Quote:
Originally posted by A6Pilot
Actually, the plastic bar that is removed to get to the cabin air filter is not there for any kind of crash protection. It is molded into the dash structure in order to facilitate dash installation and alignment at the factory. The dash is first installed as a single unit. The plastic bar prevents the bottom of the dash to spread as the assembly is bolted in. As the final step, the metal bar is bolted into the structure of the vehicle.
The metal bar, in fact, constitutes the safety structure and the dash integrity mechanism, not the plastic bar. Once the metal bar is bolted to the structure of the vehicle, the plastic bar has no further function, safety or otherwise. It’s only there as a convenience to the assembly line workers. Ever wonder why things are so well lined up? It’s one of Honda’s many little secrets.
Take a look at the metal structure under the dash, on the driver's side. It's even more robust and complex.
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Actually, the plastic bar that is removed to get to the cabin air filter is not there for any kind of crash protection.
I can not challenge with any veracity, what you said regarding the dash installation because I don't have any knowledge of the installation procedure. However, if the metal bar is already screwed to the dash, before they set the dash in and screw the last 8 mm bolts to the underlying vehicle structure, why would they need the plastic bar at all, as the metal bar is already keeping the continuity of the dash in place?
Be that as it may, if you put your hand down where the shin bones of your legs would impact the bottom of the GB, mine came into direct contact with the edge of the metal bar only after I removed the plastic bar. I did not feel the metal bar at all before removal of the plastic one. Ergo, I will still screw mine back into place for protection, although I have no guarantee or proof that it will work.
You, of course, may do as you like! :-)
Regards,
efine