Damaged Dash: Looking for advice

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ChrisTheHokie

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We had a new windshield installed on our 2nd gen Honda Pilot a couple days ago. Despite using a reputable shop which had done good work for us before and gets good reviews locally, we ended up with several forms of damage that will need to be remedied. The installer has agreed to pay for all damage, so we are now researching appropriate repairs.

Below are a couple images showing scratches on the dash. It should be noted this vehicle is in excellent, like-new condition inside and out aside from a couple stone chips. The dash was absolutely blemish-free prior to this. We are expecting nothing less than returning the vehicle to its original condition.

My questions are:
- What type of shop should I be looking for?
- How would this typically be repaired?
- What can I expect as far as the quality of repair, or how unnoticeable should I expect the repair to be?
- What can I expect long-term from the repair? Fading? Chipping?

Thanks in advance for any help.
Chris

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Hard to tell in the pics but is the vinyl scuffed through.
Personally, if it's not and if a interior shop just dyed it proper, I would seek this recourse.

Dash removal is going to be time costly in addition, if not done right, might be prone to creaks that you did not have before...
 
What material is the damaged panel? ABS? Vinyl?

If what I see in the photo(s) is an actual scratch or gouge to material itself, and assuming the material is ABS or some type of vinyl, I don't think there is any repair that will completely restore the defect. Replacement is the only option.

On the other hand, if what I see is simply a smudge on the surface, it should be removable with some type of solvent.
 
They screwed it up don't really know how they did that I guess no common sense.I say get a new dash installed by the dealer only.
 
Thank you all for the replies.

The panel seems to be ABS. It's a harder plastic, rather than a softer vinyl dash. It isn't really gouged as you can't really feel the defect. However, the color is certainly gone.

The installer was forthcoming about the damage, wanted to get it "touched up," and had a shop that he likes to use.

Considering the dashboard was in absolutely brand-new condition, if getting it re-dyed is not going to be unnoticeable and/or last the life of the vehicle, I'd prefer to get the dash replace provided doing so won't create even MORE damage. But even that seems drastic.

To make matters worse, he jacked up the whole damn job:
1) The scratched dash you've already seen.
2) Gouged paint on the fender near the A-pillar down to bare metal (see pics below).
3) A dent in the character line on the hood plainly visible from the driving position; hopefully PDR can repair satisfactorily.
4) The bottom exterior seal does not sit flush on the windshield the way it did prior to the install.
5) He didn't even reinstall the wipers correctly. The driver's side would extend beyond the A-pillar when turned on. I fixed it.

If I could vent for just a moment, I'd have to say I'm getting so sick and tired of hiring people to do a job and wind up with more to-do's on my list rather than fewer. Beyond the obvious reason, we needed to replace this windshield to pass safety inspection in the state we're moving to in order to register the vehicle. As if we don't have enough stuff to follow up with related to new jobs and moving, now we've got even more to do. Not only that but we spent time choosing a place that we believed to be reputable. To say we're disappointed is a gross understatement. This is why I do most work myself, but hey, I don't change windshields.

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I realize you're frustrated. Since you can't feel anything on those dash marks, are you sure the panel is damaged vs. something being ON the panel that might be cleaned off? Have you tried wiping it down with some sort of cleaner?
 
I have not. I imagine the installer at least tried to clean it once he noticed and prior to showing us.

Unfortunately, the vehicle is now in the other state, so I don't have access to it.
 
Solvent and steam.
If that does not work, try a heat gun.

As for the other, I would go for a cash settlement.
This job was poorly done.
Probably a new guy learning on the job.
Just a bad break, gotta roll with it, but get compensated.
 
ChrisTheHokie said:
... If I could vent for just a moment, I'd have to say I'm getting so sick and tired of hiring people to do a job and wind up with more to-do's on my list rather than fewer. Beyond the obvious reason, we needed to replace this windshield to pass safety inspection in the state we're moving to in order to register the vehicle. As if we don't have enough stuff to follow up with related to new jobs and moving, now we've got even more to do. Not only that but we spent time choosing a place that we believed to be reputable. To say we're disappointed is a gross understatement. This is why I do most work myself, but hey, I don't change windshields.

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I'm with you... I haven't hired anyone to do anything for me for years. House repairs, car repairs, computer work - anything. If I don't know how to do something that I need done, I'll either learn, it won't get done, it will get replaced (by me), or in very rare cases I'll recruit someone to help that I have absolute confidence in. It's that simple.

Referrals are essentially useless in my opinion because most referrals come from those who do not set the bar as high as many of us do. Guarantees and warranties fall into the same category... What good are they if someone does an inferior job to begin with like in the OPs place? Are you really going to trust them to do the necessary repairs?
 
