Cleaning Dash

sloe · 03-01-2006, 01:10 PM

Hey y'all,

My truck is still up on the jack stands while I'm finishing the mechanical work to make it drivable, but I need to do some work on the inside, too. I found a coupon in our phone book for a local detail place that takes 75% off, bringing a $120 detail down to $40, and I think I'm just going to take it to them, but there are some things that are just bugging me that I want to fix soon.

The truck sat in the hot Texas sun last summer for about 7 months without being driven, and before then it had been used as a vending machine service vehicle. The dash, grab bar, console, and armrests all have dirt ground and baked into them. I've tried Simple Green, but it only removed the stickiness. What can I use to get the dirt out of the vinyl? Soap and water? or a special vinyl cleaner?

thanks,
-sloe

gregoneck · 03-01-2006, 02:11 PM

good question. i'd like to know also.

VT1992S10 · 03-01-2006, 04:38 PM

personally I would try to use foaming household carpet cleaner, let it sit for 20 seconds wipe off and repeat. should get most of it.

edit: don't let it sit for too long or else it will take the color out of the dash

TnHombre · 03-01-2006, 05:54 PM

you will need to use a scrub brush to get into the pores of the grain. you dont want to stiff of a brissle but not to soft either......scrub lightly and et the brush do the work. any mild all purpose will work. any questions email me at 931carwash@gmail.com.
i own a car wash and have been detailing for 13 years now so any questions just ask away bud.

sloe · 03-02-2006, 09:23 AM

TnHombre,

I was thinking of using a toothbrush - that's what I use on almost everything else in the vehicles that need brushing. But what would you use for the actual cleaning agent?

thanks,
sloe

TnHombre · 03-02-2006, 08:37 PM

i use an all purpose cleaner for plastics and vinyl from a car cleaning company called PRO......it just needs to be a cleaner that slighty foams up when brushed...the foam will aid in getting into the "pores" along with the brush and will "lift" the soil than just wipe up with a towel......
but to answer your Q...ANY all porpuse cleaner will work dilute it like 10:1

oh and the toothbrush willl work perfect but be tedious....find a brush a lil bigger but about the same stiffness as it

LikeaRock · 03-03-2006, 08:33 PM

A mild degreaser or water based dressing will work. Use a fine grade Scotch-Brite pad and LIGHTLY scrub the surface. The dressing alone should get the jist of it, the degreaser should get all of it. Iuse this technique on a daily basis and get great results

TnHombre · 03-04-2006, 03:36 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by LikeaRock

A mild degreaser or water based dressing will work. Use a fine grade Scotch-Brite pad and LIGHTLY scrub the surface. The dressing alone should get the jist of it, the degreaser should get all of it. Iuse this technique on a daily basis and get great results

i would NOT recommend this...........
for one the scotch brite will remove your top layer and it will then not have a layer of protection on it and will always be subjected to dirt sticking to it easier.

you say to lightly scrub with the :brite" well the problem there is thsat you need to get down in to the pores of the grain to get the dirt out....if your lightly scrubing with a scotch brite its not getting into the pores.
PLUS its WAY to abrasive

and also it makes no sense at all to CLEAN with a dressing

im not knocking your style im just giving advice to others
**IF you try this technec make sure you try it somewhere not visible to the eye.

**EDIT....i just noticed you own a carwash??....( Reflexxions Auto Detailing.)
you do this process often? clean dash's with a dressing???

now i see why....i just looked into your Myspace and it says youve worked at dealerships all your life.......dealerships dont know shit about detailing!! HAHA

LikeaRock · 03-04-2006, 03:58 PM

Wow, you'd make a great private eye. I don't know how you found my Myspace, I made it private just so people wouldn't rip on me for working at dealerships.

I work at a local shop, I'm one of the two mobile guys that we have. I've never worked for a delearship. We've been subbed out to do work for dealers, but never worked FOR a dealer. And Reflexxions is just a name I thought up for my side business.
I don't mean an actual scotch-brite pad from a scotch-brite pad box, but something similar, or fine steel wool. I clean leather/vynil/plastic daily with both and get great results. I don't see how it can make dirt stick to it easier, maybe the dressing attracks dust, but I only use water based dressings when I'm doing interior work just for that reason. I've got tons of satisfied customers, so I'm obviously doing something right.
I don't want to start an argument online, but I've learned that you should never bad mouth another detailers methods or work until you've compared your work head-to-head with theirs. Everyone has their own method. I learned the basics and went from there, and I imagine you did too...

