So I preplaced the dash pad in my 2000 TA...
07-07-2015, 12:01 AM
#2
LS1Tech Administrator
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The new one must've had a flaw in it, and/or was weakened during installation.
My '02 car sat outside every day, other than a brief period of garage parking from late '07 to mid '08, and when I sold the car in 2014 the pad was perfect. I always kept it treated 2-3 times per year with 303 protectant though. I think most people let the plastic get dried out and then any sort of flexing or even a slight impact will crack or shatter the brittle plastic.
My '02 car sat outside every day, other than a brief period of garage parking from late '07 to mid '08, and when I sold the car in 2014 the pad was perfect. I always kept it treated 2-3 times per year with 303 protectant though. I think most people let the plastic get dried out and then any sort of flexing or even a slight impact will crack or shatter the brittle plastic.
07-07-2015, 07:11 AM
#3
TECH Junkie
They were made just fine. Owners are the problem. For whatever reason many owners feel that you don't have to do anything to dashes other than wipe them down once in awhile. I also have never had an issue with either of my F-bodies but they were always treated to regular 'non-glare' Armorall or Mother's protectant treatments (ignore the internet myths about Armorall or the 'friend who knew of a friend' BS stories). My Formula was 9 years old when I sold it in late 2004 and was outside in the brutal FL sun many days while at work. It was perfect. My current T/A is now 14 years old but it is garage kept 99% of the time. It is also perfect.
Good luck in your search for one that isn't dried up. It's out there somewhere.
Good luck in your search for one that isn't dried up. It's out there somewhere.