| Cali_Pilot |
| Here's what my new AVIC-Z1 looks like in my '03 EX. I know most of you are gonna ask about the trim ring. It is a modded version of my old dash kit. I had a local installer shape it to the size of my Z1. I believe he used bondo for the custom work. The Z1 plus the dash trim ring cost me a total of $1607. The dash trim ring after buying the dash kit and having it modded was $62. I told the installer that I might be able to get him more business from other on this board and he said he'd have no problems doing it. FYI, when I bought my dash kit it was $20, but this one will work too and it only $13.95 shipped. |
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| jay |
But which fragance is in your air freshener?:D
Nice looking install. Really clean.:4: |
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| ThePilotster |
| Where did ya buy your Z-1 at... best price by me is $2071... thats after a 7% rebate they have going right now... How do you like it so far? All the reviews I read say it's great. I have the factory Nav & may consider changing... factory is good, but I miss an old pioneer system that was Great! |
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| Cali_Pilot |
quote:
Originally posted by ThePilotster
Where did ya buy your Z-1 at...
I bought mine from 6th Avenue Electronics for $1545 shipped. Their website says to call for pricing but that's only to keep Pioneer from finding out what they're selling it for. The best part is that they are Authorized dealers so you get your full warranty. I also forgot to mention that I also bought a 5 year extended warranty for $250. The warranty starts when Pioneer's warranty expires so I get 6 years of protection. I think I got a good deal. If you should check it out, let me know what their current price is minus shipping. They have 14-day price protection guarantee so I might be able to get some cash back if the price dropped. By the way, what store is giving a 7% discount. Is it a store rebate or a Pioneer rebate? |
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| Cali_Pilot |
| You can also get it here for only $1520 but they are not authorized dealers. You do however get a chance to buy an extended warranty for a decent price. |
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| kinetik |
| Nice install, looks fantastic. Where is your installer located? Can you provide contact info for them? Also thanks for the 6th Ave tip! |
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| dconder |
| Cali...How is the view with the screen at that angle? That looks awesome. I just still worry about the viewing angle being below center. I am hoping some of the newer screens have a better below center viewing angle. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
quote:
Originally posted by kinetik
Nice install, looks fantastic. Where is your installer located? Can you provide contact info for them? Also thanks for the 6th Ave tip!
kinetik,
The installer who made my trim ring is in North Dakota. The place is called Pacific Sound and his number is 701-852-3318. I think his name is Jay but I'm not 100% sure. If you call and ask about the Pilot he just did, he should remember since it was just yesterday. Of course if you'd like, you can PayPal me the money and I can buy the dash kit and have him mod it for you. The kit is 13.95 shipped. The mod will be $50 tops, and then of course return shipping and that price will vary depending on how you want it shipped back to you. He did a pretty good job. He even textured the trim ring. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
quote:
Originally posted by dconder
Cali...How is the view with the screen at that angle? That looks awesome. I just still worry about the viewing angle being below center. I am hoping some of the newer screens have a better below center viewing angle.
deconder,
The view is actually pretty damn good. I did see a bit of glare once but that was only because the sun was coming in through the passenger window during sunset. I couldn't see a damn thing but then I realized that I had my headlights on and it was dimming my screen but once I turned them off, the screen was clearly visible. I have a habit of turning on the lights everytime I get in the car so I foresee this as being a common problem for me but nothing that can't be quickly fixed. The one thing I would have liked about the Z1 is if the screen would tilt down. The screen does tilt but it only tilts up and who really wants to tilt it up on a Pilot? Overall, I am really happy with the way it turned out.
