dash protection

[cfrankling]

Hello there,
I'm one of the few lucky ones that got my M35 dash replaced by my Infiniti dealer with no charge and was wandering what type of protection should I use. I've heard armorall is not recommended, if true, what else is there as an alternative?

Thanks
Carlos

[Ilya]

Tinted front windshield, especially since you're in TX. You can get clear UV protective film if you don't want to tint it...my stuff is tinted 40% and 50% on my old M35x and never had dash issues.

[cfrankling]

Interesting, did not know you could tint the front windshield and wonder if this would violate any traffic rules, here in TX anyway. Aside from tinting, any alternative to armorall?

Thanks for the tip.

[Ilya]

It is definitely illegal but honestly, I've been stopped for my side windows and NY cops (very anal about tint) haven't (in 5 years) said a peep about my front windshield.

But again, I heard not long ago that there is 100% clear tint (just has the benefit of UV blocking) that can be used on side windows so I don't see why it couldn't be used on the front windshield.

Other options are various dash mats (I think Larz or someone had one - maybe they can recommend)...otherwise I'd probably avoid anything with oils in it...as oils might deteriorate the dash materials. This is why armorall is frowned up, it's greasy as all heck.

[pedsemdoc]

1. Some folks swear by 303 Aerospace protectant
2. I bought a dash mat off Fleabay for my M37. Not a perfect match to the original interior and my wife doesn't like it, but I can't always park in the garage at work and my M45's dash started to crack, so I didn't want that to happen again.

I also didn't want to stick velcro tape on my existing dash, so I cut out thin black plastic which I can wedge into panel creases. I put the velcro tape on the plastic pieces and stuck the plastic to the dash mat. Voila - I can remove and replace it whenever I want with no marks or tape residue.

[Larz]

There is a company near me called "Tint World" and they can install a wind screen film that is nearly tint-free. It's made by 3M and costs about $100-150 I believe. I have it all my vehicles and it is brilliant. In 90-degree direct sunlight, the outside of the wind screen could easily cook a fillet. BUT, you can place your hands on the dash or even on the inside of the wins screen and it's only luke arm. It also filters out the bad rays that dry and fade out your dash and seats. It's not cheap, but then again, how happy will you be when you switch on the air/con and it immediately blows cold air instead of warm? How great is it to place your hands on the steering wheel without that terrible heat. This, plus the side tints get and keep the car cool / warm in no time. The best bit: It is LEGAL (at least in FL).

[Larz]

I bought a dash mat off Fleabay for my M37. Not a perfect match to the original interior and my wife doesn't like it, but I can't always park in the garage at work and my M45's dash started to crack, so I didn't want that to happen again.

I also didn't want to stick velcro tape on my existing dash, so I cut out thin black plastic which I can wedge into panel creases. I put the velcro tape on the plastic pieces and stuck the plastic to the dash mat. Voila - I can remove and replace it whenever I want with no marks or tape residue.

Your idea to use plastic bits to attach the velcro fasteners to the dash mat is absolutely brilliant ! I also have a dash mat but did not use the velcro for the same fears you noted. Now I will be able to secure my dash mat more securely. Thanks!

[airmanhoward]

How were you one of the lucky ones? Do tell.

Hello there,
I'm one of the few lucky ones that got my M35 dash replaced by my Infiniti dealer with no charge and was wandering what type of protection should I use. I've heard armorall is not recommended, if true, what else is there as an alternative?

Thanks
Carlos

[cfrankling]

How were you one of the lucky ones? Do tell.

Brought my M35 to my local Infiniti shop (Edinburg TX) to get the airbag replaced and when I got my car back, guess what, of course there was damage to the my 2006 dash. I decided to give it a shot (hoping I would get a new one ) and complained to the service manager, he reply saying not to worry (wow, its working ) and that he'll take care of it, he then ask me if I would mind if the original leather be replaced with vinyl, I told him that as long as it look like the original, I would not mind at all (after all new vinyl wold look way better than original leather with cracks).

After a few weeks of calls to him ( putting a bit of preasure ) with a bit of patience, he finally gave up looking for a shop that would do the job, he said the dealership would replace it witha new one at no cost to me.

I have no idea if the dealership paid for it, or somehow he got Infiniti to pay for it.

I've been really happy with my local Infiniti service quality, they do have great customer service, been that way even before the dash deal.

[cfrankling]

1. Some folks swear by 303 Aerospace protectant

Thanks, will give it a try.

[Richtf]

I own a 2006 M35X. What is the original dash material, leather or vanilla?

[Ilya]

I own a 2006 M35X. What is the original dash material, leather or vanilla?

