Best dash cleaner/conditioner for non-leather
09-06-2016, 11:46 PM
#17
Instructor
Thread Starter
I'll throw this out into the ring and you can take it or leave it... .
For vinyl, I have found that rubbing baby oil on the surface, letting it sit overnight and then wiping off thoroughly, keeps the material soft, pliable and crack free forever. If you can tolerate the smell (there may be unscented baby oil, I don't know), this method is inexpensive and works better than any expensive vinyl "conditioner" or "protectant" that I have ever tried.
I learned this trick from an old fellow I knew many years ago who had a late sixties Lincoln Continental. The vinyl parts in his car (dash, console, door panels, etc.) were not only perfect, but still as soft as the day the car rolled off of the assembly line. He told me his secret and I started doing it myself on my own cars.
I brought more than one dried-out, crispy dash back from the dead that way. I still use it on my '67 Mustang and my old trucks and it still works. I really only smell the baby oil for a day or two after application.
For vinyl, I have found that rubbing baby oil on the surface, letting it sit overnight and then wiping off thoroughly, keeps the material soft, pliable and crack free forever. If you can tolerate the smell (there may be unscented baby oil, I don't know), this method is inexpensive and works better than any expensive vinyl "conditioner" or "protectant" that I have ever tried.
I learned this trick from an old fellow I knew many years ago who had a late sixties Lincoln Continental. The vinyl parts in his car (dash, console, door panels, etc.) were not only perfect, but still as soft as the day the car rolled off of the assembly line. He told me his secret and I started doing it myself on my own cars.
I brought more than one dried-out, crispy dash back from the dead that way. I still use it on my '67 Mustang and my old trucks and it still works. I really only smell the baby oil for a day or two after application.
09-10-2016, 11:43 AM
#18
Racer
I'll throw this out into the ring and you can take it or leave it... .
For vinyl, I have found that rubbing baby oil on the surface, letting it sit overnight and then wiping off thoroughly, keeps the material soft, pliable and crack free forever. If you can tolerate the smell (there may be unscented baby oil, I don't know), this method is inexpensive and works better than any expensive vinyl "conditioner" or "protectant" that I have ever tried.
I learned this trick from an old fellow I knew many years ago who had a late sixties Lincoln Continental. The vinyl parts in his car (dash, console, door panels, etc.) were not only perfect, but still as soft as the day the car rolled off of the assembly line. He told me his secret and I started doing it myself on my own cars.
I brought more than one dried-out, crispy dash back from the dead that way. I still use it on my '67 Mustang and my old trucks and it still works. I really only smell the baby oil for a day or two after application.
For vinyl, I have found that rubbing baby oil on the surface, letting it sit overnight and then wiping off thoroughly, keeps the material soft, pliable and crack free forever. If you can tolerate the smell (there may be unscented baby oil, I don't know), this method is inexpensive and works better than any expensive vinyl "conditioner" or "protectant" that I have ever tried.
I learned this trick from an old fellow I knew many years ago who had a late sixties Lincoln Continental. The vinyl parts in his car (dash, console, door panels, etc.) were not only perfect, but still as soft as the day the car rolled off of the assembly line. He told me his secret and I started doing it myself on my own cars.
I brought more than one dried-out, crispy dash back from the dead that way. I still use it on my '67 Mustang and my old trucks and it still works. I really only smell the baby oil for a day or two after application.
09-10-2016, 10:43 PM
#19
Rennlist Member
Used aerospace 303 for 10 years and it's a great product.
Recently switched to Optimum Leather Protectant Plus and I equally love it. Don't mind the name, it's great for rubber and all bits of interior on the 911.
Recently switched to Optimum Leather Protectant Plus and I equally love it. Don't mind the name, it's great for rubber and all bits of interior on the 911.
09-11-2016, 11:36 PM
#20
I've got full leather on the dash but I don't see how anything will "condition" vinyl as it's synthetic and non-porous. In fact, I've been told by leather pros that modern coated leather is pretty much the same, unlike the old aniline leathers which benefitted from absorbing conditioners. And that the best UV protection is window tint, and using a shade in the windshield when the car is parked outside in the sun.