All,
Let me know if you want pictures of specific actions on the Z1 or if you just want more screen shots. |
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| Itchy |
| Looks good!! And a much better unit than OEM. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
quote:
Originally posted by Bonanza Pilot
Cali, I'm confused. Are you happy with the trim ring you have or are you really dissatisfied with it?
http://www.the12volt.com/installbay...=78262&get=last
At first I was dissatisfied with it but then I realized that it was the best it was gonna get so now I'm happy with it. At least I was happy with it. Earlier today I had to take the Z1 out to make some adjustments to my wiring and my daughter stepped on the trim ring breaking it in half. Now I'm trying to mod the trim ring that comes with the Z1. It's not gonna be perfect but it should look alright. There is gonna be a tiny gap between the trim ring and the dash on the left and right sides but it should be perfect on the top and bottom. I'll post a picture when I finish it up. |
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| RND_NAVI |
Hi Cali,
It looks great. Good looking like OEM.
Did the installer hooked the Pinoieer Z1 to Factory Audio or How did you manage to get Sound and voice recongnition for Avic-Z1 and 6-CD changer operated with Navi?
what about Bluetooth did you use the pioneer remote or anything hooked to factory steering? |
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| jksjb |
| Can you take some photos of the Z1 with the different map modes? 3D etc. I have the old Pioneer Nav unit but want to upgrade but wanted to see the map options. Thank you for your help. |
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| boots |
| Looks great, can't wait to get mine!:D |
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| shak_pilot |
Hi cali
I have 06 pilot exl w/o navi or dvd, so i want to go in for a in dash navigation system. Pls suggest me if pioneer or eclipse is a good one?
i also have some more ?s for u
1) What abt the factory subwoofer, do i need to purchase a separate Amp for it or its going to be powered by the in dash gps units.
2) What abt the factory steering wheel controls? will it require any interface for it to work.
The model which i saw on in Eclipse is AVN 5500, do u think it will be a best fit and also better than Pioneer.
Thanks. |
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| Blessed |
| Hey I have a 2003 Honda Pilot with an rear entertainment option. If I buy the ZI can I use the head to control my rear DVD. I know that there is options that a I can use to use the buttons on my steering wheel. |
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| RND_NAVI |
Hi Cali_Pilot
The installation looks great.Congratulation for the succesfull installation.
I want to share some expereinces with people who wanna install aftermarket navigation system like pioneer AVICZ! or N2 or N3 in a 06pilot EX-L -RES.
In have a PIlot EX-L-RES and wanted NAVI also.I went to a installer to check how to install it as bestbuy adviced me to go for customization.i took the pic of dash for 06 pilotEX-L with Navi and showed the installer.My navigation AVIC-N2 and DVd player could fit in the double din slot on the top where factory navi sits.
The installer confirmed that its possible to install and he did not check the width of the AVIC-N2 and the DVD player.
Once the installation had been completed i could see gaps on the sides of AVIC-N2 and more over to hook the wiring and move the DVD player from bottom to top slot the installer had cut the factory harness wires and extended them.
Ultioately he fixed the trimming of Navigation after couply of months but spoiled my RES.The audio output from dvd player is not much loud as it used to be and there was some humming sound because he cut the wires and extended them and also messed the wiring for cd chnager.
Since 6 months i went almost twice a month to fix some problem with audio system.Once more thing is that my wiring was out of warranty now.i went to delaer for estimation to make it back to original.he qouted $1500 wiring+labour.
finally last week i traded off the vehicle and bought a 06 pilot EX-L-Navi this time.It was a very costly experience i had with after market Navi in Pilot with RES.
