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
Styling Dashboard trim
- Thread starter Philmeup
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Styling Dashboard trim
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.
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?
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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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.
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sandeel999
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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.
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'.
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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.
euroben
Established member
Did you ever find the cause of your rattle in the dash? I have had a dash rattle exactly the same as you describe and it has become unbearable. I can’t ignore it anymore. It is just to the left of the central vent and worse when the dash is warm from the sun and I have the air con on.
euroben
Established member
@Herts Hillhopper forgot to tag you in the post
@euroben I never did solve it, but as you’ve found it was very sensitive to temperature and in my case rattled more with the heating on. In the end I was fairly sure it came from within the passenger airbag unit that’s under the top left of the dash. I could see the underside if that (by removing the glovebox), but could see how to get any further. I changed the car (not for that reason!) and that solved the issue
euroben
Established member
I’m going to start stripping the dashboard down, starting with the glove box and stereo out and see what I can find.@euroben I never did solve it, but as you’ve found it was very sensitive to temperature and in my case rattled more with the heating on. In the end I was fairly sure it came from within the passenger airbag unit that’s under the top left of the dash. I could see the underside if that (by removing the glovebox), but could see how to get any further. I changed the car (not for that reason!) and that solved the issue
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A good plan. A cautionary tale from my youth; my 850 Austin Mini had a nasty rattle that was engine speed related. After some poking around and seeking a second opinion it was agreed it was a likely bottom (big) end issue. Swapped out the engine for the precise same noise to remain... It was the metal demist ducts jiggling around on the bulkhead!
I remain on the learning curve that is life, 40 years on and perhaps/maybe a little wiser!(?)
The Panda Nut
Nutty about Pandas Infected by Panda virus and OPD
There seems to be an issue with the dash binnacle surround. Try pressing each corner forwards as you drive. One of ours was awful. Liberal use of silicon spray - really drowning it- and wiping away excess straight away with a clean cloth has pretty well stopped this. It did take an age to track it down to the binnacle.
euroben
Established member
Thanks I will try this
