Faux carbon fiber used for instrument panel

AeroDog · #1 08-31-2021, 06:45 PM

Does anyone know which carbon-look vinyl the factory uses on the instrument panels of the -12is. Amazon shows quite a few choices, some of which appear too reflective.

Thanks,

Jerre

pjoshyjosh · #2 08-31-2021, 10:40 PM

check rvinyl.com or metrorestyling.com. many more options.

12vaitor · #3 09-01-2021, 10:38 AM

+1 on metrorestyling.com for sourcing. I used their 3M carbon fiber film on my RV-12 panel and have no issues with gloss. They do have SOTT matt finish CF film . I also used the 3M adhesion promoter to make sure I had no issues with lifting after installation.

John Salak
RV-12 N896HS

DHeal · #4 09-01-2021, 11:24 AM

+1 on 12vaitor's comments above. Be sure to include sufficient gaps between panel sections to accommodate thickness of the edge-wrapped film. Use adhesion promoter where screws overlie film.

wirejock · #5 09-01-2021, 03:18 PM

Check out the available patterns online then order samples of the ones you like.
3M 2080

gossend · #6 09-04-2021, 02:53 PM

Dont try to save a few bucks on such a small job. Buy the 3M product and you'll only have to do it once. Mine's been on there for 6 years....the cheap stuff started lifting in 6 months.

Also, if the screw holes are countersunk, remove the vinyl from the holes with a countersink cutter before inserting the screws!
Works great.

AeroDog · #7 09-05-2021, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gossend

Dont try to save a few bucks on such a small job. Buy the 3M product and you'll only have to do it once. Mine's been on there for 6 years....the cheap stuff started lifting in 6 months.

Also, if the screw holes are countersunk, remove the vinyl from the holes with a countersink cutter before inserting the screws!
Works great.

Thanks for all the advice. I went with the 3M 2080.

Jerre

Brett H · #8 11-16-2021, 07:55 AM

I am planning on covering the instrument panel of my RV-12 Classic with the 3M 2080 carbon fiber wrap film and I am seeking feedback from those who have already done this. Also, I am planning on using the non-countersunk fasteners like used in the iS version of the RV-12.

First, how did you cover the edges of the three instrument panel pieces? These panel pieces have outside edges that are essentially hidden when installed. Whereas the cutouts where the switch module and fuse module that attach to the backside of the instrument panel create exposed edges. Also, the map box door has an exposed edge.

Did you apply the 3M 2080 film dry or did you use the Installation Gel? If you used the Installation Gel, did you do all the final trimming of the film prior to applying it the panel pieces? If you applied it dry, how did you trim the edges and holes?

How did you get the pattern in the film to lineup across the sections of the instrument panel?

Anything else that I should be aware of?

Thanks.

Brett
Columbus, IN

gossend · #9 11-16-2021, 09:32 AM

I strongly recommend countersinking the screws. Just use a sharp countersink tool and cut right through the vinyl. If you don't do this, the non-countersunk screws will twist the vinyl when you tighten them - ruining your whole panel.

JwWright57 · #10 11-16-2021, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brett H

I am planning on covering the instrument panel of my RV-12 Classic with the 3M 2080 carbon fiber wrap film and I am seeking feedback from those who have already done this. Also, I am planning on using the non-countersunk fasteners like used in the iS version of the RV-12.

First, how did you cover the edges of the three instrument panel pieces? These panel pieces have outside edges that are essentially hidden when installed. Whereas the cutouts where the switch module and fuse module that attach to the backside of the instrument panel create exposed edges. Also, the map box door has an exposed edge.

I slightly heated the vinyl and pulled it tight around to the back and trimmed, worked pretty good.

Quote:

Did you apply the 3M 2080 film dry or did you use the Installation Gel? If you used the Installation Gel, did you do all the final trimming of the film prior to applying it the panel pieces? If you applied it dry, how did you trim the edges and holes?

I put it on dry. Pricked the crew holes with an exact knife and installed with the black screws and plastic washers that come with the iS kit