I agree, some silver/chrome pieces break up the black interior nicely, but I actually dislike the silver & chrome parts because they often catch a strong glare of light into my eyes. Every now and then on the road I catch a really hot glare from one of my interior pieces that doesn't go away until I turn down another street in a different direction. It's annoying, and It makes me wish I could black out everything in my interior!

When I ordered my car, I wanted the IUP package to get the display upgrade, but I requested that the silver pieces be left out of the upgrade, so that the interior pieces stay darker. Initially they said they could do this, (apparently it was a new option at the time, to leave the interior black) but after the car came in from the factory, apparently they were not able to do it. :-( I've not blacked out mine myself yet, because I'm sure it wouldn't look very good, and would probably mark/scratch up pretty easily.

 

The Charcoal IUP was not available until 2007 ... my GT500 Titanium Dash is now completed ...

 

Less than 30 minutes for the whole replacement. Make sure that you've got a 15/16 socket available for the steering wheel bolt.

 

yes, that's the option! I ordered mine in December of 2005, (an 06 model) they said the option was going to be available, but apparently my car was ordered too early to actually get that option. Looks great though, wish I could get ahold of some of those dark pannels on the dash and steering wheel! And then matte black the chrome rings around the guages and A/C vents.

 

Also, be sure to follow the directions for depowering the airbags, which can be found by searching these forums. I was advised by a Ford mechanic to disconnect the battery, both cables, and go grab some lunch before I start because the airbag module stores power in event that the battery is damaged on impact and needs to discharge.

It truly was a very easy mod.

 

Anyone going to post the cost of the wheel? I'm interested. KC?

 

ebay item #120298718431

 

Bogus info ... no need to wait .... Pull Fuse 17 .... Start car and make sure airbag light stays on. Turn off car .... disconnect negative cable. Wait a few minutes and pull the airbag ...

 

About $335 with shipping.

 

Thanks. I've ordered mine.

 

Bright METAL trim and fake metal, cheap silver decals, etc are very different things...

I'm not fascinated with black trim. I am however fascinated with clean appearances Different strokes for different folks, which is why we have options.

 

I installed my Bullitt steering wheel a few weeks after I brought home my '08 GT earlier this summer. Mine came from the factory with leather interior (premium package), but the only other options were 3.55's and spoiler delete, so I had the cheap plastic steering wheel, and I couldn't stand it. I had test driven an '08 Bullitt and loved the steering wheel, and couldn't pass up replacing my stock wheel with the one from the Bullitt. I might have kept the IUP leather wheel if my car came with the IUP, but since it didn't, it was a no-brainer.

 

anyone want to post up some pix of the wheel after install?????

 

I'll post some when I get mine installed.
I'll also probably have a reasonably priced IUP steering wheel available for someone who wants to replace that ""

 

Is the "center" spoke the standard IUP brushed chrome cover? If not, could I transfer it over? Might make the "link" to the other brushed parts...

 

AFChief: No sir. The center spoke is not the IUP bright brushed alumunum. But a nice dark brushed aluminum to match the rest of the steering wheel. Just like this enclosed picture of a GT-500 steering wheel. A very nice touch to the interior changes for us! CalStang

 

Looks great with the dark interior. So is the IUP spoke covers swapable? The darker one won't match my lt interior and other IUP goodies, I'm afraid....

 

Here's my thread from when I did mine in December.
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=461801

 

Cal Stang -- I can't help but notice that you're not using the coolest part of the IUP in the GT500 -- the Red/White and Blue combo. Thanks for the great picture of the wheel. Mine is supposed to arrive tomorrow from KC. Hope to get it installed Thursday night or this weekend.

 

My non-IUP interior has all-black trim, almost just like the GT500. I added a Wheelskins leather wrap (the one that you stitch together with the included waxed thread) onto the plastic steering wheel. It adds some thickness which makes it easier to grip. I suppose you could add ANOTHER Wheelskins wrap for an even thicker grip. It's genuine dyed leather, not Alcantera or suede like on an Aston Martin DBS or Gallardo Superleggera.