vinyl help needed

[joninrye]

Hello all,

Hopefully someone has encountered this issue and can help. The vinyl instrument cluster cover on the helm of my 208 has become some tacky and sticky that it is impossible to maintain.

I've used every cleaner imaginable and even though sometimes I'm successful cleaning it, the tackiness remains so it gets really dirty again in short order. I was told by one GW dealer that the vinyl may be in a state of decomposition and there is nothing that can be done.

So, two questions:

1. Is there a way to salvage the existing vinyl cover?
2. Does anyone know where I could buy a new one (it's a 1998 boat)

Thank you!![/img]http://usera.imagecave.com/joninrye/photo.jpg

 

[joninrye]

sorry...here's the pic.

 

[catch22]

Since your asking about a replacement dash, I'm assuming it's removable? If it is, I would try painting it with this;
http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=118
Scroll down for the color chart.
If your dash is not removeable, I guess your looking at a major masking job, lol.
This new paint, which is specificaly for plastic, is pretty good stuff. I've used it on some plastic items and it's worked out fine. No need for primer either. I got it at home depot.
You'll probably want to clean it up first, (prep) with a pretty strong solvent, maybe acitone, or at least mineral spirits.

 

[joninrye]

Thanks for the advice. Since this is the softer, squishy type of vinyl...not a hard plastic...I'm not sure you can paint it.

Regardless, I just broke down and spent the $250 to order a new one.

 

[jehines3]

As a warning, it is likely tacky due to a solvent used in cleaning at some point. It is best to stick with soap and water on the new one as solvents can chemically alter the plastisizers which makes the finish unrestorable. I'd hang onto the old one and try a paint from an autoparts place which is designed for padded dashboards in classic cars that way if the new one starts to fail in the same manner, you can swap it pretty quick. jh