cjs18

I recently bought a 2009 RX350 black / ivory CPO with about 24K miles. It’s a great car but there were a few items that I asked to have brought up to standard. Just about everything’s been put right except for a cosmetic issue with the dash pad. There are areas on the top surface that appear duller than the surroundings when the light is from a particular angle. Maybe as much as 30% of the surface appears dull rather than having the more satin original finish. The dealer has offered to have it dyed but I am reluctant to go to that extreme because the color is actually correct. I would like to know if there are plastic protectants or other products that you all have used on the dash that you think might help make the appearance more uniform without damaging the material. I am not really an Armor All fan and would prefer the factory low-gloss finish. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Rainbird

Aerospace Protectant 303 is what most members here recommend. It is a UV protectant with a matte finish. I use it and it's an excellent product. Your results may vary if the dash is already damaged and you may want to reconsider the dealers offer to dye it.

RX330inFL

Too shiny causes a reflection of your dash on the windshield with the sun out that is very annoying. Using 303 is good as it has the UV protectant mentioned above.

Probably does not need dyed. Rather, just needs something on it. Dealer warned against putting anything on it that would make it shiny.

cjs18

Thanks for your suggestions. I will give the 303 product a go.

mandyfig

AS303 nothing else. Will do the job.

veleno

iTrader: (3)

Make the case that if they dye doesn't work/last then you want it replaced under warranty.

mandyfig

If under warranty, they have to do something to satisfy you. Good luck.

cjs18

I've read the FSM procedure for the dash pad removal / replacement. It's very intrusive and I think it might involve quite a bit of risk for creating additional problems. Since this is fairly minor I'll work with the aftermarket chemicals (protectants, etc.) to see if I can get a satisfactory improvement. I'm not wild about a dye solution at this point either. Thanks again for the suggestions.

veleno

iTrader: (3)

I don't think it's that big of a deal. While it does involve removal of a lot of pieces, I'm sure all will turn out fine in the end. It's up to you so do what you can live with.

cjs18

Yeah, it's definitely a bunch of pieces. I am hoping the 303 is the solution. Found some yesterday and will give it a go shortly.

cjs18

As an update to the original post, I've applied the 303 Aerospace Protectant as directed on the dash pad and found that it's massively improved the appearance. I can maybe detect a slight unevenness but overall it looks very nice now. The protectant seems to add a little depth and minimal gloss, just what I was hoping. I'm guessing that it will improve further with additional applications. It will be interesting to see how often it needs to be redone. Thanks to all who pointed me toward this product.

steveq81

Where have you folks found 303 in stock (other than online sales)?

cjs18

As you note there are numerous online merchants. I was in a little more of a hurry so I checked the 303 website for "where to buy" information: http://www.wheretobuy303.com/index.php?tab=US

I found their product at a truck specialty store in 8- and 16-oz sizes. It was more costly than what I would have paid online but I just bought the minimum to see how it works. From now on I'll seek out the least expensive online merchant (with good ratings).

RX330inFL

Another product I have used over the years is Vinylex. It also has a UV component. A little glossier than 303 though. However, it is easier to find. Most auto parts stores and places like Walmart carry.

http://www.lexol.com/Product_vinylex.aspx

jfelbab

The original look of the dash is quite dull and this is done purposely to reduce glare. Perhaps the shinier parts are due to some dressing applied by the previous owner. You might want to try cleaning it with a soft nylon brush and Meguiar's Quik Interior Cleaner and see if things even out. Meg's QID adds no gloss at all and no odors either. The dash also will get shiny if you rub it too hard with a microfiber so be gentle. This may also be the cause of what you are seeing now.