Customer complained about 303 aerospace after the fact:

General Lee

New member
I just got some feedback from the owner of one of my details I did a few weeks back. He said is only complaint was that the dashboard reflected so bad off the windshield that he couldn't see while he was driving. All he could see was the reflection of the dash.



The kicker, I showed him what I used and had him open the doors and look at the dash to make sure it wasn't to shiny. He was pleased with the outcome. But a day or two later he was driving in the sun and he had to lay a sweatshirt on the dash for a quick fix.



I never had any problems with 303 being to shiny, anyone else.
 
Personally I don't care for any protectant on the dash for the very reason you're customer stated. It's a personal preference, though.



Probably the best thing you can do now is to remove the 303 from the dashboard using a good all purpose cleaner. I don't think there is a protectant that doesn't leave some sort of shine.
 
Some owner's manuals actually warn aqainst it.



In my shop, we find a logical horizontal line on the dash, and do not apply dressing above it.



Jim
 
I suspect different dashboards from different manufactuers react to something like 303 differently. Color, texture and material the dash is composed of are factors. My dash is platinum colored and when I finsih 303ing it it looks extremely matte, no issues in the bright sun.
 
1Z Cockpit Premium is the most matte product I have tried to date. My only concern is that it doesn't have a lot of UV protection.
 
Did you buff off the 303 after applying?

I find it hard to beleive he had that problem with 303- it's SUCH a matte product!

His dash must be nearly reflective without it in order for that to have happened.
 
Bill D said:
I suspect different dashboards from different manufactuers react to something like 303 differently. Color, texture and material the dash is composed of are factors. My dash is platinum colored and when I finsih 303ing it it looks extremely matte, no issues in the bright sun.



Bill D has got it. On my previous 2001 Accord I had no reflection issues with 303 and the dash. However, on my Mazda 6 I get quite a bit of reflection with 303. I used the same application method, so it's gotta be the dash.
 
I actually have the same issue with the dashboard in my GTI. I have tried buffing freshly applied 303 with a MF without success, and I have even tried wiping it with a damp MF to no avail. Lately, I sporting the al fresco dashboard, and liking it much better. I might give the 1Z Cockpit Premium a try, I have heard many good things about it.



I agree with Bill D and gnahc, the dash material has a direct effect on the results.
 
I do not like 303 for interior dressing. I find it too glossy yet it is perfect for exterior use when properly buffed.



1Z Cockpit Premium has the most natural of a finish that a product can have. Love the stuff.
 
Audio1der- Tell me about it, I feel 303 has a nice matte finish too. I even asked the gentleman if it was to shiny. He said no, looks good. But then again he didn't get behind the wheel and drive it right then and there either. Also I didn't buff it afterwards, I felt it looked good as it was.



No big deal, just thought I would share this with you all.
 
However, on my Mazda 6 I get quite a bit of reflection with 303. I used the same application method, so it's gotta be the dash.

You will like 1z cockpit premium on your mazda6 dash if you choose to put a dressing on it.
 
General Lee said:
Also I didn't buff it afterwards, I felt it looked good as it was.

I think the key is to wipe it off promptly after applying it I don't like my dash glossy either.
 
Interesting that a few Autopians don't treat the dashtops with a dressing. I usually don't either, but then most of my vehicles aren't parked in the sun very much (at least without a windshield shade). Having had some vehicles where the dash top *did* suffer UV damage, I have mixed feelings about the whole thing.



I usually treat them once or twice a year and try to wipe off as much of the dressing as I can. I figure a little infrequent treating is better protection than none.
 
I saved the text from an interesting post from Ron Ketcham regarding the UV protection in dressings and I'll post it if you like ..



Also , and I book marked it but lost it in a HD crash, I had articles about dashes not needing *more* protection as it was built in the newer dashes already.
 
Jesstzn said:
I saved the text from an interesting post from Ron Ketcham regarding the UV protection in dressings and I'll post it if you like ..



Yeah, I sorta remember that post but I *would* appreciate your posting it.



... dashes not needing *more* protection as it was built in the newer dashes already.



Ah, maybe the "newer dashes" bit is what counts here...
 
Jesstzn said:
I saved the text from an interesting post from Ron Ketcham regarding the UV protection in dressings and I'll post it if you like ..






I was told the "UV protection" is nothing more than the shine the product produces. I suppose all that talk about actual UV blocking ingredients is a lie.
 
Jesstzn said:
I saved the text from an interesting post from Ron Ketcham regarding the UV protection in dressings and I'll post it if you like ..






I was told the "UV protection" is nothing more than the shine the product produces. I suppose all that talk about actual UV blocking ingredients is a lie.
 
Back
Top