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So, I didn't want to highjack the chrome seat trim thread so I decided to make a new one.
Goose, we must really think alike!
I already have all the dash leather trims but I don't have them installed.
Unlike on Lariats+ you can't just remove the vinyl trims and put in the leather, you have to replace the entire instrument panel and then install the new trim pieces.
Not only do I have the leather covers but I also have the wood trim that goes above the passenger glove box, the problem is that I also cannot install this because the XLT dashboard doesn't have the clip slots for such a trim piece to fit, so I'm back to square one, I need a Lariat dashboard to install all three!
So.... someone on these forums was nice enough to provide me with the diagrams and instructions on how to remove the instrument panel, and, it's a pain in the a**!
Seats have to be removed, console has to be removed, steering bolt has to be removed and replaced, a bunch of wiring has to be removed, etc etc etc.
So what's all this going to cost at the dealer you ask?
Well my dealer has quoted me at....
$1600 to remove instrument panel and install new one.
+ $800 for Lariat instrument panel (XLT is only about $380)
Not too mention I already purchased both Leather wrapped panels above the steering wheel and above the glove box that covers the air bag.
And like Goose mentioned before.... I know, I should of just gotten the damn Lariat.
Btw I did a quick appraisal and I can get about $30,000 for my XLT, I bought it for $35,000 after rebates... Should I just cut my losses now and trade it in with 9,000 miles? I should mention I've already spent quite a bit of money on upgrades to make it more like the Lariat including original OEM leather, console, wheel/tires, door panels, LED headlights, tailights, etc etc...
The parts in red is what I want to install, I already have the parts!
The labor is too high. Way too high. $1600 labor is like 16 hours or 2 days. It only takes a few hours to get the dash out. Warranty labor time is only a couple hours
The labor is too high. Way too high. $1600 labor is like 16 hours or 2 days. It only takes a few hours to get the dash out. Warranty labor time is only a couple hours
Yeah it seemed pretty high to me too but that's what they said so I don't know.
I have researched the parts and AutoNation Ford White Bear Lake has the best price on the part AND shipping. $499.00 for the dash and $186.00 shipping. I say dig in! lol I am contemplating it because to trade at this point is gonna be more expensive. Its a learning process right? Right??? lol
They quoted you high because they don't want to do the job most likely. Probably figure you will bring it back over every little scratch or every time it rattles or squeaks.
Why don't you just just cut the holes for the trim or snap the tabs off and mount it with 3m double stick?
To be honest, yes its more money and people wont understand why were doing it, BUT with the dash board out, one could install a new 502A harness and have all sorts of upgrades available later.... We will NEVER get out nearly what we are contemplating putting in thee trucks doing this, but it wil be kinda special. Im stil on the fence because I see it is alot of breaking things down...lots of labeling and pics, but for $1600, i would be so much more inclined to do it myself.
They quoted you high because they don't want to do the job most likely. Probably figure you will bring it back over every little scratch or every time it rattles or squeaks.
Why don't you just just cut the holes for the trim or snap the tabs off and mount it with 3m double stick?
Okay so I already thought about this too actually!
So if I cut the vinyl trim out of the dashboard and try to place the leather trim on top of the cut out... it might not have enough space to sit and could potentially move around with enough force. There's no bracket to clip it onto on the XLT dashboard so it'll just be one big hole with nothing for the new trim to sit on.
Okay, so I just thought about this today, and Goose, let me know what you think....
So like I said I already have both leather wrapped plastic panels.... WHAT IF I simply remove the leather from the plastic panel and attach it over the vinyl??? I probably can't do it but I could probably take it to an upholstery place and have them attach the leather wrap to the existing panel to make it look professional???
It shouldn't be too hard to do since the leather is already cut out in perfect shape with more than enough slack leftover.
My only concern would be on the passenger side, would it conflict with the airbag deployment?
Doing it this way would be way cheaper than a whole new dashboard. What do you think?
I thought about this BUT the air bag concern on the passenger side was my immediate thought as well since my wife is usually there..... as for the cost of the new dashboard....doesnt bother me. I knew going in with an XLT that it was "Pay to Play". Its the intensity of the switchout of the 2 that still has me on the fence. I just priced out a new 2017 Lariat with all the options I wanted, lol and that MSRP of 54K is ridiculous. The starting point off of MSRP would have to be 20% or $10,800 less than MSRP and im not sure a dealership is willing to negotiate on these terms. Trade in value at 5K miles on mine is max $31000, lol I may be buying that dashboard......lol
Gluing the leather trim on the plastic parts, imho, just wont look as nice.
Yeah the cost of the dashboard doesn't bother me either... but the cost of labor to install is pretty high I'd like to know what others might be quoted. Even if $1600 is a proper quote I don't know if I want my entire dash taken apart lol
Instrument Panel Replacement! Anyone?
