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I've been putting off detailing the interior of my 2017 since it was new. I keep it very clean etc. but with the smoking hot Tx sun I figure I better get something on the LT1 dashboard soon since it's now 5 years old. With the headup display I am worried about getting 303 on the display lens itself. If I skip around that part it will look odd - surrounding vinyl looking darker than the hollowed out portion of the dash. I was thinking about putting a microfiber cloth over the lens and working around it. Anyone have a good way around this? I've had great success with 303 Aerospace protectant on the daily drivers - 0 fade on the 17 yearold and 0 fade on the 14 yearold.
The material on the dash has a coating on it. Nothing is going to adhere, condition, or protect. Best to use a damp microfiber towel. Preferably distilled water.
If you put a coating on it, it will just attract dust. The manual states just a water damp microfiber rag to clean the interior.
If it looks OK now, why treat it? Have you talked to a professional detailer for advice? Usually the LT-3 dash boards are the problem kids anyhow, you should be fine unless it lives in the sun. Best of luck!
I might be missing something, but why not spray a microfiber and apply or use an unused tire dressing applicator and carefully go around the outer edge of the HUD. If you're spraying the 303 at the dash, you're making this a lot harder than it needs to be
I personally wouldn't go into the recessed area to clean it out with anything other than a dry microfiber, but if that's where you're talking about, you could probably use painters tape to cover it or something.
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I believe the owner’s manual gives you details on what to do to keep the interior clean. I would follow what is said there. If you are worried about the dash cracking/fading, try one of the foldable sunshades available from a number of vendors.
The material on the dash has a coating on it. Nothing is going to adhere, condition, or protect. Best to use a damp microfiber towel. Preferably distilled water.
If you put a coating on it, it will just attract dust. The manual states just a water damp microfiber rag to clean the interior.
GM isn't exactly known for their quality control and the 3LT dashboard is a perfect example (even though he has a 1LT). As a former detailer, I'd argue against the "forever protective coat" because we all know that GM hasn't proven to be able to do that.
It's quite possible that using something on the dash like 303 will do absolutely nothing, but it might help, and certainly isn't going to hurt it.
I'd apply the better safe than sorry here and do a mild clean up without using excessive product and make sure to wipe it dry.
GM isn't exactly known for their quality control and the 3LT dashboard is a perfect example (even though he has a 1LT). As a former detailer, I'd argue against the "forever protective coat" because we all know that GM hasn't proven to be able to do that.
It's quite possible that using something on the dash like 303 will do absolutely nothing, but it might help, and certainly isn't going to hurt it.
I'd apply the better safe than sorry here and do a mild clean up without using excessive product and make sure to wipe it dry.
this makes sense. I’ve seen the info about our leather – having a protective layer of something that’s just damn near like an impermeable layer of plastic. However part of the fun of having a Corvette is loving on it and part of that is wiping **** on the interior lol.
p.s. OP - It’s 1LT , 3LT. An LT-1 is an engine
enjoy giving her some love. I’ll be doing the same on my Z very soon.
Copied from the OM:
Fabric/Carpet/Suede/Sueded-MicrofiberTo clean:
Saturate a clean lint-free colorfast cloth with water. Microfiber cloth is recommended to prevent lint transfer to the fabric or carpet.
Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip from the cleaning cloth.
Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center. Fold the cleaning cloth to a clean area frequently to prevent forcing the soil in to the fabric.
Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no longer any color transfer from the soil to the cleaning cloth.
If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution followed only by plain water.
If the soil is not completely removed, it may be necessary to use a commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small hidden area for colorfastness before using a commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter. If ring formation occurs, clean the entire fabric or carpet.
