrong way. Leroy