Did you know.......
All the large dash vents with the exception of the one with the light switch can be easily pulled out from the dash... They're not held by any fasteners, so easy to pull and dump in the sink or dishwasher.
The one with the light switch is unfortunately a PITA and requires the under dash trim, light switch etc removed etc etc.. So that one would be best done in situ.
Using any plastic auto trim spray or gunk isn't actually a good idea. It tends to be a little oily or greasy which makes any dust stick to it, and particularly in tight corners. I prefer to simply wash with some dishwash liquid which is a really good de-greaser anyhow. If they're looking a tad "grey" then pull them out and get some Rustoleum matt black spray can paint and give them a light coat twice. Don't apply polish etc.
The little dash top vents are another PITA. They're best left in place for cleaning. They have poorly designed clipping tabs which are fragile and after 20 some years shouldn't be disturbed.
Having recently completely stripped out my Z interior for re-finishing, I used a glue gun on the inside of the dash to properly secure them so they stay flush with the leather on the top side.
I used 3 cans of Rustoleum to re-finish all the plastic trim - front and rear. I also re-painted the white arrow head markings on the rear storage box - just taped off and used a cotton bad to lightly dab some white paint onto them.
I first washed with diswash liquid, then after drying in the sun, I used surgical spirits to wipe the surfaces again to remove any oils etc from my hands which may have been transferred onto the plastic before applying the Rustoleum. The same spirit is brilliant for cleaning the indicator stalk switches and does a great job of brightening up the white painted engraved markings. It is a brilliant cleanser and removes the oily hand accumulation cleanly and best of all, it dries almost instantly and is safe to use around electrical switches etc. for that reason.
Just as a tip on these spray can paints - if you've ever had the experience of having thoroughly cleaned a surface just to find that when you spray the paint on it seems to "clump" as if it's on an oily spot or something - well the fix for that is all about the temperature of the paint in the can.
I leave the can in the sun for a couple of hours to warm up well. Then be really thorough about "shaking well before use" !! The more you mix it up the better. And if the instructions say "at least 300mm from the object" go 400mm... It gives a better finish to plastic surfaces - it leaves it so lightly textured which is more like it was when new and not absolutely smooth like a "painted plastic"
