How To Restore Your Car's Interior

You likely spend a significant percentage of your time in your car, and it's served you well through lots of use and wear and tear.

If you've had your car for a while, and are looking to spruce it up, there are many simple, easy and affordable ways you can restore your car's interior. Covering the dashboard and trim are two of the quickest ways to do it — all you have to do is figure out a kit that works for you and your car.

Why Should You Restore Your Car's Interior?

Whether you're looking to personalize the style of your car or protect it from damage, a restored interior is a simple, affordable way to make an exciting change. Most cars aren't cheap, so it's important to make sure you're getting the most out of your investment.

Any investment in your car will only benefit you in the long run. If you take care of your car now, it'll be worth more when you decide to sell it later. Even if you don't intend on selling your car, taking care of the interior will ensure it looks sharp for a long time and many more years of use.

You should redo the dashboard and interior of your car if you want to:

• Get a new look: Sometimes you just need to change it up. Getting a new look is a great way to make a new car look expensive or make an old car look new again. If your ride looks worn, a redone interior can breathe new life into it. It'll make your car look beautiful, fresh and made just for you.
• Prevent damage: Restoring your car interior isn't just for show. Most methods of restoration will protect the original interior from dust, moisture or damage. If you're leasing a car, this is a great way to maintain the interior's original condition. If you own your car, restoring the interior can increase the value of it, meaning it'll be worth more money if you decide to resell it.
• Hide flaws: If you've got an older car with a few nicks and scratches, restoring the dashboard and interior is a fantastic way to cover them up. Also, if you get scratches after you've added the protective layer, you can just swap it out for a new one.
• Make a temporary change: Restoring your car interior is an ideal way to make a temporary change to your car. While not every method of restoration is temporary, several options offer a way to make your car look like new without causing any damage to the existing interior. You can install a new interior and then decide to remove or swap it with another one whenever you'd like.
• Save money: Anytime you opt for the D.I.Y. option, you'll save money. While each method of D.I.Y. restoration varies in cost, they are more budget-friendly than having it professionally redone. Unless you've got money in your budget, buying and installing it yourself is the best option. Nowadays, you can purchase everything you need online to restore your car's interior for an affordable price.
• Choose from several options: Once you've decided on a method for restoring your car's interior, you'll need to choose how you want it to look. Luckily, most of the methods are entirely customizable. You can restore interior trim with one uniform color or pick a different one for each section. Car dash restoration allows you to use a variety of different colors, styles, materials and patterns to get the look you want.
• Make an easy change: Of all car parts, the dashboard is the easiest to restore. The necessary tools are available for purchase online, and the installation process for each method is simple and easy-to-follow. While some techniques are easier than others, they all offer an uncomplicated way to make a significant change in your car.

How Can You Restore Your Interior?

The two most common selections for interior restoration are pre-cut dash kits and vinyl wraps. The two options differ in price and level of difficulty, but they both offer a stunning result.

Either option will work well if you're looking to add a personal touch, a layer of protection or just a pop of color. However, you'll need to consider the pros and cons of each method before you designate your time, money and energy to a project like this. To help with your decision, below is a comprehensive guide to explain the differences between pre-cut dash kits and vinyl wrap.

What Are Pre-Cut Dash Kits?

Pre-cut dash kits are bits of molded material that are pre-cut to fit the dashboard and other trim areas of your car. They are made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, carbon fiber, wood and vinyl — some of which are soft and flexible, while others are stiff. They cover areas of the car interior, including the trim of the doors, transmission, vents, radio, console, e-brake and cup holders. Since the dashboard and trim of each car are different, pre-cut dash kits are specific to each car. For example, if you drive a 2008 Subaru Forester, you'll need a kit that fits that make, model and year. A kit for a 2018 Subaru Forester or a 2008 Subaru Impreza likely won't fit your car.

Flat Vs. Molded Kits

While pre-cut dash kits come in several colors and materials, they are primarily broken down into two categories: flat and molded. The main difference between these two versions depends on the type of car they're designed to fit. Flat kits fit over consoles that are primarily flat and only have surface area that faces forward. Molded kits fit over curved consoles, with a more 3-D shape — these consoles have surface area that faces all directions.

How Do You Install Pre-Cut Dash Kits?

Be sure to read any instructions that come with your pre-cut dash kit. You should also read the instructions and safety guidelines for any tools you use to assist you. The installation process might vary from kit to kit, depending on its type, brand, style and material. However, the basic steps of installation remain the same. They are as follows:

Before you start:

1. Read any instructions that come with the kit.
2. Make sure the air is within the recommended range of 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Make sure the environment is well-lit and dust-free.
4. Thoroughly clean the entire surface with a rubbing alcohol or soapy, warm water.

