Whats everyone use on the dash ??

[LSC SS]

The dash in my 92 is uncracked and I'd like to keep it that way, I have heard and seen horror stories about people using armor all and then all of a sudden the dash starts cracking. Would a quality leather conditioner work on the dash as well as the seats ??

[Nick]

Try Lexol for vinyl in the blue bottle. Armor All is a bad product because its chemical formula is actually bad for plastic and reduces elasticity or something along those lines. You can alo see if you can ask a professional detail shop what to use.

[cason1]

I have heard the Lexol is wonderful stuff but having no experience with it I can't say. I use Meguiars Leather wipes. They are usually soaked with leather conditioner and for the first few times I used them my dash soaked it up. Now it doesn't drink it so bad and I have now problems with it cracking or even fading.

[RJ Sclafani]

I've used armorall on 3 of my cars with no problems. No cracking, and a nice shine. I use the big spray bottle, not the wipes.

[pro-five-oh]

I use the same stuff I do for the leather...Obenaufs.

Karl, try a little bit of baby oil on it, I have heard it does wonders on 1970s Datsun Z cars and I expect it will work for us too. Should be super cheap too!

[pro-five-oh]

quote:Originally posted by RJ Sclafani:
I've used armorall on 3 of my cars with no problems. No cracking, and a nice shine. I use the big spray bottle, not the wipes.

How long have you been using it? You might change your tune about 7 years from now. Exposure to sunlight is also a major factor.

Oh, my 1965 Galaxie never had anything on the dash and it was in great condition when I sold it in 1996. Either a leather/skin care product or nothing is a better idea than armor all for vinyl.

[RJ Sclafani]

Cool, good looking out, i'll try some other stuff.

[Lee Joffe]

Every time you park in the hot sunlight pop in a sun screen - I use the two piece one with the wire around the outside - after 14 years my dash is still perfect.....Lee :cool:

[AceFrehley03]

I use Armor All on my truck, which is vinyl. Then again the dash is toast so I don't care.

As for the Lincoln, while I know it is a vinyl dash, I use Lexol leather conditioner. For some reason it likes it... of course I'll use the other Lexol stuff once I find it, but for now, that's what I'm using happily.

[Desert Stallion]

The thing about ArmorAll is that if used regularly, it works fairly well, but stop using it and that's when things dry up and crack.

I like Lexol products for a lot of things including equine tack. The only problem is that here in AZ, plastic dies a quick and tragic death. Just the nature of the hottest damn state in the union. (on average, the highest recorded temp is actually Death Valley, CA at 134*, highest I've seen here was 123*)

Heat shields are an absolute must. I've got a full compliment of them groovey shiny air-pocket filled pieces, and they really do help. That, and keepin the windows cracked will help too because it allows the car to vent a bit, keeping the air moving inside the car and reducing the 'oven' affect.

[KATHRED]

Hello,

I have been using Mink Oil---the stuff you use to protect boots (shoes). I have no idea where the idea came from, but I won't use Amorall. The thread from others is that Amorall contains silicone, and silicone causes stress in vinyl materials. Maybe Amorall is better left for tires? I am just passing along info I have read. Mink oil? Oh, someone will probably chew on me for this. I also use it on the soft top also--makes it nice and supple. When the top gets dirty--I use saddle soap to clean it.

John R ;)

[Major Rider]

Armor All was the first and is the worst

The Product you want is
Aerospace Protectant 303
it can be found on-line at www.303-products.com (http://www.303-products.com)
or Marine Supply or Camping World.
100% UV protection

another product with UV sunscreen is Wizards Vinyl Shine
1 800 356 7223 order line is 612-497-5155


Maguires and Mothers are also good.

But 303 is the trick ;)

[lsc bayside]

it may sound strange but the best thing you could possible put on your dash would be a thin layer of vasiline...........an old timer told me this.....

[Warden]

I started using ArmorAll when I first got my 88 T-Bird back in 1992, it took about 7 years but sure enough the dash cracked in multiple places from sun exposure (only blemishes in the whole interior) and it was treated every month. ArmorAll is no good.
My father never treated his dash on his 91 Econoline van and to this day it still has not faded. I should have listened to him earlier but I wanted all of my car to shine, and it did smile.gif
The lexol seems to work good, but I don't use anything at all, all protectants apply a sheen and it glares into the winshield and can cause a mirror reflection making it hard to see the road. I just dust it off, and coat everything else. If I was to show the car I would definately do the dash but the material should hold up for the life of the car, but if you need protection from intense sun then it's just a judgement call. Up here in Boston it's not too bad.

[KATHRED]

Warden--if you still have that '88 T-bird and know the front end suspension there, I need some help/ advice ?? I have no clue how to reach another member.

Again, from other internet sources I learned that Amorall contains silicone which is not good for all materials. Just the same, it may be that nothing lasts forever when constantly exposed to the sun like a dash or the top?

John R

[V8guy]

I have been using Vinylex for a few months now & am pleased with it. It has DH-60 sunscreen to prevent uv damage & is made by Lexol. I always use my windshield shade when I have to park in the sun for long periods of time. My dash & other interior vinyl is in good condition & I try to keep it that way.