Note: This is my exp. and help people to be cautious about going for NAVI and RES in 06 Pilot. |
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| canomalo |
| hello looks great can you tell me or show me pics of the radio.Did he have to move the radio?Relocate the radio. |
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| elrainman |
Hey Cali Pilot,
I had mine installed the other day and am having some trouble with local radio reception. Maybe due to the location of the ant. in the pilot. Don't know why. Did this happen to you? Do you know if you had to install any additional equipment for this? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ray |
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| cwa107 |
quote:
Originally posted by elrainman
Hey Cali Pilot,
I had mine installed the other day and am having some trouble with local radio reception. Maybe due to the location of the ant. in the pilot. Don't know why. Did this happen to you? Do you know if you had to install any additional equipment for this? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ray
I'll bet you the installer forgot to reconnect the antenna when he was putting it in. I've made the same mistake a time or two myself. Reception was there, but very weak - it wouldn't surprise me if that was the case. I'd take it back and ask them to check. |
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| ThePilotster |
Question on the AVIC-Z1
I have read that the navigation search features are not available while your driving? Some said you need to stop and engage your parking brake?? Tell me it aint so! (I know..aint is not a word) |
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| ThePilotster |
quote:
Originally posted by elrainman
Hey Cali Pilot,
I had mine installed the other day and am having some trouble with local radio reception. Maybe due to the location of the ant. in the pilot. Don't know why. Did this happen to you? Do you know if you had to install any additional equipment for this? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ray
I was told you need the adaptor at the link below for the antanna to work
http://www.installer-data.com/item/....php?it=40-HD10 |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by ThePilotster
Question on the AVIC-Z1
I have read that the navigation search features are not available while your driving? Some said you need to stop and engage your parking brake?? Tell me it aint so! (I know..aint is not a word)
Ain't is a word, and has been for a while. But for gosh-sakes, don't forget the apostrophe. :D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ain't
Language evolves. I wouldn't use it in formal, written business documents, but the spoken ain't no longer has the stigma it once did. Ain't that the truth!:p And your usage, for emphasis, seems perfectly acceptable.
Back somewhat on topic, I'm glad the Garmin nuvi 350 easily lets you turn "safe mode" off, so you can take your like in your own hands and use its features while driving.:p |
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| tway22 |
| my Avic-z1 install |
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| Cali_Pilot |
Hi Guys,
It's been a while since I posted anything here but I've taken new pictures for those of you that are interested in the Z1 or the upcoming Z2. I'm at work now but I will upload them when I get home. If you read back you will see that my daughter broke my modded dash kit. I then had to mod the trim ring that came with my Z1. While that method looked alright, I ended up re-doing the whole thing. I think most of you will be surprised how good it looks. There's no sign of a dash kit at all. It looks good. Just wait and see! |
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| Josey92 |
Thought I would share my install also. I will try to get better pics this weekend.
The custom kit is painted Nighthawk Black Pearl but the flash shows how blue NBP is. |
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| tway22 |
quote:
Originally posted by Cali_Pilot
Hi Guys,
It's been a while since I posted anything here but I've taken new pictures for those of you that are interested in the Z1 or the upcoming Z2. I'm at work now but I will upload them when I get home. If you read back you will see that my daughter broke my modded dash kit. I then had to mod the trim ring that came with my Z1. While that method looked alright, I ended up re-doing the whole thing. I think most of you will be surprised how good it looks. There's no sign of a dash kit at all. It looks good. Just wait and see!
When are we going to get to see it and how did you do it. I want to redo my trim kit too but I have no clue on how to go about it. If you look at my pic it's not all that great. thanks |
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| ED27 |
quote:
Originally posted by tway22
When are we going to get to see it and how did you do it. I want to redo my trim kit too but I have no clue on how to go about it. If you look at my pic it's not all that great. thanks
There are a few different ways of fabricating a trim ring. The install I did back in '05 was comprised of a factory radio faceplate, 3M Duramix 4040 & 4058 and SEM spray paint. If you click on the Kenwood link in my sig, you can read more on the process of how I made mine. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
quote:
Originally posted by tway22
When are we going to get to see it and how did you do it. I want to redo my trim kit too but I have no clue on how to go about it. If you look at my pic it's not all that great. thanks
Sorry, I took the pics but have been so busy that I haven't had time to upload them. Maybe tomorrow I will have them up. |
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| corpomonkey |
I am new to this forum and found this site while looking for some input on installing the Pioneer AVIC-Z1 or D3 or kenwood DNX7100. Pretty interesting site and I'm glad I found it.
