Dash glare
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Dash glare
I recently purchased an '01 coupe and have put 400 miles on it in a hurry while getting familiar with it. One thing I encountered today was a tremendous amount of glare off the dash as I headed east into the morning sun.
Do all C5s have this or did the previous owner use some kind of gloss dressing on the dash? Is there anything that can be done about it short of getting one of those cheesy dash protector covers? Is there a dressing product that will matte out the dash?
Do all C5s have this or did the previous owner use some kind of gloss dressing on the dash? Is there anything that can be done about it short of getting one of those cheesy dash protector covers? Is there a dressing product that will matte out the dash?
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My guess is the previous owner used some protectant on the dash - the dash in my car is not glossy.
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I just had my door panels repaired on my 2004 vert. I had the original OEM vinyl removed and new custom vinyl and SEM gray dye applied. As a common problem with C5s, the vinyl was separating and pulling away from the door foam around the arm rests.
When we pulled off the OEM vinyl, the OEM foam that failed fell off the door frame like hardened suger cubes. The auto upholstery shop I worked with told me this was due to protectants such as Armor All penetrating the vinyl and then breaking down the OEM foam and adhesive.
I admit that when I first purchased my 2004 vert that I used Armor All until I learned better and became aware of higher quality automotive products.
I also asked about the dash and other vinyl components and he told me it's always best to clean these areas with nothing but warm water and maybe a little soap if they are indeed dirty. After wiping the area and then drying it, a small amount of 303 or other protectant is recommended. I like 303 because it leaves a nice satin finish vs. the high glossy/reflective finish common with other products and does not contain the harsh chemicals that may damage the vinyl.
If you notice any gas film build up on the windshield, you used too much.
When we pulled off the OEM vinyl, the OEM foam that failed fell off the door frame like hardened suger cubes. The auto upholstery shop I worked with told me this was due to protectants such as Armor All penetrating the vinyl and then breaking down the OEM foam and adhesive.
I admit that when I first purchased my 2004 vert that I used Armor All until I learned better and became aware of higher quality automotive products.
I also asked about the dash and other vinyl components and he told me it's always best to clean these areas with nothing but warm water and maybe a little soap if they are indeed dirty. After wiping the area and then drying it, a small amount of 303 or other protectant is recommended. I like 303 because it leaves a nice satin finish vs. the high glossy/reflective finish common with other products and does not contain the harsh chemicals that may damage the vinyl.
If you notice any gas film build up on the windshield, you used too much.
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I type too friggin' slow. Check above post.
Last edited by LS2NSUV; Nov 26, 2011 at 11:31 AM.
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I ended going with a Dash Mat, It comes out fast when needed and is a life saver during the day.
Tried the bottled stuff and none of seemed to work.
Tried the bottled stuff and none of seemed to work.
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From: Lompoc California
I recently purchased an '01 coupe and have put 400 miles on it in a hurry while getting familiar with it. One thing I encountered today was a tremendous amount of glare off the dash as I headed east into the morning sun.
Do all C5s have this or did the previous owner use some kind of gloss dressing on the dash? Is there anything that can be done about it short of getting one of those cheesy dash protector covers? Is there a dressing product that will matte out the dash?
Do all C5s have this or did the previous owner use some kind of gloss dressing on the dash? Is there anything that can be done about it short of getting one of those cheesy dash protector covers? Is there a dressing product that will matte out the dash?
Also have about 8 inches of tint at the top of my windshield.
Racer
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From: Simi Valley CA
I like the dull black that came from the factory. I tried a product that was supposed to protect the vinyl one time. 
It left a shine, which I didn't like, so did some research on how to remove the product. Think it was a formula of five parts water and one part dish soap. A couple of towels and wipe on wipe off kind of thing turning the towel often. That technique worked just fine and the shine was gone and it was back to the factory look. 
It left a shine, which I didn't like, so did some research on how to remove the product. Think it was a formula of five parts water and one part dish soap. A couple of towels and wipe on wipe off kind of thing turning the towel often. That technique worked just fine and the shine was gone and it was back to the factory look.
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