Got black interior... step inside....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
Got black interior... step inside....
Fellow Corvette Enthusiasts,
I have an '02 Z which has standard issue black interior. Further, there are also C5 coupes and FRC's out there that also have black interior.
Well, my question is this... now that we're almost in summer, it's getting hot outside and I notice that while driving, the top of the black dash gets pretty pretty hot. Further, even with the A/C on, the dash still remains hot as it is in the direct sun under the windshield and not in the path of the driver comfort HVAC vents. I find myself wondering how well is this dash going to hold up say in the next 5 to 10 years from this heat??
I have been applying Adam VRT (Vinyl, Rubber, Tire) polish periodically, but with all that heat, I sure wonder how the dash is going to hold up.
Any thoughts or comments on this? I'd be really curious what people with '97 's have to say.
I have an '02 Z which has standard issue black interior. Further, there are also C5 coupes and FRC's out there that also have black interior.
Well, my question is this... now that we're almost in summer, it's getting hot outside and I notice that while driving, the top of the black dash gets pretty pretty hot. Further, even with the A/C on, the dash still remains hot as it is in the direct sun under the windshield and not in the path of the driver comfort HVAC vents. I find myself wondering how well is this dash going to hold up say in the next 5 to 10 years from this heat??
I have been applying Adam VRT (Vinyl, Rubber, Tire) polish periodically, but with all that heat, I sure wonder how the dash is going to hold up.
Any thoughts or comments on this? I'd be really curious what people with '97 's have to say.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
I have a '97 coupe I purchased in Jan '07. Here in the central San Juaquin Valley in California, it gets into the low 100's in the summer. My car has 46,000 miles on it. I put on the last 2,000. I'm guessing the car has spent a lot of time in the garage and with the targa top on. I would not leave my car parked in the summer heat with the top off. So far, the dash is in perfect condition; and I want to keep it that way. Probably should start using the VRT. Currently just use Meguires Interior Wipes. Don't think they offer much protection from UV rays. If my dash ever starts showing signs of wear or deterioration, I would put a cover on it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I ran my 02 vert in Vegas for 3 years. Summer temperatures were up in the 120s and interior temperatures even higher. I always put the roof up if I was leaving it in the sun.
Its done pretty well but there's just a trace of rippling of the vinyl on the passenger side down at the base of the windscreen if the light catches it at the right angle.
One trick I heard was to use a hyperdermic with some glue to get under the surface.
Now just need to work out where to get one
Its done pretty well but there's just a trace of rippling of the vinyl on the passenger side down at the base of the windscreen if the light catches it at the right angle.
One trick I heard was to use a hyperdermic with some glue to get under the surface.
Now just need to work out where to get one
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 30,897
Likes: 45
From: Picking on the weakest kid in the yard.
Yes, I worry about that too. My car is an '01 with 116,000 miles and had spend it's life in SoCal and now the desert of Arizona. 
And, it sits outside at home and work. 
Another problem is the windshield is soo swept, that the dash is in the sun almost all the time no matter which direction the car is parked. I use a dashmat. It's ugly, but at least it puts the dash in the shade. I also cover the car at work to protect the paint and interior. So far they are both holding up well. I don't know what else can be done.
And, it sits outside at home and work. Another problem is the windshield is soo swept, that the dash is in the sun almost all the time no matter which direction the car is parked. I use a dashmat. It's ugly, but at least it puts the dash in the shade. I also cover the car at work to protect the paint and interior. So far they are both holding up well. I don't know what else can be done.
C5 General
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 0
From: Boosted in Manhattan & Round Rock TX. President of the Non Club Club of Kansas and Round Rock , Not the flat part.
It should be ok. My 97s dash is as good as new.
Paul G.
Paul G.
Last edited by unionlandlord; Jun 12, 2007 at 01:45 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Troy MI
While attending college, I had a plastics course where the instructor was an engineer at GM. He stated adamantly not to use any form of product on your cars plastic parts especially Armor-all.
He explained that plastics contain a moisture content which will naturally evaporate over a long period of time. If you apply any form of moisture product to try and protect or enhance the look it will cause the moisture in the plastic to be drawn out while the product dries. This can cause cracking.
My Vette is a 2000 and I only use Pine-sol and water mixture to clean the surface. Dash and all other plastic parts are still new.
He explained that plastics contain a moisture content which will naturally evaporate over a long period of time. If you apply any form of moisture product to try and protect or enhance the look it will cause the moisture in the plastic to be drawn out while the product dries. This can cause cracking.
My Vette is a 2000 and I only use Pine-sol and water mixture to clean the surface. Dash and all other plastic parts are still new.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Newberry FL
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I bought my car in Hawaii and it stays pretty warm year around. I noticed that the bezel around my dash was showing a gap between the dash itself and the bezel, so with that, I priced a new dash (
is all I can say) and went with a dash pad. This really helps out a lot and it seems to be protecting my dash. I change my pad yearly and no further damage to this area has been done, so the pad is working.
Micah
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