Preserving Dash - Keeping It Crack Free

[thom4782]

Hi:

My '87 944 turbo is in immaculate condition. This is where I'd appreciate your advice. What would you recommend to clean and treat the dash? Mine has no cracks and I'd like to keep it that way.

Thanks for any suggestions you might provide.

Thom

[thom4782]

Hi all:

While I couldn't find this using the Forum's search function, I did come across this thread using Google.

Best Dash treatment?

Hope it helps others...

Thom

[Tom944]

I had a crack free dash and then I fixed the AC! The dash split between the two vents in the center. Unfortunately if the dash has dried out the thermal cycling from the hot sun to cold air can make it split.

[Ga 951]

I've been using Vinylex with good results. I have also heard good reviews on Aerospace 303, but never tried it.

I think the best protection is to keep the UV off the dash as much as possible. Garage is preffered, if not possible cover or sheild the dash whenever it is parked.

Congratulations on finding one of the few out there!

[Pauld_94S2]

Use a dash cover:
https://www.covercraft.com/us/en/dash-covers?


Use a windshield sunscreen:
https://www.heatshieldstore.com/car-window-shades/1987-porsche-944-coupe

BTW, Heatshield also makes a sunshield for the hatch glass.

And get a car cover, Coverking or Covercraft.

[jcommin]

There isn't allot you can do -

keep it in the garage
keep it out of the sun
don't use water based protectants
Put a cover over it

I have an old style dash and I had it recovers 12 years ago. The dash is made from, what appears to be, a paper based material.

There are several previous posts as to how many have repaired the dashes - I'm not sure one is better than the other. Recovering a dash is expense, which is why many opt for a cover. There are pro and cons with a cover - the fit seems to be the issue. There is no good answer.

[dondarnell]

Whatever can be done, I haven't been doing it. I've had one 951 for over 20 years, and I'm on my third dash, and now this one has cracks too. It is always garaged and I don't put any product on it. The comment about A/C is interesting. I do blast A/C in the summer.

I've got a second 951 that probably has the original dash. Its a low mileage car, always garaged. No cracks.

I think its just random.

[jeff968]

I've had a number of these dashes for over 20 years without issue and keep mine well lubricated with Meguiars #40. Works great and has a nice medium sheen when first applied.

[ernie9944]

Originally Posted by jeff968

I've had a number of these dashes for over 20 years without issue and keep mine well lubricated with Meguiars #40. Works great and has a nice medium sheen when first applied.

Meguiars / 40 Like Jeff is saying,was using it on both my previous Porsches, work great as long as you don't over do it .A sligth amount will do fine & remove the excess.

[Goldwolf]

There is also the windshield clear tint from 3m

[thomasryan]

https://www.303products.com.au/