Hi - we've just bought a 2015 panda lounge 1.2 The only thing wrong with it is the previous owner damaged the large 'C' shaped trim that attaches to the dashboard. Do any of you know if the dashboard needs to be removed from the car in order to change the trim? Also, anyone know the typical cost for a 'used', but immaculate one? Ours is red (the car and the trim), but I suppose a grey or white trim would also look ok. If anyone has one, or knows where I could get one from (50 mile radius of reading ideally! - so I can pick it up), please let me know.., thanks, phil

Hi.
Not sure if it has to be removed, but if it does, there are a couple of companies about which repair this sort of damage. I was sceptical but, having seen a repaired dash done properly, I would be tempted to at least enquire.
It wasn't my car that was repaired (although I did see it before and after) so I don't have the details, but I believe it was one of the mobile chip repair companies.
I will try to find out and post the info if possible.

Any chance you can post a picture of the damage?

The dashboard part can be removed easily it is locked in place with a couple of screws and a lot of clips.

The Pretender said:

The dashboard part can be removed easily it is locked in place with a couple of screws and a lot of clips.

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Interesting - how do you remove the trim round the central air vents? I think the rattle I get from my dash is behind that area...

Herts Hillhopper said:

Interesting - how do you remove the trim round the central air vents? I think the rattle I get from my dash is behind that area...

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With a set of these.

The Pretender said:

With a set of these.

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The trick is knowing where to insert the tools, how much force to apply, and which direction to apply it in.

It's much easier after you've removed one, and know exactly what holds it in place.

Unfortunately I haven't done a new Panda yet, so can't be of any more help - but there might be someone here who has.

Once it's off, if you don't fancy having a go yourself, see if you can find a modelmaker. Refinishing these sort of parts needs exactly the same set of tools and skills as completing an airfix kit, so dig out the dremel, craft knives, styrene fillers, airbrush & paints. You'd be amazed what can be achieved with the right equipment and a bit of practice.

Herts Hillhopper said:

Interesting - how do you remove the trim round the central air vents? I think the rattle I get from my dash is behind that area...

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It may be behind there but when fiat approached about this under warranty it took over 2 days with the dash completely out. Now after 18 months the rattle is back on bumpy roads. Ill turn the radio on lol.

sandeel999 said:

Now after 18 months the rattle is back on bumpy roads. Ill turn the radio on lol.

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This is one area where Fiat lag far behind the competition.

Ford's NVH (noise,vibration,harshness) campaign to reduce these sort of unwanted noises goes back at least 30 years.

Fiat lovers just call it 'character'.

When i first got my 'new' Panda (it was about 9 months old), I was impressed at how rattle and squeak free it was compared to my 2005 car. It waited until about a month before the warranty ran out to start to make an annoying rattle from the dash. It can be stopped by just very lightly resting a hand on the top of the the dash to the left the main demist vent, slightly towards the passenger seat. it only does it when the dash and the heater ducts are at a certain temperature -- in the winter, a cold dash but the heating on, and in the summer a warm dash and the air con on. I believe the noise is a join between two rigid plastic parts of the ducting just rubbing.