To install:

1. Start with the simple pieces first.
2. Carefully align the first piece with the surface.
3. Apply gentle pressure to one side of the piece to secure it in place.
4. Apply gentle pressure on the rest of the piece, working from the center to the edges — this helps to avoid air bubbles.
5. Once you're happy with the positioning, use a squeegee to press the piece onto the surface.

Pros and Cons of Pre-Cut Dash Kits

Pre-cut dash kits are an easy way to customize and protect the interior of your car. Since the pieces are already pre-cut and specially shaped to fit your make and model, you don't have to worry about ordering too much material or cutting it into the wrong shape. The pre-cut options take the guesswork out of decorating your interior. If you pick the right make and model, the pieces will fit right every time.

The most significant point with pre-cut dash kits is that they limit the amount of surface area you can cover. When you purchase a kit, it only provides the pieces for specific parts of your interior. You won't be able to decide later that you want an additional portion covered because there won't be any extra material. If your kit doesn't have a piece for a specific part of the car, you'll need to find another solution.

Another consideration with pre-cut dash kits is their price. While they aren't much more than vinyl wraps, there is a price difference between the two. You will also likely spend less on a pre-cut kit, although a custom dash kit might be the perfect match for your vehicle and worth purchasing.

What Are Vinyl Wraps?

Vinyl wraps are rolls of vinyl with an adhesive backing that are specifically designed for use on cars. To use vinyl wrap, you have to cut smaller pieces out of the larger roll and ensure you cut them into the correct size and shape. Unlike dashboard kits, they do not come pre-cut to the specifics of your make and model.

How Do You Install Vinyl Wraps?

Just as the installation process varies with pre-cut dash kits, the process for installing vinyl wraps also depends on the type, brand, style and material. However, the basic steps of installation remain the same. They are as follows:

Before you start:

1. Read any instructions that come with the kit.
2. Make sure the air is within the recommended range of 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Make sure the environment is well-lit and dust-free.
4. Thoroughly clean the entire surface with a rubbing alcohol or soapy, warm water.

To install:

1. Select a piece of vinyl that comfortably fits over the entire surface you intend to cover — you should have about one inch of excess on each side.
2. Place the vinyl on the surface and gently press down.
3. Apply pressure, working from the center to the edges — this helps to avoid air bubbles.
4. Once you're happy with the positioning, use a source of heat, like a hairdryer or heat gun, to stretch the vinyl around any curves or edges.
5. Use a precision razor tool to cut off the excess vinyl.
6. Use a heat source again on the edges to make sure they're fully wrapped around the piece.

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Wrap

Vinyl wraps are an affordable way to revamp your interior and dashboard. Since the pieces aren't pre-cut, you don't have to worry about being confined by the limitations of the kit. You can cover any non-porous surface in your car with a wrap, so you can truly customize it any way you want. Wraps also offer a wider range of colors, styles and patterns to choose from.

With wraps, you don't have to worry about getting the right make and model for your car. Since you determine the size and shape of each of the pieces, there's no way you could order the wrong type.

The considerations with wraps is that they require more skill, patience and time to install. The vinyl comes in rolls, so you'll have to cut the pieces to the correct shape and size for yourself. It usually takes longer to install wraps than kits because you have to fit the vinyl to the section, use a heat source to stretch it over the area and cut off the excess. Whether you're wrapping with vinyl for the first time or you've installed it before, it'll take some time and energy to get it looking the way you want.

How to Get Started With Dash Kits

Knowing how to restore your car interior is an excellent skill to have. You won't have to rely on professionals to do it for you, and you'll save yourself a lot of money.

Once you've decided on a method, you'll need to decide on a color and style. Ask yourself:

• Am I getting a flat or molded kit?
• What color will look best in my car?
• Do I want it to be flashy or understated?
• Do I want a pattern or a solid color?

Then, you'll need to decide where you're going to get your chosen product.

Restore Your Car's Interior With Dash Kits From Rvinyl

To make sure you get the highest quality wrap, get your dash kits and vinyl wraps at Rvinyl.

Our products offer the perfect combination of style and affordability. Made especially for the DIY and restyling enthusiasts, our pre-cut dash kits and vinyl wraps give you the ability to personalize the interior of your car at a fraction of the cost other shops and detailers offer. All our products can be removed and are non-permanent.

Rvinyl dash kits and vinyl wraps help customers get the look they want without having to pay exorbitant fees for installation. We design them for enthusiasts that take pride in performing the work themselves. We are all about DIY automotive customization and personalization. We specialize in manufacturing techniques that reduce cost and pass the savings to the customer. We also offer a rebate program when customers provide installed examples.

To get your pre-cut dash kits and vinyl wraps, order from Rvinyl now.