[Mag-X]

I did a search, and all of the posts seem to be about preventing or covering up the cracks. Mine are still very small, so I'd just like to know if anyone knew of a way to just stop them. I really don't care if the cracks are bright pink when I'm done, I just want them to stop from getting bigger.

 

[Matthew]

Protect the dashboard from direct sunlight... afterall that's why the cracks occur in the first place. It might be that once cracked they'll just get worse regardless, but shading the dashboard will minimise that.

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[eggsngrits]

Yes.


Liberal applications of a protectant with suncreen like 3M Vinyl Cleaner/Protectant or 303 Aerospace Protectant can help. I like the 3M because it isn't overly shiny like ArmorAll, etc. I've never tried the 303 stuff, but it is a favorite of some pros.

You may try a dab of a plastic adhesive at the ends of the cracks to see if that provides a little reinforcement at the point of stress. It's worked for me on other things, and the existing cracks will get worse from vibration and cowl shake even when protected from the sun.

 

[saabchilten]

armorall

DO NOT use armorall on the dash! :nono; the ultrashine (or something like the) is great for plastic trim on the outside but it would be a nightmare on the dash and you would get blinded.

 

[cinemarr]

and buy a garage.:cheesy:

 

[unkleG'sif]

careful selection of parking spaces can yield great results in dash protection - altho there is a trade between parking under trees in the shade to keep the car cool and protect your dash - and not gettin pidgeon $h!t on your car.

when you factor in the need to park AWAY from other cars to avoid them smacking their doors into yours, it kinda limits your options

i have a daily battle to get to the best space in the work carpark - its out the way, in the shade, but no actual overhead branches for birds to sit on and use my sunroof for target practice:evil:

 

[JDWilts]

I use autoglyms viynl & rubber care on the dash, not as shiney as armourall but I can highly reccommend the wifes favourite extra thin finest white Egyptian cotton waffle style bathroom towels for the dash. You know the ones, they always have in good French hotels that never dry you. The extra large bath towel fits just right when laid out on the dash and just covers the top of the steering wheel too and being white reflects the heat leaving the dash feeling cool to touch even on the hottest of days. They fold up real small in the glove compartment when not in use. I have resorted to this when the car is parked up for long periods of time especially as there is no shade at my house.

 

[Matthew]

I detest all treatments that get used in car interiors. They make everything slimy and a dust magnet, and they're tacky IMO.

I cleaned the interior of my car using soapy water and dried with a towel.

As well as the finest French fluffy towels you can buy reflective dashboard protectors. They fold up like a map and fit easily in one of the door pockets or glovebox.

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[eggsngrits]

Matthew, the 3M treatment will change your mind. I feel the same way -- protection should be unseen and shouldn't become a nuisance. The 3M protectant is invisible 2 minutes after application (completely matte finish) and doesn't seem to keep that greasy/waxy surface that attracts and holds dust.


I've heard that the 303 Aerospace stuff is the same; I've never used it.

 

[Matthew]

That is good news 3M products do seem to be the business, don't they?

I was talking with a friend of mine about how to completely remove that greasy/waxy film that other product leave. I think they contain a lot of silicon, and that's a devil to remove

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[900t]

About the windshield reflectors to protect the dashboard... I have many of them, the aluminium-mylar type with the foam backing which is good quality.

However they are quite expensive I've been told, people paying upwards of $90 US.. :roll:

But here, the dollar store sells them! So if anybody wants one cheap... send me like $15 and I'll mail you one

 

[SaabFEVER]

get an original cover from the dealer. Protects it and it doesn't look that bad either.

 

[900t]

Hey guys, psst...

know what I have?

Right here?

An *uncracked* perfect 900 dash...

it's so beautiful

:lol:

Now I just need to figure out how to remove and install it

 

[ShadowWorks]

I know what the powerful UV will do to a dash board and shop displays, they way around this is to use a UV tint, you can buy film that is clear and will stop almosy 100% of the harmful and powerful UV rays, have a person tint your front window, its best to take it out and have it chemically coated or tinted and you in business, you have to fill the cracks in with bondo and paint them if they have started, you can drill a hole in the ends of the cracks to stop them from growing but if a cracks there it wont heel itself.

 

[unkleG'sif]

Matthew,

I have to agree with you too - and altho i appreciate that there are treatments out there that dont leave it all waxy etc, they still smell like pot pouri mixed with glade air freshener, and actually make me feel sick

Water and a towel, with a little paint brush to get into those tight spaces around switches and in the air vents - always a good passtime when you get stuck in traffic tho:lol:

Graham

 

[JDWilts]

Matthew,

I detest all treatments that get used in car interiors. They make everything slimy and a dust magnet, and they're tacky IMO.

The autoglym product is excellent. When applied sparingly and once buffed off leaves a matt finish as per the original interior so you would never know its there. However, it does add some protection to the viynl/plastic. I have only ever used Amourall once in my life back in the early 80's and that was once too often. The 60's black wet look PVC mack effect on the dash wasn't for me either. However, 20 years on there are many very good products out there.

With the dramatic change of our weather the sun's intensity seems to be greater than ever and I think dash cracks and interior/paint work fading is something we are all going to have a continuing battle with.

 

[Matthew]

Blocking UV light from passing through the windscreen would be good for the driver, as well as the dashboard. Something to put on the "mods" list for sure.

a little paint brush to get into those tight spaces around switches and in the air vents

Agree A bottle brush is also good for removing dust from the air vents

Swiffers are great for rmeoving dust from a car's interior I keep one in the glovebox!

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[philbert]

Hey guys, psst...

know what I have?

Right here?

An *uncracked* perfect 900 dash...

it's so beautiful

:lol:

Now I just need to figure out how to remove and install it

I also have an *uncracked* perfect dash that I got from my local junk yard for a whopping $7.00. Stupid me, I grabbed the windshield from that car months ago and didn't even pay attention to the dash until a few weeks ago. Boy, it didn't take long to remove it and get it home!

 

[unkleG'sif]

Matthew, what are Swiffers?

 

[firebarn]

Dashboard Cover

I have some large cracks on my dash, beyond repair,however have purchased a 900i dasboard cover from our saab repair place here in Sydney(saabserve). it cost AUS $66.00 and looks really good, made of a thin carpet material and dark grey (gray for you yanks) and shaped to allow the moulded square on the front of the dash and has cut outs for the air vents and speakers. Its held down by velcro. Would recommend it to anyone who has a saab in a hot climate.