dash cracking - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BenzOnline · #1 07-02-2002, 12:29 PM

What is the best way to prevent my w126 dash from cracking? I will be parking it in a parking lot for much of the summer for now and I am worried about it cracking because it is in mint condition and want nothing to happen. I do put protectants on the dash that say "prevents cracking" but I still worry.

I have shades for the front window but I just need to find them.

ericdee · #2 07-02-2002, 03:54 PM

I'd get a Car cover for it ASAP.

BenzOnline · #3 07-02-2002, 05:19 PM

A CAR COVER??? How can I go to work and cover the car up all the time? It will be embarrasing.

ericdee · #4 07-02-2002, 06:11 PM

Embarrassing...

Well sure you get some kidding by the Honda drivers.

But it beats a cracked dash or having the leather dry up on you.

engatwork · #5 07-02-2002, 06:41 PM

Just use one of those things that you spread out in the windshield. Purchase a high quality one that is the appropriate size and you will not have to worry about any sunshine getting to that dash except when you are driving it. You can get them at WalMart.

BenzOnline · #6 07-02-2002, 08:18 PM

Windows are tinted at 21% and I have put Meguiars vinyl cleaner and protectant on the dash. I have these things called "brella shades" made by Motor Trend and they cover the front window from the inside. The dash should be ok.

I got worried because I have seen so many w126 with cracked dashes. But why do they crack so badly??

#7 07-02-2002, 10:35 PM

They crack so bad because of the shape and the way they are made is what I was told be the mechanic. I would by a reflector like said above but enjoy your real dash you can't stop it cracking but when it does by a new one or a cover those are your options. I was going to buy a dash off of ebay for 50 dollars. You can get the covers for about 100 dollars.
Just my 2 cents

BenzOnline · #8 07-02-2002, 11:34 PM

Maybe they crack because people dont put any protectant??

ymsin · #9 07-03-2002, 02:08 AM

I suggest using a sun-visor.

#10 07-03-2002, 07:54 AM

the 500 always had protectant on the dash it never made any diffrence in my oponion.

BenzOnline · #11 07-03-2002, 08:16 AM

So really on a dash, it doesnt matter if you have protectant on it or not?

ymsin · #12 07-03-2002, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BenzOnline
So really on a dash, it doesnt matter if you have protectant on it or not?

Nope. It wouldn't make much difference except to put the gloss on the dash.

I always use a sun-visor which shades the dash away from the harmful heat-ray ...

BenzOnline · #13 07-03-2002, 08:59 AM

But why does it not make a difference?? All of the products says it prevents cracking.

#14 07-03-2002, 09:10 AM

It prevents from it drying out and cracking not cold or hot movement. We had an old blazer that the dash dred out on it kinda gets real brittel and then crumbles.

#15 07-06-2002, 05:11 PM

Never use Armor All dash protectant on a dash. This makes them crack prematurely, and could be the cause of lots of W126 dash cracks whose owners "used protectant on them".

-Sam