Dash is fading already

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LazyGhost

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Just got a 2012 f150 with about 20k miles on it. Got some fading problems already. Could be that the fella who had it before me was using ArmorAll or the likes. Just my guess. Ive read some negative stuff about ArmorAll products. I recall reading a post on here explaining that once you start using ArmorAll you have to keep using it. Should I assume thats what the problem is and run out and buy some ArmorAll protectant and use it from now on? Whats my dashboard gonna look likr 5 years from now?

IMAG0297.jpg
 
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They had a problem years ago..don't think it's a problem now.
 
Looks like overspray from a dye job, and whatever the technician tried to clean it up with~smudged
 
Hard to tell what that is. Do you live in a lower latitude, lot of sun?

I would try cleaning that with something mild, some diluted Woolite, or very diluted APC or a good dedicated interior cleaner, and see how it looks after that. If it's gone, great, protect it with something (perhaps a nice interior sealant like UIGP or the Wolfgang interior sealant), if it still looks like faded after cleaning try treating it with something like 303 or Optimum interior dressing and see if that gets it back to a dark finish.
 
I agree. It is hard to tell from a single photo. Regarless of where the OP lives, the truck could have originated anywhere in the US.

Something tells me that the air bag cover was resprayed on the lot by spray can method as opposed to pro style reconditioning. Overspray of surrounding dash was probably cleaned with lacquer thinner or paint thinner. Been there, done that. Hopefully it is not the case.
Look at the window switches, door lock switch, and mirror controls on the drivers side door panel. If you look carefully you may determine if the cab has been treated or not.
 
You're right VT, that does suspiciously look like overspray from the air bag cover.
 
Several years ago I messed up a Ford 500 dash. Looks similar to my end result. I was able to remove most of the droplets and most of the smudge. The paint thinner seemed to have affected the vinyl(?) of the surrounding area. Caked on a can of detail spray and let it ride.

I have 20+ cans of spray that I have accumulated over the years. Probably need to throw them away. But @ $7 a pop, hard to justify. Somehow, some way they'll see use again.
 
Live in the south, Mississippi. Truck was purchased from Carmax. Was a one owner and originated from Florida auction with no accidents on the carfax. Of course, that doesnt mean the airbag wasnt deployed. The drivers side window controls and door locks look fine. My uneducated guess is that its a combination of the chemicals used when cleaning and sun exposure.
 
Car doesn't have to have been previously in an accident for dye to be used.
CarMax attains cars from auctions, dealers supply cars to auctions.
I knew a guy in Vegas that was using paint thinner instead of APC for cleaning limo seats in 14 passenger vehicles.
He lost the contract after several newer vehicles stitchings became unravelled over time.

You never know what some people use as a go to cleaner chemical.
 
Overspray 95% certain

Unfortunately this level of quality is pretty common in used cars. Used car dealerships pride themselves on providing the customer with as little quality and durability in mind thus maximizing their profits......and maintaining their longstanding reputations....PUKE

OversprayDash_zpsac231040.jpg


This is what I call interior paint in a spray can....but then again it might be just regular old Rustoleum satin in a spray can...

Poor masking is typically the cause and they may have just used a cardboard straightedge to catch the bulk of it.....remember, they're all about quality....

Try dampening a finger sized spot on a rag with lacquer thinner then rub it lightly where the over spray is the lightest. Testing this on the lightest area will show an immediate improvement. If this is the case continue wiping then dry immediately so that the dash material isn't affected...

The heavy area you might need a Q-Tip saturated with lacquer thinner in order to soften and remove the paint.

Once your satisfied with the results clean the area with an all purpose cleaner, dry, and treat with Carpro DLux....

This is an example of what DLux can bring to the game....

bobbyg-albums-cquartz-dlux-picture834-cquartz-dlux-14.jpg
 
Don't ever rely on CarFax to gauge the integrity of a vehicle. CarFax may contain information there are no checks or balances to control any of the information contained. I personally know of vehicles involved in major accidents and to this day there's no record of them on CarFax....

My personal opinion based solely on the photo is the truck was in an accident significant enough for the passenger side airbag to deploy. The dash was repaired then poorly painted to hide the damage.
 
BobbyG said:
My personal opinion based solely on the photo is the truck was in an accident significant enough for the passenger side airbag to deploy. The dash was repaired then poorly painted to hide the damage.
Click to expand...

+1

Now this is just an idea, I have never used a clay block/nano skin/speedy prep towel, but do you think that may work at removing the over spray? No way clay would work, but that might?

Just an idea
 
It may or may not. Just quicker with the lacquer thinner.
But if the darker area was sprayed before the lighter area one risks removing the finish.

Depends on what the op desires. Me, since the damage is already done, I'd experiment with different protectants or even aerosol detail spray that is used for engine compartment dressing.
Bling it in an attempt to lead the eye away from the damage.
Solutions finish fits the bill~but I've only pondered/never ordered.
 
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