Dash dressing?

As simple as this may sound, my wife taught me how to clean. She boils water, wears 2 pairs of gloves and wipes down the interiors of the cars we paint with just the HOT water and a clean lint free cloth. It leaves NO residue and heat melts off most everything. I avoid silicone products around the body shop. But I do have some NAPA brand vynal treatment on my dash, not real greasy, like some products.

Saddle Soap is made for leather, works great and it moisturizes at the same time.
Once washed with Saddle Soad and allowed to dry, put a coat of leather dressing, then hand wipe/buff it to a shine and it will look great.

After a good cleaning, it would be a good idea to re-dye the dash with a black dye. Several members recommended Forever Black and I used it on all the vinyl pieces in the interior and it really brings them back to life. Highly recommended. Then you may want to protect it with a synthetic (NOT Armor All) to protect it from UV radiation.

Jeff
6559

I like the idea of Forever Black Jeff, where did you find it? Thanks all for the great tips.
Mark

...I use 'Turtle Wax' 'Formula 2001 Super protectant with Sun Stop'. It comes in a bright green spray bottle. It says that it 'Blocks U.V. Rays'. 'Superior shine and protection for Rubber, Vinyl, Plastic and Leather'. I am very satisfied with it. Very high shine on my vinyl dash that lasts Forever; or so long I really have not had to add another layer, I just whipe it over with a dray cloth. I believe it DOES moisturize. Yes! it does have a light greasy feel, but I like it!...

quote:

Originally posted by Mark#6808:
I like the idea of Forever Black Jeff, where did you find it? Thanks all for the great tips.
Mark

I got it at AutoGeek but you can do a google search for prices. For the UV topcoat, I use Stoner Trim Shine. I really go for their Tire Treatment as well.

What 'bad things' have you heard about Armor All?

I have heard that Armor ALL contains a chemical that will actually assist the deterioration of vinyl over time.
I have used 303 products for years and I have had great luck with it. I buy it by the gallon which costs about $60.00 which typically lasts more than 2 years. I have purchased several objects including a spa cover that claimed the 5 year warranty would be void if I used anything other than 303. They have a very informative website located at

http://www.303products.com/tech/index.cfm?fuseaction=ca...splay&category_id=63

Gary #06984

I know armor all is bad on your paint

I really don't like the armor-all smell.

I heard the same thing, is this a old wifes tail?
.

quote:

Originally posted by fordgt:
I have heard that Armor ALL contains a chemical that will actually assist the deterioration of vinyl over time.


Gary #06984

quote:

Originally posted by Mark#6808:
I heard the same thing, is this a old wifes tail?

quote:

Originally posted by fordgt:
I have heard that Armor ALL contains a chemical that will actually assist the deterioration of vinyl over time.

Gary #06984

I don't know if the "rumor" has any validity, but I do know that Armor All is next to useless, it shines up vinyl & rubber a bit by leaving an oily film, but it does nothing to protect, preserve or refurbish.

I use 3M Leather & Vinyl Cleaner/Restorer, it has 2 part numbers on the bottle, 051131 and 39040. I've never found it on a shelf in an auto parts store, so I purchase it directly from 3M via their web site.

It doesn't leave an oily film, and it does condition and restore vinyl, rubber, leather and some plastics. It's lemon scented too

Your friend on the DTBB, George

http://www.prp-porstore.com/page/por15/PROD/Appearance/BG

Boss Gloss by POR contains more solids and leaves little to no residue.

Regards

quote:

For the UV topcoat, I use Stoner Trim Shine. I really go for their Tire Treatment as well.

And you should try their "Invisible Glass" cleaner. You'll never again use anything else.

Larry

Boy do we sound like a bunch of nerds writing back & forth about our favorite rubber & vinyl protectant!

Snort, snort.

Okay everybody, are you wearing your pocket protectors? If you have glasses, do you have a least 10 wraps of tape around the nose piece?

George

I use 303 Aerospace Protectent on interior vinyl. I tried it based on the info I found on Autopia.com - probably the best source of detailing information on the web.
http://autopia.org/

I thought I knew how to clean a car until I started to read the comments and see the great results these guys get. There are a number of pro detailers that post there. The apperance of my car has improved 100% since I started to post there.

Also thanks to everyone for the great Pantera data. I have been lurking here for a while. I am going to look at a 73 L tomorrow – wish me luck

Good luck!

And welcome aboard!

Your friend on the DTBB, George