Phil McRackin

[morgan]

I just picked up an uncracked dash from a local wrecker for 60$(canadian!!). How can I keep it from cracking. I refuse to put one of those lamo folding card-board things in the window when I park in the sun and I don't really want to hide the stunning cracklessness with a cover. Anyone have suggestions for "stress relieving" it somehow or maybe a wonder chemical I can throw on to keep it supple.There's nothing in the archives.
73 2.0L 914

[Mike Kunz]

Your only best best is to keep it covered when out in the sun....but what I really wanted to ask....does the wrecker have any more?! $60 CDN is an incredible bargain that I wish I could find!

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Real Porsches have their engines not only in the back, but in the middle, too!

[Joe Bob]

Sun is bad....duh.

Try using a car cover, or the umbrella cover that are sold by some of the list sponsors, it covers the cockpit of the car. Perry Kiehl in TN sells tehm.

[bowlsby]

I bought my 74 with the original uncracked dash just less than 2 years ago. It lived in Southern California all its life and was well cared for. I live in Northern California where the year round temps are relatively mild. The car is parked outside under a shady tree most of the year, is always covered with a light grey car cover, has a silverized windshield cover inplace and a carpeted dash cover in place at all times, when its not driven. Neurotic huh?

The dash began to crack about a year after I got it. The constant cycling between hot and cold will kill it but even in this moderate climate, with all the precautions I take, it is not immune.

[Germain]

The best recomendation, keep it conditioned. You basically need to keep "oil" in the dash to keep it from drying out, thats what causes it to crack. Armor All makes a product for that, I think its call Vinal Care. I would apply it every week or so to maintain moisture.

Take care.

[morgan]

Armor all vinyl care once a week. That's what I was looking for. Now, does anyone know where I can get that in 50 Gallon drums.
Sorry Mike Kunz, there were 4 others but they had all either cracked or turned white from the elements. Thanks for the responses.