c4 Console cleaning - 1994

[Jim P.]

Hi - I am sure there are posts on this somewhere but I can't find them. My question is how to clean the console, radio surround, etc. without damaging the finish. I don't know what that finish is but is always slightly sticky and attracts alot of dust and dirt. I replaced all the pieces a couple of years ago and I am afraid of using something to harsh that will take off that coating. Please let me know the best thing to do for this - thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: c4 Console cleaning - 1994

Hi - I am sure there are posts on this somewhere but I can't find them. My question is how to clean the console, radio surround, etc. without damaging the finish. I don't know what that finish is but is always slightly sticky and attracts alot of dust and dirt. I replaced all the pieces a couple of years ago and I am afraid of using something to harsh that will take off that coating. Please let me know the best thing to do for this - thanks.

Jim------

As I recall, the finish you are referring to is called "Dulso". I think your best advice for cleaning it is contained in your owner's manual.

[Ed N.]

Re: c4 Console cleaning - 1994

Distilled water.

[Jim P.]

Re: c4 Console cleaning - 1994

Thanks Joe and Ed - I will try your suggestions.

[John M.]

[Joe L.]

Re: c4 Console cleaning - 1994

Ed is spot on. Use only distilled water with soft micro fiber towels. As opposed to the owner’s manual recommendation, I avoid products containing alcohol or petroleum distillates. If I need a soapy water solution, I prefer a gentle soap like Woolite. Adams Polishes have products for the interior that are alcohol or petroleum distillates free.

Jack------


I do not understand how many substances that might get on these surfaces could be cleaned with distilled water alone. Water soluble substances might be removed but anything not water soluble will not.

[John M.]

Re: c4 Console cleaning - 1994

Hence the warm mild soapy water solution using a product like Woolite.

[Joe L.]

Re: c4 Console cleaning - 1994

Hence the warm mild soapy water solution using a product like Woolite.

Jack------

Using water or mild soapy water is exactly what the owner's manual recommends.

[John M.]

Re: c4 Console cleaning - 1994

You are correct the manual states mild soapy water. The manual however does not specify distilled water and it recommends a product that contains petroleum distillates. I am merely speaking only from my experience since I am not an expert. I just thought I would provide Jim Porter a recommendation from my 28 years of C4 ownership.

[Joe L.]

Re: c4 Console cleaning - 1994

You are correct the manual states mild soapy water. The manual however does not specify distilled water and it recommends a product that contains petroleum distillates. I am merely speaking only from my experience since I am not an expert. I just thought I would provide Jim Porter a recommendation from my 28 years of C4 ownership.

Jack------


I believe that the recommendation of petroleum distillates is primarily intended for fabric or carpet surfaces. However, even on plastic surfaces it might be necessary if water or soap do not get the job done. In that case, one is left only with the options of using the petroleum distillate-based cleaner or leaving the offending matter on the surface.

[Jim P.]

Re: c4 Console cleaning - 1994

Guys I have been trying to get the Dulso on the shift plate cover cleaned up but it just kept getting stickier and stickier to the point that I didn't want to touch it. Since my car is just a driver, I decided to try something different. I found some information on the corvette forum website where a guy had refinished his console, so I decided to try it. This article recommended taking the Dulso off with acetone free nail polish remover which I did. However I have since seen where people used acetone nail polish remover and even carb cleaner to clean off the Dulso. Anyway after I got it all off I washed it with dawn and then wiped it down with laquer cleaner. It was not sticky any where and all of the Dulso appearred to be removed. I started spraying with light coats of rusto-leum flat back spray paint. I then tried a matte clear coat but it was too shinny. So I topped it again with the flat black. I think it turned out pretty good. Picture below.

[Mark E.]

Re: c4 Console cleaning - 1994

Regarding the question about cleaning...

I haven't risked using any cleaning products on these surfaces because of their fragile reputation. My strategy is don't touch it, don't put anything on it, avoid exposing to direct sun, and certainly don't rub it with a cloth.

I use compressed air to blow off dust and call it done. So far, this has avoided any damage or lint/dirt sticking to the surface.