Defrost panel, Bilstein damper, iPod adaptor 03
by
, 19-06-2014 at 11:09 PM (4633 Views)
Before removing the Alpine Audio Head Unit in preparation for the dashboard removal, temporarily installed the USA Spec PA11-HON.
As always, I prefer using the connector located behind the left side seat.
Pass the adaptor loom along the factory cable behind the centre speaker panel.
I already serviced the head unit long time ago so no need to worry about burning the ACC line.
Quick check using the classic iPod mini.
Will modify the centre armrest glove box later.
Time to remove the entire dashboard and replace the defrost panel.
Initially, the owner and even myself thought that the higher temperature was helping in reducing the noise from the cracked defrost panel but I think I found the reason.
There were two more new cracks on the panel at exactly the symmetrical position.
As we didn't want to see the same thing happening on the new panel, I looked into the way in reinforcing the panel from the back and while I can create extra plastic layer, I was worried that it could cause new stress point resulting in crack at different position especially after looking at where the two new cracks happened.
There is no easy fix without carrying out extensive endurance testing in order to prove that the new fix won't cause new issues so I'm afraid I must install it as it is for the time being.
My defrost panel is also cracked and getting worce so when the time comes, I'll use my new panel as the guinea pig.