Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

Dash Mats

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 14, 2010 | 12:16 PM
  #1  
MSG C5's Avatar
MSG C5
Thread Starter
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,745
Likes: 3,674
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Default Dash Mats

I see a few members have the carpeted dash mats. I was curious how well these hold up to the abuse and whether they are worth buying.

Since I live in Florida, I'm always concerned about the effects of the sun and since I drive a vert, I make sure to apply protectant on a regular basis. However, I'm thinking about these dash mats as well.

Pros/Cons anyone? My major concern is whether this will make my Vette look like a Crown Victoria and my next mod will be a pair of shades to cover my old-man glasses. I don't want to start wearing black socks with sandals as a result.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2010 | 12:48 PM
  #2  
imavettegirl's Avatar
imavettegirl
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,953
Likes: 4
From: either, ca/ohio
Default

they look a little fugly.

i would use a vinyl treatment monthly, preferably a non shiny one.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2010 | 12:57 PM
  #3  
Mr.Bill's Avatar
Mr.Bill
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Default

Originally Posted by MSG C5
I see a few members have the carpeted dash mats. I was curious how well these hold up to the abuse and whether they are worth buying.

Since I live in Florida, I'm always concerned about the effects of the sun and since I drive a vert, I make sure to apply protectant on a regular basis. However, I'm thinking about these dash mats as well.

Pros/Cons anyone? My major concern is whether this will make my Vette look like a Crown Victoria and my next mod will be a pair of shades to cover my old-man glasses. I don't want to start wearing black socks with sandals as a result.
I been using one for a number of years for a number of reasons, To protect the dash and to lessen the glare from the dash on the windshield, It works great and I don't feel it looks bad, In a Vert you have to make sure it is secured real well or it will lift from the wind, I don't have mine mounted, It is just sitting on the dash and I have to watch out when on the freeway with the windows down.
I can remove it at any time without any marks on the dash.
I am sure threre are going to be ones that say it is so 70ish, Flame away...
Mr.Bill



Reply
Old Nov 14, 2010 | 07:51 PM
  #4  
2003 electronblue's Avatar
2003 electronblue
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Sunshine
Default

If u keep your car in a garage then like meself who also lives in this sunshine i would go without it and just keep the leather jel on it , if u have to leave the car sit in the sun then by all means get the rug!!
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2010 | 07:51 PM
  #5  
Ron C!'s Avatar
Ron C!
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 249
From: Orlando FL
Default

I use one as well. I agree that it is not the best looking thing, but.. It is very functional. We all know what a pain the inside of the windshield is to wipe down, the mat helps keep the out gassing of the dash/protectant from clouding the windshield. Also helps with dust on the dash. It also helps keep the FL sun off the dash.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2010 | 08:30 PM
  #6  
Carcass's Avatar
Carcass
Drifting
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
Default

I've been using one for a year and a half or so,to keep the glare down ,and keep that big ol' black dash from radiating heat when the sun shines on it.
The inside of the car stays a bit cooler, and I don't mind the way it looks.
No one who's complimented me on my car has ever said "Nice Vette,but what's up with that rug on the dash"?

IMO,they're very functional,and also very cheap,compared to a lot of other Vette goodies...
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2010 | 08:41 PM
  #7  
olbear1962's Avatar
olbear1962
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,095
Likes: 42
From: Pewaukee WI
Default

I'm with you Mr. Bill, for all the same reasons.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2010 | 09:16 PM
  #8  
MSG C5's Avatar
MSG C5
Thread Starter
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,745
Likes: 3,674
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Default

Thanks for all the feedback. Until I pull the trigger on this, what is the best product protectant for the dash. I currently use Adams VRT, however I can barely tell if it is applied. I don't want the shiny/greasy Armor-All, so I was hoping for something with a more satin-like finish that doesn't generate the fumes while out in the Florida sun top down.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Nov 14, 2010 | 09:41 PM
  #9  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,781
Likes: 24,683
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

I agree it doesn't look the best, but hey, if it works to keep the dash from cracking from the sun, then it's worth it in my opinion.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2010 | 10:38 PM
  #10  
C5Vette168's Avatar
C5Vette168
Drifting
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 0
From: 1000 Oaks CA
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

I use one as well. My dash pad was shrinking and there was a gap between the dash and the HUD. The dash cover was the easiest solution for me until I decide to buy another dash pad to replace mine. I would prefer not to have to use one, but it's better than the dash pad sustaining more damage from the sun.
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2010 | 12:23 PM
  #11  
Ron C!'s Avatar
Ron C!
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 249
From: Orlando FL
Default

