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I'm about ready to install a dash pad that I've had in storage for years. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to "condition" it to help keep it from cracking? Anything that will soften it up some.
I guess it will happen eventually, but trying to prolong it.
I'm about ready to install a dash pad that I've had in storage for years. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to "condition" it to help keep it from cracking? Anything that will soften it up some.
I guess it will happen eventually, but trying to prolong it.
Anything with UV protection. Is this an original one or aftermarket? Aftermarket may use newer plastics that aren't as effected by UV exposure.
Before you install it, have uv protection film installed on your windshield. It will not only help with the dash, but also help keep interior temps lower. I bought my mother an MX5 grey on black vinyl, and you can sit in it without a towel in the Florida summer heat.
The easiest way is to not leave it in the sun for extended periods of time. My car has 95k on it and my dashpad is still pretty supple, but it was always garaged and I live in Michigan. Hit it with 303 every month or so and be mindful of where you park, it'll probably outlast the rest of the vehicle.
As to window film, if you're gonna do it don't cheap out. I have a black car with black leather interior, I park in the open facing east and it's perfectly fine after baking for 10 hours. My third gen in the same spot gets up to or over 120f with the 1997 poly tint over the same time period.
Armorall or mcguire's, keep it wiped down. Before installation spray it and let it SIT. Then spray it again 30 mins later and wipe it off. When you park in the sun for an extended period toss a towel on the dash.
Before you install it, have uv protection film installed on your windshield. It will not only help with the dash, but also help keep interior temps lower. I bought my mother an MX5 grey on black vinyl, and you can sit in it without a towel in the Florida summer heat.
Sounds like all good advice.
Did you install the UV film yourself or the glass shop or a tinting shop?
Armor All has NEVER worked for me. While I have it, I haven't had the 303 products long enough to know how good they are, but seeing others use the products on old vehicle vinyl and plastic parts looks promising.
The process I've used that has lasted isn't a quick one, but seems to work. I learned it from a friend decades ago who used it on his '69 GTO dash with great success. I've since used it on our '86 SVO dash and '92 Camaro dash. Both dashes are prone to cracking (shattering, is more like it) with age and exposure.
The process is to pull the dash pad, slather it in Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and tightly wrap it in Saran Wrap. He left that GTO darn wrapped for a couple of weeks. Our SVO dash was wrapped for several months while we completed other restoration activities on it, and the Camaro dash was wrapped literally for years (the car is in storage awaiting time to work on it, which has just recently occurred).
After a long rest, unwrap the pad, wipe the excess PJ off, and then give it a good clean with soap and water. The PJ will have soaked into the pad surface, softened and restored some of its color. Dry after a good rinse. I did wipe the dash down with 303 Products Aerospace Protectant P/N 30313CSR, as an added protection, prior to installing. It looks great. Here are a couple of pictures shortly before the install. Not3e that this is an old 3rd Gen Camaro dash, not NOS:
Armor All has NEVER worked for me. While I have it, I haven't had the 303 products long enough to know how good they are, but seeing others use the products on old vehicle vinyl and plastic parts looks promising.
The process I've used that has lasted isn't a quick one, but seems to work. I learned it from a friend decades ago who used it on his '69 GTO dash with great success. I've since used it on our '86 SVO dash and '92 Camaro dash. Both dashes are prone to cracking (shattering, is more like it) with age and exposure.
The process is to pull the dash pad, slather it in Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and tightly wrap it in Saran Wrap. He left that GTO darn wrapped for a couple of weeks. Our SVO dash was wrapped for several months while we completed other restoration activities on it, and the Camaro dash was wrapped literally for years (the car is in storage awaiting time to work on it, which has just recently occurred).
After a long rest, unwrap the pad, wipe the excess PJ off, and then give it a good clean with soap and water. The PJ will have soaked into the pad surface, softened and restored some of its color. Dry after a good rinse. I did wipe the dash down with 303 Products Aerospace Protectant P/N 30313CSR, as an added protection, prior to installing. It looks great. Here are a couple of pictures shortly before the install. Not3e that this is an old 3rd Gen Camaro dash, not NOS:
Different strokes for different folks, the pad on my '83 has been soaked in armorall and is doing great. Whatever product is used the key is getting something with UV protection.
I just try not to leave mine in the sun too long. If it's parked out of the garage, I use a sunshade (unless it's winter). I have a dash mat over mine too.
I just try not to leave mine in the sun too long. If it's parked out of the garage, I use a sunshade (unless it's winter). I have a dash mat over mine too.
So much this!! Both the Rustang and Camaro dashes were replacing pieces that had shattered from being stored out in the Texas heat and sun. Now they enjoy a ilife of leisure in our shop. :-)
The process is to pull the dash pad, slather it in Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and tightly wrap it in Saran Wrap. He left that GTO darn wrapped for a couple of weeks. Our SVO dash was wrapped for several months while we completed other restoration activities on it, and the Camaro dash was wrapped literally for years (the car is in storage awaiting time to work on it, which has just recently occurred).
After a long rest, unwrap the pad, wipe the excess PJ off, and then give it a good clean with soap and water. The PJ will have soaked into the pad surface, softened and restored some of its color. Dry after a good rinse. I did wipe the dash down with 303 Products Aerospace Protectant P/N 30313CSR, as an added protection, prior to installing. It looks great. Here are a couple of pictures shortly before the install. Not3e that this is an old 3rd Gen Camaro dash, not NOS:
That's interesting. I read some advice in a Mustang resto magazine many years ago where they used lanolin on wiring harnesses to soften brittle insulation. I've often wondered what it would do for a dash pad, but have not yet tried it.
That's interesting. I read some advice in a Mustang resto magazine many years ago where they used lanolin on wiring harnesses to soften brittle insulation. I've often wondered what it would do for a dash pad, but have not yet tried it.
The 303 line of products have a plastic cleaner and plastic treatment that I've seen a Yuutoober use to soften '70's-era wiring connectors and other plastic parts good enough the connectors can be unplugged without breaking the tabs or crumbling the connector itself. I haven't run across any such crusty connectors yet, but did grab a couple of bottles of the stuff just in case. It seemed to do well as a final coat on the dash pad and the window defroster vent inserts, though.
I tried this right out of storage and like the way it looks/feels so far. And you're right, not greasy or shiny.
Will def use something with UV protection and a sunshield. This car will live in Florida/Alabama for the next few years.
I've been a fan of the armor all protectant, but i''ve since switched to mothers protectant, i use all mothers products for my cars, trucks, bikes now days.
yeah keeping it out of the sun whenever possible & always keeping a dash mat on it from covercraft or elsewhere is about the best way to make any dash last.
06-27-2024, 06:50 AM
