Cleaning 240z Dashboard

[lm71z]

I have an uncracked 240z dashboard sitting in my garage that has small specks of overspray on it in some places. I used armor all on it today and some black started coming off onto the rag. Has anyone else experienced that? What is the best cleaning agent that will remove overspray without damaging the dash?

Edited June 16, 2009 by lm71z

[Oiluj]

My thinking is that anything that will remove paint will damage the vinyl.

Have you considered vinyl paint? I believe SEM makes a product for this purpose. Don't know if it could cause a cracking problem down the road though...

Also, have read that Armor-All may accelerate cracking of the dash. To be safe, I'd wash it off with mild soap and water.

[=Enigma=]

I'm still afraid to touch my dash with anything other then mild soap and water. I wish someone could tell us if it's even possible to "re-condition" or "re-moisturize" plastics, and specifically the material ours is made from. It seems like the idea that this is even possible may be a fallacy.

[1 Bravo 6]

Oiluj states that he has "heard" about Armourall.

Some years ago the bloke who did the upholstery for me warned me against using the product and, being a cautious bloke, I posted the question on this site and received some very informative replies both for and against from a couple of our more experienced members, one in particular that I hold in very high esteem.

If you do a search for "Armourall" you'll find my original post in the Open General Discussions forum.

Rick.

[26th-Z]

Here is a link to the discussion. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4334&highlight=Armourall I still stand by what I said back then and object to the testimony from the I-Love-Armourall people. I just don't believe they know what they are talking about regardless of their experience. Silicon emulsion is bad for vinyl and rubber. It is a well documented fact.

The interesting point of the question has to do with the "black rubber material" that came off with the application of Armourall. That should not have happened and I suspect the dash is already covered in some sort of coating as there is no rubber material on a stock dash to come off. Soap and water should be fine for cleaning.

[=Enigma=]

I'm considering trying Zymol's vinyl conditioner. Does anyone have any experience with this product? It's pricey but contains no silicone or solvents.

[26th-Z]

Zymol products tend to be pricey for no apparent reason but they are very good quality. You won't be disappointed. I tend to believe that this comes down to a get-what-you-pay-for decision.

Edited June 16, 2009 by 26th-Z

[AZ-240z]

I have a NOS dash in my car and was concerned that I needed to use the right product.

After talking to the guys at Car Care Specialties refered to in another related thread by 26th-Z, I settled on the Lexol Vinylex and have been very please with the short term results. Time will tell, but my car spends most of its life, now, covered in the garage.

Dan

Guess I should mention that it has been about 6 years since I started using the Lexol Vinylex. It gives everything I put it on a very natural and new low gloss appearance, and doesn't seem to attract a lot of dust or sticky residue.

Edited June 16, 2009 by AZ-240z
qualifying remarks

[=Enigma=]

I actually considered Vinylex until I learned it contained silicone which I'm not entirely comfortable with at this point for long term dash treatment, however they certainly have a good reputation with their leather products. Thanks for sharing your experience with this product.

[Arne]

I've been using Griot's Garage's Vinyl & Rubber Dressing. Said to be silicone-free and no petroleum distillates either. I've been using it for a number of years on multiple vehicles.