My car will be waxed by local detail shop this weekend. I was wondering about the dashboard and what the material is? Second what can you use to clean and shine it? I don't want them to use Armor All on it. But have no idea what is best to use. Any help or suggestions...
1999 Toyota Avalon XLS
2006 Toyota Tundra Double Cab X-SP
2010 Lexus ES350 w/ Nav package
Quote:
Originally Posted by rty
Six Camrys, one from each generation. In a temperature controlled alarm secured garage filled with Camry memorabilia. I just worry I might not be able to enjoy every Camry. So many Camrys so little time.
A few years ago, I had a dash repaired by a local interior repair/vinyl specialist with over 15 years experience. I followed his advise and never had any problems since. Use cleaners like Simple Green with warm water and dry. Do not apply ANY vinyl protectant on the dashboard as there is a foam-like substance under the surface. The protectant (i.e. Armor All) seaps through and speeds up the deterioration process. You can use vinyl protectant/shine on non-foam items like door jambs, ect.
I've lived with this advice, cover my dash with a windshield cover (I live in AZ) and never had another dash crack. Besides, any protectant/shine gives off fumes and ends up on the inside of your windshield when it's hot in your car.
Just my two cents and it's worked for me. There's alot of garbage these companies try to sell to get us to buy. Not all of them work either and end up throwing your money away!
The Following User Says Thank You to CISA93 For This Useful Post:
Just my two cents and it's worked for me. There's alot of garbage these companies try to sell to get us to buy. Not all of them work either and end up throwing your money away![/QUOTE]
This is the first time I've seen this....WOW...thanks! I was wondering where that "stuff" on my windshield was coming from!
Thanks again!
Just my two cents and it's worked for me. There's alot of garbage these companies try to sell to get us to buy. Not all of them work either and end up throwing your money away!
Quote:
This is the first time I've seen this....WOW...thanks! I was wondering where that "stuff" on my windshield was coming from!
Thanks again!
+1! I put 'stuff' on my dash when the car was new. Won't do that again. the film on the windshield has been a bitch to remove!! 112k miles and I'm still dealing with it - but it's getting better...
__________________
2007 Avalon Limited - Love this car!
Last edited by Tom in Tacoma; 06-03-2011 at 12:04 PM.
I agree with the earlier post. 303 Aerospace Protectant is GREAT stuff. You might check in the Detailing and Car Care forum for a more complete answer. Lots of knowledgeable people there.
I use Turtle Wax Ice interior (I got it from a box set included wash, wheel cleaner...)
I kind of like it since it doesn't have the gloss/shine finish without any funky smell.
No cracked dash on any of my car expect the current 1988 suburban (got it from my in law) which has cracked dash, dropped headliner, old R12 AC.... ha ha
+1! I put 'stuff' on my dash when the car was new. Won't do that again. the film on the windshield has been a bitch to remove!! 112k miles and I'm still dealing with it - but it's getting better...
I had my Avalon "professionally detailed" once and they used some type of shiny protectant (when I asked them not to apply this...so much for the professional) Anyway, I used some hot water and Mr. Clean and wiped it off, it took me about 3-4 times to get this product off my dash. Now, I just wipe in with warm water and either Mr. Clean or Simple Green and use a reflective windshield/dashboard cover (those dashmats give off a glare when you at a certain angle to the sun as your driving, so I didn't like that either, all about your own preference). BTW, also leave your front windows cracked open about 1" for air circulation and deactivate your air recirc. button (also helps dry out your A/C evaporator
Last edited by CISA93; 06-03-2011 at 12:50 PM.
Reason: additional information
Armor All is the worst for leaving behind a film residue on the inner windshield. I've never had issues with 303. Another good product is Optimum Leather Protectant. Leaves a matte finish, so it won't be annoying and shiny. If you're having trouble cleaning off the film from the glass, IPA diluted with some water is a great way to do it. Especially with one of these:
__________________
1999 Toyota Avalon XLS
2006 Toyota Tundra Double Cab X-SP
2010 Lexus ES350 w/ Nav package
Quote:
Originally Posted by rty
Six Camrys, one from each generation. In a temperature controlled alarm secured garage filled with Camry memorabilia. I just worry I might not be able to enjoy every Camry. So many Camrys so little time.
The Following User Says Thank You to CTB727 For This Useful Post:
My car will be waxed by local detail shop this weekend. I was wondering about the dashboard and what the material is? Second what can you use to clean and shine it? I don't want them to use Armor All on it. But have no idea what is best to use. Any help or suggestions...
Maybe mild soapy water is a happy medium. The material look nice to me as is and the surface really doesn't need a glossy finish. Dashboard cover are next on my to do list. However not sure if 2010 dash cover is the proper fit for the 11's. The only size I can find online all stop at 2010 and not sure if the two are the same. If anyone can verify they match that would help as I have not seen interior of a 2010?
Quote:
Originally Posted by CSISA93
use a reflective windshield/dashboard cover
Which dash cover do you use?
__________________
2011 Avalon Black Package
2007 Corrola LE
2004 Tahoe LT
Maybe mild soapy water is a happy medium. The material look nice to me as is and the surface really doesn't need a glossy finish. Dashboard cover are next on my to do list. However not sure if 2010 dash cover is the proper fit for the 11's. The only size I can find online all stop at 2010 and not sure if the two are the same. If anyone can verify they match that would help as I have not seen interior of a 2010? Which dash cover do you use?
This vinyl repairman (Dr. Vinyl..cheesy name, but great advice, I posted this in an earlier post) recommended a dashcover and a windshield cover. It was my experience that the dashcovers gave off a reflection/glare. I had one I was given in my 07 Tundra. I removed it and glare gone. I use a windshield cover those expandable type, you can find them online.
If these other products work, that's great, but overall what's vital is protecting your leather and using quality products. You must clean your seats and then apply leather. I used a mink oil based additive, let it sit for about 30 minutes and then remove so it's not greasy. Ofcourse, I live in AZ so I have the darkest tint (legal) to protect the leather and keep my a** from being scorched.
I use Turtle Wax Ice interior (I got it from a box set included wash, wheel cleaner...)
I kind of like it since it doesn't have the gloss/shine finish without any funky smell.
No cracked dash on any of my car expect the current 1988 suburban (got it from my in law) which has cracked dash, dropped headliner, old R12 AC.... ha ha
I also use the ICE on my dash and center console..It works well on all surfaces I just dont use it much on the seats even though it says u can ,EVEN GLASS no streaks.from dash to glass even the cluster lens is good.
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