Wow, that looks good. I didn't know dash kits were out yet, hmmm which one to go with the dark interior?

 

yeah...shiny brown plastic with lines is better than dull plastic.

 

There is no need to get sarcastic Jeepkid- Some of us think that it looks much better than the original.

 

Yooo I wasnt being sarcastic. I IS indeed better...Isnt it? You said it is better, why cant I?

But while im here, My actual opinion about it is that:

Cars that DO come with wood grain interior dont come with THAT much. Things look very "home-made" when it is over done.

Over all...I like it.

 

I had a look at their site. I think the real wood kits look pretty cool if you don't go overkill on them. I did notice their is an extra cutout on the main center panel under the heat and air controls that the '08s dont have (at least mine doesn't) so until they fix that I guess I'll have time to mull it over and see if I really want to do it. Probably a good thing since I am a complete impulse buyer!

 

Wow,that looks really nice. I had planned on installing one of those kits this summer and was wondering how much was involved to install it? Any info would be much appreciated.

 

I said in my post that I chose the Cherry Wood colour. Wrong !!! It's Rosewood.

 

It all looks good except for the shifter area... It looks more like there's a wood overload in that area.

 

Jeepkid: There are several companies who make theses kits. Some come with more pieces than others, and I agree. It can be overdone. Most sellers have a basic kit and a more expensive kit with more pieces. So it's possible to avoid overdoing it, and saving some money, as well.

Gagemaster: They're easy to install, but you should set aside an afternoon for it. The pieces have an adhesive, and come to you stuck down to a plastic release sheet. They should be applied in warm weather, or, I warmed up the interior with an electric heater, and also had a hair dryer and a small wallpaper roller on hand.
I heated up the dash panel with the hair drier, then carefully lifted off the wood grain (which is thick, but flexible). The trick is to position it very carefully before applying any pressure, because the adhesive is extremely sticky. If it isn't pushed down, you can reposition it until you get it right. Then rub it down (I used the wallpaper roller).

I only had one problem. I installed one nearly-square piece turned 90 degrees. Didn't realize the error until it was stuck down. Finally managed to get it off by heating with the hair drier, and peeling carefully.

 

I like it. Looks like it fits nicely and the quality seems decent. It may be a little heavy on the woodgrain though. Not sure I would have used all the pieces.

 

I think that looks awesome! Thanks for the post and I'll be waiting to see more pictures! If only I could decide on a colour now. I think the beige interior could go well with ALL the wood grains.

 

That looks great. I like the wood a lot!

 

Does it come in teak finish?

 

I'm sure you can find teak somewhere. There are several manufacturers. Try googling "wood-grain dash kits", and use the link in my previous post.

 

Thanks for the link. This is the first overlay company I have seen with real carbon fiber. I just ordered the sample pack for $5.00. I have not ordered my Patriot yet (March)epper:, but this could make the interior stand out.

 

I think the carbon fiber, or one of the grey woods would look amazing in a grey interior.

 

The one thing I worry about is the edges.

I have seen some kits labeled 'molded' that have wrap around edges, but none for the Patriot.

How noticeable is the silver sandwiched underneath the application?

 

The one thing I worry about is the edges...

I second that. I think overall it is a big improvement, but I don't care for the silver/argent peeking out at the edges. I think I'd prefer to remove the trim pieces, paint them myself with a faux wood finish (it's not that hard to do), and apply a semi-gloss clear coat on top (not too shiny), and then re-install them. I wouldn't have to worry about the edges, and it would be a whole lot cheaper!

 

It would be nice to have one of the 3-D ones you're referring to. However, my kit was made of very thick pieces, not like wallpaper, so it looks like a slab of highly polished wood. In fact, some are made of real wood. In some places you can see the edges from underneath, in others you can't. But I think this one looks better than the factory wood-grain on my old Mercury Sable.

This company can also make custom kits if you send them a pattern. So I'm thinking of getting some pieces made for my old Studebaker. It's 44 year old "wood-grain" is getting faded.

 

I was thinking of painting also, but only the silver that is peeking out. Something close to match the new trim.

I have the REC unit and Neil's supplier is the only one I can find with the proper cut out.
Which is fine because if I was going to do it I think I might splurge and go real wood.
As Kramer says... "It's like a Ski Lodge in there.. Wood.. Jerry.... WOOD!"

I would like something right in between the kits offered.
The basic kit doesn't have quite enough and the full kit has more than I would put on.

You must have gotten the full kit Neil? And just didn't install all the pieces ... or.....?

 

You must have gotten the full kit Neil? And just didn't install all the pieces ... or.....?

That's right. There were bits for the back seat area, speaker areas, which I thought was too much.

Jim, try my suggestion and Google "wood-grain dash kits". I found three or four other manufacturers, each with their own ideas.

 

I would get the silver to match my interior.....

 

Is there anyone with picks of the slate gray with this done. I want to know what kit would look best with it.

 

Hey, detocks, I found that sight. Their site is a bit confusing, so navigate slowly.

http://www.exoticwooddash.com/dash_products.aspx

 

One of the suppliers has a neat feature on their site. The photo of the Patriot interior changes to show the different styles as you click on them. Sorry. Don't remember which one.

 

Are there any other than wood dash kits out there?
I would like to prefer more metal looking ones.

 

Yes, nearly all of the suppliers have metal and carbon fiber styles, as well. Check out their web sites.

 

Can you provide me with some links?
I dunno US Jeep suppliers websites.

 

Here are several links, Rends:

http://www.wooddashexperts.com/customer/home.php?cat=5341
http://www.dashkitspecialties.com/JPCS07A.html
http://www.veneerzstore.com/store/c/801-2007-UP.html
http://www.exoticwooddash.com/dash_products.aspx

In addition, if you google "wood-grain dash kits", you'll get more.

 

thx for links. I found non wood dash kids in the second and last link.