TnHombre · 03-04-2006, 04:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by LikeaRock

Wow, you'd make a great private eye. I don't know how you found my Myspace, I made it private just so people wouldn't rip on me for working at dealerships. .

well i actually found it because i have an eye for detail

Quote: Originally Posted by LikeaRock

I've never worked for a delearship. We've been subbed out to do work for dealers, but never worked FOR a dealer. .

i understand youve worked AT dealers but my point is that is the WORST way to learn how to detail a car (sad to though)

who do you work for im curious? as i may know the company.
hmm thats wierd cause your myspace says..........

Lot Manager - Lexus of Roseville

Reliable Pontiac - Cadillac
Sacramento, CA US
Auto Detailer
Detail

Lexus of Rosevilee
Sacramento, CA US
Lot Manager
Used Cars

Future Ford of Sacramento
Sacramento, CA US
Sales Representitive
Sales

anywho.................ive been doing cars now for almost 14 years if youd like to learn a few more tips here and there to improve YOUR business hit me up some time in a PM......
im not tring to pick on you or bash you im just inputing my .02 cause peolpe have a bias opinion and like to read many opinions and go from there ya know?

being that your only 18 it says....
i started when i was 16 and have learned a lot in the many years .

LikeaRock · 03-04-2006, 04:42 PM

You've still got the wrong Myspace...

And I never learned any methods from dealers, all from my boss. I work for First Class Auto Detailing, and the mobile business is called "ACE", Auto Care Experts. We do undercoating, plastic installation, paint chip repair, everything.

I understand what you're saying, and like I said, everyone has their own method. I'm always open to new ideas and products, but I tend to find something that works and I stick with it. I taught myself the basics, working in the shop just refined my skills. Hell even when I'm bored I try to think of something related to detailing.

Anywho, here's MY myspace

http://www.myspace.com/dolanisshort

But I'd like to see the Myspace you're looking at, just for chits and giggles

TnHombre · 03-04-2006, 05:22 PM

well than you have a slight problem because you have the business name of another company and thats not allowed lol......must request for a ficticious name in order to have a business name/ license which i now assume you dont have?

well actually his is "Reflexxions Mobile Auto Detailing" so you should be good.

heres HIS myspace...... http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...20050627122253

LikeaRock · 03-04-2006, 05:36 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by TnHombre

well than you have a slight problem because you have the business name of another company and thats not allowed lol......must request for a ficticious name in order to have a business name/ license which i now assume you dont have?

well actually his is "Reflexxions Mobile Auto Detailing" so you should be good.

heres HIS myspace...... http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=610 5047&Mytoken=20050627122253

Lol, well the name was just something someone reccomended I do, so I just asked a few people and came up with the name I've got. Once I go full time it'll change though, me and my friend are trying like crazy to think of a name right now.
So yeah, sorry if I came off as a prick. I think I'll stop hijacking the thread now, lol

dropped1 · 03-04-2006, 09:15 PM

i use apc diluted 15:1, and a soft scrub brush

TnHombre · 03-05-2006, 01:25 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by dropped1

i use apc diluted 15:1, and a soft scrub brush

PERFECT!!

