Dashboard crack prevention?

[White Sheep]

Searched, and asked is there anything to prevent dash cracks? I do not want a dash mat.

I currently don't have any cracks, but it gets a bit warm here in North Carolina.

I saw a guy on YouTube use baby oil once a year. He claims it works great, but would like the opinion from the community.

 

[jpoole]

The goal is to minimize exposure to UV radiation and also minimize the temperature cycling. Ideally you can keep it parked under cover which helps a lot with both.

I don't have covered parking but put on 303 regularly during the hotter months and also use a front windshield sunshade, particularly if it will be parked for more than a day or two.

Finally, while I also have no cracks I just bought a spare, good dash out of a parts 80 and have 303d it, wrapped it up and stored it in basement storage as a backup.

 

[bencallaway]

Sunshade. I don’t know what 303 is but I’d be wary of putting anything on it as it may inadvertently dry it out.

Im looking for a clean gray dash to stash. Someone said they were still available from Toyota but I have t found a part number.

 

[desmocruiser]

Sunshade. I don’t know what 303 is but I’d be wary of putting anything on it as it may inadvertently dry it out.

Im looking for a clean gray dash to stash. Someone said they were still available from Toyota but I have t found a part number.

I understand the gray dash pad to be NLA from Toyota.

 

[Travis 76]

What is 303?

 

[thebfg]

What is 303?

303 Aerospace Protectant Sprays & Wipes | Gold Eagle Co

303® Aerospace Protectant has powerful UV blockers prevent fading & cracking. Safe for use on vinyl, plastics, rubber, leather and more.

www.goldeagle.com

 

[Travis 76]

Cool thanks.

 

[JunkCrzr89]

303 is great stuff. It definitely won’t dry out the dash.

 

[rolliges]

Sunshade and 303 (if no garage).

 

[BILT4ME]

Keep it out of extreme cold (anything below +10°F) They crack when cold, not hot.

Heat dries them out, then when it gets cold there's not enough elasticity remaining and it splits.

 

[bhsdriller]

Sunshade

They're a necessity for any car out here

 

[White Sheep]

Yeah, I have a sunshade. . just wanted to know what else everyone is using.

 

[leonard_nemoy]

Park it in a garage.

Personally I think dash cracks are awesome because they add character. They are like scars, and chicks dig scars.....

 

[White Sheep]

So the garage theory is good, but can't at the moment. First I'm too high to fit. Then my real baby (Dodge Challenger Supercharger Scat Pack Shaker) lives in the garage with my wife's car.

I am selling my Challenger, so when that happens, I'll buy a daily beater, air down the LC and park in the garage.

 

[-Spike-]

Window film on the windshield. Doesn't have to be tinted, but there are light tints available.

 

[Irish Reiver]

I agree with @BILT4ME Mine cracked when it experienced -12c (10f) earlier this year in New Mexico. That was the first day it had ever experienced temps below freezing.

 

[White Sheep]

Lots of good information. The reason I asked was because seeing others with cracked dashes (usually 94' and earlier). We had a really warm day, and my dash was hot as hell.

@BILT4ME explained that it usually happens from a rapid change in temperature, more particular being with colder weather.

I'll give the 303 a shot to keep it moisturizer when cleaning the interior.

Thanks all.

 

[rex in bama]

This thread just prompted me to put a new coat of 303 on the dash. Still agree, though, that nothing beats a sunshade and, if possible, a garage

 

[AndrewInf]

Thanks for the reminder, buying another bottle of 303. Ran out some time ago, used to use it on my 240Z religiously and it kept all the plastic and rubber looking pristine (though she was a garage queen, not a stressing case).

Wonder if I could have saved myself $300 recently if I'd used 303 on my belt mouldings for the past decade...

 

[JaketheSSnake]

Keep it out of extreme cold (anything below +10°F) They crack when cold, not hot.

Heat dries them out, then when it gets cold there's not enough elasticity remaining and it splits.

Yup, I'm pretty certain mine cracked during an Arctic blast we had a few years ago. The whole truck creaked and popped when I got in it