[Threadhead]

Re: Clean up the confusion please

OK, I am a bit confused:
Worm and others (on MDX web forum) http://acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=4752&highlight=wood+trim+plastic
state that these kits are not real wood. Sort of makes sense if you read the installation instructions -- real wood should not become flexible when heated.

Real wood bends quite easily, especially when heated. Keep in mind they they are using veneers that are very thin (1-2mm) and wood that thin is very flexible, even around tight corners.

 

[kruzo]

OK, perhaps this answers my own question, but here is the theory that
was confirmed by the guy from exoctic wood trim's customer's service:

MDX comes with some fake wood pre-installed, so the kits that are sold
for MDX by just about all aftermarket web sites are designed to match
the MDX factory installed trim pieces exactly. Original Acura trim
pieces are fake wood. Hence, all the matching aftermarket pieces are
fake wood as well -- pwood really, or laminated paper.

Pilot comes with no wood trim at all factory installed. So the
aftermarkets are not forced to do any matching. That is why you are
offered a veriety of choices, including synthetic, graphite, and REAL
NATURAL wood in veriety of textures. Seems to make sense. If this is
in fact true, this is not a bad reason to buy Pilot over MDX in itself
-- you don't have to live with the fake wood trim .

Kidding. I don't
frankly care all that much, as long as it stays on.

So the next question is -- does it stay on? 3M tape no doubt is a quality
product, and I would not be surprised if OEM trim uses the same tape.
I just am wondering if this is a good thing to have installed by the
dealer before taking delivery. This way if something comes loose, they
should take care of it, at least during the warranty period.

Anybody heard anything on this, especially from people who had the
trim installed more then few months (years?) ?

 

[SoapPlant]

OK, perhaps this answers my own question, but here is the theory that
was confirmed by the guy from exoctic wood trim's customer's service:

MDX comes with some fake wood pre-installed, so the kits that are sold
for MDX by just about all aftermarket web sites are designed to match
the MDX factory installed trim pieces exactly. Original Acura trim
pieces are fake wood. Hence, all the matching aftermarket pieces are
fake wood as well -- pwood really, or laminated paper.

Pilot comes with no wood trim at all factory installed. So the
aftermarkets are not forced to do any matching. That is why you are
offered a veriety of choices, including synthetic, graphite, and REAL
NATURAL wood in veriety of textures. Seems to make sense. If this is
in fact true, this is not a bad reason to buy Pilot over MDX in itself
-- you don't have to live with the fake wood trim .

Kidding. I don't
frankly care all that much, as long as it stays on.

So the next question is -- does it stay on? 3M tape no doubt is a quality
product, and I would not be surprised if OEM trim uses the same tape.
I just am wondering if this is a good thing to have installed by the
dealer before taking delivery. This way if something comes loose, they
should take care of it, at least during the warranty period.

Anybody heard anything on this, especially from people who had the
trim installed more then few months (years?) ?

Kruzo, I posted some pics of the wood trim in my Accord above. The factory pieces on the doors and center console are absolutely very sturdy and are showing no signs of coming loose.

The one I installed myself on the center audio console is also the same way. Absolutely no signs of it moving or sliding, peeling up or coming off in any spots, and its been in place for a little over 4 years now.

I know on the audio piece I installed, there was like a gazillion little strips of tape on the back, so it seems like its unlikely going anywhere, of course until I get rid of it! I think if I tried to yank it off, it might take the whole dash along with it!

Since accessories installed at the time of purchase are only covered under the 3/36,000 warranty, my suggestion would be to install them yourself. I figure I'm saving $35 on the installation of the dash and trim panels, and probably another couple of dollars on the RES piece, which would otherwise go to a highly trained technician, basicly peeling off the tape and sticking them in place. Since mine is still going strong after 4 yrs. even if they fell off tomorrow, they still wouldn't be covered under the Honda warranty.

Just my thoughts...

 

[kruzo]

Since accessories installed at the time of purchase are only covered under the 3/36,000 warranty, my suggestion would be to install them yourself. I figure I'm saving $35 on the installation of the dash and trim panels, and probably another couple of dollars on the RES piece, which would otherwise go to a highly trained technician, basicly peeling off the tape and sticking them in place. Since mine is still going strong after 4 yrs. even if they fell off tomorrow, they still wouldn't be covered under the Honda warranty.

Just my thoughts...

I wonder if this would be covered by an extended warranty. I am
guessing the answer is a "yes".

