Protecting Your Dash Pad
#1
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Belvoir, VA USA
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 94 Camaro
Engine: 3.4L
Transmission: 4l60e
Protecting Your Dash Pad
I just picked up a perfect dash pad from the bone yard today. What are some steps I can take to keep it from cracking. I have a good layer of armerall on there and I have a sun shield to keep the sun off during the day. What els could I do?
#3
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Belvoir, VA USA
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 94 Camaro
Engine: 3.4L
Transmission: 4l60e
ooooh didn't know that, let me do some research, I was to d@mn tired last night to search, but I have time now...
#4
Supreme Member
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: north plainfield,nj,usa
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
dont use Armorall. thats what helps to the craking (spellin) of the dash pad. ive heard if u use it u need to keep on using it or it will just dry the dash and lead to craking. use like miguries rubber and vyinal protectent, its in a red bottle and it works good.
#5
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Belvoir, VA USA
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 94 Camaro
Engine: 3.4L
Transmission: 4l60e
had some time to do some searching, and deciding I'm not using armorall anymore. What are some good steps to get the stuff off. I will try my Eagle One Tire Cleaner on there next.
#6
I wouldn't use tire cleaner on your interior pieces...............
As for protection, there is nothing better than Aerospace Treatment, period.
http://www.303products.com/protectant.htm
As for protection, there is nothing better than Aerospace Treatment, period.
http://www.303products.com/protectant.htm
#7
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Belvoir, VA USA
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 94 Camaro
Engine: 3.4L
Transmission: 4l60e
is it the sunlight or the heat that is cuasing the pads to crack?
What are the products you all use?
Black Magic
Mequires
NU VINYL
Eagle One
Any more?
About for tires, cuase i saw that is not good for the tires either?????
What are the products you all use?
Black Magic
Mequires
NU VINYL
Eagle One
Any more?
About for tires, cuase i saw that is not good for the tires either?????
Trending Topics
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: California
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 91 Camaro RS Update: Sold Camaro, now own a "91" Corvette.
Engine: Corvette L98 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Best stuff I've ever used is called Vinylex by Lexol. It has a very good UV Protectant in it and it does not contain any water like most other products. I remember seeing it endorsed by some car show awhile back. I've been using it for years now on my dash pad with great results. Cost about $7.99, here's a picture of it.
#11
Will cold crack a dash SB?
You can remove the Armorall with warm water and dishsoap. As for protection, I usually use Meguires , but I'm still looking for something I really like that will do a good job protecting it without a glaring shine. I sure don't want mine to crack either!
You can remove the Armorall with warm water and dishsoap. As for protection, I usually use Meguires , but I'm still looking for something I really like that will do a good job protecting it without a glaring shine. I sure don't want mine to crack either!
#12
I bought some protectant today. Everything I looked at was all from the same company. Wesley's makes one, Eagle 1 makes a couple, and there's a couple more. Every one of them is a Slick-50 company. The pisser is, almost every commercial product I know of uses silicone, which I don't think is real good for vinal. I chose the Eagle 1 stuff just because I like the smell.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 86Z/92 RS Camaro
Engine: 357 vortec finished. need tuning
Transmission: Still works
Axle/Gears: need 3.73
I read somewhere way back that using Vasoline (NO JOKES PLS!!!!) is good for your dash. I've used it and it does give it a shine.
#14
#15
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Belvoir, VA USA
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 94 Camaro
Engine: 3.4L
Transmission: 4l60e
2vmodular, I already read that post, thanx anyways, but it doesn't give a good product that helps
Everybody suggests something different, how do i pick? So I need to find something that has no silicones?
Everybody suggests something different, how do i pick? So I need to find something that has no silicones?
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Long Island NY
Posts: 917
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: Z28
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
I've heard of people actually using motor oil. I replaced my dash pad last december and it cracked a few months later. I have one of those windshield covers to keep the heat and uv out now. No other cracks developed but I still need a new dash pad .
#17
Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Ft. Campbell,Ky USA
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What Saddle Soap and other type of conditioners? I just rub whats left of my dash with KEWI Saddle Soap and it seems to do quit well. I mainly use leather type protecting products. Seem that the oils or whatever in it works well to get off old dust, oil, and grease. Use on vinyl and all plastic parts.
#18
Originally posted by Tom Keliher
I wouldn't use tire cleaner on your interior pieces...............
As for protection, there is nothing better than Aerospace Treatment, period.
http://www.303products.com/protectant.htm
I wouldn't use tire cleaner on your interior pieces...............
As for protection, there is nothing better than Aerospace Treatment, period.
http://www.303products.com/protectant.htm
#19
Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: mid-west, Oh
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 85 Camaro
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Been using wesleys black magic for ten years now. my 17 year old dash still looks brand new even though i only put the stuff on about once or twice a year. maybe I'm just lucky.
#21
Supreme Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Moved... GA still, more garage space!
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 87 Red/Blk Bird loaded 3.4L & 700R4
Transmission: Th700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
I have been using Black Magic since I got the car in 1989. It still has its original dash pad, w/o any cracks or fading.
#22
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Belvoir, VA USA
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 94 Camaro
Engine: 3.4L
Transmission: 4l60e
I guess BLack MAgic it is... What can I use to remove all the Armorall from the Interior?????
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Morgantown, WV
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I use Meguires products and am happy with the results.
Yes, very cold temperatures can make the dash pad very brittle. I know for a fact it is easy to damage in this state. I assume that quicky raising the temp could cause a crack.
Yes, very cold temperatures can make the dash pad very brittle. I know for a fact it is easy to damage in this state. I assume that quicky raising the temp could cause a crack.
#26
So many suggestions, yet none that protects the dash from the UV. A dash cover is the answer. My first dash cover lasted 10 years and finally died from the sun. It was the velour style and the foam backing disintegrated. My new one is the carpet style. Oh, my dash itself is still in perfect condition after 12 years. Lon
#27
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Republic of Western Canada
Posts: 3,238
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 1986 Sport Coupé
Engine: 305-4v
Transmission: 700R4 and TransGo2
Originally posted by Jza
Will cold crack a dash SB?
You can remove the Armorall with warm water and dishsoap. As for protection, I usually use Meguires , but I'm still looking for something I really like that will do a good job protecting it without a glaring shine. I sure don't want mine to crack either!
Will cold crack a dash SB?
You can remove the Armorall with warm water and dishsoap. As for protection, I usually use Meguires , but I'm still looking for something I really like that will do a good job protecting it without a glaring shine. I sure don't want mine to crack either!
I have used Meguires, too, but it seems to let off some aweful amount of film that gets on the inside of the windshield in a day or so. That's what I hate about all these products
#28
Originally posted by lonsal
So many suggestions, yet none that protects the dash from the UV. A dash cover is the answer. My first dash cover lasted 10 years and finally died from the sun. It was the velour style and the foam backing disintegrated. My new one is the carpet style. Oh, my dash itself is still in perfect condition after 12 years. Lon
So many suggestions, yet none that protects the dash from the UV. A dash cover is the answer. My first dash cover lasted 10 years and finally died from the sun. It was the velour style and the foam backing disintegrated. My new one is the carpet style. Oh, my dash itself is still in perfect condition after 12 years. Lon
original poster is getting vague and inconclusive answers because there is no miracle spray or other liquid substance to protect the dash from cracking & becoming brittle. best protection is not to park the car in the full sun and not to park the car in locations where the interior temperature of the car will become hot.
keeping the car in a climate controlled garage and only driving it at night would greatly extend the life of the dashpad. never driving the car during the daylight is far from practical though.
Last edited by 2vmodular; 05-17-2002 at 11:59 AM.
#29
Supreme Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Moved... GA still, more garage space!
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 87 Red/Blk Bird loaded 3.4L & 700R4
Transmission: Th700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
I'm not sure if Black Magic has UV blocker in it. There is a product I've seen, but no nothing about Finish 2000 had UV blockers I think thats the name??? Florescent green bottle.
I would still go with the Black magic and worst case get a car cover or windshield sun shade for the times you park it in the sun.
Or if you don't mind the looks of a dash cover, do that.
I would still go with the Black magic and worst case get a car cover or windshield sun shade for the times you park it in the sun.
Or if you don't mind the looks of a dash cover, do that.
#30
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Baton Rouge ,Louisiana ,USA
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally posted by JAY4SPEED
If i'm not mistaken, I though I've read on the boards that Armorall actually is bad for it and dries it out.
If i'm not mistaken, I though I've read on the boards that Armorall actually is bad for it and dries it out.
#31
it's called Zaino my friends
take off your whole dash pad... clean it with some simple green, follow up with Zaino leather conditioner (with UV protectants). do all this in the shade put a good coat on let it dry thoroughly then buff off any excess with a cotton cloth. put the dash pad back on.
do this once a year and it will stay looking mint for a loooong time.
Garett
take off your whole dash pad... clean it with some simple green, follow up with Zaino leather conditioner (with UV protectants). do all this in the shade put a good coat on let it dry thoroughly then buff off any excess with a cotton cloth. put the dash pad back on.
do this once a year and it will stay looking mint for a loooong time.
Garett
#32
Supreme Member
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Happy Valley, Oregon
Posts: 3,625
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've used EagleOne tire protectant on all the interior plastic of my '86 Camaro since the day it was new, and nothing has dried out or cracked, even though the car was parked outside every day until early '99 (a couple of those years in Tucson). I also like that it doesn't leave a residue on your windshield, and isn't oily to the touch after you apply it. Other products probably work fine too, but I know the EagleOne does for sure.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Lutz, FL USA
Posts: 535
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
wow...i must be lucky... my 91 SUNNY FLORIDA car has the original dash pad in peeeerfect condition and i put a damn thing on it. i just crack the windows on sunny days. lucky.... KNOCK ON WOOD
#35
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mesquite, Texas
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 89 rs, 86 Trans Am
Engine: RS-V6... Trans Am-LG4
Transmission: RS-T5... Trans Am 700r4
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
I'm going to bump and ancient thread to get other's opinions on the same subject...
I just got a newish dash pad, and I'd like to know how you all recommend keeping it looking nice.
I know to stay away from armor all, and I have a carpet pad that will stay on it most of the time...
anything else I can do? I hear black magic is nice...
I just got a newish dash pad, and I'd like to know how you all recommend keeping it looking nice.
I know to stay away from armor all, and I have a carpet pad that will stay on it most of the time...
anything else I can do? I hear black magic is nice...
#36
Member
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
The best protectant is a dash mat/pad period! Most products are just for shine and nothing else. Eventually the penetrating sunlight will eat away at your dash and its over. Ordered mine for around 25$ custom made. All the vehicles I've owned had one.
End up saving yourself some money too since your using less protectant stuff on the dash!
End up saving yourself some money too since your using less protectant stuff on the dash!
#38
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mesquite, Texas
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 89 rs, 86 Trans Am
Engine: RS-V6... Trans Am-LG4
Transmission: RS-T5... Trans Am 700r4
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
its nice to know the carpet pad I bought to hide my ratty old pad can will be used to protect my new pad
Come to think of it, I think I thought about that possibility when I bought it months ago
I do keep the car garaged most of the time and every night, but this is texas, and there will be times it will have to be outside
Come to think of it, I think I thought about that possibility when I bought it months ago
I do keep the car garaged most of the time and every night, but this is texas, and there will be times it will have to be outside
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
7 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: L31-R 350 w/ EBL P4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
Just get a carpeted dash pad. That's what my car came with. Looks good, dash has no cracks, and a carpet pad is easy to replace.
#40
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mesquite, Texas
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 89 rs, 86 Trans Am
Engine: RS-V6... Trans Am-LG4
Transmission: RS-T5... Trans Am 700r4
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
#41
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 IROC-Z and 1988 Iroc-Z
Engine: 5.7 350 V8 and 5.0 305 V8
Transmission: 700R4 Automatic Transmission
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
Realisticaly the best way to keep your dash from cracking is by taking it off of your car. Just keep the cracked and broken one on your car. It might look bad but in 10-20 years when you sell your car for big bucks you will have a perfect dash stored away and be one of the few people who still has an origional unrefurbished dash pad. There was this dash pad at Upull it I might pick up just to use in my car and store mine away in my closet or something because it has a small crack in the corner but it is hidden by the door.. The one I saw is padded and doesnt have any cracks so it will look nice and in case of an accident my passenger wont be smashing their head into the hard plastic but a more cushioned material instead.
#42
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mesquite, Texas
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 89 rs, 86 Trans Am
Engine: RS-V6... Trans Am-LG4
Transmission: RS-T5... Trans Am 700r4
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
lol, my car is a V6 RS... it wont ever be worth big bucks...
you do raise an interesting point... Keep your best dash in the closet, and put it on for car shows only
you do raise an interesting point... Keep your best dash in the closet, and put it on for car shows only
#43
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
I'm going to go against the conventional wisdom here, and say that Armor-All is key.
I see a LOT of threads knocking it, to the point where I almost think I should change, but I've been using Armor-All on my dashpad--and all interior plastics--for 12 years, and they are all flawless, not faded, not cracked, just as they came on day one.
So is Armor-All bad? Maybe, probably. But I've got twelve years of experience using it weekly all summer long telling me it's kept my dash flawless.
The dash pad has a perfect light satin shine that looks great under street lights. Not too shiny, just cleeeean looking.
