Another DYI Carbon Fiber dash installation with photos and videos
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Another DYI Carbon Fiber dash installation with photos and videos
I have just removed my dash and am taking a break before installing the carbon fiber dash back. Thank you to Gatmix07c6 and ssidekickbp, I followed both of their threads but would like to supplement those two threads with some more pictures and a video. All the pics were taken from a DSLR and the videos are in HD 1080p.
It took me about 1.5 hours to leisurely remove the dash while my wife helped me with the photos and videos. I am assuming it will take another hour to put everything back together.
If you are hesitant to do this, please do not be afraid. Even my wife, who does not know the difference between a phillip and a flathead screwdriver, admitted that this was an easy project after seeing the process. The pictures are not for the faint of heart, but everything consist of removal of screws, clips, and prying it either with your hand or a prying tool. We did not run into any problems at all. The clips are very hardy and so will not break. Please stay tune, and I promise to post the videos and photos within the next day or two.
It took me about 1.5 hours to leisurely remove the dash while my wife helped me with the photos and videos. I am assuming it will take another hour to put everything back together.
If you are hesitant to do this, please do not be afraid. Even my wife, who does not know the difference between a phillip and a flathead screwdriver, admitted that this was an easy project after seeing the process. The pictures are not for the faint of heart, but everything consist of removal of screws, clips, and prying it either with your hand or a prying tool. We did not run into any problems at all. The clips are very hardy and so will not break. Please stay tune, and I promise to post the videos and photos within the next day or two.
Last edited by vincent_esq; 03-04-2014 at 07:44 PM.
#2
Racer
Thread Starter
Hi everyone, Ok, I am done with the installation and the video. Here is the youtube link. The video is 12 minutes long and include 35 photos at the end. I am not including any instructions here unless someone request because there are two other threads by Gatmix07c6 and ssidekickbp already. I suggest you read the instructions on both of those threads, and then watch my video prior to doing your own dash. Please let me know if you have any questions. It took me 1.5 hours to do the removal; another 30 minutes to transfer the buttons and such onto the carbon dash (be careful here; you don't want to break them.) It took me another 30 minutes to install the dash back. While doing this, I also replaced the center console and trim piece by the driver right leg to match my red interior.
After the installation, I went for a drive and was terrified when my infortainment screen froze. I could not make the screen change no matter what I pushed. I restarted the engine twice and that did not help. After about 5 minutes, the screen just came back alive while driving. I think it may have reset itself. Except for that scary five minutes, everything went PERFECT. No mishap, scratches, broken parts. I have taken off dash from many other cars before and this is the most well made so far with so many clips and screws. Do not be afraid to do it. Although I hear it only cost about $300-400 to have it professionally installed, the purpose of doing it myself was not to save a couple hundred bucks, but to see what my car is made out of. I am glad I did it.
After the installation, I went for a drive and was terrified when my infortainment screen froze. I could not make the screen change no matter what I pushed. I restarted the engine twice and that did not help. After about 5 minutes, the screen just came back alive while driving. I think it may have reset itself. Except for that scary five minutes, everything went PERFECT. No mishap, scratches, broken parts. I have taken off dash from many other cars before and this is the most well made so far with so many clips and screws. Do not be afraid to do it. Although I hear it only cost about $300-400 to have it professionally installed, the purpose of doing it myself was not to save a couple hundred bucks, but to see what my car is made out of. I am glad I did it.
Last edited by vincent_esq; 03-06-2014 at 12:30 AM.
The following 5 users liked this post by vincent_esq:
C7topdown (01-14-2023),
Fastmikefree (07-19-2016),
Gonzo (02-18-2017),
sTz (10-07-2016),
Vyper340 (04-19-2017)
#5
Melting Slicks
Great video and great job on the swap. It's definitely a fun project that is not for the faint of heart. When I did mine, I couldn't believe how many fasteners there were on that dash. Crazy! No way that thing will rattle! Nothing like the C6, that's for sure!
#6
Moderator
Great job documenting the process. I'm glad I got mine with the CF from the factory. I have added a link to this thread to the DIY, FAQ's and TIPS sticky thread.
#7
Awesome, awesome. Awesome
Thanks for posting. My carbon dash is due tomorrow from the UPS guy. Dropping it off to be clear coated and possibility tinted red to match the seats. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for posting. My carbon dash is due tomorrow from the UPS guy. Dropping it off to be clear coated and possibility tinted red to match the seats. Thanks for the video!
The following users liked this post:
Gonzo (02-18-2017)
#11
That was a fascinating video, I almost threw up a couple of times…. brave guy.
Video is infinitely more helpful that pictures - I'd love to see one of someone wiring their radar detector back to the notorious fuse 37
Video is infinitely more helpful that pictures - I'd love to see one of someone wiring their radar detector back to the notorious fuse 37
#13
Safety Car
Great video.. thanks 4 sharing.
Also looks like that driver side dash trim part on top of the dash should be easy to remove and add leather to match it to your seat color.
Also looks like that driver side dash trim part on top of the dash should be easy to remove and add leather to match it to your seat color.
#15
This was great of you to do, I am sure this took some to edit this. Your interior is exactly what I am doing with mine 1lt with FAY and the two red interior trim pieces.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
#16
Melting Slicks
Thank you for taking the time to post this excellent DIY for the Forum members!
Your video clearly demonstrates the detail that GM put into designing the interior of the C7.
Your video clearly demonstrates the detail that GM put into designing the interior of the C7.
#17
Drifting
Nice!!!! Informative!
#18
You can wire it to the cig lighter adapter in the center console easier than going to the fuse in the rear.