Best way to prevent dash from cracking?
09-03-2011, 06:44 PM
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Best way to prevent dash from cracking? I have seen multiple threads on repairing a cracked dash, but I couldn't find any about preventing a crack...
My last 2 dashes have cracked (the original dash lasted for 10 years and the last one I installed lasted a year before it started cracking). I always keep armor-all on them and never touch them. Even when putting armor-all on the dash I just glide the rag across and never put any pressure on the dash.
I was able to find one last dash pad in a local junk yard and before I install this one I want to know if there is anything that can be put on the plastic to prevent it from cracking. Are there any products that would be better than armor-all for the dash?
My last 2 dashes have cracked (the original dash lasted for 10 years and the last one I installed lasted a year before it started cracking). I always keep armor-all on them and never touch them. Even when putting armor-all on the dash I just glide the rag across and never put any pressure on the dash.
I was able to find one last dash pad in a local junk yard and before I install this one I want to know if there is anything that can be put on the plastic to prevent it from cracking. Are there any products that would be better than armor-all for the dash?
09-03-2011, 06:48 PM
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http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_detail.do?q=4835
I've been using this stuff for my Dash/interior panels for over a year.
I've been using this stuff for my Dash/interior panels for over a year.
09-03-2011, 09:35 PM
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Well I'd start but taking the armor-all off. If I remember correctly ( been along time ) the Silicone in AA will dry out the natural moisture out of the vinyl or rubber or whatever you're using it on. Youwould be better off w/ 303 Aerospace Protectant.
09-03-2011, 09:53 PM
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Or get an carpeted upper dash mat to cover it. I thought I saw them years ago. I haven't found one in recent searches. Anyone know where to get one? I just want a mat that covers the upper dash to keep it clean.
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09-03-2011, 11:13 PM
#9
^ That.
You need to use a product that has uv protection, this is also good I hear.
http://www.autogeek.net/black-wow-trim-restorer.html
You need to use a product that has uv protection, this is also good I hear.
http://www.autogeek.net/black-wow-trim-restorer.html
09-04-2011, 12:41 AM
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I've done some research on this and it seems that Armor All is part of the problem, it weakens the material over time. If you want to keep it clean, just use a damp cloth with warm water.
Definitely also use sun shades if you're parking it outside. I brought my car brand new back in the day and it never cracked. Never used armor on it and ALWAYS put my sun shades up when I parked it outside. Start making it a habit to park in the shade too...
Definitely also use sun shades if you're parking it outside. I brought my car brand new back in the day and it never cracked. Never used armor on it and ALWAYS put my sun shades up when I parked it outside. Start making it a habit to park in the shade too...
09-05-2011, 06:32 PM
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Mine is cracked and I want to buy one of those dash caps. I bet it can be modified to replace the stock weak upper dash with some glueing/ or fastening.
No one seems to have any pics, so i might be the first.
No one seems to have any pics, so i might be the first.
09-05-2011, 06:59 PM
#14
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I apply Adams VRT up on my dashpad every once in a while to stop it from getting brittle, I also use it on my door panels. It seems to work pretty good and it doesn't leave a cheesy glossy shine to it after you put it on either.
