When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I just bought a '74 last night. I figured my '99 needed a friend. The interior is in bad shape as you can imagine. However, the dash is in tact but has mold on it from years of neglect. Is there any way to get rid of the mold. Underneath is a saddle tan dash that's just waiting to come out. Please advise.
I'd pull the dash sections out, then scrub them in the sink with a good, but relatively mild cleaner. Maybe some bathroom mold/fungus killer type stuff.
Why is there mold on the dash? Has the car been subjected to leaks?
With a 5 gal bucket add 4 gals water and 2 cups chlorine bleach . Pour mixture into a smaller bucket that you can work out of trying not to work in confined areas, i.e. open garage doors etc. Clean small areas at a time changing the water often in the smaller bucket. Wear a particle mask as you don’t want to inhale any mold spores. Once you get all the big areas done take a soft bristle tooth brush to the areas you can’t get to easily. Remove mold from all the big areas first as you don’t want to clean “any” moldy items in your home. I would defiantly remove the dash and clean all heater and if A/C equipped duct work out and any other spots you find that need to be treated. If a car has been sitting for an extended period of time outside moisture can settle into it without any major water leaks so I wouldn’t worry about that yet.
Before you reinstall the dash pieces I would wipe down each piece with a good interior cleaner and leather/vinyl conditioner. Meguiar’s products are very good.
Last edited by bmotojoe; Nov 10, 2007 at 09:06 AM.
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
After you get the mold off, I suggest you continue cleaning with some Murpheys Oil Soap. Does wonders to restore a little moisture to the vinyl. Then, as bmotojoe says....use a good dressing....NOT armorall.
Thanks guys. I applied conditioner to the seats and dash today. The black stuff started coming off but not completely. I'm gonna keep applying then do the 5gal water/bleach thing.