How to extend life of rubber and boots and dash ?
 

I read a really interesting thread on keeping the dashboard alive and supple and unsplit. The conclusion was it cracks because it dries out.

So, who has suggestions for keeping axle boots from cracking and splitting ?

It seems the longer we can keep the boots from splitting open, the longer
we can drive on our axles.

I am about to install a complete rear end from a car with only 100K miles
into my almost 300K car. The boots are not split and it seems I could
do something to them to help them out.

Silicone spray will keep all the rubber bits, boots, door seals etc, soft and supple. It's been mentioned here that Aerospace 303 protectant will take care of the dash.

Pledge furniture polish for the dash pad. It's carnuba wax in a petroleum distillate emulsion. The carnuba seals up the vinyl and lowers the rate of outgassing that eventually shrinks the skin, which causes stresses to built until it splits.

"New car smell" is merely vinyl outgassing, which is when the shrinkage and stress buildup starts, and heat an UV from the sun accelerates it. Keep the car covered in the sun or at least use a windshield shade.

Not sure about the CV boots. They don't see UV light (ultra enemy to organic materials), but are continuously flexed, while the car is moving. Silicone spray is probably a good as anything, but it will only protect the outside surface from various contaminants. It won't protect against fatigue from flexing. In any event, split CV boots seem to be fairly rare. I can't remember a report on this forum.

Duke

I will second the use of "303 Protectant". It is supposed to be a good preservative for everything. I have seen cautions against the use of some silicone sprays, saying that there may be other substances in the propellant that will harm the surface. If the propellant is inert, silicone will be OK but perhaps the "303 Protectant" will form a better barrier that will repel other substances and prevent the loss of vital juices. It's not cheap.
I have also successfully used the Mequires white/watery substance for inside the car. Until it cures, it is very susceptible to water, causing streaking. May not be the best to use under the car!
OliverB

Avoid
 

Avoid any dash or vinyl product solutions with alcohol in them; the alcohol damages the dash/upholstery over time - dries out the natural oils in the plastic or rubber...

bnc

Who sells this 303 Protectant?
I've read that certain dash colors are more prone to cracking than others.
From experience with the 107 cars I've noticed that the 350sl's and 450sl's were manufactured with dash colors coordinated with their interior colors.
I have a 1977 450sl with a brown dash - cracked.
1979 450slc with a blue dash - cracked.
1985 280sl with a black dash- cracked.
1972 350sl with a palimino dash - in perfect condition.
I know that Mercedes went to all black dashes in the 107 cars in the 1980's but did they change their material(plastic composition) in the early 1970's?
I've noticed other early 107's with perfect original dashes but hardly any later ones?


Knarf

Chemicals can help preserve the dash - so can one of those expandable window covers that you put up after stopping the car - keeps the sun out.

I picked some up at West Marine this past weekend.

Always some on ebay.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400