w60
Joined:
Dec 2011
Birmingham, AL
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w60
Senior Member
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My 88 TC has an almost perfect interior and as summer creeps upon us I'm terrified of the dash cracking. I don't have a garage to keep it in (working on building one, but lot's of other $$ priorities now), so anyone have any thoughts on how to keep a dash from cracking? My 84 went 10 years in AZ, FL, TX and AL till it got a crack and I don't want this one cracked EVER!
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lonstar7
Joined:
Jun 2009
Round Rock, TX
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I'm pretty much in the same boat, we have extremely hot summers here. When I got my TC 2-1/2 years ago the dash was good except a 1-2in hairline crack starting at the corner of the drivers side speaker. Within a year that crack expanded all the way back to the edge near the instrument panel cover. Although that 1st crack got longer, I've not had any others develop so far. I don't have a garage but I
keep it covered or parked in the shade in the summer and use a windsheild shade anytime it's parked. I also have been using a vinyl cleaner/treatment that's supposed to keep the dash from drying out and cracking. I put it on about once a month in hot weather. We'll see how things go this summer, but so far no more cracks(knock on wood!)
Lonestar7
1988 Black/Red TC, 5 Speed, 92,400miles (on 4/14/2012). KYB Shocks And Struts, 140MPH Speedo, CHE Rear Control Arms, Otherwise Stock.
2005 Volkswagon Golf GLS 1.9L TDI Turbo Diesel, 5 Speed Manual, InMotion Stage II Chip Tuning
1998 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4, 5.9L Cummings Turbo Diesel, 5 Speed Manual
1988 Firebird Formula 350, 350ci Tuned Port Injection, 700R4 Auto
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Rub it down with Vaseline, I know sounds gross but google it and it comes highly recommended. Also like lonestar said keep it out of the sun with sun visors , trees, etc.
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zbird
Joined:
Jul 2008
Joshua, Texas
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Mine cracked and now looks terrible on the drivers side. I eventually will have it restored at considerable expense. Take care of it the best you can.
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I have heard that mineral oil works fairly well also to keep them from cracking.
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Pete D
Joined:
Apr 2001
Northern OH
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I've been experimenting with mink oil for a few years, but the car is garaged most of the time and always has been. Mink Oil a great conditioner and softener for leather. What ever you use, use care around the defroster outlets and speaker grills on top. These areas will be more brittle than other areas
Pete Dunham
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Nsw
Joined:
Apr 2004
Vancouver, British Columbia. Canada
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Nsw
Senior Member
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+1 for mink oil. I used it to treat every thing leather from my work boots to the interior of my car. That stuff made my dash, shift boot and door panels look brand new. If you do use it test it on a small inconspicuous spot. All though it has not happened to me, there is a slight chance it can dye your leather.
1988 5speed black every option. 3inch single turbo to tail(stinger), manual boost control. k&n cone walbro fuel pump
1986 xr4ti project car..... way to many mods to list.
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w60
Joined:
Dec 2011
Birmingham, AL
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w60
Senior Member
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leather? aren't dashes covered in vinyl?
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Pete D
Joined:
Apr 2001
Northern OH
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Yes they are vinyl. And when it drys out it cracks, kinda like leather. At least that is my theory and why I'm experimenting with the mink oil. You can get it at Tractor Supply or shoe stores or goggle it.
Pete Dunham
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lonstar7
Joined:
Jun 2009
Round Rock, TX
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I guess there's a lot of possible ways to do it. The main objective is to keep the vinyl from getting dry and brittle so it's elastic enough to expand and contract with temp. changes and not crack. I personally have tried some oily products before but the residue looks bad to me and it collects dust and dirt quickly. I also didn't care for the way some of the products smelled, probably had something to do with the petroleum based chemicals in them.
I've been using these products on my cars and Truck for 3 to 4 years and so far the results and good and they leave no oily or sticky residue and have a good, clean smell.
http://www.autogeek.net/1z-einzett-vinyl...ctant.html
http://www.autogeek.net/wg2700.html
There are a number of other similar products that I haven't tried, you can read about some of them here.
http://www.autogeek.net/rubbervinyl.html
Lonestar7
1988 Black/Red TC, 5 Speed, 92,400miles (on 4/14/2012). KYB Shocks And Struts, 140MPH Speedo, CHE Rear Control Arms, Otherwise Stock.
2005 Volkswagon Golf GLS 1.9L TDI Turbo Diesel, 5 Speed Manual, InMotion Stage II Chip Tuning
1998 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4, 5.9L Cummings Turbo Diesel, 5 Speed Manual
1988 Firebird Formula 350, 350ci Tuned Port Injection, 700R4 Auto
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