Replacing Dash Trim

[BadUgly]

Has anyone replaced the dash trim? Ive seen online for a couple different replacements. is there any that fit better than the others? Thanks for any info.

http://www.wooddash.com/item/MAZDA_Dash_Kits_PROTEGE_2003_2004_3

that was like one i was looking at.

 

[bndeac]

My interior was pretty scratched up when I got it, so I sanded down the silver paint and sprayed it with Plasti-dip. Comes out as a nice slightly-textured satin black finish.



It's a good option if you want to make sure everything fits right. Some people also like to paint them to match their car, but I like the flat black look, and it's a pretty durable finish. I've tried to avoid any "dash kits" cause I'm always afraid of it looking like I put stickers all over my interior.

 

[hornsfan10609]

$150 is kinda steep. It might look good, but usually anything like that looks tacky IMO.

My interior was pretty scratched up when I got it, so I sanded down the silver paint and sprayed it with Plasti-dip. Comes out as a nice slightly-textured satin black finish.



It's a good option if you want to make sure everything fits right. Some people also like to paint them to match their car, but I like the flat black look, and it's a pretty durable finish. I've tried to avoid any "dash kits" cause I'm always afraid of it looking like I put stickers all over my interior.

That looks good, exactly what I planned to do to my interior.

 

[BadUgly]

thanks for the replies. never thought of taking it off and painting it. how does it come off? just pull and pry carefully?

 

[bndeac]

The part around the radio is tricky, there's a how to written on getting it off:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16660

I'd suggest reading thru that guide first. The way I took it off was by removing the glove box to take care of the AC controls on one side, the other side of the controls can be reached from under the driver's side dash. Then by carefully prying the lower right corner and working my around slowly, it came off pretty easy.

The center piece around the shifter pops off, grab the cup holders and pull up until it pops basically.

I'd recommend looking at the service manual before you start pulling stuff apart, it'll tell you how to take your entire car apart:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123744855


And here's a guide on painting interior stuff:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58036

I like the Plasti-dip cause it sticks to everything, no primer or clear needed, just a good cleaning and sanding.

And while you have the trim pieces apart, it's a great time to really clean the car. I had a good amount of Coke residue and melted crayon around my shifter (boom03)

 

[BadUgly]

Thanks man that will def help out. Gettin pissed at how the interior looks sometimes. this might be just the fix.