Ok so Ive owned my car for one year and the dash is absolutely PERFECT. Over the course of that year I have applied armor-all protectant on my dash 8-10 times. I have found out that using armor all will eventually crack my dash over time...and I hope the damage has not been done . I plan on going out to my car tommorow and removing the armor-all that is on my dash. I have heard to use diluted woolite and then Ive heard to use dawn dish soap and warm water...Anyone know what works best?

As for the future I think that I am gonna stay away from all of the protectants and just leave my dash be because I always make sure to put my windshield visor up whenever I park my Ta outside to prevent UV exposure and exposure to heat.
Do I need to "remoisturize" my dash somehow to make up for the drying the armor could have done?

 

Windex or other type multi surface cleaner ? Years ago my dad used to use Malco interior cleaner that would be good if they are still around.

 

Do you have a source for this info about Armour All cracking the dash over time? I've heard of this before but would like to read up on it. Why would they sell a product that is eventually harmful to the interior plastic?

 

A net search will turn up a ton of info on the 'debate.'

I've never used the product on my Camaro, but I used it for years on other vehicles. No cracking.

IIRC, I used Dawn to clean my new pad (several years ago). I use Meguiar's Gold Class Vinyl/Rubber Protectant with UV protection. No issues that I'm aware of. I'd guess that the sun is as responsible for cracking as anything else.

JamesC

 

why fix something that isn't broke ???

 

BUMP

 

If/when I need UV protection, I use 303 Aerospace Protectant.

 

I was told several years ago by a dash pad replacement manufacturer that the Armor-All brand was bad because it contained silicone IIRC. Not sure - but they definitely had bad things to say about Armour-All. They recommended to me the Turtle Wax brand in the bright lime green bottle, I think it's F-21 or something.

Think about it - Armour-All is what - 40+ year old formula? There's been alot of chemical innovations and UV understanding in that time - a newer formula product has GOT to be better! AA was always 'marketed' as a protectant, but it I doubt 40 years ago protection was the issue - making a 'shiny' look was the issue.

The other issue I was told was to never use any of those products more than 3-4 times a year. I was told to spray Windex on a soft towel and wipe dust off the pad occasionally (like maybe once a month), and to only use the protectants 3-4 times a year, like right before a show. I've followed this practice now for 4 years with an OEM mint dashpad I got off ebay, and have had no issues.

Definitely keep the sunlight off the pad! I keep mine covered with a carpet cover (about $30 on ebay). They look great, work really well. They come with velcro to 'keep it in place', but I never used it - the cover gets mashed inbetween the windshield and the dash, and never moves - even with the tops out, windows down, and cruising at 80mph. I don't even remove it at shows anymore - it looks so nice and fits so well. I always use sun shades as well, and my car remains covered when not in use.

 

I've used nothing but Armor-All on my dash pad and all other interior plastics for 12 years and they are flawless and mint. I've also used them on my 12 year old tires and there isn't a single dry rot crack to be seen--anywhere. They look like I bought them yesterday.

 

yeah, i've used armor-all forever and never had any problems.

 

never had any problems here when i did use "AA" but now i use mothers anyway

 

I wouldn't 'remove' the armorall with other chemicals, just give it time and it will dissipate/evaporate.

 

Exactly my thoughts...