redbayredneck

I was applying Armor-All to my dash the other day, and I noticed that it has developed a small crack (in an otherwise crack free dash).


Is there a way to keep this from getting larger, and possibly prevent future cracks? I've been thinking of just putting some super-glue in the crack and being more vigilante about applying the Armor-All, but I figured that there was probably a better way.

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

Interested in this as well.

snobdds

I have not seen a good way to stop one yet.

I swear, someone would become a millionaire if they would start making replacement dash pads for the various makes...

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

i have heard from several people that armor-all'ing your dash can CAUSE the cracks - usually happens when you stop or miss a regular application, and especially so if you park your vehicle in the sun a lot.

my cars have always sat in full sun and never got treated with armor-all...no cracks. probably just a fluke though, but my truck is also a 3rd gen where they likely would have changed the plastic compound. come to think of it, i only see cracked dashes on 80's and older vehicles anymore. could be just an age thing, but i'd assume there was some advancements in plastics technology that's made the newer vehicles less prone to this problem.



i wonder if drilling a small hole at the end of the crack will keep it from growing? it's already cracked, so may be worth a shot.

jbtvt

I would second the thought about drilling a small hole at the end of the crack, works on everything else. Vinyl repair kits are available but don't usually turn out looking stock.

Cracking is caused by UV crosslinking (and though they may have upped the antioxidant content of new dashes I imagine they are still crack-prone as they age also) so I would hope that anything that blocks the UV would be beneficial, not sure if Armorall does or is just a shine. However, because it and similar products are oil based, and thus have the potential to dissolve into the vinyl and mess with the chemistry I plan on, actually because of this reminder just pulled the trigger on, ordering some 303 Aerospace Protectant - http://smile.amazon.com/303-Products...=1&*entries*=0
which is apparently water based and UV blocking. I think this is the ideal long term solution to preventing cracks, and you know what they say about an ounce of prevention.

RAD4Runner

Got this for my vehicles, too. easy to apply. I use it to treat all plastic and rubber parts/Trims. I've heard many bad feedback on Armor-All, too.
Before I applied the 303 on window rubber rails and weather striping, I applied either spray silicone or 100% silicone di-electric grease. That seemed to rejuvenate the rubber and window glass now slides much smoother.

wheels&more

I also use 303 protectant. It has UV protection and leaves a clean look finish.

oldtech

Every dash I've seen crack just keeps cracking. I work at a dealer and we have had them repaired by the pros and they still continue to crack. I used a plastic overlay on the dash pad of my 88 4Runner they go on with silicon and come dyed in different colors or black and you can dye to match. I've had mine on for 4 years looks like the day I installed it. People ask my where I found a dash pad in such great shape you can't tell it's there.

RAD4Runner

Good idea! Would be nice to find teh right width and trip to fit. Did you buy yours pre-cut? Where?

Mine only has a crack on one straight line. I might just find a narrow strip of matching vinyl to cover the crack.

Nervo19

Why not pop into an auto upholstery shop and ask? I think many of them service used car lots to make dashes and upholstery decent enough for resale. I doubt they charge much for vinyl repairs. It gets really hot in summer here, over 100 degrees so car interiors get to be over 180 degrees. I use one of those dorky windshield shades religiously during summer. My 89 and 00 don't have cracks. The only car I ever had with a crack was bought that way. A 1967 Cougar and it bugged me to no end. They make new pads for them ($400) and they are fairly uncommon cars. Why don't they make dash pads for 84-88 pickups and 84-89 4Runners? There are a lot of potential customers.

There are these on eBay for $93:


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-Pickup-Dash-Cap-Cover-87-88-FREE-SHIPPING-/380843586419?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1987%7CMake%3AToyota%7CModel%3APickup&hash=item58ac0bf373&vxp=mtr

oldtech

That's what I was talking about. They take 5 minutes to install and look great

skoob

Armor all = cracked dash, unfortunately that is my experience also. Have not used it in over 10 years. All my cars over 10 years old no cracks.

RAD4Runner

Thanks, Nervo and Oldtech.
So above does not fit earlier runners?

Oldtech,
Care to share a picture? Interested in seeing how it looks like installed.

oldtech

I'm at the beach right now. I'll post a picture Sunday or Monday when I get home. I know the make 2 different covers, one with a small pocket one with a large pocket on top. Make see if you get one it is correct

Nervo19

Sorry. I have a habit of searching for 88 4Runner parts because I have an 89 and most sellers can't wrap their heads around the fact that 89's are 1st gen but the 89 trucks are the newer body style. I never thought about the difference between 85 and 88 dashes. There is a difference in the inset at the top of the dash. 84-86 are the same and 87-89 are the other style. These come in black and you'll have to paint them. According to Terry87 the SEM paint codes for gray are light gray: 17303 and dark gray: 17013. Here's the cap you want:





http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-Pickup-4-Runner-84-85-86-Molded-Dash-Cap-Cover-/380365395439?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1985%7CModel%3A4Runner&hash=item588f8b55ef&vxp=mtr

If you search "85 4Runner dash" a little further down the page there's the same pad for a little cheaper when you add up shipping vs. free shipping.

And while on eBay an altimeter came up that is $25 right now, with six days to go. It is better not to bid until near the end. I got mine for $39 that way:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-1986-1987-1988-1989-toyota-4runner-gray-altimeter-inclinometer-dash-/121393389330?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c439c1f12&vxp=mtr

RAD4Runner

Thanks a lot, Nervo! Really appreciate that.

oldtech

RAD4Runner here's some pictures you requested

RAD4Runner

WOW! Couldn't even tell it's just a cap! Thank you very much, Oldtech.

donomite49

outstanding !! looks original.

CRamsey

iTrader: (1)

As far as stopping the cracks goes, I've used little dabs of JB Weld on the tiny cracks to hold the edges together. So far, they haven't gotten any worse. I also saw cracks developing in the indentation on top of the pad. I pushed JB Weld into the cracks and wiped off the excess. It's a close color match and isn't obvious. My 2 cents...