Cleaning and protecting the dash in a Gen 4

[Shaheenis]

Hi there,

Not sure whether the dashboard in the Gen4 PostFL is the same as others but I am after advice on how to best look after it.

When I purchased the car it had not been touched. It was a matt dull texture. The dash almost feels like a rubber compound - not vinyl like the door cards etc.

I decided to put a protective coating on using Aerospace 303 which is a water based non silicone product and recommended by the detailing community. I have used the 303 in a number of other interiors with no problems but for some reason on the Subaru dash it seems to make the dash a bit sticky. It has been on for about 6 months. I am inclined to remove it with some APC and leave it as is.

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers,

[Tonic]

Dunno but I would like to see suggestions also.

The preface lift dash splits.... the post face lift gets sticky.....

[Lane]

It also marks easily, I've a mount for a Nexus and it has created several scratches in it, it's so soft and delicate.

[Shaheenis]

Yeah to be honest when I got the car I though the dash was great and probably should have left it. I think the stickiness (it's not really that sticky but you know what I mean if you have the same) comes from what I have put on it and I had chosen carefully . I have also noticed it is very delicate which I think worsens by applying anything to it. I have actually nicked the dash near the steering wheel with my finger nails :O.

[teK--]

I use Autoglym plastic and rubber trim conditioner.

Dash still perfect MY04 model. Over half its life has been spent undercover garage/carport which may make a difference.

[tom_kauf]

Subaru is replacing the disintegrating dashboards for free upon request. Even though what you put on it might have made it a bit stickier, 95% of the stickiness, shininess and cracking is because of the terrible material the car makers used in the 2000s. Toyota and many others have made it a blanket recall, but Subaru has not for some reason.

I had my Airbag replaced last week, and they took some decent sized chunks out of it. It's unavoidable unfortunately. Just touch the dash and it permanently dents or crumbles. Plus I have 10-15cm hairline cracks in several spots, that have developed over the years. It's just age and a poor material to begin with.

[Gtb08]

Subaru is replacing the disintegrating dashboards for free upon request. Even though what you put on it might have made it a bit stickier, 95% of the stickiness, shininess and cracking is because of the terrible material the car makers used in the 2000s. Toyota and many others have made it a blanket recall, but Subaru has not for some reason.

I had my Airbag replaced last week, and they took some decent sized chunks out of it. It's unavoidable unfortunately. Just touch the dash and it permanently dents or crumbles. Plus I have 10-15cm hairline cracks in several spots, that have developed over the years. It's just age and a poor material to begin with.

Tom are they replacing the dash pad for you? i had some damage too when my airbag was done recently, among console damage? just wondering how you got on?

Shaheenis, i had sticky dash too had interior protection pack on it - used a meguiars interior clean and protect and seems to have rid of it.. for now

[tom_kauf]

Hi Tony,
I haven't heard back yet, it's only been 2 days - not including the day they took pictures. I reported it the next business day after they did the Airbag (the Mon after the weekend), and they sent the pictures to Subaru head office - or whoever deals with it at Subaru Australia.

The only question they asked was if it was always serviced at Subaru, which it was apart from one or two services before I owned the car. They photocopied the service book. But I know my friend got approved for the replacement, and he's never taken it to the dealer (or maybe once?) in the 5 years or so since he's owned it. So that can't be so critical to the decision.

I'll let you know how I go. Remind me if I forget. They said it'd take 1 week to hear back.

Btw, console damage is pretty poor . That's hard plastic. I've had mine out lots of times and never damaged it.