FTR, the car is garaged year round, which is probably the best way to protect your dash.
I too worry about the day it cracks, because I'm sure it will someday, but it doesn't seem like Armor-All will be the culprit; after twelve years it's plenty saturated with it so if it was going to crack from the Armor-All, it would've done so long ago.
FTR it's all I've used on my tires that were last replaced in 1999, and there's not a dry-rot crack in them anywhere to be seen.
Armor-All is a UV protectant, or so the bottle says.
I see a LOT of threads knocking it, to the point where I almost think I should change, but I've been using Armor-All on my dashpad--and all interior plastics--for 12 years, and they are all flawless, not faded, not cracked, just as they came on day one.
So is Armor-All bad? Maybe, probably. But I've got twelve years of experience using it weekly all summer long telling me it's kept my dash flawless.
The dash pad has a perfect light satin shine that looks great under street lights. Not too shiny, just cleeeean looking.
FTR, the car is garaged year round, which is probably the best way to protect your dash.
I too worry about the day it cracks, because I'm sure it will someday, but it doesn't seem like Armor-All will be the culprit; after twelve years it's plenty saturated with it so if it was going to crack from the Armor-All, it would've done so long ago.
FTR it's all I've used on my tires that were last replaced in 1999, and there's not a dry-rot crack in them anywhere to be seen.
Armor-All is a UV protectant, or so the bottle says.
#44
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mesquite, Texas
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 89 rs, 86 Trans Am
Engine: RS-V6... Trans Am-LG4
Transmission: RS-T5... Trans Am 700r4
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
your car is amazing.... can't argue with that logic...
I did see that armor all has several different products, all supposedly for different applications. News to me... I'm old enough to think of armor all as being only one product
I did see that armor all has several different products, all supposedly for different applications. News to me... I'm old enough to think of armor all as being only one product
#45
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 IROC-Z and 1988 Iroc-Z
Engine: 5.7 350 V8 and 5.0 305 V8
Transmission: 700R4 Automatic Transmission
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
Well you never know. A V6 could be worth a good amount of cash in the future because alot of people keep swapping them out for 350s and then use them as anchors on their fishing boats. So a nice well maintained V6 could be worth something but not as much as an origional 350 and possibly a 305. But yeah that's what I am planning to do because I hardly ever go into my closet anyway so it would be safe there. Now the only part of the plan left to fulfill is to make sure that Camaro that had the cushioned dash in it is still there. Actually that Camaro had a pretty imaculate interior. Cant say much for the dented up yellow body, missing trans, and the questionably running V8 under the hood (it does have some nice chrome valve covers on it though).
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
I have had two dashes crack on me. The second was an immaculate one I pulled from the yard that was on the car for about a month!! I think sudden temperature changes, or large temperature swings, along with UV radiation are the principle culprits. I have heard horror stories for years about Armorall and had the dash in my old BMW crack almost as soon as I started using it, but haven't seen any scientific studies. Maybe a Third Gen club could get together and pull say 4 or 5 pads the same age from a yard and do a study: one with no treatment, one with Armorall, one with Meguires, one with a cover etc and track their condition over time. Might be a nice service to the 3rd Gen community?
I just hate the idea of driving around with a hairy cover on the dash, only to peek under it once or twice a year by the light of a full moon to confirm that my dash pad is still pristine... kind of like buying a Picasso and keeping it in a bank vault... what's the point? We bought these things to drive them, didn't we?
I just hate the idea of driving around with a hairy cover on the dash, only to peek under it once or twice a year by the light of a full moon to confirm that my dash pad is still pristine... kind of like buying a Picasso and keeping it in a bank vault... what's the point? We bought these things to drive them, didn't we?
#49
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mesquite, Texas
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 89 rs, 86 Trans Am
Engine: RS-V6... Trans Am-LG4
Transmission: RS-T5... Trans Am 700r4
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
wow! but that's not the craziest thing I've ever seen, not by a long shot
Last edited by 58mark; 01-15-2011 at 10:46 AM.
#50
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 IROC-Z and 1988 Iroc-Z
Engine: 5.7 350 V8 and 5.0 305 V8
Transmission: 700R4 Automatic Transmission
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi
Re: Protecting Your Dash Pad
I just hate the idea of driving around with a hairy cover on the dash, only to peek under it once or twice a year by the light of a full moon to confirm that my dash pad is still pristine... kind of like buying a Picasso and keeping it in a bank vault... what's the point? We bought these things to drive them, didn't we?