If you're looking to refresh your frs dash, you're definitely not alone because let's be real—the factory setup is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the layout is perfect for a driver-focused sports car, putting everything right where you need it. On the other hand, the materials can feel a little bit "budget," and after a few years of heat and sun exposure, things might start to rattle or look a little tired.
Whether you're dealing with a persistent squeak that's driving you crazy or you just want to swap out the boring plastic for something that looks more high-end, there is a lot you can do. The Scion FR-S (and its siblings, the BRZ and 86) has one of the most supported interiors in the aftermarket world, so your options are pretty much endless.
The Infamous Dash Rattle
If there is one thing almost every owner agrees on, it's that the frs dash loves to make noise. It usually starts as a tiny tick or a buzz, often coming from where the plastic meets the windshield or around the speaker grilles. It's one of those things that you don't notice when you're blasting through a canyon, but the moment you're sitting in traffic, it's all you can hear.
The good news is that most of these rattles are actually really easy to fix yourself. Most of the time, it's just two plastic panels rubbing together. A little bit of felt tape or even some small rubber spacers tucked into the gaps can work wonders. If the noise is coming from the center clock or the trim around the radio, popping those panels off and adding some thin foam padding behind them usually shuts them up for good. It's a cheap weekend project that makes the car feel ten times more expensive.
Swapping the Head Unit
Let's be honest: the stock head unit in the early FR-S models was pretty terrible. It looked like something out of a 1990s parts bin and wasn't exactly user-friendly. Upgrading the tech is probably the single best thing you can do for your frs dash to bring it into the modern era.
Because the FR-S uses a standard Toyota-sized double-DIN opening (which is about 200mm wide), finding a replacement is a breeze. Most people go for something with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Having a big, crisp screen for navigation and music makes the whole interior feel refreshed. Plus, it's a great excuse to finally install a backup camera if your car didn't come with one from the factory.
When you're doing the swap, just make sure you get the right wiring harness. It's mostly plug-and-play, and you won't have to hack up your factory wiring, which is always a plus if you ever decide to sell the car later.
Aesthetic Upgrades and Materials
If you're tired of looking at the "T-pattern" plastic trim that came stock, you have a few different directions you can go. The frs dash is modular, meaning those silver or faux-carbon fiber panels can be popped off easily.
Alcantara and Suede
One of the most popular mods is wrapping the dash panels in Alcantara or ultra-suede. It instantly gives the car a more "GT" feel rather than a "cheap tuner" feel. You can find pre-cut kits that adhere right over the existing panels, or you can go full custom and use spray adhesive to wrap them yourself. It cuts down on glare from the sun and just feels much nicer to the touch.
Carbon Fiber Overlays
For those who want a more aggressive look, real carbon fiber overlays are a huge hit. Unlike the cheap stickers you might see on some cars, high-quality dry carbon pieces for the frs dash look incredible. They usually attach with 3M tape and fit perfectly over the radio surround, the AC vents, and the passenger side panel. Just be careful not to go overboard—sometimes a little bit of carbon goes a long way.
Changing the Lighting
The orange backlighting on the buttons and the gauge cluster is a bit polarizing. Some people love the classic Toyota vibe, while others find it dated. If you're handy with a soldering iron, you can actually swap out the LEDs in the buttons and the cluster to change the color to white, red, or even blue. It's a tedious job, but changing the frs dash lights to a modern white or a deep red completely transforms the nighttime driving experience.
Maintenance and Protection
Since the frs dash has a lot of flat surfaces, it's a magnet for dust and UV damage. If you live somewhere with intense sun, like Arizona or Florida, you really need to be proactive about protecting the plastic.
- UV Protectants: Avoid those super greasy, shiny dressings. They look cheap and actually reflect more sun onto your windshield, making it harder to see. Use a matte-finish UV protectant that keeps the plastic hydrated without the oily residue.
- Sunshades: It might feel like a chore, but using a sunshade every time you park outside is the best way to prevent the dash from warping or cracking over time.
- Microfiber cleaning: Keep a clean microfiber cloth in your glovebox. The textured plastic on the dash tends to trap dust in the little grooves, and a quick wipe-down every few days keeps it looking fresh.
The Passenger Side "Pad"
The long horizontal piece on the passenger side of the frs dash is basically a blank canvas. In some trims, it's just plain plastic, while in others, it has a bit of a pattern. This is the most common spot for owners to add a personal touch. Some people put "86" or "FR-S" badges there, while others use it as a spot for custom embroidery if they've wrapped it in fabric.
If you're into the "drift car" aesthetic, some people even mount auxiliary gauges or a "drift button" nearby, though keeping it clean usually looks better for a daily driver. Because it's so easy to remove (it literally just clips in), you can have a few different versions and swap them out whenever you feel like changing the look of your interior.
Final Thoughts on the Dash Layout
At the end of the day, the frs dash was designed for driving. The tachometer is right in the center where it belongs, and the ergonomics are spot on. While it might have started out a little "plasticky," the beauty of this platform is that you can make it exactly what you want.
Whether you're chasing down a rattle with some foam tape or dropping a few hundred bucks on a new touchscreen and some Alcantara trim, every little change makes the cockpit feel more like your car. It's one of those parts of the car you interact with every single time you drive, so it's worth putting in the effort to make it look and feel right. Plus, there's nothing more satisfying than a silent, rattle-free dash and a modern infotainment system on a long road trip.