How to Install Car Dashboard Covers

When your car dashboard covers get worn by sun and ultraviolet rays you may want to cover them with a smart new car dashboard cover to make them like new again. Dashboards get faded and worn by sun exposure and begin cracking and showing signs of age. Nothing makes your car look older or more dilapidated than a cracked and worn dashboard. This is when it’s time to haul out the new car dashboard covers and install it.

Required Tools and Equipments:

The car dashboard covers

80 and 100 Grit sandpaper

Acetone

Clear silicone adhesive

Something heavy to hold the dashboard in place while it sets.

Duct tape

Suitable cutting tool for making the adjustments to the covers

Step 1: Preparation

Make sure that the new dashboard covers will fit. To do this, place it over the existing dashboard monitoring the fit in all the right places as well as where you will have to make cutouts for the instruments, etc. As you are fitting it, check to see where you might need to adjust the covers to get a snug fit.

Step 2: Ensure the Fit by Adjusting

Before you start with setting the car dashboard covers in place make any necessary alterations to it; like cutting edges to set it in correct placement. Once you have made these alterations, check the fit again and sand off any rough edges remaining around your alterations.

Step 3: Clean The Existing Dashboard

You need to prepare the existing dashboard with a thorough cleaning and the new dash will stick without problems. Clean it with a solvent and very soft lint-free cloth. The solvent must be used in all areas the new car dashboard covers will be covering.

Step 4: Sandpaper

Once the dashboard is clean, gently sand the entire area where the new covers will be placed with 100 grit sandpaper. Sanding ensures a good adherent surface for application of the silicone adhesive. Pay special attention to corners and any other area where an opening might occur.

Step 5: The Underside of the Car Dashboard Covers

As you are ensuring a good adhesive surface, also sand the underside of the car dashboard covers as well.

Step 6: Solvent

Wipe both the existing dash and the underside of the new car dashboard covers with the solvent. Both surfaces need to be totally clean.

Step 7: Apply Adhesive

Apply the silicone adhesive onto the entire interior surface of the car dashboard covers paying particular attention to any edgings to ensure that all areas stick well.

Step 8: Position the Covers

Carefully place the car dashboard covers into position. Press it firmly into place and make sure all edges are sticking properly. Press it down with weights to make sure it glues properly. Any areas that might need help should be duct taped to hold them fast while drying. Allow 24 hours for your new car dashboard covers dry properly.

After 24 hours, you can start using your dashboard as you used to do before installing the covers.