Interior Cleaner and Protectant

[MAGNUM77]

Did some searching on what to use on the interior of my 71 Polara. For cleaning and something to protect it from the sun. I saw that people were using 303 Aerospace Protectant and Lexol. Is that still what to go with? Have u had good luck with those?

I’m also thinking about getting a velour dash cover to help the dash pad with the sun. Anyone use one of those? I’m open to suggestions etc.... I know I wanna stay away from ArmorAll!!!! I wanna try to protect the interior the best that I can. Thanks

 

[CBODY67]

Lexol is usually for leather, which was what I first saw it advertied for back in the 1970s. Not sure if it is good on vinyl or not. It is designed to restore the (evaporated) oils in the leather to keep it soft.

There will be some "more fragile" areas on the dash pad, as the front speaker area. Might contact some of the dask pad restorers to see their current recommendations for a protectant/preservative. BUT, at this point in time, once you start, you will need to maintain applications every so often, I suspect.

Hopefully, once cleaned, you can find a protectant/preservative that will not put a thin "fog" coat on the inner windshield as the protectant/preservative ages in the heat.

I found a fold-out plastic mechanism at O'Reillys the other day, with a triangle-shaped (removeable) microfibre pad on it just for cleaning larger glass surfaces. Works pretty well, even came with additional pads. Use warm/hotter water for best cleaning results, then follow with a large towel for the residual beads of water clean-up. Might loosely stuff a towel into the gap at the base of the windshield, too.

Enjoy!
CBODY67

 

[MAGNUM77]

Thanks CBODY67! That’s what I initially thought with the Lexol also. I did find this on there website and it states for vinyl.
Vinylex Protectant 16.9 oz | Lexol

 

[shooter65]

When I had my 300M, the folks in the 300M forum swore by 303. The 300M's are very susceptible to a crack in the dash near the airbag. I also use it on my wife's 2019 Scat Pack Charger. The dash material is a weird rubber feeling material and several folks recommended it for that as well. Good Luck.

 

[ayilar]

@MAGNUM77 — if you find a dash cover you like, pls let me know. My dashes are not cracked (except one) but I’d like protection regardless.

 

[MAGNUM77]

@MAGNUM77 — if you find a dash cover you like, pls let me know. My dashes are not cracked (except one) but I’d like protection regardless.

Will do my dash is not cracked yet either. But I would like to use something as a protectant from the sun. I’m thinking maybe this would work??? If I don’t find anything else I believe I will go with this.
Dash Designs - Custom Fit Velour Dashboard Covers for Sale | Best Red Velour Dash Cover For Cars, Trucks, & SUVs | California Car Cover Co.

 

[polara71]

Is the car garaged? If so you are stressing over nothing, really.

 

[MAGNUM77]

Is the car garaged? If so you are stressing over nothing, really.

The car is garaged. And your right I am probably stressing over nothing. The pad should be ok.

 

[polara71]

The car is garaged. And your right I am probably stressing over nothing. The pad should be ok.

It will be! Stressing over the whats ifs will destroy your enjoyment of the car. You will always obsess over the bad possibilities instead of relaxing over the beauty of the car. Please, do not cover up the dash pad. It's a cheesy thing to do and you can't show off the nice original pad.

 

[Big_John]

You can't go wrong with the 303.

It's not a cleaner, but if it's clean to begin with, the 303 will take the dust and whatever off nicely so you won't have to use a cleaner.

It leaves a nice sheen, not too shiny, that looks right.

 

[BigblueC]

For cleaning and something to protect it from the sun.

I'm a fan of 303 products. For cleaning I use water & vinegar, or water & some dish soap depending on the situation, but I always go back over it with a clean cloth and plain water. If those can't take care of it I'll use something stronger, but I work my way up.

Keep it simple, but I do recommend avoiding "clean & protect" products.

 

[polara71]

The owners manual clearly states soap and water to clean the vinyl. I should follow my own advice.

 

[3175375]

Lexol makes a product for vinyl:

https://www.lexol.com/product/leather-care/vinylex-protectant-169-oz

 

[ayilar]

Did some searching on what to use on the interior of my 71 Polara. For cleaning and something to protect it from the sun. I saw that people were using 303 Aerospace Protectant and Lexol. Is that still what to go with? Have u had good luck with those?

I’m also thinking about getting a velour dash cover to help the dash pad with the sun. Anyone use one of those? I’m open to suggestions etc.... I know I wanna stay away from ArmorAll!!!! I wanna try to protect the interior the best that I can. Thanks

See here.

 

[Justin Plant]

303 is awesome! Dries quickly, doesn't look too wet. A little pricey but, you can catch it on sale typically every spring.