Vinyl Care

[dcbullet]

Any great products to use to keep the dash from cracking? Armor All is all I know about and I was wondering if there were any new products that are better.

[steveheer]

Well, I've heard bad things about the long term effects of silicon in Armor All plus it makes everything slick and attract dust. I've used Meguires vinyl cleaner/conditioner some and it doesn't make everything so slick and wet looking but it may still have silicon.

Probably the best way to keep the dash from cracking is to use a dash protector to keep the sun and UV rays off since this is what makes the vinyl deteriorate. I have a dash protector that I got for Christmas a few years ago. It fits well BUT I left the velcro strips off to attach it. I didn't want the adhesive to mess up my good dash pad! So it does slide around if you brush against it. Normally it stays put and I would recommend one.

[dcbullet]

Well, I've heard bad things about the long term effects of silicon in Armor All plus it makes everything slick and attract dust. I've used Meguires vinyl cleaner/conditioner some and it doesn't make everything so slick and wet looking but it may still have silicon.

Probably the best way to keep the dash from cracking is to use a dash protector to keep the sun and UV rays off since this is what makes the vinyl deteriorate. I have a dash protector that I got for Christmas a few years ago. It fits well BUT I left the velcro strips off to attach it. I didn't want the adhesive to mess up my good dash pad! So it does slide around if you brush against it. Normally it stays put and I would recommend one.

Yeah problem with the dash protector is then you can't see the dash!

McGuires makes good wax so maybe they make good vinyl care product too.

[qman]

My old Volvo dash was perfect until I put Armor All on it. Then it cracked.

[steveheer]

I use to just have a truck towel that I draped over the dash when I parked it in the sun. Actually sometimes I still do that if the guages are facing the sun--I don't want faded guages!

I know what you mean about not seeing the dash. But I don't want my dash to crack like qman's Volvo!

[dcbullet]

I know what you mean about not seeing the dash. But I don't want my dash to crack like qman's Volvo!

Kind of a conundrum isn't it?

[rjewkes]

actualy why not justr tint all legaly tintable windows and then get a sun shade?

[Joe Kriston]

I don't know if anything can keep a dash from cracking...The problem is the foam underneath the vinyl dries out and shrinks in places and warps in others and the vinyl covering,being bonded to the foam,is not strong enough to keep from splitting as the foam starts losing it's shape....I'm no expert on vinyl,but I am an expert on flat roofs,and the same thing happens to roofs as they age...they're gradually drying out and shrinking over time...Keeping the sun's UV rays off of the dash,just like w/ roofs will certainly slowdown the 'weathering' process,but not totally eliminate it..I'd go w/ a sunscreen,tinted windows,room humidifier,air purifier,heated and air conditioned garage and maybe valet parking...

[Chasbod]

Mac's carries a POR-15 Boss Gloss vinyl protectant---haven't tried it so I can't vouch for it. Don't know if it has silicon in it.

I just figured that based on POR's reputation, it might be a good product.

[71-F-250SC-72-F-250C]

I pulled a green towel out of the bathroom that I use for my truck. I also use the McGuires stuff. When it is put on the seat, you can push down on the seat and feel how is made it softer and it can be stretched more. I dont press on the dash becuase I do not want it to crack, but I do put Mcguires on it also. Another good thing is you dont slide around with the McGuires on the seat.