I know the 303 Aerospace Protectant can be used on rubber gaskets and many other surfaces. Is it also a product of choice to use on the dashboard?

 

I can't say that it is "the product of choice" but I have used this product for many years starting when I was into BMWs and now with any and all of my cars. It claims to help with cracking because of its UV properties. I have a 1992 SC400 and so far the dash looks new, it has worked for me so far. Try it and let us know how you like in a year...

 

Absolutely! It can be used on many areas of the car that need UV protection. The guy who refinished the leather seats told me to use it to keep the seats protected. I do and it does

 

I use it on my dashes.

JR

 

It is now and for years has been my choice for a product to use on dashboards. My impression from reading the autopia auto detailers' forum is that it is the product used on dashboards (and rubber gaskets and tires) by many professionals. It is neither glossy nor greasy, and it protects from the damage caused by UV sunlight, which makes it especially valuable for those plastic parts in a convertible that are exposed when the top is down, such as the dash and the rear deck panels.
Highly recommended.

 

Yes, I used 303 for a while on the dash and other plastic trim pieces. Recently switched over to PERL though since it lasts a bit longer. You buy it in concentrated form and dilute it to tire dressing or interior solution:

http://www.autogeek.net/perl-coat.html

^^^don't worry, they're vendor for CL

 

So where do you get the 303 Aerospace Protectant? I've asked about it in several autoparts stores and either get blank stares or "I've heard of it but don't know where you can get it" type responses.

Does anyone use it on the leather also or just the rubber/plastic parts?

Huy, do you use Perl instead of leather cleaner and conditioner also? (The link mentions using it on leather.)

 

303 is not for leather. I'm no chemist, but I don't think that leather and rubber need the same thing. 303 is designed to shield against UV rays, and is not designated specifically for cars, and thus is not found in most car parts stores. You are more likely to find it at a place that sells to boat and RV owners. Or, give it a Google. I don't think I have ever bought it in a retail store.

 

All plastics and rubber, I only use 303 (20+ years and counting). From dashboards, trims and of course tires.

 

I buy it from amazon.com where I seem to find most things I need lately.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...03%2Caps%2C332

JR

 

I've heard of people using it on black leather but I've never had the guts to try it since mine is ecru.

PERL on tires and plastic trim for me only.

You can probably find 303 at a marine/boat store. If not, amazon is the best bet or Autogeek. Probably with small items like that is shipping kills any good deals.

http://www.autogeek.net/16oz.html

 

Actually 303 is just what is needed for the leather seats in the SC430, and most other leather car seats today.

The leather in 99% of cars today is pigmented leather. Leather hides are painted a solid color and then sealed with a urethane (vinyl) top coat, which is typically impressed with a faux grain pattern during the sealing process.

Because the leather is painted, imperfect hides with scars and blemishes can be used, greatly reducing the cost. And the urethane top coat seals the leather, greatly reducing the risk of permanent stains from liquids or foods. Pigmented leather is very easy to care as most spills simply wipe off with a damp rag. In comparison, spills on uncoated leather can easily leave permanent stains in the hide.

Pigmented leather can be identified by placing a few drops of water on the leather. If it immediately soaks into the leather and leaves a temporary darker area the leather is likely uncoated aniline leather. If the drops simply sit on top the leather and don't soak in the leather is pigmented, coated leather.

I believe that Lexus offered some aniline leather in certain models, but the standard leather in the SC430 is pigmented.

The condition and appearance of pigmented leather is directly related to the health of the urethane coating. If the clear urethane coating is scratched it will turn cloudy and the leather will appear dull. If the urethane is completely worn away or cracked the painted leather will be exposed and the solid color pigment is then easily worn off, exposing the raw leather below which typically appears as a light tan or grey color. This is sometimes observed on side bolsters of worn drivers seats.

Keeping the leather well vacuumed and occasionally wiped down with a lightly damp rag prevents dirt and small pebbles from becoming an abrasive while sliding around in the seat. Occasionally a light application of vinyl protectant is advised. Most leather preservatives sold today are specifically for the 99% of pigmented leathers and are basically vinyl protectants.

The use of leather creams or oils which are designed for aniline leather should be avoided as they do not penetrate the urethane coating, but simply sit on the urethane as a greasy film until worn off, typically by clothing.

In summary, 303 is not only a great vinyl protectant, but its UV protection is great for protecting the leather while exposed during top down driving. Highly recommended.

 

I was told the same thing, my seats re like new!