Preventing dash cracks - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Eliot · #1 12-30-2003, 09:53 PM

I have a 1989 300te...the dash, right now is perfect...How do I prevent, if that's possible, dash cracking???

Duke2.6 · #2 12-30-2003, 11:00 PM

Nearly all polymers outgas - what we know as "new car smell". Over time outgassing causes the polymers to shrink, which builts up stresses and eventually causes cracking.

The key is to seal up the surface and one of the best products to accomplish this is Pledge Furniture Polish, and the original unscented type is best if you don't want your car to smell like a lemon.

Pledge is basically carnuba wax in a petroleum distillate emulsion. Just spray it on and wipe it around until the volatiles dry. It will leave a nice satin finish.

If you have to regularly park your car in the sun buy a cover that is made from a material that is a good solar reflector. Tyvek is great.

Duke

jbaj007 · #3 12-31-2003, 01:14 AM

Aerospace Protectorant 303 is a good product for preservation of all plastics that degrade with UV, such as the dash.

Antony · #4 12-31-2003, 08:15 AM

I've got to agree with the Pledge! I've used it for 20 years on everything I've owned, and have not had problems with any vehicle I've put it on. My vehicles sit outside, with a windshield sun visor in summer, no cracks. Love, love, love it!

Kestas · #5 12-31-2003, 10:21 PM

I got into the habit of parking my car facing north whenever possible, especially at work or some other long term parking. This reduces the UV hitting the dashboard and heat from direct sunlight.

rickjordan · #6 01-01-2004, 01:29 AM

If your dash is black, you will be fine. It is the blue dashes that crack, I should know both of my TD have blue interiors. My father owns an '85 300D with a black dash it only has 1 small crack up by the windhsield.

engatwork · #7 01-01-2004, 07:15 AM

I have seen the same thing. My '85 300D is black ext/pal int. The black dash is not cracked except for one 1/2" long crack right in front of the inst cluster adjacent to where the defoast vent is located. My '81 300D has the blue dash and is cracked all to heck and back in numerous places.

86560SEL · #8 12-30-2005, 12:38 AM

Isn't that strange? You would think that the black would crack more over since it absorbs more heat, being a darker color.

My car has a blue interior too. One of the PO had installed one of those custom dash covers. I was hoping the dash underneath would be good, but the other day I glanced under it and noticed a crack. It is probably cracked all over.

anthonyb · #9 12-30-2005, 02:08 AM

Well, for what it's worth, I have a black dash and it's cracked in three spots, two minor cracks each by the speaker cutouts, and one medium sized crack straight down the middle.

kcscout · #10 12-30-2005, 08:17 AM

Try armorall. I had a 83 300D with a beautiful dash that glisened. I kept it that way by rubbing it down in armorall at least once a month. The only reason a dash will crack is if it dries out.

TheDon · #11 12-30-2005, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcscout

Try armorall. I had a 83 300D with a beautiful dash that glisened. I kept it that way by rubbing it down in armorall at least once a month. The only reason a dash will crack is if it dries out.

armorall bad bad it will ruin the dash on our old cars.. its been discussed before.. armorall actualy does more bad than good

Hatterasguy · #12 12-30-2005, 10:36 PM

I have a gray dash in my SD with cracks big enough I can stick my finger in them!

Keep a good coating of 303 on your dash and keep it out of the sun!!!!!

Use a sun shade everytime you park in the sun, the sun is your enemy here!

86560SEL · #13 12-31-2005, 12:02 AM

Yes, I have also heard that Armorall will destroy an instrument panel pad.

Use it at your own risks.

page62 · #14 12-31-2005, 08:17 PM

Armor All...ack! I found out about that stuff -- the hard way -- 20+ years ago.

I believe that *nothing* is best on a dash. Except for a wipe with a clean, damp chamois as part of regular cleaning.

That, and a carport or garage...