Scuff marks on dash

[bbates]

Do any of you know how to polish off scuff marks on the dash? On my 04, the soft plastic material seems to pick up scuff marks very easily, like when a passenger accidentally hits it with their shoe (i.e. my wife's flip flops). I seem to have made it worse by taking a soft cotton cloth and trying to rub it out - now there's an even bigger dull area :-(

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Derek]

Unfortunately, Toyota wasn't thinking when they decided on what material to use for our dash. It scuffs very easily and there is not much you can do to repair it. When I had my '04 the same thing happened, I had something in my front seat and it fell forward scuffing the dash. I thought, 'no big deal', so I tried fubbing it off with my finger... BIG mistake, because it actually made it worse and took the color right out. I'm not sure what the best way to repair it would be. All I know is for now I will do my best to prevent the same thing from happening in my '05. :bash:

 

[beeper]

You know, I have noticed the same problem (2005 SE) ...I put a minor bunch of scratch marks in by using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on the dash. Big mistake ,the brush was course enough to leave some scratches. I was thinking of trying armorall on the dash. The dash is hard to clean even with a soft clolth which is what I now use.

 

[20runner]

I was thinking of trying armorall on the dash. The dash is hard to clean even with a soft clolth which is what I now use.

Microfiber cloths work great! Skip the armorall though!

 

[BenSD]

I keep a nice coat of Vinylex on my interior. I reapply every week after washing waxing. With the Vinylex, I don't notice any scuffing since it's always coated.

 

[Bluto]

I keep a nice coat of Vinylex on my interior. I reapply every week after washing waxing. With the Vinylex, I don't notice any scuffing since it's always coated.

Vinylex reduced the very minor scuffs in my dash. Pulling my window shade down on a dirty dash caused scuffs where the shade would rub. Now I am more careful and keep the dash very clean (microfiber and water).

 

[MicaBlue03]

Unusual plastic/vinyl for dash?

The new 4Runners are unusual in a subtle way. You may have noticed that there is no cutout or seam for the passenger airbag. The dash is just a continuous piece there. A very clean look.

Perhaps that clean look required an unusual dash material, and the material surface is delicate.

This is all idle speculation on my part, but I was suprised to hear that the featureless dash in the vicinity of the airbag is an unusual thing.

I'm not fond of Armor-All, but like 303 protectant for vinyl, tires, etc. A natural new-material look, and not shiny. Supposed to be one of the best products for this purpose.

 

[bbates]

I called my dealer and I also called Toyota customer service to complain. Of course non of them had any recommendations for me. Be careful with the microfiber cloths - as I was trying to rub out the scuff mark with the microfiber I made the scuff even worse. When you use the microfiber just don't press very hard.

I may try Vinylex - I'm just a bit concerned about any long term damage it may cause over time - this is something the dealer service department cautioned me on.

Ugh, how frustrating! I'd rather have a better dash material with seams than a seamless dash that you have to baby.

 

[BenSD]

I called my dealer and I also called Toyota customer service to complain. Of course non of them had any recommendations for me. Be careful with the microfiber cloths - as I was trying to rub out the scuff mark with the microfiber I made the scuff even worse. When you use the microfiber just don't press very hard.

I may try Vinylex - I'm just a bit concerned about any long term damage it may cause over time - this is something the dealer service department cautioned me on.

Ugh, how frustrating! I'd rather have a better dash material with seams than a seamless dash that you have to baby.

I chose vinylex because the makers claim that it is one of the only products that is actually beneficial to the dash. It has the UV blocking agent as well as something to restore the plasticisers (sp?) that are normally stripped away by other products like armorall

 

[bbates]

How long will the Vinylex typically last before having to be reapplied? And is this new 303 product supposed to be better than Vinylex?

 

[Bluto]

How long will the Vinylex typically last before having to be reapplied? And is this new 303 product supposed to be better than Vinylex?

I apply every month or two Less in the winter. Protection products evaporate and break down over time.

I also have 303. The Vinylex smells better, has less shine. I have not used the 303 on the 4Runner yet. In the past, the 303 has been more durable. I'll use the 303 on trim, running boards, etc. I like the Vinylex on the interior.

 

[bbates]

How's 303 on the tires?

 

[MicaBlue03]

303 works well on the tires. Makes them look like new--dark black but not that shiny look that seems odd.

The mechanisms and performance that are claimed for Vinylex and 303 seem pretty similar. I suspect that the formulas are, too.

I don't think any of these products are very new, though the formulas may evolve. I think I bought my first bottle of 303 most of a decade ago.

 

[JungleJim]

I had never heard of Vinylex or 303 prior to this thread. I went looking for them today at the auto store.

I purchased some Vinylex. The store also sold 303, but they had about 4 different products made by 303 (cleaners, water repellent, stuff for fabrics, etc.). Which specific 303 product are you guys referring to?

 

[jharris2]

I had never heard of Vinylex or 303 prior to this thread. I went looking for them today at the auto store.

I purchased some Vinylex. The store also sold 303, but they had about 4 different products made by 303 (cleaners, water repellent, stuff for fabrics, etc.). Which specific 303 product are you guys referring to?

303 Aerospace Protectant

 

[bryancos]

As everyone has mentioned, a dab of vinyl protectant or dash dressing will reduce the visibility of scuffs. I keep some dash wipes in the glove box for quick touch ups.