Pics of dashmat install

Installing the dashmat probably took about half an hour. It had "relaxed" on the dash for a couple of days. My recommendation would be to make sure you have some extra sticky velcro on hand. Cutting the strips they sent into 1" tabs doesn't give anywhere near enough to smooth out the edges.

It looked bad at first, like we weren't going to get it to lie flat, but it just took some coaxing and more velcro.

I'm lifting the flap that you don't tack down to show that it clears the airbag opening. I put extra velcro around the outside of the flap because I don't want that to budge if the bag deploys.

We cut some longer strips and then cut them in half lengthwise to put around several of the edges that we wanted smooth and secure.

You can see my black towel shoved in my dash cubby holes. I really need that dash cover that's coming out.

If I were to do it again, I would have had more velcro on hand and I would run a long strip just in front of the airbag where I have the small pieces.

I also wanted the outside of the flap to fit very snuggly to keep the flap as flat as possible.

The front of the dash where the defroster vents are was very difficult to photograph. We decided to run a narrow strip all the way along each vent to anchor the mat from the front. This made the front look much smoother.

You will also notice a thin strip that is inserted between the dash and the windshield. We decided to leave these sticking up for now and see if there is any interference with the blower. I think they'll be OK, but it doesn't look as finished as I would like.

Here are the finished edges. I may still add a dot or two of velcro, but it looks OK now.

Too funny! I have the exact same steering wheel cover. I had it on my Tahoe...it worked great! I might even put it on my RL now that I see someone else has it...I like the steering wheel too much I guess.

Cheers,
George

Hi Truckin, Very nice post! The dash cover looks great, fits good too. Thanks for the photos. Really well done.:D
Ron

I want to report that the dashmat has done exactly what I hoped it would do: the glare is completely gone. I'm able to take photos out the window with very little worry about glare. It's only the side window causing me grief now. If I have light colored clothing on I often can't take photos out the side. I can't wear black all the time. Usually I solve the problem by rolling the window down if we're not going too fast. It's harder to reduce the motion factor out the side too, so photos out the front predominate.

A toupee for a bald dashboard.

I am confused.....what purpose does the dash mat serve?

RidgeLI

I keeps the glare from the shiny dashboard shelf off of the inside of the widshield.
It also protects the dashborad from cracking in 10 years.

I think the pic with the navi looks silly..
Elvis lambchop sideburns for your navi!

And how does this affect your Air Bags?

I hope we never find out. The cut out around the airbag on the dash appears adequate. It is tacked down with velcro on the outside of the cut. In theory, the airbag should deploy just fine.

I would think that any small pieces of velcro over the passenger side airbag would not hinder its explosive deployment but I will leave the flap unattached anyway. Also the dashcover I just got from the dealer seems to be different than yours, it doesnt drape as far down on the edge by the steering wheel and has more coverage by the air conditioning vents on the passenger side. I like the dark brown color with a sparkled finish and even though it is pretty flashy looking it still reduces windshield glare quite well.

nice job and looks good.
I was surprized. the first pics I was like man that doesnt fit at all, then I saw it attached.
I went the other route. I like it shiny. Put armor all on mine and will probably do so once a month to also keep cracks at bay.
Hey but you don't like it shiny and now won't have to worry bout armor all.
BTW how much was it?
LOL just want to justify how much armor all I could buy for the price teehee. Not trying to give you a hard time.

Truckin, I bought the same dashcover and happened to stumble across your install the day I got it. Followed your instructions about letting it set for a couple-few days and using much more velcro to secure it. I'm very happy with the way the dash cover fits.

Good advice on your install. There are a few areas where the amount of velcro they sent just doesn't do the trick. I happened to have a pack of small velcro dots laying around the house and used those to secure the parts hanging down by the vents. The long, thin strip by the windshield I pushed as far down into the windshield gap as I could and it sits very nicely along the edge. What I also like is the dash cover is thin ... I have Eclipse sunshades that close smoothly over the mat.

Thanks for posting the pix. They really helped me position the velcro well.

