2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Keeping the dash from cracking!!!

[WPeschel]

I used to use armor all on the dash and interior of my 03 and now my dash looks like second gen dash with cracks all over... I dont have any cracks in the 98 dash... I was wondering what have yall used to clean the dash with that does not make it crack... Also what is the best way to keep it from cracking?? I know that I can get one of them sun visors but I'm just to lazy to put it up every time I park the darn thing, is that the only way... thanks

 

[DavidC]

303 protectant. I get it at Camping World. Chrysler had a bulletin out I believe in the early 80's that Armorall caused your vinyl and plastic to dry out and crack, they advised to not use it. Needless to say I stopped using it and used food grade silicone for a few years which worked well (expensive) and switched to 303 when it came out with excellent reviews.



Dave

 

[Grizzly]

I don't believe in using Armorall or anything else on my dash. I keep it well dusted, daily if I have too. I use my sun screen when parked anywhere where there's bright sun. While at home, my truck is under my Trailerport. Keep it out of the sun as much as possible. Knock on wood, I've never had a cracked dash yet on any vehicle 15 years or newer and I live in the sun-belt Southwest. Many feel that a good dash mat is the answer. I've never had one, so I can not vouch for them.

 

[Dave M]

My 97 dash was not cracked till this past year and my truck came from Texas. Maybe the hot summers here are worse than Texas but it has several cracks with one all the way up the middle. From threads I've read a dash mat is a must. Many feel this has protected their dash. Geno's has carpet type and plastic moulded ones. Since mine is already cracked I haven't decided whether to get a new oem TYPE dash top or get the moulded plastic top to cover it (from Geno's). I'm leaning toward the plastic moulded cover at about $129.



Here's Geno's search on just dash:



DASHTOP - BLACK ('94 - '97 DODGE)-Dodge Cummins and Ford Power Stroke Diesel Truck Accessories - Geno's Garage



Here is the dash cover I am considering from Geno's for my 97 $140:



DASHTOP - BLACK ('94 - '97 DODGE)-Dodge Cummins and Ford Power Stroke Diesel Truck Accessories - Geno's Garage



This Geno's cover is plastic and cost $55:



COVER KING - MOLDED DASH COVER ('94-'97 DODGE)-Dodge Cummins and Ford Power Stroke Diesel Truck Accessories - Geno's Garage



Here is another cover from LMC Truck for $140:



LMC Truck Parts - Page 70



The pics are from Geno's. The first is the plastic molded dash cover at $140. The 2nd pic is the plastic cover for $55. The 3rd is the polycarpet foe $36:

 

[Dave M]

Here is a pic of the LMC Truck dash covers. Sorry, the print is too small to read but go to this web site to see it:



LMC Truck Parts - Page 70



LMC dash covers are $140

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

This isn't a good pic, but shows the DashMat I've had on my truck since new - no cracks so far...



#ad




Nice thing about these type covers, is it keeps stuff reasonably well in place when you set them on the dash, they don't show the dirt, and while it's a personal thing, I like the looks of them better than a bare dash...



.

 

[MKinner]

i have been using Vinylex for a few years and have had good results. i have one slight crack starting at the very front edge near the windshield where i seemed to not have gotten good enough. i will be giving it a good soaking with it from now on.

 

[Grizzly]

Nice cab Gary - K7GLD.

 

[kenny61]

I clean it with windex every 4 or 5 years. The spilled coffee from the crappy cup holder keeps it from cracking 12 years old never been garaged and not one crack!!!