Originally Posted by MSG C5
Thanks for all the feedback. Until I pull the trigger on this, what is the best product protectant for the dash. I currently use Adams VRT, however I can barely tell if it is applied. I don't want the shiny/greasy Armor-All, so I was hoping for something with a more satin-like finish that doesn't generate the fumes while out in the Florida sun top down.
I use Lemon Pledge on everything but the seats. Works great. I have been using it for over 30 years on all of the vinyl and hard plastic in the interior. Used it on my leather seats before all of the specific leather conditioners appeared on the market.
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2010 | 12:52 PM
  #12  
MSG C5's Avatar
MSG C5
Thread Starter
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,745
Likes: 3,674
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by Ron C!
I use Lemon Pledge on everything but the seats. Works great. I have been using it for over 30 years on all of the vinyl and hard plastic in the interior. Used it on my leather seats before all of the specific leather conditioners appeared on the market.
Wow. First time I've heard of using Lemon Pledge. Does it prevent the fumes from rising onto the windshield? Does it perform any other function, like protect the vinyl?
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2010 | 01:20 PM
  #13  
damilleniumboy's Avatar
damilleniumboy
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,301
Likes: 6
From: LAND OF OZ Kansas
Default

I use a sunshade in my DD. Dash mats I really don't like much.
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2010 | 03:06 PM
  #14  
tlc0706's Avatar
tlc0706
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,225
Likes: 0
From: The Great Truth: "There ain't no free lunch"
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Default

Boy MSG C5, your question allowed all of the "closet dash mat" folks to come out.....
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2010 | 12:29 PM
  #15  
Ron C!'s Avatar
Ron C!
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 249
From: Orlando FL
Default

Originally Posted by MSG C5
Wow. First time I've heard of using Lemon Pledge. Does it prevent the fumes from rising onto the windshield? Does it perform any other function, like protect the vinyl?
Al Knoch recommended it for the leather seats back in the early 70's, before all of the leather specific products were available. The lemon oil helped keep the leather soft. I expanded it from there and started using it on everything. It outgasses some, but not as bad as some of the interior conditioners on the market now. Leaves a nice low gloss sheen on the vinyl, smells nice too. I have never had a dash crack on me in 35 years in FL, so it doesn't hurt.
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2010 | 12:38 PM
  #16  
CrustyOldGuy's Avatar
CrustyOldGuy
Drifting
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 1
From: Rocky Mountains
Default

I have in all my cars and the one in the Vette is probably the nicest looking of all of them.
Makes a huge difference in cabin temp on a hot day (in my other cars, in the vette the top is down).
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2010 | 08:41 PM
  #17  
2003 electronblue's Avatar
2003 electronblue
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Sunshine
Default

Armor all gel..$6.95 at walmart...
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Dash Mats

Old Nov 17, 2010 | 09:04 PM
  #18  
JPM's Avatar
JPM
Race Director
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,969
Likes: 2
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Default

Matts are fo the floor
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:12 PM
  #19  
Turbopower87's Avatar
Turbopower87
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 9
From: Lexington Park MD
Default

They're pretty ugly, however one might have helped to prevent my HUD surround bezel from cracking. My windshield reflector doesn't cover every inch of the dash and one day I came out to find that the bezel had cracked right at the line where the sun meets the shaded part. However, I can live with it and I'd rather pay $20 to replace a shroud every 7 years than pay a lot for a dash cover that is ugly.

Another pro of the cover however is that you may notice that currently your windshield gets a residue on the inside of it. This is caused by the gases given off by the heating of the dash material. With the dash cover, this should be almost completely eliminated.
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 01:08 PM
  #20  
MSG C5's Avatar
MSG C5
Thread Starter
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,745
Likes: 3,674
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by Turbopower87
They're pretty ugly, however one might have helped to prevent my HUD surround bezel from cracking. My windshield reflector doesn't cover every inch of the dash and one day I came out to find that the bezel had cracked right at the line where the sun meets the shaded part. However, I can live with it and I'd rather pay $20 to replace a shroud every 7 years than pay a lot for a dash cover that is ugly.

Another pro of the cover however is that you may notice that currently your windshield gets a residue on the inside of it. This is caused by the gases given off by the heating of the dash material. With the dash cover, this should be almost completely eliminated.
Thanks. I've been trying to find a good dash protectant/cleaner that I can use on a regular basis that doesn't emit much vapors.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:05 AM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE