What is the best treatment for the dash?

[showme]

My wife decided to do a good deed last fall and cleaned up her 81 300D. In the process, she cleaned the dashboard. She used leather cleaner on the seats, and went ahead and used it on the dash, too. She used Justin brand leather balm. She figured if it was good enough for my work boots, it was good enough for the car. I've always warned her to not use Windex or Armorall, so she was thinking in the right direction, anyway.
A few weeks ago, I noticed a few spots starting to form splits in the dash. We went somewhere today, and I counted about 5 small 1/2" splits where the lip of the dash curves down toward the windshield, about 8" from the glass! After looking at the bottle of leather cleaner that she used, I see it contains mineral spirits. The question is, what is the best thing to use on the dash, which I assume is vinyl, and is there any way to stop or repair these cracks from getting any larger? Anybody had any experience with this kind of thing? Thanks for any input on this problem! Lee

[leathermang]

Lexol makes a good plastic cleaner and polish... Vinylex ( SPELLING ?)

Anyway, Lexol is sold at the MB dealerships...and at Tandy Leather Factory.... but I don't think they are smart enough to carry the Vinylex..... The lexol is an industry standard for upholstery type leather which is good about not causing it to get darker ( except for a day or so )...

[bobodaclown]

303 is good stuff. But once the cracks start... Time to get a cover. You can get one that will match the interior for about $40.

[Chad300tdt]

3M Wet Type Silicone spray will keep new cracks from forming and I use 303 Aerospace Protectant for UV protection. Consider drilling a small hole at the end of the cracks so they won't continue to travel.

[tobybul]

I have always had good luck with petroleum jelly. Not only works on the dash for me but all the plastic & rubber trims both interior and exterior of the car. I get a tub from the pharmacy stores.

[ndz77-240D]

I've used the Lexol vinyl Protectant and been happy with it. However, I like more of a matte shine and switched to Meguiar's Vinyl and Rubber Protectant. In my opinion it's one of the best products I've bought for my car, it does Vinyl, Rubber, and Plastic. Protects them all and gives them a deeper, richer look with a slight shine.I've been using it on my dash for two years now, and along with a car cover and sunshade it works well enough.

[Hatterasguy]

303 is the best.