It would take a nuclear bomb to penetrate that coating on the leather. I am not sure but 3LZ maybe has less problems? I dunno. 303 is a good UV protector, they also make protecting wipes as well that may be easier for some.I also use their rubber protection on my seals as well. I have used a warm water on a microfiber for a quick wipe as well in certain situations. You almost never just spray anything up there..you will blast dash, the heads up, and the windshield. Always spray it onto a microfiber cloth, you can also wear a soft glove, so when you have to do front edge you don't smear your glass. Exercise control and just fold small when working around heads up cover. I would also recommend some Angelwax Heaven for Leather and some boars hair brushes for light cleaning of seats and other parts of interior.
This right here is one of the best detail tools evah!
It easily reaches into that tight spot where the windshield meets the dash. Spray the magic stuff on the removable cloth cover. The covers go in the washing machine when done.
It’s original intent is for cleaning the glass, but I don’t see why you couldn’t use it for the dash - in that tight area where the windshield meets the dash.
This right here is one of the best detail tools evah!
It easily reaches into that tight spot where the windshield meets the dash. Spray the magic stuff on the removable cloth cover. The covers go in the washing machine when done.
It’s original intent is for cleaning the glass, but I don’t see why you couldn’t use it for the dash - in that tight area where the windshield meets the dash.
Last weekend, I knew I was going to be judging cars in Paso Robles. I knew it was going to be very hot (turned out to be 109) and the car was going to be in the sun. The first thing I checked was I had the insulated sunshade in the car.
I carry a small micro fiber tool with a handle to clean the dash. It does a good job.
The material on the dash has a coating on it. Nothing is going to adhere, condition, or protect. Best to use a damp microfiber towel. Preferably distilled water.
If you put a coating on it, it will just attract dust. The manual states just a water damp microfiber rag to clean the interior.
This is the philosophy I've embraced with cars over the past 10 years. Even leather surfaces on most modern cars have a urethane coating, so why use a leather conditioner like Lexol on plastic? If the factory recommends a wet cloth instead of buying a GM-branded conditioner at a premium price, use a wet cloth. My GS lives a comfortable life in a garage and only sees direct sunlight when driven, so I see no use for special conditioners like 303 or Armor-All on any interior surface, and i have both here if I think they would provide any increase in protection. I don't, so I use AA on the tires, Rejex on the exterior, and that's it.
GM isn't exactly known for their quality control and the 3LT dashboard is a perfect example (even though he has a 1LT). As a former detailer, I'd argue against the "forever protective coat" because we all know that GM hasn't proven to be able to do that.
It's quite possible that using something on the dash like 303 will do absolutely nothing, but it might help, and certainly isn't going to hurt it.
I'd apply the better safe than sorry here and do a mild clean up without using excessive product and make sure to wipe it dry.
Don't even waist your time sharing that info on here.
I've been preaching that on here 5 years and still most elect to go the water only route. We will see when these C7 interiors get some real age on them and start to deteriorate.
That protective coating last a few years, if that, and gets past the 36 month BTB and that's all that GM cares about.
Try this test, take a white cloth and rub it on and inconspicuous area of your seat and see how the dye transfers to it. If the super urethane sealant kept leather protectants out, it would keep the dye in as well.
What do you use on the Steering wheel leather? K Jones post reminded me that the other day I took a hand wipe to the steering wheel and the wipe was all black? I didn't know if it was dirt or the coloring of the leather rubbing off.
The LT 1 and 2 dashboards are extremely rugged. No need for 303, nor any topical treatments. I would use a dashboard sunshade and crack the windows for slight ventilation when parking in direct sunlight.
Last edited by Skid Row Joe; Jun 16, 2022 at 11:56 PM.
A sunshade will protect the interior, but more importantly, will reduce the temp inside the car significantly. As in 30-40 degrees, which with air temps here at about 100, makes a big difference when you get in and crank on the A/C.
A sunshade will protect the interior, but more importantly, will reduce the temp inside the car significantly. As in 30-40 degrees, which with air temps here at about 100, makes a big difference when you get in and crank on the A/C.
Absolutely it will, but the focus of the conversation is on the protection of the dash.
Odd interior detailing question