Welcome to the forum. Pretty sure it's not vanilla lol. I think it's vinyl, but don't remember exactly since I haven't had my 07 for a while.

[bakili]

How were you one of the lucky ones? Do tell.

Brought my M35 to my local Infiniti shop (Edinburg TX) to get the airbag replaced and when I got my car back, guess what, of course there was damage to the my 2006 dash. I decided to give it a shot (hoping I would get a new one ) and complained to the service manager, he reply saying not to worry (wow, its working ) and that he'll take care of it, he then ask me if I would mind if the original leather be replaced with vinyl, I told him that as long as it look like the original, I would not mind at all (after all new vinyl wold look way better than original leather with cracks).

After a few weeks of calls to him ( putting a bit of preasure ) with a bit of patience, he finally gave up looking for a shop that would do the job, he said the dealership would replace it witha new one at no cost to me.

I have no idea if the dealership paid for it, or somehow he got Infiniti to pay for it.

I've been really happy with my local Infiniti service quality, they do have great customer service, been that way even before the dash deal.

Another lucky (if I can say so) owner that had his dash changed for free. West Infiniti dealership in Houston (they said they were first ever Infiniti dealership in TX) told me right away that even though Infiniti company's recall covers only airbag replacement, they are replacing the dash free of charge - which is dealer quoted $2800 job. And it was perfect timing as well, cracks started showing up around driver side vents. Before TX summer I will definitely look into tint free UV protection. Installation was done very professionally, they have even placed my phone holder in exact same position and did a full wash. New dash looks exactly as old one, just brand new. Now that's service

[LIBRILZ]

Brought my M35 to my local Infiniti shop (Edinburg TX) to get the airbag replaced and when I got my car back, guess what, of course there was damage to the my 2006 dash. I decided to give it a shot (hoping I would get a new one ) and complained to the service manager, he reply saying not to worry (wow, its working ) and that he'll take care of it, he then ask me if I would mind if the original leather be replaced with vinyl, I told him that as long as it look like the original, I would not mind at all (after all new vinyl wold look way better than original leather with cracks).

After a few weeks of calls to him ( putting a bit of preasure ) with a bit of patience, he finally gave up looking for a shop that would do the job, he said the dealership would replace it witha new one at no cost to me.

I have no idea if the dealership paid for it, or somehow he got Infiniti to pay for it.

I've been really happy with my local Infiniti service quality, they do have great customer service, been that way even before the dash deal.

Another lucky (if I can say so) owner that had his dash changed for free. West Infiniti dealership in Houston (they said they were first ever Infiniti dealership in TX) told me right away that even though Infiniti company's recall covers only airbag replacement, they are replacing the dash free of charge - which is dealer quoted $2800 job. And it was perfect timing as well, cracks started showing up around driver side vents. Before TX summer I will definitely look into tint free UV protection. Installation was done very professionally, they have even placed my phone holder in exact same position and did a full wash. New dash looks exactly as old one, just brand new. Now that's service

well looks like I know where I'm gonna take my car for the recall, lol

[tof]

Did you "lucky" ones purchase your M's new at those dealerships? I just bought a 2008 M35 from a Honda dealer. I assume Infiniti dealers will not want to help me with my cracked dash.

[airmanhoward]

Infiniti dealership wont touch it without a fee. Has it had the Air bag recall done. If not you may be in luck.

Did you "lucky" ones purchase your M's new at those dealerships? I just bought a 2008 M35 from a Honda dealer. I assume Infiniti dealers will not want to help me with my cracked dash.

[Larz]

You do not need to be the original owner or the owner who actually purchased the car from Infiniti. The recall is mandated and Infiniti must replace the airbag regardless if you are owner #1 or #5, regardless of the condition of the dash, the rest of the car, age, or mileage.
HOWEVER, seems more dealers are actually replacing the dash than back when my recall was done. I had a minimally damaged dash and my dealer told me they take before and after photos - if any damage exists in the before photos, dash replacement is not available unless paid for by the owner. I paid about $2,000 for mine.

[midnightclub619]

I just had my airbag replaced (3 months ago) and I'm the 2nd owner. The dealership barely took at my dash (even tho it was in great condition) and said they would need to replace the dash for the recall. They included it as part of the recall at no charge. I don't know at who's cost that dash was charged to but they replaced it at no charge. they also gave me a rental for the day which was cool. It wasn't a vehicle off their lot tho, they sent me to Enterprise. In the end they replaced the airbag and dash at no cost. I can only assume they are included the dash was because of the way they pry off the dash in certain areas and causes too much damage to reinstall the original.

[Larz]

OK
I want my $2000 back! Too many of you are getting free dash replacement !!