I still like Armor-All
 

Guys - I have read a lot of the threads discussing the pros and cons of Armor-All vs the other products. However I still like it. Here is a pic of my 81 300SD dash; I just put some on for the first time in at least a year. And it still looks pretty good. Original owner at 255K and still going strong.

I still have some 303 product that I have used a few times and it works fine. But I seem to keep coming back to Armor-All, basically for the shine.

I was a motorcycle cop back in the day and when Armor All first came out, I sprayed some on my solo seat. First time I braked hard I was up on the tank with my face in the windshield. If you like the shine, please keep using it. I use 303 because I have it for my boat also.

You are absolutely right about that. I used to Armor-All the seats years ago and I would slide for a few days every time I came to a stop. It makes them pretty but too slippery.

Novel Suggestion
 

The reason your Dash looks anything like new is because you've used 303
Aerospace Protectant in the past.

The Armor All does nothing to protect against "Outgassing" of the Pliable
components of the Vinyl Compounds.

if you keep using armor all, you will be replacing your cracked dash.

Guys - you are probably right. But I have been using Armor-All since the early 1980's and have only used 303 about twice - both times last year.

hmm. something may be said for continuous use. perhaps it is just the dried out never conditioned vinyl that cracks badly when armor all is used...

That could be a possibility. I used to be pretty good about keeping it dressed but over the last ten years or so I have fallen badly behind. In any event I have really had good service out of the dash and if it begins to show some wear I will consider it an enhancement of character.

Wife has wanted me to get rid of the car for more years than I can count. But it just runs and does not give me any trouble.

You beat me to it.....never, ever, EVER put Armor All on a motorcycle seat..

I like the woodgrain. Different than what I have in mine.

Standard woodgrain. Think it is called Zebrano.

"I still like Armor-All "

Some folks still dump ATF in the fuel tank to "clean" the injectors, or claim synthetic oil causes oil leaks, believe what ever you like.;)

I suspect that weather conditions may be the deciding factor rather than dressing treatment. When I worked in Scottsdale, the dash (in 116 degree weather) would get so hot that it would burn fingers. In Atlanta we are not subject to that kind of weather. And the fact that it has been garaged almost all of the time helps.

Personally, I think Armorall should be outlawed.

No, really, I can't believe they have not had their ass sued off.

Nuf said.

You have a smart wife, you should load it on the next truck heading west before it starts giving you trouble. :D.
You know how these old junker start to nickle and dime you :rolleyes:.

Charlie

Where to buy 303?

Dash cracks are a combination result of thermal expansion of the dash shell and vinyl covering that has gone brittle because of UV exposure. Minimize all of the above and your dash will be less likely to crack.

Unlike leather, you can't put flexability into dried out vinyl, so the 303's UV protection is what you're paying for.

I bought some at West Marine on Holiday Road up by Lake Lanier a few years ago. I assume they still stock it.

Diesel is much cheaper.

What do you clean diesel with?

I don't know if this is sacriledge to some, but I use Mother's Back to Black on my dash. I used it one time, after using a variety of products regularly, whether Meguiar's NXT trim stuff, a Turtle Wax product and of course Armour All. I used it once to help clean off the adhesive part of velcro squares used by the PO to hold the radar detector cord in place (remember when the limit was 55?)

I've used it ever since then, as it leaves an incredibly deep black finish on the dash, and lasts forever. Twice a year is about it, other than just removing dust periodically with a dry towel. I always have BTB around for other cars and other parts of the Benz exterior, like the black rubber bumber surrounds. I recommend it for the dash, though, and it helps to "buff it in" for a while, really work with it like you would an exterior polish or wax.

Maybe I'm nuts but it looks like nothing else.

Picked up some 303 today. $11 for 16oz is not what I would call cheap. I am very used to wipes though. So not a fan of going backwards to a spray on product.

I can't stand a shiiny dash, too much reflection on the windshield in the sun. Give me a good clean original finish any day.

Pour it on a cloth, and wipe it on.

Charlie

I hear you there. same with light colored dashes, or papers laid on the dash, they reflect in the windshield.

A dark dash is best.

Charlie

25 boat manufacturers endorse 303. I think it does a great job, but as in all things, to each their own.

I prefer Aqua Velva (classic ice blue) over the taste of Armor All, any day!

My friend swears that Armor All on wiper blades makes them last forever.

Can this thread please be moved to detailing and interior ?:rolleyes: