Our 2001 Excursion is indeed a work horse, but with the luxury level that Lincoln owners could appreciate. Enhancing that respect makes the entire vehicle more valuable as well as more enjoyable to drive and own. One easy way to command the respect this vehicle deserves, is to break up the overwhelming use of vinyl and interior plastic the automakers have so skillfully mastered. We decided to go the route many have, and that's with a woodgrain dimensional molded overlay for the dash. In our search, we found numerous companies making product offerings in this area, but only a few offer the additional side door pieces as well. Infinity Products of Minnesota not only offered a complete kit, but their fit and finish were superb in every aspect. We considered this to be the "Best of the best", and therefore, the only option for Project MPG-2.

First glance at the Infinity Products woodgrain overlay showed impressive workmanship and meticulous detail in the 5 piece kit. Included were 2 front window switch arm rest covers, 2 rear switch covers and the drivers dash cover. The dash cover completely encapsulates every part of the dash from the knee panel line up an over to the seam to the top dash shelf. The precise thermoformed fit hugged every corner and filled every gap, something many other companies products did not. A closer inspection reveals the fluid, deep glossy finish making it near impossible to argue the fact this is not pure wood. The rich Burlwood finish is nearly identical to our factory installed door side pieces and council cover, which is the selected color we ordered. We can't wait to show off our truck's new look, but it is necessary to read the simple, one page supplied instructions carefully. It won't take but a minute, and will insure beautiful results that will last a long, long time. Once the adhesive sets up, this will stay securely installed for as long as you want it to be.

PLAN you work area well. A well lit, 70 degree environment will go far in guaranteeing your installation will be a successful one.

CLEAN the area for application with an appropriate interior cleaning product. Allow the cleaner to completely dry before moving on. This would be a good time to move onto cleaning another section in the meantime.

FINAL CLEAN the area with a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water to remove any potential remaining residue from the initial cleaning process. Allow to fully dry before proceeding.

PREP the selected area with the supplied adhesive "primer", which is a liquid that "softens" the surface vinyl to more readily accept the adhesive backed tape. Apply the primer, taking note where the adhesive strips will contact the surface by turning the overlay over and matching up the tape locations. While the primer is drying, pre-fit the piece for alignment purposes. DO NOT remove the tape covering the adhesive at this time.

PRE-FIT the overlay by setting it up against it's intended position, taking note of it's appearance. TIP: Move the piece around a bit to see "what would happen" if it was moved more one way than another. This may reveal hidden problems with the movement of switches, controls and other obstacles that you would not want to discover after the adhesive was dry, and immovable.

Once satisfied and comfortable with what is needed to be done, turn the overlay over and remove all the tape covering the adhesive.

SIDE DOOR PLATES-

POSITION the overlay carefully over the area to be covered. Start with the door pieces to become familiar with the procedure. Slowly place the piece onto the location as you remember being the best spot from the pre-fit procedure. Gently position the piece in as far as it will go before pushing downwards, being careful not to touch any of the tape. Insure that all edges are lined up as well as centering the switch hole allowing free movement of the window buttons.

Now lightly push down and in at the same time in order to attach all the adhesive surface areas at the same time. Doing so will provide a secure and even fit all the way around. Prematurely attaching a horizontal surface before a vertical surface will result in a poor fit with gaps at the edges. If you discover that you prematurely located the piece in the wrong position, you should be able to remove the piece by gently pulling the area up with constant pressure until the bond finally releases, as long as you have not applied firm pressure at this point. Once confirming you have an even fit, now apply firm pressure to secure the piece. Firmly hold the piece for a few minutes to allow the adhesive to set up.

DASH BOARD-

POSITION the overlay carefully over the area to be applied to. Carefully and slowly place the piece onto the dash as you remember being the best spot from the pre-fit procedure. Line up the radio locations first, and try to keep the top of the dash from touching until last. Try to slip the overlay in as deep as you can before the other adhesive strips touch. Then work your way around, lightly pushing in first to recess the overlay as deep as possible. This result in a flush, clean look with no gaps around the heater vents and controls.

Insure that all edges are lined up as well as centering the heater vents allowing the vents to swivel freely. If everything looks good, apply firm pressure to all faces and finally press the top and side surfaces secure. Firmly hold the piece for a few minutes to allow the adhesive to set up. Within 24 hours complete adhesion will be accomplished in a 70 degree environment.

What's interesting with this product, even if you make a small mistake, and don't get everything lined up perfectly, it still looks great! The match to the factory Burlwood color was excellent, defying anyone to prove this was not a luxurious undocumented factory option. The fit of the product to conform to the interior surfaces was impressive, and the ease of installation was rewarding. After only 15 minutes, we were ready to invite people inside to show off our new unique interior. Even just driving, the truck now had a completely different feel to it, providing a much more valuable and comfortable atmosphere than ever before. This was a very satisfying and simple interior upgrade.

As a side note, the Ford Excursion and Pickups have different dash contours and rear door plate designs, therefore require different part numbers. Infinity Products carries overlays for many other makes and models, as well as a host of other accessories including on-board video systems, running boards, fender flares and more. If we acquire any of these products, they will certainly be featured here as this project progresses. Otherwise check their website below.

Ask for pricing and part numbers on the Infinity Pick-Up truck kits!