How do I stop dashboard cracks? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BoostnBenz · #16 08-31-2003, 10:04 AM

While I'm sure it will stop glare, it would be good enough to hold stuff on it without sliding around, and there is virtually no maintenance, but I still wouldn't put one on my car. It just wouldn't look right IMO. Has anyone installed the vinyl dash cover? I'm just wondering how well they fit around the temperature sensor, and do I just take the front speaker grilles out to put it in?

BoostnBenz · #17 08-31-2003, 11:23 AM

Nevermind, I already found all the information needed to make my decision. This is the manufacturer's site detailing the price of $90 for any Mercedes vinyl dash cover which features a lifetime warranty for the purchaser. These instructions not only tell you how to install it but also say why dash cracks happen. The material is simply anchored to well and this lack of movement creates them. I'm sure the UV rays play a little bit as well because they are drying out the vinyl, but the true problem is in the design of the dash.

#18 08-31-2003, 11:33 AM

On my 300CD, there were no cracks on the dash board when I bought it 3 years ago, however I have a few minor ones right now. I always put up a sunshade, however it isn't an exact fit so there is a small area that is exoposed. This is where the cracks are occuring. Since I work at a hardware store, I am going buy a roll of that reflective plastic bubble wrap insulation and make a custom sunshade for the whole car...

rwthomas1 · #19 08-31-2003, 06:12 PM

Try the 303 Protectant. http://www.303products.com/ Armor All and all the rest are cat-pee compared to this stuff. Expensive but as always you get what you pay for. RT

#20 09-24-2003, 09:45 PM

Do NOT use Armor All. That ***** will dry your dash out in a matter of weeks, if not days. I got that from people who learned the hard way. I've been using Meguiar's Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner. It doesn't dry out your dash, it conditions nicely and leaves a pleasant smell. I also use it on my MBTex seats. Just spray some on a paper towel and wipe down your dash. I wouldn't use anything else. NADA ("NADA" means I got nothing to do with Meguiar's in any way, shape, or form)

jim16671836 · #21 09-25-2003, 12:54 AM

Are their any repair kits on the market that will repair cracks..

dave1shere · #22 09-25-2003, 10:01 AM

Hello all, when I first bought my 300d the former owner told me he used baby oil on the dash and gave me some. I have used it ever since with no cracks. BTW it is a 1985 and has lived its whole life in Florida.

artpb · #23 09-25-2003, 11:11 PM

Try something that would rather work it's way into the dash than sit on top and create glare.

When I show my car I like a finish that is not shiny. So I have never used any of the products mentioned all over these discussion forums. What I do use is a product made by Castle called Vinyl Touch. It's advertised as a Vinyl/Plastic Cleaner and Conditioner.

No cracks, no glare and nothing sticks to it since it is absorbed so quickly. Less than $5 a can at my MB dealer. Check it out at www.castle-comply.com.

lietuviai · #24 09-26-2003, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 240DieselDog

Otherwise, here's an idea from somebody who is not emotionally upset about driving car with cracked dashboard - jamb loose change, quarters dimes and nickels, into the crack for quick access at parking meters.

I used to keep extra forks and knives poked into the cracks fo the dash in an old car that I used to have. The cracks were too big for keeping any change in them.

Kestas · #25 09-26-2003, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 240DieselDog
...does anybody actually know if dash cracks occur from heat expansion/contraction of foam rubber under vinyl skin..... or does this problem occur from the surface alone?

Cracks occur for two reasons I can think of.

1. Plasticizer works its way out of the polyvinyl chloride due to age and heat (this contributes to the fogginess of the inside windshield surface).

2. UV light breaks down the vinyl polymer molecules.

Both of these conditions help shrink the surface material and make it more brittle.

I personally always park my car at work (and elsewhere) facing north so the sun doesn't beat on the dashboard whe the car sits there all day.

300SDog · #26 09-26-2003, 04:27 PM

Yet another idea -

Use Elmer's Rubber Cement as glue for small plastic business card case, or another useful item that can hold cigarettes, ballpoint pens, spare change, etc....

This will help cover dash cracks and increase handy storage space inside the car. Good for people who dont like the look of shag carpet aftermarket dashboard cover and would like to add something useful to the car.

#27 09-26-2003, 04:28 PM

There is also a vinyl/dashboard product that has been on the market for years now. It's called Vinylex, it has a UV index of 15 I think. It's supposed to clean the dashboard without leaving any glare and also protect it somewhat (much like sunscreen) from UV damage. It comes in a light green spray bottle and is by the same makers of Lexol leather treatment/cleaner in Georgia.

#28 09-26-2003, 08:24 PM

I had a tailor-fitted custom cover made to match Smokeless’ palomino colored interior. I think it looks nice and tasteful.

jdc1244 · #29 09-26-2003, 08:58 PM

My 300 D came with a black dash cover; the dash is perfect underneath. My guess it’s been on there for a while. I like the way it looks. It seems to be a custom fit for the 123. It has openings for the defroster vents and covers the entire dash. I believe a dash cover is the best way to go.