How-To: Removing Wood Grain Dash on FJ80 (1 Viewer)

[vjr021]

I know that one of the major features of the 40th Anniversary model is the Wood Grain (look) dash board, but I hate it. I decided to do some research to remove the wood grin overlay on the dash and other panels throughout the truck.

#1. Start

Here is what the Door cover look like... This is one of the few in the truck that were in good condition. I still don't like the look.

My suggestions for tools:

- Heat Gun (or hair dryer)

- Flat Screwdriver

- Plastic Pry Bar (I bought a set of panel pry bars from Harbour Freight)

- Red shop rags

- WD40 and goof-off (Use the goof off on the black plastic only and sparingly)

#2. Heat

Gently heat the wood grain on LOW (or high if you use a hair dryer)

#3. Pry

Be sure to insert screwdriver flat and turn to lift the wood grain from the plastic, don't be tempted to pry it up. You want to avoid scratching the plastic at all costs.

#4. Now the fun part...

#5. Scrape

Be sure to use the plastic scraper for this, work the foam off the plastic lightly, it should roll out in bunches.

#6. Glue Removal

Use the WD40 and the red shop towels to loosen adhesive. the WD40 will break it up, and the shop towels are rough enough to act as an abrasive without harming the plastic. IF YOU USE GOOF OFF ON THIS PLASTIC, IT WILL MELT. The black plastic around the dash vents is a little sturdier.

#7. Finished!!!

You might notice a little discoloration, but it is still better than the look of a wood sticker in my opinion.

 

[charlestonfj60]

wood grain

can i get your trim that you took off, thanks jason

 

[vjr021]

I'll see what I have you want all of it?

 

[TLCJDR]

i have a body shop and have a huge tub filled with solvent to take adhesive off of bdy side mldgs i am going to let my smaller peices soak in that.... are you going back with anything like alum or titanium look.. i hate the woodgrain as well.

 

[vjr021]

I'll look around to see what looks decent, maybe some pieces from the LX, but most likely nothing... I'll add some pics when I get all of the inside done.

 

[roncruiser]

I removed with patience, grit and determination Plus fingernails along with screwdrivers of various sizes.

 

[roncruiser]

Oh, I used Duck Adhesive Remover (citrus scented). It was the best stuff to use. Esp. with the built in scraper.

 

[charlestonfj60]

yes, i tried to pm you but it will not let you accecpt. so my email is, jhcorley@gmail.com
thanks jason

 

[lndcruz]

just a word of advise. Some of the wood kits use glue as well as the double sided sticky tape. This is pretty impossible to remove. I have tried finger nail polish remover, goo gone, and some kinda citrus goo remover with the same results. I believe my only option is to buy another wood kit.

 

[charlestonfj60]

wood trim

i really need the trim pieces that go around all the A/C vents and around the trans/hi-lo shifter. let me know what evryone has, thanks jason

 

[vjr021]

just a word of advise. Some of the wood kits use glue as well as the double sided sticky tape. This is pretty impossible to remove. I have tried finger nail polish remover, goo gone, and some kinda citrus goo remover with the same results. I believe my only option is to buy another wood kit.

I have never seen glue as well as tape.. maybe a previous owner glued it down? or added it after market?

 

[vjr021]

i really need the trim pieces that go around all the A/C vents and around the trans/hi-lo shifter. let me know what evryone has, thanks jason

I'll see what i can get off without destroying it.

It will be a project to finish for the new year.

 

[vjr021]

Here are the final pics...

I didn't find any glue on any of my pieces, so I am sorry about what happened if you found glue.

Over all, I am happy with the turn out, some of the colored plastic around the switches is slightly blotchy. but getting better as the days go on. I doubt it will ever go fully to normal.

 

[unwiredadventures]

My suggestions for tools:

- Heat Gun (or hair dryer)
- Flat Screwdriver
- Plastic Pry Bar
- WD40 and goof-off (Use the goof off on the black plastic only and sparingly)

I did the same thing to my 80 last summer. I noticed on a hot day that the wood parts were loose. I started pulling off the dash parts by hand after the truck had been outside on a hot day.

Rather than a screwdriver, I used a plastic spatula, to prevent damage, to get the final pieces off.

I used goof off as well. There is a slight amount of adhesive residue on the black dash parts. I'll try WD-40 on those.

 

[vjr021]

Use WD40, and the red shop rags... They are abrasive enough to scrub, but soft enough to not damage the plastic. Mine came good. The plastic spatula works as well!!!!

 

[1973Guppie]

I wish I had taken a bit more time when I pulled mine, the areas around the keyhole and the lockers switch got marred up fairly badly when trying to remove that adhesive, my wood trim was on there fairly well.....

 

[Atticus]

Turn the heat up in the truck for half an hour.

Use a plastic spatula, not a screwdriver.

Use 3M adhesive remover and soft rags.

Easy as 1-2-3.

 

[cruisertom911]

indcruz...check local junk yards for int pieces, remove and replace through dealership(cdan), or get interior color code and repaint with matching plastic specific paint...


good luck

 

[lndcruz]

^ yeah, thats what I figured

I may just buy another wood kit in a better color.

 

[TeeDiggs]

vjr021,
from what I can see, I kinda like that little flashlight setup you got on the door. What is that exactly? Did you make it or....? Looks sweet!