How do you keep your dash from cracking?
 

Hi. I know there has been a lot of debate on this topic, but I'd like some recommendations from those who know the secret. My 86.5 has 45k miles on it, and the dash is perfect. I really want to keep it that way, but I'm not sure how. I keep the car garaged, but there are probably about 50 days per year when it might be parked out in the hot sun for several hours at a time.

Some rennlisters have recommended chemicals like ArmorAll, and some state that it causes more problems than it helps. If you have a secret you've used for preserving your dash - would you share it?

TIA!

Get a leather one!

If you don't like that option, I had a '90 S4 with a flawless dash. I had the side and back windows tinted and always put the pep boys sun visor in the front window when outside.

Keep it garaged when at home and covered at work/play. That's the only way I know of to really stop all of the UV damage and drying.

Steve,
a good cover is useful.. also, a windshield screen designed for the 928 really helps
call 928Specialists, they have one that is made specifically for the 928

Don't put any crap on the dash ie Armourall and similar products.

Mine is perfect also, which I attribute to limited sun exposure.....I use to use various "treatments" but stopped doing that several years ago when I heard all the noise about armourall not being good for long term life.......There may be something to that. A kid near my office puts it on his tires in the summer, seems about once every couple of weeks.....it stains the pavement and the stain remains through the summer and fall.....half moon crecents marking the location where each tire met the pavement. Anyone know what is in that stuff? I suspect nothing works, because vinyl, not being organic, can't be rehydrated...... Chemists?? what say you......

As Gretch said you cannot rehydrate anything vinyl.......so you have to keep it out of the sun as much as possible. I do use a bit of Vinylex on the dash now and then......it does have some sunscreen in it....just like you would put on your body......and repels UV rays, that is a good thing.

My dash was perfect when i bought the car @76K miles and Still perfect at 115K miles five years later. The first thing i did was put a velour dashmat over the dash and pod that i bought from someone on Ebay. The Dashmat fits very well and has tailored outlets for the defrost vents and overall doesn't look too bad. If i am showing the car or something i usually take it out for that. I agree with the comments about using Armor All and other stuff (Don't). The only thing i do is wipe it down with a leather cleaner/conditioner maybe twice a year.

Ben Burris

86.5 Indischrot AT. #1459

Oh, and always use a windshield sunvisor!

I agree. it is IMHO the only way for long time "treatment". although I own a leather one.

STL

I say LEATHER, that'll protect the dash... but then you have to protect / hydrate the leather regularily... or it too will just shrivel up / trear / crack / etc... then the dash under it will likely follow soon after...

d
'83 S 5-speed US - Chiffonwieb / Brown
'96 Cherokee Country - Arctic / tan
'04 9-5 Aero (SAAB) - Coffee Black met / tan

I'm so pleased to see ALL you guys recommend the right thing :thumbup:

Never put any chemicals onto your dash, because
a) if it has lasted this long, it will continue to last without your help thank you very much, and
b) I have owned 7 928's, and have experienced several uncracked dashes at high mileages (80+, 150+ and 160+) and the only cracked ones were the ones with clear residue from armorall.

I still am undecided about leather. Leather needs food, but the underlying glue on hard vinyl absolutely cannot handle it.

You can also live in a place without sun and high temp' , as I am

STL

I'll come visit... might be hard to bring the 928 over with me though ;)

d
'83 S 5-speed US - Chiffonwieb / Brown
'96 Cherokee Country - Arctic / tan
'04 9-5 Aero (SAAB) - Coffee Black met / tan

Please don't put ArmorAll on ANYTHING. It will dry things out and you'll really be upset over time.