Anyone here using a dashmat/cover?

[Jand3rson]

I'm curious to see if anyone here is using a dashmat or dash overlay. I got a very nice, E30-specific plush one at the junkyard a few months back for free, which cleaned up to new condition.

I've been using it at shows and what not when my car is going to be in the direct sun for a long time, but I'm actually starting to like the way it looks, so I'm curious if anyone else has one. It really cuts down on glare while driving, and it's great protection for your dash in the summer months. I'll get a few pics once I get it fit properly, but if anyone else has one, or an overlay, let's see it!

Mine is like this, but for an E30:

[AbsorbantNut]

Heres mine in the vert. Its a bavauto one

[IminDiegoTriick]

I use this dash cover on my dead e30 and my current one. have yet to get a crack. a little vinylex underneath to make sure no crack ensues. & I use double sided tape with a velcrow patch to make sure it doesnt fly and flutter in the wind. works really well!

[Dude]

My buddy has a permenant one that appears to be vinyl wrapped that came with his car. Looks stock upon first few glances.

[Jand3rson]

I use this dash cover on my dead e30 and my current one. have yet to get a crack. a little vinylex underneath to make sure no crack ensues. & I use double sided tape with a velcrow patch to make sure it doesnt fly and flutter in the wind. works really well!

Sweet, that looks almost just like mine. I was going to use small pieces of Velcro in strategic locations to hold down areas that don't sit flat.

[moisespoll]

Yes, just clean really well from time to time, and it will look better than the coverage that you can find.

[mach schnell]

Anyone else?

If you have one, where did you get it? Or, who is the manufacturer?

[Ryann]

For whatever reason dash mats have always occupied the same space as sunroof wind deflectors and stick-on stainless rocker trim in my mind. It would drive me nuts I think.

[george graves]

I know - they were popular around the same time. They are actually really nice. And they 100% kill any reflections on the windshield. I like them.

IminDiegoTriick, who made that one? Some of them have a tacky logo on them.

[mach schnell]

They help preserve our old dashboards, so I am all for it. Take it off if you're at a show or whatever, but it will save you having to do a dash swap sooner rather than later.

[straight6pwr]

One of the many upholstery guys could probably make these for a reasonable price without any crappy logos. I'd buy one!

[george graves]

^eeek. Only if they can source the material that's ok with being in the sun constantly - and prove it. I bet that would be hard to find.

[straight6pwr]

^eeek. Only if they can source the material that's ok with being in the sun constantly - and prove it. I bet that would be hard to find.

Plain marine-grade carpet can withstand ocean salt, sun, shark blood, etc. $27 bucks for a yard (3' x 6') which would cover the dash.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?...5516&id=437022

Im tempting myself to do this on my own. Cut to shape, sew on edge, done.

[george graves]

See, that's what I'm talking about. It says it's "resistance to UV-deterioration". I don't know what the term is for something that doesn't fade at all (UV-proof?), but you prove my point nicely.

Why make something and sell it to a bunch of people if it's just going to fade after a few years?

[straight6pwr]

See, that's what I'm talking about. It says it's "resistance to UV-deterioration". I don't know what the term is for something that doesn't fade at all (UV-proof?), but you prove my point nicely.

Why buy build something and sell it to a bunch of people if it's just going to fade after a few years?

A product which never goes bad? You'd be a rich, rich man. Any material is going to have a life-span. It should be long enough to last the expected time any one person might own/use it. If the material faded after 2 years, it would be disappointing. If it lasted 10 years? I would say that's acceptable for the use of the dash pad. It also depends on how you take care of it. There are UV-proofing sprays that you can apply to fabrics to protect them. Secondly, its a material that can be refurbished as it patinas. You can always re-dye it. Your plastic dash is much harder to bring back to life if it fades badly or cracks.

Also, dont forget that the purpose of the dash pad is to take the abuse and protect your plastic dash from the same fate. Is BMW at fault because all of their dashes will fade over time?