Insurance is paying for a new dash that got cracked up from thieves stealing my radio. What can I do or don't do to keep the new dash from developing cracks?

 

I use 303 Aerospace protectant. Its specifically designed to shield the abs plastic from uv and ir rays and keep the natural oils in the material rather than leach them out like armor-all. It acts as sunscreen basically. Check out the website, search 303 aerospace. There's some good info on there.

Kurt

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm familiar with 303 - I use it on my boat. Just out of curiosity, do you have a cracked dash? From what I'm hearing, there's no way to stop the dash from cracking, I'm just looking for ways to prolong the dash life.

 

I have a 97' with the original dash and it has not one crack in it. Knock on wood. I dont do anything to it. I dont even put a shade in the window. But definetly dont use armor all that speeds up the crack process.

 

No My dash isn't cracked. I grew up in So Cal and everything we ever owned got a cracked dash sooner or later. My dad's 94 dash is like new but he put a cloth cover on it from day one. Now the truck sits in a barn in MT so its better protected.

I have been using 303 on my dashes for about 7 years now but the sun doesn't get too high for too long up here in the Pacific NW like it does in Texas!

Kurt

 

My dash is OK and I hope to keep it that way. It sits partially is a car port, no sun on the cab. I leave the windows cracked in the summer to prevent heat buildup. I use a silver window screen when I park in the sun. Finally, I bought a dash matt from JC Whitney, about $35, or so. Cheap insurance.

 

I know it probably helps to use a sun screen, but I'm debating if I should continue using one. I think that's what made my truck an easy target for the thieves. Once they were in the truck they were not easily detectable behind a concealed windshield and tinted windows.