Console Lid Damage

[Bluerauder]

I have recently seen interior pics of console lids that are cracked, split and rather ratty looking. Seems to be more prevalent in the dark charcoal interior. But that is just my impression.

What is causing this? Is this simply related to sun and heat exposure or is something else responsible .... like arm sweat, lack of reasonable care in cleaning, or pressure/leaning weight on the cover?

Just curious .... mine looks fine; but I want to avoid doing anything that leads to that cracking? Anybody ever seen this in a Light Flint interior? :dunno:

[BirchMarauder]

I have light flint interior. my armrest console thingy is still looking and feeling new with about 100k miles. i've seen the cracked ones like you're talking about, seems like neglect. IMO i'd say just keep it clean from sweat, dirt, etc and it should be ok.

[J-MAN]

I never saw a problem on my SB with light flint at 144k, still looked like new.
Charlie, I doubt that with the amount of attention you give to detailing your blue that You will ever see a problem. I would think that a lack of proper cleaning and application of protectants all contribute to failure on this part.

[Bigdogjim]

Charlie the day after I took the marauder home I went out and bought a black hand towel to keep over the consloe:) 9 years later the console looks like new and I gone through about 4 towels.

[jflave]

The wrong type of cleaner will also dry it out & make it crack. :)

[Blackened300a]

I use leather conditioner on mine every time I treat the seats. Mines very smooth and clean.
Putting armor all on that is probably the worst thing you can do.

[1stMerc]

Pointy elbows. Mine cracked right in the spot where my elbow rests. Just recovered it. I kept it treated, but it being out in the summer and winter and the added pressure, just took it's toll.

[MERCMAN]

Charlie the day after I took the marauder home I went out and bought a black hand towel to keep over the consloe:) 9 years later the console looks like new and I gone through about 4 towels.

+1 me too!! Thanks Jim for the tip :up:

[Ms. Denmark]

Charlie the day after I took the marauder home I went out and bought a black hand towel to keep over the consloe:) 9 years later the console looks like new and I gone through about 4 towels. When I drove your car at Indy, I noticed the hand towel over the console and thought "not only is this guy super tall...he's super smart!:D (and super generous too);) Anyway, I copy- catted and have kept my center console covered with a hand towel ever since. When Eric bought his car, it's the first "mod" he purchased for his. Thanks BDJ!

[Ms. Denmark]

I use leather conditioner on mine every time I treat the seats. Mines very smooth and clean.
Putting armor all on that is probably the worst thing you can do.
Is the console leather, Paul? I thought I read it was pleather? What cleaning ingredients are safe to use and which ones are not? ie Armor all.

[fastblackmerc]

Mine is fine, but I clean & treat it every time I do the interior.

Whatever you use on the leather seats is OK to use on the vinyl parts of the interior.

Personally I use ICE Interior cleaner / conditioner on the vinyl parts.

BTW... I'd NEVER use Armour All anywhere on any of my vehicles.

[Blackened300a]

Is the console leather, Paul? I thought I read it was pleather? What cleaning ingredients are safe to use and which ones are not? ie Armor all.

Leather conditioner makes it more pliable and soft so you prevent getting creases and cracks in it. It probably is pleather or a vinyl material.

[Marauderjack]

Mine cracked from my pointy elbow and I just recovered it in Marine Grade vinyl......GOOD as new!!!:banana2::beer:

[Timw286]

Mines cracked pretty bad..that was going to be my next project

[Haggis]

I am also a member of the hand towel group. Thanks Bigdog!!!

[RF Overlord]

I believe it's only the seating surfaces, the steering-wheel rim and the shift knob that are leather.
I am also a member of the hand towel group.Yeah, but for a different reason...

[Haggis]

I believe it's only the seating surfaces, the steering-wheel rim and the shift knob that are leather.Yeah, but for a different reason...

Go back in your closet.

[screamn]

I folded a large hand towel in half for double protection. Kinda looks tacky but keeps the wear & tear to an absoulte minimum.

Also, can always remove it when showin off the interior.

[SC Cheesehead]

Go back in your closet.

:eek: Bob's come out of the closet?

Are Joe and Casey aware of this? :dunno:

[tbone]

What is wrong with Armour All on vinyl?

[screamn]

What is wrong with Armour All on vinyl?

I was told (from several different peeps) if you don't keep using it regularly it speeds up the process of cracking/deteriorating. :alone:

But if that's the case the company would be out of business & lot of lawsuits.