Should I Armor All the dash?
09-21-2004, 09:10 AM
#1
Melting Slicks
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Should I Armor All the dash?
Question for the masses. How many of you have Armor All'ed the rubberized parts of the interior including the dash? I usually do it, but I realize it makes it shinier and increases glare in the windshield.
What's your take? Do it or not? If not, what would I use to clean it so that it keeps it's "dull" appearance but doesn't end up looking discolored with streaks? Some areas on mine have some faint "scuff" looking marks and I want to be able to at least clean it so it looks smooth whether I use AA or something else.
TIA,
Mike
What's your take? Do it or not? If not, what would I use to clean it so that it keeps it's "dull" appearance but doesn't end up looking discolored with streaks? Some areas on mine have some faint "scuff" looking marks and I want to be able to at least clean it so it looks smooth whether I use AA or something else.
TIA,
Mike
09-21-2004, 09:14 AM
#3
Mike,
If you use AA, use the low-gloss formula. I use this from time to time on my C5 and it works just fine without creating tons of glare from the dashpad. Also, do not spray onto the dash itself, use a cloth then apply to the dash. If it gets between the dash and window it could cause a squeak!
I had that with my C4 and it drove me nuts until I pulled the dashpad and cleaned it... 
If you use AA, use the low-gloss formula. I use this from time to time on my C5 and it works just fine without creating tons of glare from the dashpad. Also, do not spray onto the dash itself, use a cloth then apply to the dash. If it gets between the dash and window it could cause a squeak!
I had that with my C4 and it drove me nuts until I pulled the dashpad and cleaned it...
09-21-2004, 09:21 AM
#4
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'07
Originally Posted by mchaney
Question for the masses. How many of you have Armor All'ed the rubberized parts of the interior including the dash? I usually do it, but I realize it makes it shinier and increases glare in the windshield.
What's your take? Do it or not? If not, what would I use to clean it so that it keeps it's "dull" appearance but doesn't end up looking discolored with streaks? Some areas on mine have some faint "scuff" looking marks and I want to be able to at least clean it so it looks smooth whether I use AA or something else.
TIA,
Mike
What's your take? Do it or not? If not, what would I use to clean it so that it keeps it's "dull" appearance but doesn't end up looking discolored with streaks? Some areas on mine have some faint "scuff" looking marks and I want to be able to at least clean it so it looks smooth whether I use AA or something else.
TIA,
Mike
09-21-2004, 09:59 AM
#9
Pro
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i agree.....
this dash looks way different than what i had on my '98 Z28, which was less porous and smoother....the C6 dash is not nearly as shiney & slippery feeling
which is a plus, because the Z28, even when new, had way too much reflection in the windshield...so much that i was forced to get a dashmat
the C6 is far better imho.......far less reflection, in fact, close to none
leave it alone....it's good
this dash looks way different than what i had on my '98 Z28, which was less porous and smoother....the C6 dash is not nearly as shiney & slippery feeling
which is a plus, because the Z28, even when new, had way too much reflection in the windshield...so much that i was forced to get a dashmat
the C6 is far better imho.......far less reflection, in fact, close to none
leave it alone....it's good
09-21-2004, 10:28 AM
#11
Melting Slicks
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Cool. Thanks guys! That's why I asked, because I know when you do it once, you're basically screwed. So soap and water is the best way? What kind of soap? Don't auto parts stores carry something for just this purpose? Or maybe there's a generic/spray cleaner you can recommend. I can imagine using the wrong soap could be as bad as AA-ing it so I don't want to use something that ends up leaving a residue or discoloration.
Thanks again,
Mike
Thanks again,
Mike
09-21-2004, 10:49 AM
#13
Drifting
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Take a bar of ivory soap and 'wash' it in a bowl of warm water to get the water soapy. Then wet a micro-fiber towel in this soapy solution to wipe your dash. Dry it and apply 303 Aerospace 303 protectant: http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=protectant. This stuff is wonderful, does not leave a glossy shine and lasts a long time. Visit the car care section of this forum for some great detailing tips. Congrats on the C6 
.
.
09-21-2004, 11:33 AM
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Drifting
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The reason why it is horrible is for a few reasons.
1. It will rob your dash of oils which leads to cracking over time if you dont re apply it forever.
2. It will take the oil from the dash and vaporate on your front windsheild. This is a bitch to clean off.
Like others said use soap and water.
1. It will rob your dash of oils which leads to cracking over time if you dont re apply it forever.
2. It will take the oil from the dash and vaporate on your front windsheild. This is a bitch to clean off.
Like others said use soap and water.
09-21-2004, 12:26 PM
#17
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Originally Posted by Bertsvette
I have used it for years and never had a problem
I have NO idea how that rumor even got started. The ONLY thing I can think of is someone put amourall on once or twice and left there car outside in the sun for 10 years. See! The amourall made it crack! Currently have a 87 firebird that has been amourall'd regularly for for 17 YEARS and left in the vegas sun. (abeit with a windshield screen) and it STILL looks BRAND NEW! My 1991 ZR-1 is also regularly treated and guess what? NO CRACKS!! You may like or not like the shine, but saying that it causes damage is
09-21-2004, 12:38 PM
#18
Burning Brakes
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Armour All is a "low end" product for detailing your car.
Better choice?
Look for a the Lexol product made specifically for plastic, rubber, etc.
Lexol is a detailing product which costs more $$, but in the end is worth it.
The Lexol product (blue bottle) will not leave any gloss and is dull when applied.
Personally, with my new C6 - I won't be "dressing" or detailing the dash or door areas any more with any of these type of products.
The reason?
No matter how much you rub the product in, it still leaves a "residue".
And guess where that residue ends up?
On your hands/fingers, and in turn, on the following: Your navigation screen with NOTICABLE finger prints, on your paint - if you are not 100% careful with opening the door, or hatch.
Just my 2 cents - ditch the dash and door area stuff. The only things that need attention are the seats.
Again - a HIGHER END leather conditioner is the way to go!
Hope this helps.
Better choice?
Look for a the Lexol product made specifically for plastic, rubber, etc.
Lexol is a detailing product which costs more $$, but in the end is worth it.
The Lexol product (blue bottle) will not leave any gloss and is dull when applied.
Personally, with my new C6 - I won't be "dressing" or detailing the dash or door areas any more with any of these type of products.
The reason?
No matter how much you rub the product in, it still leaves a "residue".
And guess where that residue ends up?
On your hands/fingers, and in turn, on the following: Your navigation screen with NOTICABLE finger prints, on your paint - if you are not 100% careful with opening the door, or hatch.
Just my 2 cents - ditch the dash and door area stuff. The only things that need attention are the seats.
Again - a HIGHER END leather conditioner is the way to go!
Hope this helps.
09-21-2004, 12:56 PM
#19
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Does anyone have a product from dashmat.com? It is a piece of carpet that goes across the top of the dash. I have it on my Monte Carlo with custom embroidered logos. It looks real nice.
09-21-2004, 01:12 PM
#20
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Use Pledge furniture polish. Pledge is an emulsion of carnuba wax in a solvent that evaporates as you rub it on. The wax will seal up the dash skin and lower the outgassing rate. Outgassing evenutally causes the material to shrink, which builds up stresses that eventually cause cracks.
Of course, minimizing exposure to sunlight with a dash mat or covering the car will also go a long way to keeping the dash skin in good shape for a long time.
Duke
Of course, minimizing exposure to sunlight with a dash mat or covering the car will also go a long way to keeping the dash skin in good shape for a long time.
Duke