RidgeDoc, you can go through a few bottles of Armour All on your dash. The cost was $34.99 plus S & H. We bought it from Cabela's:

http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0006039511820a&navCount=2&podId=0006039&parentId=&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=search&catalogCode=QT&rid=&parentType=&indexId=cat20117&hasJS=true

You order by going through all the customize selections so you can add it to your shopping cart. There are other places, such as WalMart or your dealer, that will place your order with DashMat for you. Thus far I haven't seen another company making the covers for the Ridgeline. UtiliMat does not list one for the Ridgeline as of today.

dig_az, I'm glad you found my thread and it was useful. That's my hope when I post photos and/or instructions on the ROC. We were also able to just scoot the front edge down in the gap between dash and window. It's stayed in place too.

I had one of these on an old Porsche I had to cover the cracks in the dash.

Only purpose I could find.

I live in Phoenix, Arizona,"THE VALLEY OF THE SUN". I have never had a dashboard crack or malfunction in any manner.
You did a very good install, however the dash mat you purchased was not designed for fit by CNC machinery, thats why it is not fitting properly around the sides and the vents.
The sun will dry out the cover very quickly, and it will crack. The adhesive you affixed to the dash will dry onto the dash, and be very hard to remove, if at all.:D

You may be correct about the dashmat not lasting forever. I will replace it with another dashmat if and when that happens. I don't want to go back to a bare dash because of the glare.

I think the air bag cut out is funny. I work with deployed air bags every day, and the cut out wont do a thing. That dash mat will end up on the back seat. Air bags deploy with such a strong and quick force, there is no velcro that will hold the mat on. That is almost as bad as when we get a car in that the air bag did not deploy, the police/fire put a piece of duct tape or bright yellow tape and a warning sticker that says "caution air bag not deployed". First off, duh that the air bag is not deployed. Second, that piece of tape is not going to stop an air bag. Lastly, if it didn't go off in the accident it is not going to mysteriously deploy 3 days later. The air bag gnomes do not exist!

I think the air bag cut out is funny. I work with deployed air bags every day, and the cut out wont do a thing. That dash mat will end up on the back seat. Air bags deploy with such a strong and quick force, there is no velcro that will hold the mat on. That is almost as bad as when we get a car in that the air bag did not deploy, the police/fire put a piece of duct tape or bright yellow tape and a warning sticker that says "caution air bad not deployed". First off, duh that the air bag is not deployed. Second, that piece of tape is not going to stop an air bag. Lastly, if it didn't go off in the accident it is not going to mysteriously deploy 3 days later. The air bag gnomes do not exist!


agreed, what a silly feature...

I personally don't like it...but that is why God created colors!
;)

I can't believe no one has typed in this thread in over a year! It's time to bring it back...

I want to get a dashmat for my 08 Ridge. Does anyone have some suggestions. Living in the Phoenix area, I find dashmats are very useful for preserving the dash and reducing glare. I've had them for the past 20 years on various vehicles. Sure I can find one locally, I think several companies actually make dashmats right here in Phoenix however I'm curious if anyone else on this forum has an experience they would like to share. Truckin' your pictures look good are you still happy with the install? I'm pretty sure that the RL's dash has not changed but do you guys/gals think the 07 dashmat would work fine in my 08 RTL w/Nav? My goal is to get a mat before the real hot sun hits us in a couple of months.

I'm pretty sure that the RL's dash has not changed but do you guys/gals think the 07 dashmat would work fine in my 08 RTL w/Nav? My goal is to get a mat before the real hot sun hits us in a couple of months.

I just got the Suede DashMat a few days ago. I have not velcro'd it down yet, as I am letting it free form a bit. If you want, we can meet up and slide it onto your dash and see of everything lines up.

I give the suede mat 2.5 out of 5 stars - very thin and 'cheap' in comparison to the original carpet DashMats. Color is ok, but not really a match for anything in the gray interior. Workmanship could be better, and quality of material is weak. There are 2 'over-cuts' on one of the windshield vent cut outs.

Anyway, I got it only to protect the dash from the sun like you stated, so for now, I'll leave it till it fades/fails in some way - then I will consider if I want another suede mat, original style or extra crispy. http://members.cox.net/voicesinmyhead/images/twocents.gif

I just got the Suede DashMat a few days ago. I have not velcro'd it down yet, as I am letting it free form a bit. If you want, we can meet up and slide it onto your dash and see of everything lines up.


I was thinking about suede since my interior is leather. That would be great if I could look at yours. Let me know a good time and we'll hook up. I know you work from home sometimes but I'm at the office most every day. While I get the impression that not a lot of people use dashmats, I figured this was a good place to get opinions. All I want is the best fit that looks good in my truck.

