What to use on new car vinyl?

J

jlfrogy

New member
Hi guys.... I have just purchased my first brand new car in over a decade and although I think I was pretty good at what products to use on my corvette which I bought used, I'm not sure what to use on the new PT. I like the look the vinyl dash has now and am wondering what to use to protect it that is not shiney or at all oily. I use 303 on almost everything on the vette, but it does have a little shine and some oiliness. Wonder if I should still use this? BTW the way things are going financially looks like this is my last car ever, so I want to try to preserve it. Any suggestions???????
 
Hey jlfrogy,



congrats on the new PT Cruiser:up



I love Meguiars #40 for everything on my Ranger, leaves a nice satin sheen when you buff off the excess after it sets up for alittle bit. I'm not real fond of the way it smells but it works like a charm. Pretty easy to use, just spray on or wipe on, let it sit, and buff to a satin sheen. In between dressings, I like to use 1Z Cockpit premium for general clean ups. Smells great and does a good job of removing little stains, scuffs or what have you in your interior,,,,,,,91
 
jlfrogy said:
I'm not sure what to use on the new PT. I like the look the vinyl dash has now and am wondering what to use to protect it that is not shiney or at all oily.
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For a new car I would recommend not using anything, especially anything that could make the vinyl shiney or oily. I would highly recommend using a sunshade for your front windshield. That will help to reduce some of those UV rays of the sun. After a few years you could start using either Meguiar's #40 or 303 on the lower vinyl, such as the lower kick panels on your doors. Always remember to wipe away any excess protectant. That's what most manufacturers advise.



Just my thoughts...
 
You can use the 303. It's a nice product. If it's a little too "oily" for you, just buff with a dry cotton or MF towel.



But, in my opinion, protect it immediately. Start early and keep it coated!



I love the circle terry applicators and foam tipped painting brushes to apply dressings.
 
mirrorfinishman said:
For a new car I would recommend not using anything, especially anything that could make the vinyl shiney or oily. I would highly recommend using a sunshade for your front windshield. That will help to reduce some of those UV rays of the sun. After a few years you could start using either Meguiar's #40 or 303 on the lower vinyl, such as the lower kick panels on your doors. Always remember to wipe away any excess protectant. That's what most manufacturers advise.



Just my thoughts...
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NO WAY! I totally disagree about waiting a few years. Most of the highend products penetrate the vinyl and help prevent it from cracking and fading due to the sun.

JLfrogy, i use this conditioner that is good for any kind of vinyl. I just cant think of the name right now. I am to lazy to go to my truck and look at the bottle.

I would also recommend Meg's #40.
 
mirrorfinishman said:
For a new car I would recommend not using anything, especially anything that could make the vinyl shiney or oily. I would highly recommend using a sunshade for your front windshield. That will help to reduce some of those UV rays of the sun. After a few years you could start using either Meguiar's #40 or 303 on the lower vinyl, such as the lower kick panels on your doors. Always remember to wipe away any excess protectant. That's what most manufacturers advise.



Just my thoughts...
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i know i just posted about this quote. but after re-reading it I just have to ask.



How can you tell someone who is asking for help not to use anything on it for a few years?



I have never seen any such reading that states not to protect your vehicle for a few years. In a few years you can damage or fade the vinyl.



I have seen manufacturers state to polish your vehicle once every year or so. and to wax every 6 months to a year. LOL

Most people on autopia wax chance we get. I have seen 1990 vehicles on autopia that look better then some 2004 vehicles. If your asking your self why, it is becuase they maintained the vehicle from day one, they did not wait a few years.
 
Does the application of anything inhibit the evaporation of solvents, etc from the manufacturing process escape from the dash? I still would strive to protect it rather than ignore it.
 
You may want to stick with the 303 and just buff down a little like Spilchy said, unless you're looking for something different to try. I have and like to use several different products for my own car interior. Poorboy's Natural Look has a very nice matte look and a great cherry smell to it. I also use Black Magic's Semi-Gloss Dashboard Protectant which I think leaves a little more of a matte surface. Another product that I was happy with was Zaino's Z-10 leather conditioner that works very well on my dash. It has a great leather smell and also leaves the surface with a matte look to it. All these products have UV protection.



V..
 
303:D exclusively on all seals and interior on my new car since day 1. 8 months later, my interior looks incredible and ppl :shocked when i open my door and see that the weatherstripping is clean, not shiney...but clean. i get compliment all the time. not to get off topic, start cleaning and dressing your motor now, alot easier to keep something clean and protected than trying to remove dirt after it has been neglected.:xyxthumbs
 
NY detailer said:
NO WAY! I totally disagree about waiting a few years.
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Just as an example, I will be detailing a new Corvette and the owner is very upset that someone at the dealership has already ruined the appearance of the dash by adding protectant. Now I've got to thoroughly clean everything just to get it back to looking like new. Not shiney and oily.



Hey, some people like that shiney and oily look over the look of new vinyl. It's okay with me. However, I would always rather make my recommendations based on my own experience. Not the opinions of others.
 
mirrorfinishman said:
Just as an example, I will be detailing a new Corvette and the owner is very upset that someone at the dealership has already ruined the appearance of the dash by adding protectant. Now I've got to thoroughly clean everything just to get it back to looking like new. Not shiney and oily.



Hey, some people like that shiney and oily look over the look of new vinyl. It's okay with me. However, I would always rather make my recommendations based on my own experience. Not the opinions of others.
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i am basing my post on my own experience. i would be made alos if my dash looked oily. But there are great products out there that do not make the dash oily and protect. They will leave a real nice matte finish.
 
Is this JLFroggy from the corvette forum ?? Florida ??? Did you get rid of the Vette ?? :(



I buy all my cars new, over 10 at last count. I never use anything more than a little water, some diluted car wash soap, and a drying rag. I dont like oily, shiney dashes at all. I also found that Mr Clean Eraser works well at removing scuffs on the door panels. (forum hint)



Good luck either way ....



:xyxthumbs
 
I have always been happy with Armour All its easy to come by,cheap and they do a low gloss finish, (you could always just wipe it over with a damp cloth to remove the shine) provides excellent UV protection to boot,I would get the side widows tinted and always use a front sunscreen as aleady suggested,but you dont have to live in a sunshine State to benifit from the above.
 
mirrorfinishman said:
Just as an example, I will be detailing a new Corvette and the owner is very upset that someone at the dealership has already ruined the appearance of the dash by adding protectant.
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That's because the DEALERSHIP tried to detail a car!



I would not base my recommendation to someone else on the fact that the dealer smeared Armor All Ultra Shine all over the dash of another person's car.



The guy lives in Florida who asked the question. Why would you not protect inetrior vinyl with a high quality product selection that we have all recommended? Selections that have excellent results.



Why would you wait a few YEARS as you stated before protecting vinyl in a car found in the area of the country with deadly sun? Plus, why would you recommended using it on the LOWER vinyl that is out of reach of the sun?
 
I would say 303 or one of the protectants offered by 1Z.





BTW: I do NOT understand how a detailer can tell someone not to protect their dash. I guess you're supose to wait untill it starts showing signs of fading and cracking before you start to take care of it. I really question you sometimes.
 
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