That smooth dash sure looks great. It really adds to the vintage look of the HHR because back then all the dashboards were metal. I am sure it is a huge job but nice work!

 

The only problem with this is it looks great but the glare off the windshield keeps you from seeing out sometimes.

 

I had thought about that, too, when I first saw CJ's dash. But now that I think about it, if you really want to have it smooth/painted, you could just get a cover for it (carpet, vinyl, etc.) on those sunny days.

I would love to have mine painted black...

 

Yeah it definitely has the more vintage feel. I guess if glare is an issue, rather than gloss finish it could be done in a more matte finish. While not as eye-catching it would still give the vintage look while reducing the glare.

 

to be very honest the glare really never was a problem with the windsheild being so small and at the angle its on never had a problem ,and to answer some other questions the vent in the middle top dash dosent come out and to be honest with vinyl arent the bumps from the texture going to come threw it wont be a smooth finish unless you sand and fill first...just my opinion

 

Hmm, that could present a problem doing it in vinyl.

Not sure if that would be an issue. If the vinyl is thick enough it may not show through. Also if I added a thin layer of soft automotive grade foam before laying the vinyl that should level everything as well as pad the dash without looking pillowy. Another option would be to have the dash top recast using the original piece as a mold, in a foamcore material covered in vinyl similar to what is used on many padded dashboards of todays cars though that could get quite pricey. Also not sure where one can go to inquire about that sorta work.

 

im sorry im an idiot i thought you meant like sticky vinyl (like decals) my friend did his dash in that kind of vinyn its probably as big a pain as painting.im probaby going to paint my new dash but not for a while.

 

I believe Matt was suggesting to throw the (temporary) vinyl over the painted dash to reduce any glare that may be a problem on those sunny days.

 

Thanks Jay!

I don't know whether they make them for the HHR, but I have seen dash covers for other vehicles. My bro-in-law has one in his Tahoe that is carpet. I really didn't know if they made one in vinyl/plastic type material, but it sounds reasonable enough

 

There is a company I found that makes a carpeted dashcover for the HHR. I've never seen dashcovers in anything but carpet. There were companies years back that made composite overlays for old dashs that were molded to basically fit right over the entire existing dash and look like the factory dash. The sole purpose was an alternative to replacing or repairing an aged cracked dashboard while still giving a near factory look. Now if someone made an overlay that layed right over the HHR upper panel only that would be cool. Something similar to the current dash trim kits everyones installing. IIt would need to be 3 piece kit since there you have the separate airbag and storage console panel.