Thanks Voices...

Here are the finished edges. I may still add a dot or two of velcro, but it looks OK now.

Nice job on the dash mat. I lived in Tucson for 30 years and the dash mat just worked so well for me in all my cars. Not only does the mat cut down on daytime glare, but the overhead street lights at night are not as intrusive. There's less reflection from them against the inside of the windshield.

Yes, I still have the dash mat and I still like it. This is the type of accessory that people either love or hate. I find it indispensable and would replace it if it ever wears out or looks bad. Thus far it's holding up just fine and still keeping the glare away.

It's like a Chia dashboard, plenty of sun, just needs water!

RidgeLI

All I want is the best fit that looks good in my truck.

Thanks Voices...

No, no... Thank You for a great lunch! Next one is on me! ;)

For those with 2008 RL's and who are interested, my '07 RL DashMat fit's the '08 RL dash perfectly. :D

How often do you have to vacuum it?

I love the wall to wall carpet on my '65 T-Bird. It's slightly better looking than the crack it hides in the dash pad. :D

How often do you have to vacuum it?

I use one of those tape roller pet hair devices to pick up the lint or hairs that settle in. I don't do it very often, a couple of times a year. It actually stays cleaner than I expected it to stay.

Doe's it come in shag ?

No, no... Thank You for a great lunch!

Your welcome! I had a good time.

I'll shop around some on-line before making my final decision on which one to buy. Once I do, I'll add some pictures.

I want to get a dashmat for my 08 Ridge. Does anyone have some suggestions. Living in the Phoenix area, I find dashmats are very useful for preserving the dash and reducing glare. I've had them for the past 20 years on various vehicles. Sure I can find one locally, I think several companies actually make dashmats right here in Phoenix however I'm curious if anyone else on this forum has an experience they would like to share. Truckin' your pictures look good are you still happy with the install? I'm pretty sure that the RL's dash has not changed but do you guys/gals think the 07 dashmat would work fine in my 08 RTL w/Nav? My goal is to get a mat before the real hot sun hits us in a couple of months.

Follow this link...

www.dashdesigns.com/about-us.cfm

They're in Tempe, just east of Guadalupe. I've used them for all my vehilces and they'll even install so it fits correctly. I've never had an issue with the cover coming loose, unless I go to a car wash and they move it to spary arrmorall over everything.:mad:

Follow this link...

www.dashdesigns.com/about-us.cfm

They're in Tempe, just east of Guadalupe. I've used them for all my vehilces and they'll even install so it fits correctly. I've never had an issue with the cover coming loose, unless I go to a car wash and they move it to spary arrmorall over everything.:mad:

Thanks! I forgot about these guys. They actually offered my an IT position back in the late 90's. I refused cause it looked like a small mom and pop operation (not that there's anything wrong with that). Since I'm turning 50 in a couple of weeks I've been suffering a lot from, "CRS". :D Thanks for the tip!

Thanks! I forgot about these guys. They actually offered my an IT position back in the late 90's. I refused cause it looked like a small mom and pop operation (not that there's anything wrong with that). Since I'm turning 50 in a couple of weeks I've been suffering a lot from, "CRS". :D Thanks for the tip!

No problem. They've got a nice setup now, although their showroom could use a little work.

Follow this link...

Dash Designs (http://www.dashdesigns.com/about-us.cfm)

They're in Tempe, just east of Guadalupe. I've used them for all my vehilces and they'll even install so it fits correctly. I've never had an issue with the cover coming loose, unless I go to a car wash and they move it to spary arrmorall over everything.:mad:

Thanks! I forgot about these guys. They actually offered my an IT position back in the late 90's. I refused cause it looked like a small mom and pop operation (not that there's anything wrong with that). Since I'm turning 50 in a couple of weeks I've been suffering a lot from, "CRS". :D Thanks for the tip!

I tried the site/link. It looks like the dash mat is not offered for the ridgeline? Bruce any luck here. where did you order and how do you like it?:confused:

I tried the site/link. It looks like the dash mat is not offered for the ridgeline? Bruce any luck here. where did you order and how do you like it?:confused:

I called them up and was told they DO carry a dashmat for the Ridgeline, avaiable in carpet, velour or suede. While I don't have one for my Ridgeline yet, I've used them for all of my civics. Give them a call at 1-800-843-3274.

