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Plastic wrap on dash

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by TFlanPrius, Mar 4, 2009.

  1. TFlanPrius

    TFlanPrius New Member

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    Looking at my dash I noticed that I have clear plastic covering the corners of my dash near the side mirrors. Is this normal or is it left over from manufacturing?
     

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  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Normal; this might prevent squeaking where the three interior trim parts touch each other.
     
  3. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    I removed mine within the week of taking delivery. I was mildly concerned that leaving them there would cause a difference in sun exposure. This would become obvious in time when those pieces came out.
     
  4. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Take an "Xacto knife" (available in hobby stores) with a new sharp blade and -very carefully- score the plastic as close to the dash plastic as you can. Be careful not to deeply nick the dash plastic, as that -could- propagate cracks if the dash were later stressed. You can then pull the excess visible part of the plastic off.
     
  5. TFlanPrius

    TFlanPrius New Member

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    Thanks for the advice on removal. I have to say that it's disappointing to realize that Toyota is OK with this jerry-rig.
     
  6. Qlara

    Qlara New Member

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    No, the dash was sort of plastic-wrap during transport.
    It's the dealer job to remove these wrapping, labels, stickers, etc when they hand the car to you.
     
  7. halpos4

    halpos4 "Taxi"!

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    2yrs 9mths and nearly 215,000klm later plastic still there,it doesn't bother me,i'm not bothering it!!
     
  8. TFlanPrius

    TFlanPrius New Member

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    Are you saying then that the plastic should not be there? The dealer should have removed it?
     
  9. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Dealer should remove protective plastic but techs are only human.
     
  10. calabrsn

    calabrsn Junior Member

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    Yes, I have the same plastic left behind. All other plastic was removed by dealer, so I have the same question, "Is it suppose to be left there?"
     
  11. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I don't see any reason for that plastic triangle to have been placed there merely for shipping and handling purposes. No one needs to touch that surface so it's not there to keep dirt away.

    My theory is that it reduces instrument panel squeaks so I am content to leave it in place. However if it bugs you, then you can remove it as suggested in post #4.
     
  12. Qlara

    Qlara New Member

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    No, the interior of a brand new Prius (just off the boat from Japan) is almost all plastic-wrapped, that's including all the Seats, even Center Console and door panels.

    I saw these wraps were there when I was choosing my Prius color on the dealer's lot. (There were 3-4 new Prius all have the same wrapping on the lot)
    Some dealers may have these plastics removed right after loading off the truck, but some may choose to do this before delivery to the customers.

    The purpose I think is for protection of these 'high-risk' areas during manufacturing down the assembly line. (Imagine each worker is only putting each part they responsible, so protection is needed for certain 'exposed' component surfaces.)
     
  13. dzmnd

    dzmnd New Member

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    Well, I think the plastic is not a left over.

    In some countries, like here in Holland, we have to get a parking ticket when we park the car in certain areas.

    You have to place the ticket, as a proof of payment, behind the front window.

    To avoid the ticket blowing away you could hold it in place by sliding it underneath that little platic triangle.

    Hope that answers your question.

    Des
     
  14. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Fascinating, that is an excellent use for that little pocket!
     
  15. ronhowell

    ronhowell Active Member

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    Why would the ticket blow away? It's inside your car!
     
  16. dzmnd

    dzmnd New Member

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    Well, normally it wouldn't, but what if someone shuts the door too hard or if it is windy outside and both doors are open.

    It probably happens more often than we could image.
    After all they made the effort to put such a thingie in the car.
    Or do you think there is an other use for it? I might be wrong.

    I myself wouldn't even dare to use it.
    The people who check if you got a ticket are too used to just look behind the windshield. I bet that they would just overlook the sidewindow and still give me a fine, with all the hassle afterwards.

    BTW I just think of it. The tickets are printed of a roll and if you just put them down they tend to curl a bit. The plastic makes sure that the controllers are able to read the print
     
  17. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    All that plastic was removed when we took delivery of Rudy.
    I think it's just how rushed/careful your dealer prep person is.
     
  18. TFlanPrius

    TFlanPrius New Member

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    I had my car at the dealer for 5K maintenance today. I asked about the plastic and was told that it is/was supposed to be removed by the dealer before delivery. Mine was removed with apologies from the dealer.

    Final answer?
     
  19. Qlara

    Qlara New Member

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    Yes, and we have been telling you.
    But finally, you got it.... :)
     
  20. TFlanPrius

    TFlanPrius New Member

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    Hmmm. It seems like many who posted were not quite sure. I now know for certain that I did not cut out my receipt holder or squeak preventor. You of course get credit for being on the side of "correct".