Looking for HALF of a Dash Cover (reg. covers are too big!)

Long Toyota In El Monte Calif has them in the parts dept.

 

I got this dash cover from eBay last year. I think this is what you want?

(I don't have any pictures of just the dash cover without my homemade nav shade but this cover also extends into the pocket windows where typically they do not.)

I think the total shipped price was between $25 and $30.

 

Yes. I have one. I think it's by Dash Designs. Mine doesn't flop down over the power button or glove box; it only rests on top. I also have Priushoods plastic MFD screen hood.

 

Call and ask. You can ask to ship it to so you dont have to drive. Gosh! Do you want me to call and leave it on your voicemail?

 

This whole "Dash Cover" is new to me (Yes, it appears I have led a sheltered life these past 60+ years.)

I got my windows tinted and ordered the window guards. My problem is that huge dash. In my Barcelona Red 2008, black dash, it gets so hot I can't lay my hand on it. Right now I throw a white towel over it while parked and it does keep it much cooler.

But, as soon as I start driving, without the towel, it starts to heat up even with the AC running. Pretty soon it is too hot to touch.

Do these Dash Covers help keeping the dashboard cool? Seems like it could help the MPGs if it works. If it does help I may need to start looking around.

I sure would like to see one, or pictures of one, in the Prius. The way it fits around the opening for the speedometer area especially.

Thanks,
Bob

 

Is there a part # or a good description we can reference when calling them?

 

Man you aren't kidding. We had a couple 100 degree days here and the car took 15 minutes of freeway driving to cool off. I never thought of using a dash carpet to help but it makes sense.
Just keep in mind that any color but dark or black will cause a horrible reflection in the window. That dark color will also be a heat magnet.

 

While the car generally cooled off, did the dash itself ever really cool off?

I have started out on a trip with a "cool" dash. The sun was high and I headed for the turnpike. Within 20-30 minutes the dash was so hot it was uncomfortable to lay my hand on. This was probably true on other cars but the dash was smaller and had less effect. At any rate, this dash heating has to have a large effect, requiring additional AC to counteract it and thus affecting the MPG.

I understand about the colors. But still it seems that a fabric would absorb and hold less heat than a smooth surface. I know the white towel helps when parked. Maybe I'll try a dark blue one and see what that does. Do dark, cloth seats and carpeting get as hot as the dash?

If I figure out something I'll let you know. I have a long trip in a couple of days that will give me a chance to try a few things.

Bob

 

Every black part of the dash gets darn hot but carpet is definately cooler than not covererd. When I park, I also use Tyvek jumbo shades. The regular material eventually developes wear holes around the rim, where you typically grab the shade. I haven't torn a hole through the Tyvek material yet. It even fits without having to flip down the sun visors to hold it in place.

I had a DashMat brand that also covered the start button dash panel and the upper glove box and covered the NAV but it fit very poorly. I bought it from AutoAnything since there was another posting about dash coverings and a link.

Instead of returning it, and possibly getting only half my money back after paying for another shipping charge, I gave it to another family Prius.

I only wished it fit better for my car.

 

Dashtopper has one. It covers from the window forward to the beginning of the glove box & Nav screen. I have one and it fits great. Here is the link: Dashtopper.com - The World's Finest Dashboard cover

 

I guess I have the same questions as "Ailu". Sure would like to see a picture of one installed in a Prius. And the fabric: other than carpet I have no idea what those choices really are. I'm not really sure about that.

I want to make sure it isn't too thick and lays down flat. And how it is held in place so it doesn't slide around.

Maybe I'll send them an e-mail and see what they say...

Bob

 

Here they are:

 

Strieby
Where did you get your wood? I want, I want -- love it!!! Also, what color dash topper did you get, it looks lighter than the black dash? Is it the velour, carpet or suede?
Thanks
Fernsmom

 

Is this a great time to live or what? Ask for pictures and less than an hour later there they are for the whole world to see.

Thank you so much. (Great looking car, too. Love the color)

Just for reference, what is the color of your cover. The swatches on the site were hard to tell. It looks light. Any reflection problems while driving?

What is the material you chose? How is it held in place or does it just naturally stay in place without sliding around?

Sorry to be so nosy but you really got me excited with this one.

Thanks again for the pictures,
Bob

 

It is Sedona Suede...color is grey. Is is a medium grey no glare..held in place via velcro strips. The web site has a close up version in tan.