Installed a Daystar dash panel today to replace the factory one. At least on the JK, these are prone to popping off because they just don't fit as well as the factory panel. Seems like there's something causing pressure underneath it to force the back end (where the clips are) up a little bit. Well that's because.. there is!

The difference between factory and Daystar units is the well / tray that's recessed down into the Daystar unit (tray for sunglasses, wallet, whatever). Turns out the well doesn't completely clear the top-most cross member of the trim piece that covers the stereo/vents/etc. Solution is to shave off about half an inch of the trim piece, so the tray doesn't run into it.

Also, gently bent the two retaining clips out a little before reinstalling them (you re-use the factory ones).

Now the Daystar panel fits perfectly and doesn't need to be forced on, as it does pre-trimming. You'll also notice that the lip of the Daystar panel doesn't warp anymore above the stereo.

I'll get pics when it's light out. Just had to share the good news.

 

Any pics yet? Thanks for the info.

 

My bad. Will steal wife's camera and shoot a couple pics Real Soon Now!

 

Id probably get one of these, but doesnt it have their logo on it? I like my interior to look factory, so that kinda ruins it.

 

Yes, it has a Daystar logo. It's facing to the ceiling, but still blows chunks. I just ignore it and put it in the "it's a jeep thing" category and tell myself I'll deface it someday, which I probably won't, so I'll end up forever cursing Daystar for their "take it or leave it" advertising, but otherwise enjoying the functional panel.

Daystar, take note: If you did away with the "in your face" larger-than-needs-to-be logo, I'd be recommending your product a lot more than I am now.

That said, thanks for the panel.

Sigh.

 

Also not a fan of the logo, but FWIW I installed mine a month ago, and it's been very solid.

After reading much here on JK-Forum, I took special notice of the clips when doing the transfer. Again, so far so good.

While we are talking about that area, I just did the Bracketron mount and the Bracketron cradle (only $4 on Amazon) and it is working out awesome.

My iphone in it's Griffin Reveal was bit too big for the Daystar, and now I have it in the Bracketron, and my Daystar is wide open for sunglasses, etc

 

This tray is my first and worse mod on the Jeep ever. I bought it so I can put my Iphone on there, it fits in the front tray perfectly but you can't keep a smart phone up there at all front or back tray. it screws up the compass! so this tray is useless to me.

 

Installed my Daystar panel over a year ago with tool tray liner in the recesses. It could be a bit deeper but it fits and works great.

 

I installed mine about 6 months ago. It works perfect for holding my iphone and Ive had no compass issues. I do agree the daystar logo is a tad big though.

 

I got one and ended up sending it back. Along with the fit issue described by the OP, the craftsmanship of the part is terrible. Flow lines, grain gloss variation, scratches.

No way you should have to shave a half inch off anything to install a part like this. Beware!