I called them up and was told they DO carry a dashmat for the Ridgeline, avaiable in carpet, velour or suede. While I don't have one for my Ridgeline yet, I've used them for all of my civics. Give them a call at 1-800-843-3274.

Thanks Rusty, I will try that. I can compare to the Ebay listing.
:D

I tried the site/link. It looks like the dash mat is not offered for the ridgeline? Bruce any luck here. where did you order and how do you like it?:confused:

I got mine in the beginning of March 2008, from autosport.com - the authority on Formula One, F1, MotoGP, WRC, IRL, GP2, A1GP, Le Mans, NASCAR and more (http://www.AutoSport.com)

QTY DESCRIPTION
1 Dash Mat
(1682-0047,W/ CLIMATE SENSOR,FOR A 2008 HONDA
RIDGELINE,COLORS: GRAY)

It was $39.95 with $9.95 shipping. So far I've been real happy with it.

I'm glad you like it:)

I got mine in the beginning of March 2008, from autosport.com - the authority on Formula One, F1, MotoGP, WRC, IRL, GP2, A1GP, Le Mans, NASCAR and more (http://www.AutoSport.com)

QTY DESCRIPTION
1 Dash Mat
(1682-0047,W/ CLIMATE SENSOR,FOR A 2008 HONDA
RIDGELINE,COLORS: GRAY)

It was $39.95 with $9.95 shipping. So far I've been real happy with it.

Bruce

I tried this link and didn't find any dash mats? Is this the right link?

Thanks
Dan

I'm guessing Bruce meant to give you this link:

AutoSport Catalog - Dash Mats 800-953-0814 (http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=c&cid=134)

Is that correct, Bruce?

I'm guessing Bruce meant to give you this link:

AutoSport Catalog - Dash Mats 800-953-0814 (http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=c&cid=134)

Is that correct, Bruce?

Thanks Pam, nice catch - you are correct. Where in the world did that other website come from. Dang! I must of had happy fingers that day. Dan, sorry for the wild goose chase! I thought I just pasted that URL from the invoice but who knows.

I'm still very happy with my dashmat. It seems to be holding up nicely and on that rare occasion when I have the windows open, it stays put.

I'm guessing Bruce meant to give you this link:

AutoSport Catalog - Dash Mats 800-953-0814 (http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=c&cid=134)

Is that correct, Bruce?

Thanks Pam, nice catch - you are correct. Where in the world did that other website come from. Dang! I must of had happy fingers that day. Dan, sorry for the wild goose chase! I thought I just pasted that URL from the invoice but who knows.

I'm still very happy with my dashmat. It seems to be holding up nicely and on that rare occasion when I have the windows open, it stays put.

I called them up and was told they DO carry a dashmat for the Ridgeline, available in carpet, velor or suede. While I don't have one for my Ridgeline yet, I've used them for all of my civics. Give them a call at 1-800-843-3274.

Pam, Bruce and Rusty

Thank you everyone for the info. Samples are on there way from the company that Rusty recommended and I will check this site that Bruce used, that Pam found.:)

Dan

I got mine in the beginning of March 2008, from autosport.com - the authority on Formula One, F1, MotoGP, WRC, IRL, GP2, A1GP, Le Mans, NASCAR and more (http://www.AutoSport.com)

QTY DESCRIPTION
1 Dash Mat
(1682-0047,W/ CLIMATE SENSOR,FOR A 2008 HONDA
RIDGELINE,COLORS: GRAY)

It was $39.95 with $9.95 shipping. So far I've been real happy with it.

Bruce

No worries, I learned some on Formula racing.:D

Thanks Pam, nice catch - you are correct.

I only knew what you meant because I've ordered several things from AutoSportsCATALOG already. I've found them to be a reliable company.

We ordered our dash mat from WalMart because that was the first place I saw they were available for the Ridgeline. It turns out that we could have ordered elsewhere. I didn't know at the time that all the places that take your order just forward it on the the Dash Mat company. I would have ordered from Cabela's or ASC if I'd known that. I'm trying hard to extinguish any shopping from Wally World, but I still go there a couple of times a month.

We are also still pleased with our mat.

