Dash Care

[Jinaman]

Just sniped a nice straight dash of craigslist. It has one very minor crack on the hidden side of the tray on top, and has mild sun faded look to it.
I was wondering what you guys used to patch minor cracking, i want to prevent this from expanding into a more visible part.
Also what works well to bring the color and sheen back to the vinyl. Something that will also protect from further cracking.
Thanks
.

[nrubenstein]

Drill a small hole at either end of the crack to keep it from expanding. Anything you use to protect the sheen will encourage cracking. So I recommend against it.

[KenC]

I had a tiny one in the tray too. I rubbed some epoxy in it. It hasn't spread in two years and isn't visible.

Use something with UV protection.

[mach schnell]

Get a dash cover, for when the car is parked outside. Also, use the windshield sun-blockers, the accordion-style metallic foil ones, they cut down significantly on the UV rays that enter the car as well as keeping the interior temperature down, both of which contribute to the dash drying out and cracking.

[Jinaman]

Cool i have one sitting in the garage right now, thing its pretty new too. Lol so put sun block on the dash too?

[ZekeTheSneak]

haha nice, Google Vinyl restoration

[SimplyDope]

For protecting the dash, I usually use Meguire's Natural Shine Protectant. Works well IMO and doesn't leave it feeling greasy.

I've heard people mention olive oil as well on here, and it seems like it could moisten up the dash quite a bit. I have yet to try that though.

[Jinaman]

Good ideas ill have to keep those in mind, i dont have year round covered parking so I feel a little sketched out about leaving a minty day in the elements

[318iBrilliantRot]

i have a MASSIVE crack right above the center vents. anyway to fix it easily and make it look half good?

[trackjunkie21]

For protecting the dash, I usually use Meguire's Natural Shine Protectant. Works well IMO and doesn't leave it feeling greasy.

I've heard people mention olive oil as well on here, and it seems like it could moisten up the dash quite a bit. I have yet to try that though.

Those two are a no no, anything with a "shine" or moistens the dash is bad, you're basically frying your dash.

[325ix]

^That is what armor all does. It has some crap in it that makes plastic look good, but ruins it. I don't remember what it is though.

[Jinaman]

So water damp cloth, dash mat and windscreen shields?

[Holland]

Those two are a no no, anything with a "shine" or moistens the dash is bad, you're basically frying your dash.

Ok, so then what could you actually add to the dash to prevent it from cracking? I cleaned mine with all purpose cleaner, which cleans it but dries it out as well, and I got more cracks after a while.

[SimplyDope]

Started using Autoglylm vinyl and rubber care. Hoping someone doesn't tell me I'm ruining my dash with that as well ;) I love the smell of it!

[Blackangusinc]

Does anyone have pictures of successfully repaired dash cracks? I'd love to know what you used and how it came out when done.

Prevention is all well and good, but it doesn't do anything for pre-existing cracks.