I understand that peeling off the tape is not hard. However I am a bit
concern. I do a quite a bit of maintanence myself, and am decent with
tools. However the process of applying the glue-on trim is described
as "artistry", and I am not sure I am that good at holding a panel at
2mm from the surface while holding my breath, and then applying it
"exactly". What scares me is that you don't get a second chance --
once you stick it on, it's ON. I wonder if there is ANY way to remove
it if you brake a piece (the manufacturer will let you order a single
piece if you're a customer). I guess I am looking for some
encouragement from the people who've done it . Then again -- the
guy at the dealerships may not be any better then you, and you may have
to live with less then perfect application anyway.

 

[TheWorm]

Re: real vs fake. I certainly haven't/didn't break any of the MDX aftermarket trim pieces in half to see what was inside, but I'm pretty sure it's "not real". Kruzo's explanation makes sense to me. To match fake, you make fake. Certainly could be a thin veneer underneath the clearcoat over it (dunno what that's called). Matters not to me -- it's a perfect match and looks good.

Re: installation. It's easy. I'd say if the dealer is charging $50 or so for a complete installation, it might be worth having him do it. It'll be covered parts+labor under the factory warranty (if it's installed @ delivery) and the prolly the extended. Keep in mind that even OEM parts installed after delivery only get a 1 yr warranty and are not covered under the extended. I might note that service departments almost never know whether the accessory was originally installed @ delivery or afterwards. I had the moonroof visor replaced with no questions asked about "when" it was put on there.

We've had no problems whatsoever w/the exotic kit. The 3M tape along w/the adhesive promoter is quite strong. As you've guessed, once you whack it on, you are NOT getting it off to reposition it. You can remove the piece w/some solvent from 3M but it's all over @ that point.

Again, I think it's quite easy. If you've ever had to put stickers on your kids' plastic toys, it's the same idea. You do want to take your time and be precise, but training as a brain surgeon is not required.

 

[vegasdude]

Any Pictures on Pilot EX-L RES? I know it is a long shot but why not.....

 

[SoapPlant]

I wonder if this would be covered by an extended warranty. I am
guessing the answer is a "yes".

I understand that peeling off the tape is not hard. However I am a bit
concern. I do a quite a bit of maintanence myself, and am decent with
tools. However the process of applying the glue-on trim is described
as "artistry", and I am not sure I am that good at holding a panel at
2mm from the surface while holding my breath, and then applying it
"exactly". What scares me is that you don't get a second chance --
once you stick it on, it's ON. I wonder if there is ANY way to remove
it if you brake a piece (the manufacturer will let you order a single
piece if you're a customer). I guess I am looking for some
encouragement from the people who've done it . Then again -- the
guy at the dealerships may not be any better then you, and you may have
to live with less then perfect application anyway.

I think you probably answered your own question here. If you're a nervous wreck about doing it yourself, then I'd let them do it for you. No sense you shaking like a leave trying to stick these things into place.

I consider myself handy, but I'm no Bob Villa (ha, ha, ha...) by any stretch of the imagination. I didn't have any problem whatsoever installing the piece on my Accord, but I'll let you know how it goes with the Pilot, since there's a LOT more pieces!

You bring up a good point about the Service Tech. though. I'm sure he's quite a bit less particular than you are going to be about it...

 

[PrG]

Just placed the order last night for the Dark Burlwood 14-pc Dash Trim from Exotic Wood Dash ... Will post pics of the kit and install when it arrives ...

PrG

 

[copperpoppy]

Just placed the order last night for the Dark Burlwood 14-pc Dash Trim from Exotic Wood Dash ... Will post pics of the kit and install when it arrives ...PrG

Are you going to install it yourself?

 

[PrG]

Of course ... Like Dad always said ... you want something done right ... you got to do it yourself ...



PrG

 

[copperpoppy]

Of course ... Like Dad always said ... you want something done right ... you got to do it yourself ...

(raising eyebrow) I want the wood but, I am not sure I would have the nerve to do that. Are you doing the wooden replacements or the wooden trim that sticks to the existing trim?

I was curious about the wooden replacements. How do you get the stuff off the dashboard to put the replacement in? Pry it with a screwdriver? Can't imagine how one would do this...

 

[PrG]

NO replacements, all the kits use the 3M double sided tape ...

PrG

 

[copperpoppy]

Hmmmmmmmm... take pictures as you do it, ok? I think if I watch you do it and it isn't too difficult, perhaps I'll give it a shot.

Ever done it before?

 

[chinalfr]

Check also ebay.

There is several listing of wooddash kit for 03 Pilot. Price range between $145 - $208.

Here is a few link
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1851773713
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1851530102

:25: & save :29:

 

[SoapPlant]

Here are some pictures and comments of the Honda dash, interior and RES wood-graim trim kits in our Sandstone EX-L RES pilot with the saddle interior...

http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=11970#post11970