03-01-2006, 01:10 PM	#1
sloe Texan by Marriage Age: 36 Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 127 Location: San Antonio User is: OffLine	Cleaning Dash Hey y'all, My truck is still up on the jack stands while I'm finishing the mechanical work to make it drivable, but I need to do some work on the inside, too. I found a coupon in our phone book for a local detail place that takes 75% off, bringing a $120 detail down to $40, and I think I'm just going to take it to them, but there are some things that are just bugging me that I want to fix soon. The truck sat in the hot Texas sun last summer for about 7 months without being driven, and before then it had been used as a vending machine service vehicle. The dash, grab bar, console, and armrests all have dirt ground and baked into them. I've tried Simple Green, but it only removed the stickiness. What can I use to get the dirt out of the vinyl? Soap and water? or a special vinyl cleaner? thanks, -sloe
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-01-2006, 02:11 PM	#2
gregoneck child at heart Age: 36 Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,500 Location: DFW User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash good question. i'd like to know also.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-01-2006, 04:38 PM	#3
VT1992S10 Registered User Age: 23 Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 427 Location: Rochester/,NY school/ Rutland, VT/ Carson City, NV User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash personally I would try to use foaming household carpet cleaner, let it sit for 20 seconds wipe off and repeat. should get most of it. edit: don't let it sit for too long or else it will take the color out of the dash
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-01-2006, 05:54 PM	#4
TnHombre UNBANNED BITCHES!! Age: 33 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2,007 Location: fayetteville, TN User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash you will need to use a scrub brush to get into the pores of the grain. you dont want to stiff of a brissle but not to soft either......scrub lightly and et the brush do the work. any mild all purpose will work. any questions email me at 931carwash@gmail.com. i own a car wash and have been detailing for 13 years now so any questions just ask away bud.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-02-2006, 09:23 AM	#5
sloe Texan by Marriage Age: 36 Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 127 Location: San Antonio User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash TnHombre, I was thinking of using a toothbrush - that's what I use on almost everything else in the vehicles that need brushing. But what would you use for the actual cleaning agent? thanks, sloe
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-02-2006, 08:37 PM	#6
TnHombre UNBANNED BITCHES!! Age: 33 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2,007 Location: fayetteville, TN User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash i use an all purpose cleaner for plastics and vinyl from a car cleaning company called PRO......it just needs to be a cleaner that slighty foams up when brushed...the foam will aid in getting into the "pores" along with the brush and will "lift" the soil than just wipe up with a towel...... but to answer your Q...ANY all porpuse cleaner will work dilute it like 10:1 oh and the toothbrush willl work perfect but be tedious....find a brush a lil bigger but about the same stiffness as it
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-03-2006, 08:33 PM	#7
LikeaRock Rustbucket Club Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 772 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash A mild degreaser or water based dressing will work. Use a fine grade Scotch-Brite pad and LIGHTLY scrub the surface. The dressing alone should get the jist of it, the degreaser should get all of it. Iuse this technique on a daily basis and get great results
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-04-2006, 03:36 PM	#8
TnHombre UNBANNED BITCHES!! Age: 33 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2,007 Location: fayetteville, TN User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash Quote: Originally Posted by LikeaRock A mild degreaser or water based dressing will work. Use a fine grade Scotch-Brite pad and LIGHTLY scrub the surface. The dressing alone should get the jist of it, the degreaser should get all of it. Iuse this technique on a daily basis and get great results i would NOT recommend this........... for one the scotch brite will remove your top layer and it will then not have a layer of protection on it and will always be subjected to dirt sticking to it easier. you say to lightly scrub with the :brite" well the problem there is thsat you need to get down in to the pores of the grain to get the dirt out....if your lightly scrubing with a scotch brite its not getting into the pores. PLUS its WAY to abrasive and also it makes no sense at all to CLEAN with a dressing im not knocking your style im just giving advice to others IF you try this technec make sure you try it somewhere not visible to the eye. EDIT....i just noticed you own a carwash??....( Reflexxions Auto Detailing.) you do this process often? clean dash's with a dressing??? now i see why....i just looked into your Myspace and it says youve worked at dealerships all your life.......dealerships dont know shit about detailing!! HAHA Last edited by TnHombre : 03-04-2006 at 03:41 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-04-2006, 03:58 PM	#9
