dashboard top refinish

[John Bicht]

Has anyone discovered a way to get the top of the dash back to it's original very subtle matte finish. I have tried all the top brands of "plastic protectant" and they all leave the surface too shiny. There are a few spots on other trim - in areas that wouldn't have gotten much attention over the years - that clearly shows what it should be like. I had a brand new 190E back in 1985 and it too had this beautiful surface finish. I haven't looked but I suspect that all the expensive BMWs etc. have this same surface.

It is possible that the original surface was polished off by some previous owner.

I'll even try paint if necessary.

 

[gerryvz]

I know the Griot's Garage "Vinyl and Rubber Dressing" leaves a matte finish -- definitely not shiny as a lot of other interior cleaners/protectants are.

"A perfect finishing touch on your dash and door panels without that goopy gloss left behind by those other dressings"

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/vinyl+&+rubber+dressing,+8+ounces.do

 

[gsxr]

I've been using Formula 303 with good results, but I still get some windshield glare in the sun (it's worse on the W210). You could remove the dashboard and have a vinyl/interior shop repaint it with a matte finish. The factory finish is a bit on the smooth side and I think it will be difficult to make a substantial difference otherwise. The Griot's stuff might be worth a try though...

 

[John Bicht]

Thanks for the ideas, but... Griot's product the last I tried. It didn't get it. Tried 303 ages ago. Not for me either. I will try paint, but I am not into taking the dash out to get it refinished.

 

[gsxr]

There's always the option to get one of those custom-fit fabric dash covers! They look a little silly but it will eliminate the glare (if that is what you are trying to fix).

 

[John Bicht]

I already have had a matte cover over the binnacle for years. What I want is original looking, or elegant in some way.

 

[samiam44]

I'm not sure- but some of those protectants maybe harmful.

Have you tried just washing it with a simple solution?

1 part hot water
1 part rubbing alcohol
dash of soap
1 Sudsy Ammonia

Follow with a damp towel and dry. Keep it clean with just a damp towel or light soap.


M^2

 

[John Bicht]

I will try this. Why rubbing alcohol? It has oil in it. I would prefer plain isopropyl.

I am afraid that the original texture has been polished by years of un-careful owners cleanings.

 

[samiam44]

I will try this. Why rubbing alcohol? It has oil in it. I would prefer plain isopropyl.

I am afraid that the original texture has been polished by years of un-careful owners cleanings.

Plain isopropyl is good or some vodka.


Michael