preserving the dash pad

[kf7mjf]

So my dash pad is nearly perfect, and I would like to keep it that way. Putting the truck in a garage is not possible right now, so other than protecting it from direct sun, what chemical treatments are my best bet?

[HIO Silver]

Unless you are absolutely dedicated to using some sort of preservative forever, DO NOT USE ANYTHING. I've got a 65 'stang that I bought from my brother who used Armor All on everything. The dashpad, vinyl seats, and even the door panels are cracking. I hate that crap... it also outgasses and leaves a scummy film on the inside glass.

Get a dash cover.. I think 'Dashy' is a popular brand. Opt for a dark color as light colors will be reflected in your windshield when viewed from inside. I also use a fold-up windshield screen when parked to keep the heat and UV rays out.

[kf7mjf]

Thanks for the tips
what is the best way to keep it clean?

[72BahamaBlue]

Ditto on the Armor All. It's a really old formula, seems to shrink vinyl over time.
I have had excellent results with the Turtle Wax F21 Super Protectant. It's in a bright green spray bottle, it's working very well, no greasy film, and softens up the vinyl. It also adds UV protection.
It took a couple of coats, dashpad is much better.
My !

[HIO Silver]

Thanks for the tips
what is the best way to keep it clean?

Mild soap and water. Add a dash topper and you're golden.

[Chickenhawk368]

So my dash pad is nearly perfect, and I would like to keep it that way. Putting the truck in a garage is not possible right now, so other than protecting it from direct sun, what chemical treatments are my best bet?

Your best bet is to put it in my truck where it will be safe.

[kf7mjf]

Silver, thanks for the advice. About what I figured, but it never hurts to get confirmation.

Chickenhawk, you wouldn't like it. It's green, and there is a cut over the speaker hole, and a tiny, little tear that I'm going to seal up with superglue so it doesn't spread. In fact, I should probably just scrap the whole thing, and replace it with green shag carpeting.

[colnago]

Well, then, I can store it for you! My interior is green, too! Just offerin' ...

I think that HIO has the best answer, though. Soap, water, and a topper.

Joseph

[Ranchero50]

Baby oil is about the absolute best I've run into. Good old J+J brand for $1 a bottle last a long time. Just soak a towel and let it sit on the dash for a couple days until the vinyl soaks it in, then just reapply when the sheen dries out. The oil softens the vinyl and helps lift old dirt out of the cracks.

Never use a solvent, alcohol or silicone based product.

[kf7mjf]

Cool, I'll have to pick some up. There is a tiny tear in it, I was thinking about injecting a bit of superglue underneath to keep from spreading?

[Ranchero50]

Take a picture. Usually just keeping the vinyl soft will keep a tear or crack from spreading. I do miss the old repair kits from back in the day.

[Dirty Offio]

I realize this is an old thread, but I thought I would toss my in.

A tip I got from an old school detail man years ago is similar to the baby oil trick, but a bit easier. Pick up a jar of vaseline and rub a nice thick coating on the dash. Let it sit, it will soak in as much as it can over a month or so. Wipe it off after that. It softens up the vinyl and keeps it looking good. I do it to every old rig I buy that has a dashpad...if the dashpad isn't FUBAR. My mustang hasn't cracked yet, and the BEAST (68 4 door) hasn't degraded in the time I have had it. It is like yours, has a couple small cracks and tears, but is in overall good condition.

This tip also works if you are parking a rig for a while. (broke down, going out of country (Military or what have you) or a parts truck that has a good dash you want to stay that way. Coat it real thick with vaseline and let er sit. It will start to look grody after a few months, but it is just dust and dirt settling into the top of the vaseline. Wipe it off when you go to pull the part, or drive the truck or what have you.

Cheers!

Offio