My question is for the people who have this unit installed. Does the steering wheel control (volume, channel, etc) still work or is that something you have to compromise when installing one of these in-dash Navi units? Thanks in advance. |
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| tangotango99 |
| I will like to install it in my 04 crv.Have the Pioneer AVIC-Z2 been released yet? |
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| boomnpilot |
| That looks sweet! I am thinking about adding that exact model. Just curious about the audio quality compared to some of the other pioneer decks? |
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| Cali_Pilot |
| OK guys, they're finally here! Sorry I took so long to get them up. I've been out of town for two weeks so that delayed it a bit more. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to let me know. I've included pictures of how it began and how it turned out. What I did was I cut a piece of plexiglass to the shape of the inside of the dash hole and I glued it on with epoxy for plastics. After the epoxy cured up, I painted the new custom dash with black textured paint for plastics and after a few coats, the paint filled in the small gaps between the dash and the plexiglass. That kinda happened by accident but it came out nice either way. |
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| ED27 |
Very nice job :29:
How about some pics from a wider angle...that captures most of the dash. |
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| corpomonkey |
quote:
Originally posted by corpomonkey
I am new to this forum and found this site while looking for some input on installing the Pioneer AVIC-Z1 or D3 or kenwood DNX7100. Pretty interesting site and I'm glad I found it.
My question is for the people who have this unit installed. Does the steering wheel control (volume, channel, etc) still work or is that something you have to compromise when installing one of these in-dash Navi units? Thanks in advance.
Now, can someone answer the question above that I asked? Thanks. |
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| ED27 |
quote:
Originally posted by corpomonkey
Now, can someone answer the question above that I asked? Thanks.
In the future you might want to do a search as this issue has been addressed many times in the past.
You'll need the appropriate adapter from PAC (available online through Crutchfield). On PAC's website there's an application guide that will help you match up your unit...most likely the SWI-PS (list is $69.95). |
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| ThePilotster |
quote:
Originally posted by corpomonkey
Now, can someone answer the question above that I asked? Thanks.
I have the pac unit... selling 50% off list along with a custom double din plate if interested... Pm me |
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| Itchy |
CaliPilot,
Are you selling the dash kit? I'm very interested. I have the LX which I believe has a slightly smaller dash opening than the EX. But I guess that doesn't matter if you're replacing the entire black dash area.
Let me know how much. I'm in.
quote:
Originally posted by Cali_Pilot
OK guys, they're finally here! Sorry I took so long to get them up. I've been out of town for two weeks so that delayed it a bit more. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to let me know. I've included pictures of how it began and how it turned out. What I did was I cut a piece of plexiglass to the shape of the inside of the dash hole and I glued it on with epoxy for plastics. After the epoxy cured up, I painted the new custom dash with black textured paint for plastics and after a few coats, the paint filled in the small gaps between the dash and the plexiglass. That kinda happened by accident but it came out nice either way.
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| tangotango99 |
| Can you post the name and brand of paint you used? |
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| Cali_Pilot |
quote:
Originally posted by tangotango99
Can you post the name and brand of paint you used?
It was a can of Rust-Oleum black textured for Plastics. I'll take a pic when I get home. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
quote:
Originally posted by Itchy
CaliPilot,
Are you selling the dash kit? I'm very interested. I have the LX which I believe has a slightly smaller dash opening than the EX. But I guess that doesn't matter if you're replacing the entire black dash area.
Let me know how much. I'm in.
I did not have plans to sell these kits or the one I have. Even though the dash opening for most aftermarket double dins are supposed to be the same, mine was shaped to fit my AVIC-Z1. I wouldn't want to sell one that wouldn't fit an Alpine or Kenwood unit. I would feel bad. If you're planning on installing a Pioneer double din or would like to risk the custom dash opening being too big or too small for a different unit, I'll make one for you. It's up to you if you want to send me your black dash or if you want to buy another for me to try it on. If I can get it looking good, I would sell it for $50. If it comes out looking like something I wouldn't put in my car, all you would be out is whatever you paid for the dash. Last time I looked up the price for it, it was less than $20 I believe. There should be no reason why it shouldn't look good though. It's up to you. Let me know. |
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| Itchy |
| I'll take the risk. I sent you a private message w/ my contact info. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
quote:
Originally posted by tangotango99
Can you post the name and brand of paint you used?
