Anyone Else Having This Issue With Their Dash?
Some? Try nearly everything has some sort of plastic, elastic or cardboard covering it
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 10
From: ON, Canada
AndyL, I have it on both passenger and driver's side and upon careful inspection, some other "blotches" across the dash nearer to the windshield . Best way to describe it is a layer of low-shine armor-all on the upper textured grain and black paint stuck in the lines of the grain.
I tried 70% rubbing alcohol and it is slightly better. See before and after. Third pic is the driver's side after I rubbed it once with the alcohol. Perhaps a few more attempts...
I tried 70% rubbing alcohol and it is slightly better. See before and after. Third pic is the driver's side after I rubbed it once with the alcohol. Perhaps a few more attempts...
I think this is some quality issue? After reading this on the forum, I actually had a chance to go to a local Lexus dealership. I looked and looked at the IS on the showroom, honestly if that car has the same issue as you guys do, it is much more minor and literally I have to scrutinize the dash surface, took a picture and compare it to the ones you guys attached on this forum. Probably the lighting might contribute. Does the issue you and the other member have only visible under sunlight?
The pursuit of F
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 303
From: Toronto, Canada
***********Caution************
Heads Up to All 
DO NOT USE RUBBING ALCOHOL WITH A TOOTH BRUSH AND FORCE. I did today on the right side of the dash and ruined the finish. I would also refrain from using any cleaners and any rubbing/brushing force. See picture.
Luckily, I had an old bottle of Turtle Wax Black Chrome which restored 95% of it.
Moving forward, Swiffer for dust and plain water and a microfiber cloth for stains. I will live with the hardly noticeable "blotches" of darker sections on the dash to avoid the risk of ruining it.
DO NOT USE RUBBING ALCOHOL WITH A TOOTH BRUSH AND FORCE. I did today on the right side of the dash and ruined the finish. I would also refrain from using any cleaners and any rubbing/brushing force. See picture.
Luckily, I had an old bottle of Turtle Wax Black Chrome which restored 95% of it.
Moving forward, Swiffer for dust and plain water and a microfiber cloth for stains. I will live with the hardly noticeable "blotches" of darker sections on the dash to avoid the risk of ruining it.
The dash is super sensitive. I tried with a magic eraser and it made the blotchiness worse. I used some Turtle Wax product and it's helped a little...although it is a little greasy. I can't find Turtle Wax Black Chrome online anywhere. Any other suggestions? At this point...water and soap isn't going to take away the dry look on the dash, it'll make it worse. But how can it be "reconditioned" safely? This cars materials are really sensitive and easily scratch-able. The center console where the "mode" switch is, scratches even with the slightest rubbing off of a smudge. Hard to see in dull light, but just like the dash, when the sun hits it....ah oh!!!
Driver
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 190
Likes: 2
From: TX
Guys - Get a bottle of 303 Aerospace Protectant and let me know how that works. It's a great product and has kept my dashboard looking brand new for 5 years. I think Ace Hardware carries it. It's the best product I've found for a dashboard.
Don't do anything to the dash you'll end up making it worse. Mine is the same with dry look and feel, my 2IS dash was smooth and looked shiny from factory. Hopefully this isn't some kind of defect with early lot of cars.
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 182
Likes: 24
From: IA
Agree 100% with this....spray microfiber applicator and apply.
The pursuit of F
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 303
From: Toronto, Canada
The dash is super sensitive. I tried with a magic eraser and it made the blotchiness worse. I used some Turtle Wax product and it's helped a little...although it is a little greasy. I can't find Turtle Wax Black Chrome online anywhere. Any other suggestions? At this point...water and soap isn't going to take away the dry look on the dash, it'll make it worse. But how can it be "reconditioned" safely? This cars materials are really sensitive and easily scratch-able. The center console where the "mode" switch is, scratches even with the slightest rubbing off of a smudge. Hard to see in dull light, but just like the dash, when the sun hits it....ah oh!!!
Found this article that recommends other products comparable to Black Chrome. http://www.ehow.com/list_6301267_pro...ck-chrome.html
Driver
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: FL
I use Wolfgang Rubber and Vinyl Protectant. It is by far the best product on the market for the dashboard. I noticed this a few days into owning the car... I put some of this on a microfiber and put over the dash, then wipe clean with a clean microfiber to get any extra residue off... Havent had a problem since, the dash still looks brand new. Its actually on sale now. Link Below.
http://www.autogeek.net/wg2700.html
http://www.autogeek.net/wg2700.html
The pursuit of F
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 303
From: Toronto, Canada
I'm not sure about the longevity of the Black Chrome as I have the lighter damage slowly making it's way back up. Maybe it's the lighting/angle, not sure. Will keep an eye on it this week. The thing to see with the products you ordered is if the restore works more "permanently" or if you need to keep re-applying periodically.
Got both bottles in yesterday, the 303 Aerospace and the Wolfgang. The Wolfgang definitely has more initial shine to it, but I would say takes care of 97% of the issue. There are still some faded marks on mine by the vent, but it's hardly noticeable now. The 303 Aerospace is much more subtle and would probably work just fine if you're not seeing it as a huge issue. Overall I would recommend the Wolfgang Protectant.
