Summer-Cleaning (interior)

[usamuscle892]

Owning a car that is a decade old and having watched your dumb@%$ uncle drive the heck out of it and completly abuse it, by the time I got it, it needed some TLC. My 92 RS has always been owned by someone in my family, but my uncle did things everyone in this forum stands against. For instance, putting different size/brand tires on all four corners, straight-wiring the fan, smashing the dash and seat-belt guides apart cuz he got pissed one night, replacing only one OEM strut instead of all four, and on and on. So, after getting the car back from paint with two coats of black, and four coats of clear, the interior is next on the list. I already got a dash pad cover since production of the actual dash pads have stopped like the shifter plates(I could also use). Other than getting the seats recovered and a system thrown in, everything that needs doing will be done by me. So I have a few questions. Any recommendations on cleaners to use on the consoleand trim pieces? And, I have had my eye on some white gauge inlays. Would it be a real pain in the A$$ to install them? Would I have to diassemble the whole darn dash?

[Steel2686]

Glad to hear you're nursing the car back to original.

As far as cleaners for the interior, I use Simple Green for all the vinyl and plastics. It works really well. I had a grey interior in my old Lumina. The arm rests and door panels would get nasty after a while. Simple Green took it right off. Just make sure to wipe it down real good then add a little Armor All or equivelant over it (some cleaners can dry out the plastics and vinyl).

[Benm109]

Any recommendations on cleaners to use on the consoleand trim pieces?

02 WS6 pretty much answered that question, but I myself like Armor All. I heard the same thing about it, that it dries out plastic and rubber, but so far it has worked great to shine up the dash and console a little.

Oh, and, not sure if your interested, but instead of getting your seats recovered, you could just throw in some 4th gen seats. It's a direct swap from the stock ones and from what I hear, they are a lot more comfortable.

And, I have had my eye on some white gauge inlays. Would it be a real pain in the A$$ to install them?

Nope, it's not all that hard, just takes some time. I've never installed gauge inlays, but I've had my gauge cluster out plenty of times by now:


First thing to do is remove the knee bolster (it's the 2 big plastic pieces under the steering column) that's held in with 5 torx bolts. Then unbolt the 2 7mm bolts that hold the bottom of the black gauge cluster trim piece (it's what holds the rear defrost button and headlight knob), pull the headlight knob as far out as it will go (disconnect the battery first so you don't drain it) and unpop (just pull on it) the trim piece. Remove the electrical connectors for the cigarette lighter, rear defrost, and fog lights if you have these, from the trim piece. Now, if you look up from the bottom of the trim piece where the headlight knob is you will see that it is held in by a large metal device (called the headlight switch). To remove the headlight knob from the switch, feel for a small button towards the back of the switch on the bottom (it's about the size of a nail head). Push the button in as far as it will go, and gently tug on the knob, and it should come right out. Now you can remove the trim piece.

Tilt the steering column all the way down so you can remove these pieces easier. Now unbolt the clear plastic cover for the gauge cluster that's held in with 6 small bolts. Then unbolt the gray cover piece that's held in with 3 small bolts on the top of the cluster. Now just unbolt the 4 7mm bolts and slowly pull out the gauge cluster. It will take some time and carefull angling to get it out, just take your time. After that, just install the gauge inlays as per the instructions. Now would also be a great time to replaced any burned out bulbs in the gauge cluster, too. Installation is the reverse.


I know this sounds like a lot to do, but it only takes 30 minutes at the most to do remove the gauge cluster. If you need me to elaborate on or explain anything better, just post or PM me. Good luck.

[jerrysta]

I also use simple green when cleaning the engine compartment. Works great as a degreaser.