Ok to drive without interior trim?

S

StudioWizard

Member
 Los Angeles, CA, USA
Hey folks

I'm going to be removing the dash and center console trim pieces to repair, repaint and clear coat them. This is going to take some time and I'm wondering if there are any issues with removing the 3 trim pieces and driving the car without any trim pieces installed.

I'm driving a 2005 2.5i 5-speed auto.

Worst case, I could put in another set I recently bought, but don't like, until I get the originals finished. However, that seems like a major pain in the you know what!

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!!
 
I also can't think of any reason why you cannot drive without them fitted. Much of my wife's Mx5 trip is sitting in the passenger foot well at present. until a new roof motor arrives and I can fix her roof.
 
Does it have a sport button? You should reconnect that in case it causes any odd issues.
Likewise the hazard/central locking switch. But they should be easy to just lay in.
As it's an auto you need to reconnect the plug under the selector surround too.

Oh, and if it has Isofix, be sure to reconnect the light on the left side of the gear selector.

Not sure how deep your strip is going, but if you disturb the rear section of the centre console, make sure the storage door microswitch still works to turn off the light inside the cubby.
 
I was surprised how little interior trim was required for the car to function when I had my dashboard & centre console out earlier this year. You might cause some codes depending on what you've unplugged.

Also reminds me I should put the trim back on the passenger footwell/sill, it appears to have stopped leaking.
 
Thanks everyone for your useful comments!

Btw, I don't think my storage compartment has a light in it.... I wish it did! Same for the glove compartment.

OK, I'll give it all a go and see what happens.

Thanks!!
 
StudioWizard said:
OK, I'll give it all a go and see what happens.
Click to expand...
You'll be fine.
I have a Z3 with no trim, no dashboard, no seats, no body panels and no lights. It drives fine (the box is a bit uncomfy to sit on, and the free- hanging ignition can be a bit tricky, mind). Best bit is if any warning lights come up, I can't see 'em cos the dash is under the spare bed! Sounds lovely too without a bonnet; you can really hear the K&N rasp. :lol: :lol:
 
Pondrew said:
You'll be fine.
I have a Z3 with no trim, no dashboard, no seats, no body panels and no lights. It drives fine (the box is a bit uncomfy to sit on, and the free- hanging ignition can be a bit tricky, mind). Best bit is if any warning lights come up, I can't see 'em cos the dash is under the spare bed! Sounds lovely too without a bonnet; you can really hear the K&N rasp. :lol: :lol:
Click to expand...

LOL! That's pretty extreme!
 
Pondrew said:
StudioWizard said:
OK, I'll give it all a go and see what happens.
Click to expand...
You'll be fine.
I have a Z3 with no trim, no dashboard, no seats, no body panels and no lights. It drives fine (the box is a bit uncomfy to sit on, and the free- hanging ignition can be a bit tricky, mind). Best bit is if any warning lights come up, I can't see 'em cos the dash is under the spare bed! Sounds lovely too without a bonnet; you can really hear the K&N rasp. :lol: :lol:
Click to expand...

Next you’ll be telling us it sounds just like a Ferrari :rofl:
 
Zedebee said:
Next you’ll be telling us it sounds just like a Ferrari
Click to expand...
Not yet.....not yet. But it will (maybe. One day. If I live that long). :D
 
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