Here's a picture for you. |
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| krak73 |
| Hey Cali do you have your factory sub connected to the z1 ? |
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| PilotAudio |
Wow, Cali. That looks amazing..
I would like one for my 2007 Pilot LX for a Z1 or a Z2..
Let me know if the dash kit is universal or able to fit in a 2007 LX... I'm willing to buy one off of you. The only thing that has been stopping me from buying an in-dash DVD screen is the dash kit.
Thanks |
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| Cali_Pilot |
quote:
Originally posted by krak73
Hey Cali do you have your factory sub connected to the z1 ?
I haven't had my factory sub connected period since 2002. I've got a 10" in a sealed box and an external amp. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
quote:
Originally posted by PilotAudio
Wow, Cali. That looks amazing..
I would like one for my 2007 Pilot LX for a Z1 or a Z2..
Let me know if the dash kit is universal or able to fit in a 2007 LX... I'm willing to buy one off of you. The only thing that has been stopping me from buying an in-dash DVD screen is the dash kit.
Thanks
Thanks for the compliment. The dash kit is not universal. I believe the dash design changed in 2006 so these will only fit 2003-2005. I just made one for Itchy so we'll see how he likes it before I decide if I will be making them for those wanting a double-din dash kit. If you've got an 03-05 and are interested in a dash kit, PM me or reply here so I can get an idea of how much material I will need. I know for the longest time I was wanting a double-din but the lack of a dash kit also kept me from buying one. Then I decided to buy the deck and try to fab up a kit. It came out pretty good but it took a long time to make it. I know me personally, if someone was selling these last year, I would have bought one in a second. Like I said, Itchy was my first customer so we'll see how he likes his when he gets it. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
| First coat of Bondo. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
| Second coat of Bondo. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
| Second coat of Bondo (part 2) |
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| Cali_Pilot |
| Test fit. Sorry it's a bit blurry. You can tell it fits good though. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
| Another test fit pic. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
| Finished! Top View. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
| Itchy, give me a minute and I can have a finished install pic. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
| Here's some pics of his new dash kit installed on my 2003 with an AVIC-Z1. |
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| Itchy |
| Looks good! I'll post some pics this weekend of it in action with the Pioneer Avic-D3. |
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| Cali_Pilot |
| Here's a pic of the dash kit with the buttons put back on. |
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| corpomonkey |
| Wow! That looks awesome. That makes me want to get a Z1. Does anyone know if the Z1 has the same faceplate size as the D3? |
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| Itchy |
| These are industry standard size double din head units. Anyone should work whether it's Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood, Eclipse, etc... |
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| ED27 |
quote:
Originally posted by Cali_Pilot
Here's a pic of the dash kit with the buttons put back on.
Very nice work! What did you use as base frame that blended with the stock trim piece? The Pioneer trim ring? |
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| Cali_Pilot |
quote:
Originally posted by ED27
Very nice work! What did you use as base frame that blended with the stock trim piece? The Pioneer trim ring?
Originally I attempted to use the Pioneer trim ring but the inner diameter was too big and it still would have left gaps on the sides. That's wierd considering it was the trim ring that was intended for that unit. What I ended up using was a sheet of plastic called Mylar. It's a really thin plastic, 1/32", I believe. I shaped the outside of the Mylar to the shape of the Pilot's dash, then I measured the head unit and shaped the inside of the Mylar for the head unit.
The pieces were initially held together with common super glue and then after that cured, a much stronger military spec. epoxy was applied for the permanent bond. Once that was done, the rest was a b*tch. The part I just explained took maybe 2-3 hours. The rest of it (sanding, bondo, sanding, painting, ah crap!, sanding , bondo, sanding, bondo, sanding, glaze putty, sanding, painting, 400 grit sanding, painting) that took probably 12-14 hours. All combined it took between 16-17 hours. What a b*tch!
That was my first time using Bondo so that's probably why it took me so long. |
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| Itchy |
| Your dash kit looks good in my ride! |
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