ngiovas

Has anyone smoothed their dash on their HHR? Does anyone know where I can find out more info on doing this? I'm thinking that if I get the HHR I would want to build a new console and smooth the dash, but I'm trying to find out more information about the process of smoothing a dash.

NG

Holmes Hot Ride

What is smoothing the dash? If that means to get a flat looking no curve dash, why?
One of the things I like about the HHR is its dash and old look intruments.

captain howdy

He means sanding off the little plastic dots that stick out I think.

SoCalHHR

Basically you just pull the dash parts and start with a belt sander. Remove most of the bumps evenly, then switch to hand sanding with a finer grit until you get it smooth. Erich from Darkside told me he spent many, many hours sanding their HHR dash to get it smooth before painting!

One thing to think about; for daily driving a smooth a gloss painted dash is going to cause a lot of problems with reflected sunlight - the pebbled dash makes the most sense.

Hope it helps,

ngiovas

Is any kind of filler used? I was worried that filler or paint may crack since the dash is somewhat flexible. One of the reasons I am thinking of doing this is so that if I build a custom console they will match. I may just pull out the trim pieces around the radio and make them match the console.

SoCalHHR

I think most people just sand all the bumps off and then smooth it all over. You will need to use adhesion promoter when painting plastic. If you used a filler, you should make sure it is compatible with plastic and then use it all over the entire surface. This way you would get a consistent finish.

Personally, I'd stay away from filler for the reasons you mentioned.

Skatetheglobe

so thats how they got the smooth painted door panels..that looks nice..

SIHHR

If its an daily driver then to me it does not make sense. But if you plan to do a show car, then it would make more sense to do as suggested. Sorry just my two cents

SoCalHHR

Exaaaactly! Once you drive into glaring sunlight, you will most likely re-think having that area smooth.
Believe it or not, the engineers at Chevy knew what they were doing.

Holmes Hot Ride

Thanks Howdy! Boy! Am I out of tune with the times. It must be true what they say another mans junk can be another mans treasure.