LikeaRock Rustbucket Club Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 772 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash Wow, you'd make a great private eye. I don't know how you found my Myspace, I made it private just so people wouldn't rip on me for working at dealerships. I work at a local shop, I'm one of the two mobile guys that we have. I've never worked for a delearship. We've been subbed out to do work for dealers, but never worked FOR a dealer. And Reflexxions is just a name I thought up for my side business. I don't mean an actual scotch-brite pad from a scotch-brite pad box, but something similar, or fine steel wool. I clean leather/vynil/plastic daily with both and get great results. I don't see how it can make dirt stick to it easier, maybe the dressing attracks dust, but I only use water based dressings when I'm doing interior work just for that reason. I've got tons of satisfied customers, so I'm obviously doing something right. I don't want to start an argument online, but I've learned that you should never bad mouth another detailers methods or work until you've compared your work head-to-head with theirs. Everyone has their own method. I learned the basics and went from there, and I imagine you did too... Last edited by LikeaRock : 03-04-2006 at 04:05 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-04-2006, 04:25 PM	#10
TnHombre UNBANNED BITCHES!! Age: 33 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2,007 Location: fayetteville, TN User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash Quote: Originally Posted by LikeaRock Wow, you'd make a great private eye. I don't know how you found my Myspace, I made it private just so people wouldn't rip on me for working at dealerships. . well i actually found it because i have an eye for detail Quote: Originally Posted by LikeaRock I've never worked for a delearship. We've been subbed out to do work for dealers, but never worked FOR a dealer. . i understand youve worked AT dealers but my point is that is the WORST way to learn how to detail a car (sad to though) who do you work for im curious? as i may know the company. hmm thats wierd cause your myspace says.......... Lot Manager - Lexus of Roseville Reliable Pontiac - Cadillac Sacramento, CA US Auto Detailer Detail Lexus of Rosevilee Sacramento, CA US Lot Manager Used Cars Future Ford of Sacramento Sacramento, CA US Sales Representitive Sales anywho.................ive been doing cars now for almost 14 years if youd like to learn a few more tips here and there to improve YOUR business hit me up some time in a PM...... im not tring to pick on you or bash you im just inputing my .02 cause peolpe have a bias opinion and like to read many opinions and go from there ya know? being that your only 18 it says.... i started when i was 16 and have learned a lot in the many years .
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-04-2006, 04:42 PM	#11
LikeaRock Rustbucket Club Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 772 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash You've still got the wrong Myspace... And I never learned any methods from dealers, all from my boss. I work for First Class Auto Detailing, and the mobile business is called "ACE", Auto Care Experts. We do undercoating, plastic installation, paint chip repair, everything. I understand what you're saying, and like I said, everyone has their own method. I'm always open to new ideas and products, but I tend to find something that works and I stick with it. I taught myself the basics, working in the shop just refined my skills. Hell even when I'm bored I try to think of something related to detailing. Anywho, here's MY myspace http://www.myspace.com/dolanisshort But I'd like to see the Myspace you're looking at, just for chits and giggles
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-04-2006, 05:22 PM	#12
TnHombre UNBANNED BITCHES!! Age: 33 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2,007 Location: fayetteville, TN User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash well than you have a slight problem because you have the business name of another company and thats not allowed lol......must request for a ficticious name in order to have a business name/ license which i now assume you dont have? well actually his is "Reflexxions Mobile Auto Detailing" so you should be good. heres HIS myspace...... http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...20050627122253 Last edited by TnHombre : 03-04-2006 at 05:24 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-04-2006, 05:36 PM	#13
LikeaRock Rustbucket Club Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 772 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash Quote: Originally Posted by TnHombre well than you have a slight problem because you have the business name of another company and thats not allowed lol......must request for a ficticious name in order to have a business name/ license which i now assume you dont have? well actually his is "Reflexxions Mobile Auto Detailing" so you should be good. heres HIS myspace...... http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=610 5047&Mytoken=20050627122253 Lol, well the name was just something someone reccomended I do, so I just asked a few people and came up with the name I've got. Once I go full time it'll change though, me and my friend are trying like crazy to think of a name right now. So yeah, sorry if I came off as a prick. I think I'll stop hijacking the thread now, lol
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-04-2006, 09:15 PM	#14
dropped1 bagged1 Age: 23 Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 2,214 Location: Yokosuka, Japan User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash i use apc diluted 15:1, and a soft scrub brush
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-05-2006, 01:25 AM	#15
TnHombre UNBANNED BITCHES!! Age: 33 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2,007 Location: fayetteville, TN User is: OffLine	Re: Cleaning Dash Quote: Originally Posted by dropped1 i use apc diluted 15:1, and a soft scrub brush PERFECT!!
	[Reply w/Quote]