Topic: Dash Pad Maintenance:

[Smokey 15]

 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.

[slk25]

I use Formula 303 to protect against ultra violet rays from the sun plus a good  fiberboard sun screen in the windshield when parked.

[suskeenwiske]

I've heard either Baby Oil or Mineral Oil, don't remember which, works also, can anyone confirm this?

Ray

[5F08KGT]

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....

[aaatp]

I've been using WD40 on my dash pad and it seems to work great.

John

[69cobrajetrugae2]

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.

[Smokey 15]

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.

[Building 3]

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.

[67gtasanjose]

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.

[Smokey 15]

 Light solution of Simple Green. It rinses clean with no residue.

[dave6768]

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.