Community Forums

vicsryd · 05-08-2006, 04:41 AM

I installed a custom SunTek dash cover in June of '05 on a new coach with a build date of 9/04. This past weekend was the first time I needed to pull it back for any reason. I was amazed to find the hard plastic part of the dash has been severely discolored, apparently by the neoprene backing on the cover.

This coach is stored under cover and rarely has direct sun on the dash (blinds are drawn almost all the time other than when driving and it's stored under cover). But it may have had enough on occasion to heat up and cause some sort of out-gassing reaction.

The discoloration appears permanent (nothing I've tried including Mirror Glaze plastic cleaner has any effect).

I haven't contacted SunTek yet as I want to hear from my peers in the forum first.

It's very ironic that a dash cover purchased at least in part to protect the dash ended up damaging the thing it's supposed to protect.

vicsryd · 05-08-2006, 04:41 AM

I installed a custom SunTek dash cover in June of '05 on a new coach with a build date of 9/04. This past weekend was the first time I needed to pull it back for any reason. I was amazed to find the hard plastic part of the dash has been severely discolored, apparently by the neoprene backing on the cover.

This coach is stored under cover and rarely has direct sun on the dash (blinds are drawn almost all the time other than when driving and it's stored under cover). But it may have had enough on occasion to heat up and cause some sort of out-gassing reaction.

The discoloration appears permanent (nothing I've tried including Mirror Glaze plastic cleaner has any effect).

I haven't contacted SunTek yet as I want to hear from my peers in the forum first.

It's very ironic that a dash cover purchased at least in part to protect the dash ended up damaging the thing it's supposed to protect.

Kazoo Tom · 05-08-2006, 02:19 PM

I wish I had an answer for you on how to clean it, but I don't. It will be interesting to see the response of the company. I have never used a cover on my dash, just keep it clean and out of the sun as much as possible. Judging from your picture I will avoid getting a cover.

Easyrider · 05-11-2006, 02:39 PM

We've thought about getting a dash cover for our RV, but after seeing what it does I'm not about to get one now! Thanks for the heads up on this and I hope you're able to find a way to restore the looks of your dash.

NeilV · 05-11-2006, 04:46 PM

Jon,

I have never had a dash cover do that however I have never purchased a dash cover with a rubber backing. They have all been fabric only and use an occasional adhesive velcro pad that easily comes off using 90% alcohol to hold them in place. Contact the manufacturer and see what they recommend or do a web search first and see if you find any faq's or complaints on this.

Regards,

Neil

DriVer · 05-11-2006, 05:03 PM

Bummer!

Dash Board Designs by Josie in the back of the FMCA Magazine is the best cover that we have ever used. No problem with any type of discolaration.

Kazoo Tom · 05-12-2006, 08:06 AM

Haven't heard from you for a bit. Have you contacted the manufacturer, and what was their response?

vicsryd · 05-13-2006, 09:47 PM

I have been off the grid for the past week. Hope to contact SunTek on Monday.

NeilV · 05-14-2006, 01:03 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by vicsryd:
I have been off the grid for the past week. Hope to contact SunTek on Monday. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jon,

I have been asking around and the reply from my friends who are in the Auto Parts Business was 100% that a rubber backed dash cover would most likely harm your dashboard and leave it discolored. They believe that any cleaner that could get out the disoloration would be an abrasive or a solvent that would have to penetrate the surface and remove a bit of it which could then cause the surface to leach out the plastisizers and make it turn gummy. The recommendation is to get rid of the neoprene backed cover to eliminate the cause of the dammage and put a plain woven or hammered carpet in its place.

Let us know how you make out.

Regards,

Neil

Barth Driver · 05-14-2006, 04:59 AM

Without spending a fortune, a GOOD paint shop can spray paint the dash to match, let it cure and install a new cover....The dash can be anything from vinyl to leather and the GOOD shop can fix you up.......Good luck

"THE TOY" 88 33' Barth Regal SE Coach #3448

vicsryd · 05-15-2006, 09:25 AM

Justin at SunTek says if the cover is raised or left off to allow the plastic to breath (let the esters evaporate) that it will return to it's normal color after a few days.

As a test I'm going to lift it up with small dixie cups and see.

Two Sides · 05-18-2006, 06:54 PM

I also bought a Sun Tek dash cover, after reading I went and looked and I have the same problem. Please post your results of the cup test.

ghamblen · 05-19-2006, 09:58 AM

We have a Garmin 2610 GPS navagitor with a bean bag style mount to keep it on the dash. The bottom of the bean bag has a rubber insert. It left a stain on the dash that looks very much the same as yours. I have removed the Garmin 2610 for the last two months and the stain has not changed at all. All attempts to remove it have failed. I guess we will have to get a dash cover to protect the rest of the dash and cover up the stain.

vicsryd · 05-20-2006, 05:45 AM

5 days and no change/improvement I can see. The MH is going into storage for a couple of weeks while I'm away on business and I'll leave the dixie cups in place. If still no change in early June then I'll contact SunTek again.