Dashboard reflection

[acer]

Is anyone else bothered by the dashboard reflection on the windscreen when it’s sunny? I’m not sure if it’s the ridge design or what it is, but it wasn’t a problem for me in my old 5.1.

 

[KevH]

I am not especially bothered by it although it is a shame that on sunny days that useful space above the dash is redundant.
Hang on, now I think about it, it might just bother me more than I have previously thought.

 

[acer]

on sunny days that useful space above the dash is redundant

Agree with that too!

 

[SusiBus]

I've noticed it on our T6.1 which I don't like. As you say I don't remember it on our T5.1 or T6.

 

[Hawthorn37]

Yes it’s a bit distracting when the sun is really bright. So no issues in the UK!

We also move any paperwork/ mags etc from the dash.

 

[Maidment_Ocean]

TBH not something I have noticed much as long as nothing on the dash (which my OCD would not allow anyway). May also be worse if you are taller, I’m only 5,9 so maybe it affects taller driver more, but just a guess.

 

[acer]

TBH not something I have noticed much as long as nothing on the dash (which my OCD would not allow anyway). May also be worse if you are taller, I’m only 5,9 so maybe it affects taller driver more, but just a guess.

Ah! Perhaps. I’m 6’3”. We also keep the dash clear.
I was hoping that someone would be volunteering all sorts of weird and wonderful solutions. Drumroll…

 

[Hawthorn37]

Like this do you mean?

Amazon.co.uk

Theres a spray for everything, but no , I haven’t tried it!

 

[acer]

Like this do you mean?

Amazon.co.uk

Indeed a weird and wonderful solution!
Next we need a guinea pig

 

[KevH]

Hmm, this assumes that it is the dash that is causing the reflection.
If so, why does keeping it clear improve matters?
I suspect it is the glass itself that is somehow ‘more reflective’.
Happy to be shot down in flames

 

[Hawthorn37]

When you have white paper documents (travel leaflets etc etc) in the handy tray areas of the dash, these cause a bright reflection, which is worse than the dash itself.

 

[Georgeo]

If you leave the dash dusty then that cuts down the reflections, well that’s my excuse.

 

[vmaxkiddy]

Fabric covers for the dash are common in the Middle East mainly to stop degradation by the sun but as they’re matt and non reflective perfect for stopping it being visible in the screen. They work well but check they’re ok with airbags. They usually are as it’s not affixed to the dash, just placed on top.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1311764388/volkswagen-t551-transporter-dash-mat?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_a-electronics_and_accessories&utm_custom1=_k_Cj0KCQjwv_m-BhC4ARIsAIqNeBtIlemRXDRnHjLy146YoG0MQFODDE9I2KVq8tFADgHBfmVILSGAPrIaAp8qEALw_wcB_k_&utm_content=go_21811975410_169452894936_717564634763_pla-315906365651_c__1311764388engb_102858184&utm_custom2=21811975410&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADutTMf4T5bbvYkuevGNQcaj-A4Lm&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv_m-BhC4ARIsAIqNeBtIlemRXDRnHjLy146YoG0MQFODDE9I2KVq8tFADgHBfmVILSGAPrIaAp8qEALw_wcB

 

[Keith Smith]

I bought some black felt from a fabric shop and have fitted it in the two “wells” on the dash. It’s made a big difference but I’m still looking for a better, more permanent, solution.

 

[Dyddi]

My late partner made a 'Mappy' for the dashboard which I will attempt to photograph. Simply put, a series of pockets in black material (cheapest single bed black sheet) across the whole dashboard. Stops reflection and provides useful storage for maps (paper objects we used to use) vehicle documents, toll tickets and anything flattish and not too heavy. The only updating has been a failed attempt to re-dye the fading fabric and buying a black pillowcase as material for a new top layer.

 

[acer]

Sounds good! Looking forward to that photo.

 

[Dyddi]

 

[Dyddi]

Five photographs of 'Mappy'
1 Posing in use
2 Showing patch pocket, note faded grey original, with sample toll ticket and side connector
3 Underneath and driver's side connector
4 Underneath showing central connectors and stitch lines of pockets
5 Underneath and view of additional mounting hook on loudspeaker grill. Also shows quality addition of new black fabric.
Will post design and making instructions when I've collected my thoughts.

 

[acer]

View attachment 133732View attachment 133733View attachment 133734View attachment 133735View attachment 133736

Did the dashboard come off to fit the poppers? Or, are they glued?

 

[Dyddi]

Making a 'Mappy' -things to do on a wet Sunday afternoon.
Made to fit a T5 Beach so adapt for younger / older vehicles as necessary.
Mappy is designed to solve three problems - reflection of dashboard in windscreen, make use of wasted area above dashboard, store a variety of documents / maps / guides.
1 Preparation - using newspaper / kitchen paper etc sellotape and scissors make a template which avoids the windscreen demisters, loudspeakers, glove box and storage trays .
2 Determine how many mounting points you can provide - the more the better as a full Mappy is a heavy beast. Our mountings are made using, for the 4 top edge connectors, press stud loops with elastic loop to allow some give. The other end of each piece of bias binding tape is clamped under a suitable bolt found by removing relevant trim pieces. The lower edge is looped (2) to hooks fitted to the loudspeaker grilles.
3 Acquire suitable black or dark grey fabric to make top and bottom layers with seam allowances. We lashed out and bought one single bed flat sheet which was more than enough.
4 Decide how many pockets you want - ours are wide enough to accommodate 4 or 5 Michelin maps, or a guide book, with the width of pocket allowing for the thickness of the stored item.
5 Do you add a patch pocket or two for small items? We had one dedicated to toll tickets which used to wander off but Mappy sorted that.
6 Mark out with chalk the pocket lines.
7 Bribe a competent fabric machinist to work out what to sew first, second etc.
8 Further bribery to have it made up.
9 Using a press stud kit make up joining tapes and attach to vehicle.
10 Add a few maps etc. and take machinist out for slap up dinner as promised.
11 Place restaurant receipt at bottom of a Mappy pocket as souvenir.
Voila. Job done

 

[Dyddi]

No glue used to attach to vehicle. Carefully removing the end panel by each door reveals a number of screws - choose one, make reinforced hole in tape and screw in place. Same for oddments tray on top. Lower edge hooks were found in 'oddments tin' and screwed directly to grille. It is feasible to remove all mountings at a later date with little evidence of where you attached.

 

[Wesel]