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Hot dash

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by johnzonie, May 31, 2009.

  1. johnzonie

    johnzonie New Member

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    We got our 2009 pkg 6 dark grey around 6 weeks ago and are absolutely loving it. Went from a leased Infiniti M35 and the Prius has more back seat leg room!

    The only problem is the AZ sun. All windows are tinted but the heat streaming in the windshield is almost totally absorbed by the dark grey dash. I've tried searching the forums for some kind of solution without success.

    Anyone know of a light grey dash cover/replacement? I think it might help reflect some of the heat back out.

    Thanks.
     
    #1 johnzonie, May 31, 2009
  2. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    #2 F8L, May 31, 2009
  3. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    In the shop on here they have a heat shield for the front window:

    PriusChat Shop : Toyota Prius HeatShield Sunshade - Front - $30.00

    And front side, rear side and rear window heat shields as well:


    PriusChat Shop : Toyota Prius HeatShield Sunshade - Front Side Windows - $30.00

    PriusChat Shop : Toyota Prius HeatShield Sunshade - Rear - $30.00

    PriusChat Shop : Toyota Prius HeatShield Sunshade - Rear Side Windows - $30.00

    I just don't know if I would have the patience to always install them lol

    edit: Opps, question answered while making this post
     
    #3 Paradox, May 31, 2009
  4. johnzonie

    johnzonie New Member

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    Thanks guys - I already have a sun shield. I am talking about when driving :)

    The sun beats down on the dark grey to make it "ouch hot". The A/C is almost always on recirculate trying to keep up with the 100F outdoor temp. My thought is that I could minimize the solar absorption with a lighter color.
     
    #4 johnzonie, May 31, 2009
  5. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I haven't seen anything that I can think off hand but maybe just tossing a white towel or two on the dash can help a bit when needed as a quick temporary fix...
     
    #5 Paradox, May 31, 2009
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Did you look into a Dashmat yet? I'm sure you could get one in a lighter color that would help increase albedo. :)

    Here is one brand

    I will not vouch for them as I've never bought one but a quick Google search for Dashmat should bring up more options.
     
    #6 F8L, May 31, 2009
  7. EZW1

    EZW1 Active Member

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    There's a local company in Tempe called Dash Mat that makes custom covers for hundreds of cars. My guess is they have one for the Pri.
     
    #7 EZW1, Jun 1, 2009
  8. DocX

    DocX New Member

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    I have the same problem recently and was thinking of covering the dash (black) with kitchen aluminum foil, seriously, and tape the edges. Any comments?
     
    #8 DocX, Jun 1, 2009
  9. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    This guy where I work was looking for one for his Intrepid several years back and dashmat was the one I ordered for him. It fit perfectly and was nice quality... Kind of like wall to wall carpeting for your dashboard lol
     
    #9 Paradox, Jun 1, 2009
  10. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    I had a carpet dash mat in my Camry, it seems to reduce radiant heat from the dash. I can't find one for the Prius although I have seen one on a Prius.
     
    #10 patsparks, Jun 1, 2009
  11. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    The Sun reflections would blind you at inconvenient times.
     
    #11 richard schumacher, Jun 1, 2009
  12. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Agreed. Even if you used the non-shiny side and it didn't blind you I have a feeling if you ever got into an accident they would try to use that as a way to pin the blame on you... :(
     
    #12 F8L, Jun 1, 2009
  13. EZW1

    EZW1 Active Member

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    #13 EZW1, Jun 1, 2009
  14. Doc Willie

    Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander

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    Yah. You will have the aluminum foil reflecting the sun straight into your eyes. Even with sunglasses, driving will be hazardous.
     
    #14 Doc Willie, Jun 1, 2009
  15. johnzonie

    johnzonie New Member

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    I contacted Dash Topper in Tempe, AZ. While they assured me the 2008 and 2009 Prius dash covers were the same (not surprising), they couldn't tell me if the dash cover was a full or partial cover and had no way to find out. Very bizarre company!
     
    #15 johnzonie, Jun 1, 2009
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