I don't know what genius created the shiny, angled-up piece of genuine simulated wood trim that runs across the dashboard on the passenger side, above the glove box. It is perfectly designed to throw the morning and afternoon sun directly into the driver's eyes.

I asked Honda about it, and their best suggestion was to pull it out. "Of course, that will leave a hole in your dashboard." Now why didn't I think of that??

Does anyone know of an applique that is sized to fit, which would be less reflective?

Thanks,

Don

 

Can you take a picture of the piece? I'm guessing it is a clear coated plastic. Just want to see what it looks like.

 

I think I attached a copy of the picture. Thanks for your help!

Don

 

I have a few ideas.

The least risky is to have tint installed on that piece. If it doesn't work, then you wouldn't be out much money. Plus it would probably look the best. Removing tint is pretty simple if it didn't work.

I'm not sure if the other trim accords have a matte finish or if a different color would be less reflective. You could swap it with a different part.

This is the last idea is the riskiest, and I'm hesitant to suggest it. Looks like that piece has a clear coat on it. You could remove it and try wet sanding it with 1500 grit or 2000 grit. It would make it look hazy and be less reflective. You risk damaging that trim piece if the clear coat is very thin. Polishing it should restore the shine. A new piece is around $200 from honda if you had to replace it.

 

Thanks for your reply. Not trying to sound stupid here, but where would I go for the tint you suggested? I don't think it's off-the-rack at an auto parts store, so what kind of place should I look for? Because it certainly seems like the best solution.

Much appreciated.

Don

 

Looks like O'Reilly's sells it at their stores, so search you local parts store site.

You may be better off going to place that does window tint and see what they would charge to do it. Plus they may be able to give you a suggestion on the %tint and style.

 

I can't find anything on O'Reilly's site... do you know where it's shown?

And thanks for the other advice. I'll go into a local shop.

 

Another option might be to "plasti-dip it". It's a spray on paint that is removable. You should be able to find it at most auto parts stores.

 

Search Gila on Oreilly's site. That is the brand name they carry.