I got this idea after yet another of our A/V devices had gone south due to the remote control crapping out. Dust, spills, and just about anything can destroy what's under the buttons, given some time. The Prius' archway-style console looks like a big 'ol remote control. And those buttons also face upwards. Add sunlight, smog/pollen, heat and cold to the mix of future button troubles got me thinking how I was going to protect my investment. What I needed was something easy on the plastic below and tough on the top. Here's what I came up with. It slides over the shifter with a starburst cutout, and then cinches around the NAV on/off and tune/file knobs. For when its parked (and not driving), of course (animated GIF) To make this, I layed paper over the console and built up a pattern. I then transferred it to what I believe was a vinyl tablecloth I had bought at American Science and Surplus for 50 cents a couple days before. The bottomside is some type of soft cotton-like material, with the standard semi-thick vinyl on top. Took about an hour to make. Not great to look at, but it does the job I think.
Great idea. I was thinking of something similar. Your design seems more simplistic. Thanks for sharing.
I don't mean to hinder creativity, and functionally for what you want to do, it looks great. But why not use a different cover material? A vinyl faux leather or leather, would look nice. Right now with the white cloth material, I expect to see the words "Sanitized For Your Protection" written on it. I think I would rather just keep a Dash Duster around.
this idea has 3 purposes in my opinion. 1. keep the suns UV rays from directly making contact with that area. 2. Keep dust out of the little nooks and crannies. 3. Hinder would be thieves from checking out your bad@$$ console (with a hole under it for no apparent reason) to steal your GPS radio. or maybe just break in to use the not so convenient heated seat button. lol I like this idea. I will probably use a material that blends in so a quick glance will not draw attention to the console.
Its medium grey. The white one was the paper template I might make another. Maybe with the Toyota logo on it - or a Dr. Who logo - something more fun. I also worry about the sunlight greying out the black dash material. At least there's a commercial product for behind the windshield.
I agree. I'm all for keeping things nice, and I'm OCD about my cars, but this is a little over the top.
