This barely qualifies as a technical question, but given my level of technical expertise this actually counts as an official "project" for me... My 328 came (from the previous owner) with a carpet dash mat, which is custom-fit to the dash. It was kept from sliding with a square velcro sticker, maybe 3/4 inch square, on the right side of the instrument binnacle. Obviously the vinyl dash gets heated up from sunlight, and that was enough to turn the adhesive backing on the velcro sticker to goo. So, I removed the sticker (easy), cleaned up most of the goo with warm water (plan to use the Griot's adhesive remover if it tests out safe on an inconspicuous spot), and now I'd like to secure the dash mat using something better. Any ideas? It stays in position fairly well on its own because of the tall instrument binnacle on the 328 and the top vents, but slips a bit under acceleration. Even a loop of masking tape would be better, but I was hoping for something cleverer than that... (BTW it does seem to be doing its job. The dash looks like new after 18+ years.)
Jon, I have recently used automotive trim tape to affix fender badges on my TR. It's a double sided bandage that is very easy to shape and is weather resilient. Comes in black and is available from JC Whitney.com I think it'll work well for you. Have fun
Do the A/C vents in the center of the dash lift out like the ones in the 308? If so, lift them out, put the mat in place, and slide them back in. (this was suggested by MCharness, I believe, in response to a 308 query)
Jon, My 1976 GTB's dash still looks new after almost 30 years. It's never had the luxury of a dash mat. Now that you've removed the Velcro tabs, why don't you just leave the mat in your trunk and just apply it to the dash when parked in the sun. If you would like to use it to block sun glare off the binnacle, rig the Velcro in some way to secure it to the windshield. This way you'll have less worries changing the Velcro in the future. Adhesive remover is probably safe for the vinyl if used sparingly and wiped afterward with a soapy rag. Vinyl cleaner works well too. Barry
Yes, they life out pretty easily. But the holes in the mat are a bit bigger the vents, so it looks a bit sloppy to have the mat sitting crooked and one of the three vent pieces sticking up -- it doesn't really keep it in position perfectly.
Thanks, Barry. Unfortunately the holes in the Dash Mat are bit big to do the Charness Trick, as shown the attached award-winning photograph. I might just try to find some removable double sided tape. Image Unavailable, Please Login
for me, by far the most significant use of the dashmat is to reduce dash reflected glare on the windshield. When the sun was just wrong, i couldn't see out of the windshield. Is there anyone out there who makes a mat that fits better??? chris
Apart from the holes being slightly large around the vents, this one from Dash Mat (logo on it) works perfectly. Not sure who else makes them.
I have had one on all of my Ferraris including my current BB512i and I just lay it on the dash and it stays fine with no attachment whatsoever.
I had a problem with glare as well and I didn't want to cover the whole dash as the instrument panel was the main culprit. I made one myself out of black felt from the local fabric store and black velcro sticky-pads available at most craft stores or home depot. It blends with the dash very well and the glare is gone. A simple cut of the felt, secure with two velcro "stickies" at the cluster-2-dash joints. Works well and pulls off easily.
I would improvise a set up by sewing a dozen or so 1 by 1 inch thin steel flat plates in small fabric pockets under the mat...they will act as weights as well as recievers to attract magnetic force. Then search under dash for mounting spots to place ferrous magnets..... Hey, its an Idea! There are also non slip/skid fabrics available to sew on under mat....That rubbery waffle like stuff.
I just got one from EBAY for my Boxer, I figured for $30 I would give it a try and I was very pleasantly surprised. It fits 98% perfectly and stays on without the velcro strips that came along. My intent is to use it while driving around in the hot Florida sun. I want it to be removeable for shows, etc. I am lucky that I have had no leather shrinkage, and I want to keep it that way. My only complaint is I ordered red, but it is more maroon in color. I may order a black. I do not recall the dash of a 308/328, so I do not know if that dashmat will just rest on the dash with shifting. I would be very uncomfortable using double sided tape on a dash in great shape. How about chewing some gum before you drive the car and using that to keep the dash mat from moving? :}
Excellent! I like both of these. I don't mind sticking something to the bottom of the mat, just don't want to stick another goo-producing velcro thing on the dash. The driver's side stays put, because the instrument nacelle (pod) holds it in place. The passenger side of the 328 dash slopes down, and is glossy so the mat tends to slip down on that side. So, at every light, I end up nudging it back against the base of the windscreen. Annoying... Is the chewing gum idea going to cost me points at the next concours?
I got a 20" x 48" roll of Con-Tact "Ultra Grip Liner" at Home Depot for about $5. It's grippy enough that you may not even need to sew it to the dashmat. Handy stuff. Good for lining tool box shelves; I even put some under a sofa cushion that kept sliding forward, and it hasn't moved since.
That sounds like a good alternative. I've thought of removing the "pod cover" part of my dashmat, rebinding the edges, and just using that. Like you, the pod is the only area that's been a glare annoyance for me. But as I said in the other thread, good polarized sunglasses (like RayBan) do the trick for me regarding glare if I'm not using the Dashmat.
I believe it would come off easily, and should not leave marking because it will not be exposed to direct sunlight and thus leave a print of where it had been. (sorry it took so long to revisit this thread)