I called them up and was told they DO carry a dashmat for the Ridgeline, available in carpet, velour or suede. While I don't have one for my Ridgeline yet, I've used them for all of my civics. Give them a call at 1-800-843-3274.

OK this is my third time typing this reply? My computer is tripping out and the message just keeps disappearing?

Thank you everyone for the advice and replies on this thread. I decided to go with Rusty's suggestion. Dash Designs. Thanks Rusty!

Dash designs is great company. They even sent samples at no additional charges. They have four different styles to choose from and many different colors, so the samples were helpful.

I decided on the Sedona Suede in the Oak Color. It was the newest style and most expensive. Total cost was $63 with shipping. They make them to order, so it took two weeks.

I am working with it and trying to get it to lay flatter, since it was shipped rolled up. It's getting better each day.

I like the style I ordered because of the dimples, like the leather seats, so it really ties in well with the rest of the interior. Comes with a 5 year warranty.

I may need to use velcro in the corners? Hoping I don't have to do that?

Thanks Again Everyone
Dan

OOOH, I really like that. I might have to change ours out. I don't like the pile on ours but it was the only option for the RL when we bought it. Lots of hairs and debris seems to get caught up in the pile and it doesn't release easily.

OK this is my third time typing this reply? My computer is tripping out and the message just keeps disappearing?



Dan, Highlight your message and do a Ctrl C, that way if you loose it, you can start a new message again and do a Ctrl V to retrieve at least some of your message back. I hate computers!

Anyway, glad you found a dash mat you like. That's the most important thing. From the photos you sent, I would have to say you made a great choice. :)

Dan, Highlight your message and do a Ctrl C, that way if you loose it, you can start a new message again and do a Ctrl V to retrieve at least some of your message back. I hate computers!

Anyway, glad you found a dash mat you like. That's the most important thing. From the photos you sent, I would have to say you made a great choice. :)

Thanks Bruce

I will remember that. Third time around, I was using the copy up in the edit part of the bar, your way is faster. and of coarse it worked fine, but I was ready in case the message was lost again. I think it had to do with my wireless mouse, batteries were getting low?:confused:

I ordered this dashmat just two days before my truck was wrecked and just got it installed yesterday. I like it. I got the suede material.

Rusty

Mat looks Great. I see you got yours from Dash designs also. I see their tag on the passenger side.;) Did you special order the Honda logo? Was it extra?
:)

Rusty, it looks good. Yet another thing I will need to check out on your truck when we get to meet you in Sedona. :D

Rusty

Mat looks Great. I see you got yours from Dash designs also. I see their tag on the passenger side.;) Did you special order the Honda logo? Was it extra?
:)

Yep, they're in Tempe, just a few miles from my home. I checked my reciept and the logo was 10 bucks extra. I had asked that a Honda logo be put on the mat and asked that the Honda be red. I guess they misunderstood and gave me both the logo and the word Honda in red.

Rusty, it looks good. Yet another thing I will need to check out on your truck when we get to meet you in Sedona. :D

With any luck, I'll have my new tires and wheels on as well.

Hi,
I know this is a very old post but hope you still have your truck. We just bought a 2009. We're thinking about getting a cover and want to know how you like your Retrax.
Thanks,
Em

Man, I see this thread is almost four years old. How many people have walked on your dash? Can you give us an update on the condition of your carpet?

Sorry, I've never liked the dash carpet, kinda like putting vinyl on the furniture at the folk's house...Sticky and inconvenient vs. just wiping the dash down with Armorall.

Hi,
I know this is a very old post but hope you still have your truck. We just bought a 2009. We're thinking about getting a cover and want to know how you like your Retrax.
Thanks,
Em

love it! there are plenty of threads, they even have their own thread category.;)
Do a search and they are a sponsor, call them direct they used to offer $100 discount to ROC members, not sure if they still do this.

;)

Hi,
I know this is a very old post but hope you still have your truck. We just bought a 2009. We're thinking about getting a cover and want to know how you like your Retrax.
Thanks,
Em

We just got it paid off! :D We still love our Retrax and show it off every chance we get. It's been a perfect solution for us. We also are very impressed with the Retrax customer service. Top notch!!!

We also still like our dashmat but now I want one of the new non-carpet ones like Rusty has.

call 1-800-STEEMER

http://www.stanleysteemer.com/Images/OriginalVan.gif