Ok, I have a 98 SE 5-spd with a factory wood kit, but it is missing 3 pieces from the hazard/rear defrost up to the center vents. Also some of the other pieces are showing signs of coming off as well. I think I have decided to go with an aluminum kit...but...
After searching it seems like all of the real brushed aluminum kits are designed to stick on top of the original wood grain, or black plastic that the cars came with.

Does anyone know of a kit that could be used if the remaining wood grain was removed?

If not then...
Ok, so I can replace the 3 wood pieces for $94 + ship and put aluminum over that but then you can still see the wood a little?
So some people recommend painting it black first?

Or should I get all the black plastic pieces for $248+ ship and then put the brushed aluminum over that for the best look?

Jake

just got the car a week ago and want it to look as good as it drives!

 

Buy my kit. It's not the custommaxima one though.

 

I'll buy your dash kit...tell me more about it.

-Ryan-

 

Ok, after a little work and pain I have found a company who claims to have a real dash kit (not just flat overlays) made from brushed aluminum. I am told that it will replace the wood trim and not lay on top like most of the kits I have seen. It is from ap-signworks.com...I just ordered last night and will try to get some pics up and give an opinion of the quality as soon as it's on.

Removing: Where can I get a heat gun, or the use of one? I would just floss it all, but it looks like on the side vents there is no way to get the floss under the wood so I need to loosen it up a little first.

Jake

 

some guys selling black stock dash trim pieces sepratlly on the f/s forum

 

does anyone know where i can find that "black" wood.. i saw it on someones car once but forgot who it was.... it looks real nice.. it's basically grey/black wood... very nice touch

 

search, i remember it was talked about earlier in the summer. good luck--steve