Author Topic: Dash Pad Maintenance:  (Read 2974 times)

Offline Smokey 15

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Dash Pad Maintenance:
« on: August 10, 2015, 07:32:21 PM »
 What do you use on your dash pad to keep it soft and from cracking? I know the best thing is to keep them out of the sun, but often it's unavoidable. Mink oil was mentioned in another thread. I have used Vaseline on some pretty hard dash pads and it has softened them. I used Mother's, on a rag, to clean them.
« Last Edit: September 07, 2015, 11:24:24 PM by Smokey 15 »

Offline slk25

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Re: Dash Pad Maintenance:
« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2015, 06:11:42 AM »
I use Formula 303 to protect against ultra violet rays from the sun plus a good  fiberboard sun screen in the windshield when parked.
January 28 1966 Dearborn manufactured hardtop 289 2v 3spd manual

Offline suskeenwiske

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Re: Dash Pad Maintenance:
« Reply #2 on: September 04, 2015, 11:11:40 AM »
I've heard either Baby Oil or Mineral Oil, don't remember which, works also, can anyone confirm this?

Ray
Ray
1965 Dearborn Coupe
6 Cylinder, AT, PB, PS, AC
Est. Build 23A

Offline 5F08KGT

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Re: Dash Pad Maintenance:
« Reply #3 on: September 07, 2015, 07:33:01 AM »
I keep hearing great things about the 303 stuff!!

I need to try some for myself.

I currently use Surf City Garage Voodoo Leather rejuvenator on my dash, seats and other interior vinyl & leather surfaces....

Offline aaatp

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Re: Dash Pad Maintenance:
« Reply #4 on: September 07, 2015, 09:06:16 AM »
I've been using WD40 on my dash pad and it seems to work great.

John

Offline 69cobrajetrugae2

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Re: Dash Pad Maintenance:
« Reply #5 on: November 01, 2015, 07:05:34 AM »
I heard that WD-40 is also a great treatment for arthritic joints, similar to DMSO. A friend picks up a gallon for his uncle in Mexicali that rubs it into his knees to make them work, and I think it numbs the pain as well.

Offline Smokey 15

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Re: Dash Pad Maintenance:
« Reply #6 on: November 01, 2015, 09:13:47 AM »
I heard that WD-40 is also a great treatment for arthritic joints, similar to DMSO. A friend picks up a gallon for his uncle in Mexicali that rubs it into his knees to make them work, and I think it numbs the pain as well.
.........And he'll never have water on the knee.  I've used WD-40 to clean the glue from where someone had stuck something on the dash and to remove stickers.

Offline Building 3

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Re: Dash Pad Maintenance:
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2015, 12:21:37 PM »
I use a very diluted solution of Simple Green. About a 1:20 or 30 ratio.  The color of the solution in the bottle is a light green.  That cleans very well and gives a nice flat finish. A diluted solution of Murphy's Oil Soap also works well.  It gives a slight sheen to the vinyl but it also seems to hide imperfections.
1966 289 C code auto convertible December 1965 scheduled build at Dearborn.

1966 289 C code auto convertible
October 1965 scheduled build at Metuchen.

Offline 67gtasanjose

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Re: Dash Pad Maintenance:
« Reply #8 on: November 01, 2015, 12:40:34 PM »
I have an original pad (not installed in the car at this time) that is fairly good condition, a black pad but it is somewhat faded in looks (possibly only or a build-up of product over the years). I know I can always dye it if all else fails but what processes should I follow to best access the next step?

What should I use to:
1.) clean it well enough to assess the true condition of the vinyl color.
2.) not apply something that could result in lack of adhesion for the probable need of  later dyeing the surface.
Richard Urch

1967 (11/2/66, S.J.) GTA Luxury Coupe, 289-4V w/Thermactor Emissions, C-4, Int./Ext. Decor +many options

2005 (04/05) GT Premium Convertible, Windveil Blue, Parchment Top w/Med. Parchment interior,  Roush Body Appointments

Offline Smokey 15

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Re: Dash Pad Maintenance:
« Reply #9 on: November 01, 2015, 05:47:13 PM »
 Light solution of Simple Green. It rinses clean with no residue.

Offline dave6768

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Re: Dash Pad Maintenance:
« Reply #10 on: November 01, 2015, 08:14:39 PM »
I've been using 303 on both my vert tops and tires for years.  What sold me was the advertisement on the UV protection.  What has kept me is how good my black top looks after about 15 years of use...it still looks new.