Maybe the windshield sealant got onto the dash and ate the plastic dash. Not good, I would avoid having the entire dash replaced. Your gonna have creaks and rattles.

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Autogeekonline mobile app
 
2black1s said:
I'm with you... I haven't hired anyone to do anything for me for years. House repairs, car repairs, computer work - anything. If I don't know how to do something that I need done, I'll either learn, it won't get done, it will get replaced (by me), or in very rare cases I'll recruit someone to help that I have absolute confidence in. It's that simple.

Referrals are essentially useless in my opinion because most referrals come from those who do not set the bar as high as many of us do. Guarantees and warranties fall into the same category... What good are they if someone does an inferior job to begin with like in the OPs place? Are you really going to trust them to do the necessary repairs?
Click to expand...

I agree 100%. I'm glad I'm not the only one.

After doing a little research, I've seen where a reciprocating saw with a special blade is often used to cut through the urethane on the lower portion of the windshield where the urethane is usually thicker. The tool is used from the inside near the dash.

While I did not watch him perform the job, I heard sounds from similar such tools. Additionally, the arced and repetitive nature of the scratches certainly do appear to be from something that reciprocates. Plain and simple, he was careless and let the tool touch the dash.

As I wrote in an e-mail to the company, I understand mistakes happen and sometimes additional repairs are needed. However, the number of instances of damage and incorrect installation on this particular case suggests the installer was ill prepared to do the job correctly (lacks of skills/tool/help, etc.). He even acknowledged that he usually has a helper, and that he himself was dealing with an injury that had occurred either the day before or earlier in the day. Regardless, the damage had already happened at that point.

The disappointment is two-fold.
1) Damage that is preventable has occurred that is likely not returnable to original condition.
2) While the installer is paying for the repairs, there is not consideration for our time and inconvenience.

_____________________________________________
But enough with this pity-party. I need to get this fixed.

For the dash, it sounds like it will have to be re-dyed?

I know I need to find a good PDR person for the dent in the hood.

What about the gouge in the fender. It's a non-metallic paint, and I actually believe Honda doesn't even use a clear on Taffeta White. From those with paint experience, what would you recommend? Can I expect a long-lasting and unnoticeable repair from a spot repair? It seem a shame to fade into the paint on the A-pillar and hood. What kind of place should I be looking for?

Again, thanks for any and all help!
 
Would you be happy with "Dr Colorchip" - this is a perfect spot for that for that IMHO - If your looking for perfection - then obviously it's not the choice...

I'm with others just ask for cash payout and deal with it yourself - if you can handle a few imperfections you'll actually make out here.
 
We're not looking for a payout. We're looking for the vehicle to be returned back to its original condition before it was damaged.
 
What a pain in the behind.

To get the ball rolling check with your new car dealer.

They may know of an installer, that changes cloth seats into leather seats.

Katzkins has a list of installers, that can install their leather covers, and they are usually Auto Trim Shops that do interior work for Dealers and Body Shops.

They have great resources to fix interiors for new and old vehicles. that used car dealers use all the time.

From the pictures, it looks like you would have to take the window out again, to gain access to the damage.

If it was me, I would contact my insurance company and find out who they recommend, body shop wise, where the car is (local).

My body shop would be where I took it, if it was my car and let them do the leg work, while I drive around in the rental car that buddy supplies as part of my settlement.

Just a thought.
 
I hate hiring experts that aren't experts. I would look for an auto trim shop. There aren't many of them around any more, but they are usually really good at what they do.
 
This post makes me cringe. >{

I work on a lot of high-end boats. When I, or any of my guys do work on the interiors, or have to access the engine rooms while going through the interiors, everything is covered. Carpet mask, butchers paper, drop cloths, you name it. If it might even POSSIBLY be touched by us, it gets covered. Period.

Cannot believe that someone did that to your vehicle. :(

When I had my truck windshield replaced last fall, I sat there and watched EVERY second of the replacement. Don't really care if the guys thought I was a di*k either. Made them lay out MY mf towels all over the hood & dash
At one point, the guys had a step stool about 3/8" from my fender. I asked them if they were actually going to leave that there and scratch my fender all to hell.

Point being, if I'm not doing it myself because I'm not equipped to do so, I'm damn sure gonna be there to watch anything done to my truck.

Hope you get your car fixed to your satisfaction, Chris.
 
If that mark is permanent I'd avoid removing the dash for a new replacement at all costs. You have to remove quite a few things to have access to the dash. In the end would you rather live with a stain that can be disguised by cleaning and/or those upholstery dyes or a brand new dash that you had to remove a gazillion parts to replace.
 
Safelight auto glass is who should perform any glass work,they hold a big market share installing glass.Good luck with the out come and check for leaks.
 
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