Being the keeper of an old Z with an original uncracked dashboard for the past five years, I have often wondered how mine survived. So, I thought I would ask others who have survivor-dashes how they maintain theirs.
My strategy for maintaining it has been two basic rules:
1) first I never apply any armor-all type products. I use just a damp cloth to wipe it off occasionally. Cars that I had in the past where I used dash protectant products, the dashes all cracked. Keeping to the no chemicals rule, I also don't touch it as to put body oils on it that I would need cleaner to remove.
2) This is obvious but, Second is no unnecessary sunlight. My z is garage kept and when I drive it to work occasionally, I put a towel across the dash. Most other driving I do is usually to a car show. Now towel on dash in that case, but I at least I leave the windows down so I don't build up heat.
That's what has worked for me anyway. Results, and opinions will vary. Anyone have any good info on keeping these old dashboards from cracking?