SpecialTAuto Dash Mats?

[cdmc12]

I've been thinking about picking up a dash mat for my car, and was wondering if anybody had anything to say about the Hervey units, especially compared to other available mats out there.

There are a couple reasons why I want a mat. First, I would like to protect my dash from sun damage. Secondly, I've got a gray interior car, and given the right lighting conditions, sometimes the glare off the dash onto the windshield bothers me a bit, so I was thinking of picking up a black mat to reduce that as much as I could.

Any input would be appreciated! (And sorry if this has been covered before....)

[Iznodmad]

I would avoid the dashmat, if your interior (especially dash and binnacle) is in good shape. Over the years, if anyone used any type of liquid based vinyl treatment on those parts, this may prevent proper out gassing, and it will turn the interior purplish brown color. Buy some nice polarized sunglasses for the glare problem. If your dash and binaccle are already toasted, then you have nothing to lose with the dashmat.

[Michael]

I would avoid the dashmat, if your interior (especially dash and binnacle) is in good shape. Over the years, if anyone used any type of liquid based vinyl treatment on those parts, this may prevent proper out gassing, and it will turn the interior purplish brown color. Buy some nice polarized sunglasses for the glare problem. If your dash and binaccle are already toasted, then you have nothing to lose with the dashmat.

I did not know that. I have put off getting the dash cover for years now. Since the car stays garaged 99% of the time I figured I didn't need it and I really don't like the way they look. I do keep a sunshade and use it religiously so the only time the dash sees sunlight is when I am driving it.

Over 4 years later an no sign of any fading, cracking, etc.

[cdmc12]

I would avoid the dashmat, if your interior (especially dash and binnacle) is in good shape. Over the years, if anyone used any type of liquid based vinyl treatment on those parts, this may prevent proper out gassing, and it will turn the interior purplish brown color. Buy some nice polarized sunglasses for the glare problem. If your dash and binaccle are already toasted, then you have nothing to lose with the dashmat.

You mean all those years of vinyl treatment I was putting on my dash actually hurt it? Boy, do I feel stupid! My dash and glovebox are just starting to develop a little browning, but its not too bad so far. I'll probably pull it out in a year or two for a re-dye job.

Not to derail my own thread too much, but how exactly should I be caring for my dash?

I'm still considering the mat though :)

[Iznodmad]

I never treat the interior vinyl pieces with any products, just the leather only. I use an interior sized California duster to remove dust and sometimes canned air for crevices, etc. I always use a sunshade when parking, and my side widows are tinted with UV/IR film. That is all!

[galbiati]

The only leather in the whole car are the seats. Everything else is vinyl.

[Iznodmad]

Leather steering wheel (except very early cars), shift boot, and door pull straps from the factory.

[Chris4099]

I got my dash mat from http://dashmat.com/ and they only run about $50 after shipping. I attach it by a hook that I added to it and have it clip into the passenger side defrost vent. The drivers side the mat just sits on the dash/binnacle with no issues. That way I can now take it off in a few seconds for car shows and it goes back on pretty quick too. No ugly strips of velcro on the dash either that would normally be used to hold it in place. I figured the mat was cheap insurance to protect my dash from cracking.

[Dangermouse]

I got mine from DashMat too but it's for disguise rather than protection. Much like Jake from State Farm, it's hideous.

[mluder]

My car came with a dash mat but nevertheless, I was given the John H dash mat as a Christmas gift the first year I owned my car even though I didn't need it...

It is cheap and even though new I kept my old one.

The one that came on my car was a heavier material and had welting on the edges and is sewn into shape. John's is really just cut material and has no finish to the edges at all.
EDIT: I think mine is a DashMat too. My car's at home so I can't verify.

Try a different source.

By the way... in really bright sun I get reflections of the dash mat fiber in the windsheild so it may not solve your issue regardless.

Cheers
Steve

[Dangermouse]

I got mine from DashMat too but it's for disguise rather than protection. Much like Jake from State Farm, it's hideous.

I should clarify my analogy: the dash is hideous; the DashMat is surprisingly well fitting and nicely made.

[cdmc12]

Hmmmmm....Well the consensus seems to be to go with the DashMat mat.....which I think I will do.

Also, that's a really cool idea to have hooks to go in the defrost vents! I think I'm going to have to try that!

Thanks for the input guys!

[darylfelsberg]

Which Dashmat did you get? Looking at one as well and by have 3 different versions; which is bes for dash and binnacle?

[SIMid]

I'm not keen on Dash Mats, but our Aussie sun is so strong over the summer, thought she could wear one during that season. Not a fan of carpet, but found one with a Suede like material, pretty happy with it. :)

[DMC5180]

Which Dashmat did you get? Looking at one as well and by have 3 different versions; which is bes for dash and binnacle?


I use the Velour-mat G-800 (Charcoal gray). It's the closest color match to the gray interior IMO. Keeps my mint NOS dash and binnacle in top condition. When it's out of the garage.

[Ryan S.]

I just purchased a suede (imitation) dashmat ($46.45). From far, it looks like one but it really isn't. They could have used alcantara like materials but instead, they used headliner like material that looks like a suede from far. Anyways looks much better than a carpet version. For a comparison purpose, I placed a high quality imitation suede fabric swatch on the dash. I had to put an elastic band around binnacle to keep the mat to shape around the curve. Other than that, it fits well. I am happy with it.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8257/8696995385_5181c6d4ab_c.jpg

[thirdmanj]

Best bet for the dash care is very mild soap and water. Vinyl treatments are nasy things. What Darren says about the mats is true too. A good example of this is that crap DeLorean that recently came up for sale on eBay, the one in FL with the trashed interior. It has dash mats and the browning effect is very noticeable