A-Pillar Pads - Cleaning and Protecting

[ZLP955]

My car's original dark blue A-pillar pads have both cracked full-width due to the long years it was stored immobile in the Californian desert. I managed to find another dark blue set which are in better condition (crack-wise), but are absolutely filthy.
I'm looking for suggestions for gently cleaning them to remove the grime, without damaging the material (urethane?), and also if there is a product I could apply to protect them further, after cleaning. Many of your US products won't be available here in Australia, but I can hunt around for an equivalent based on recommendations.
I won't be reinstalling the interior until final assembly, which is a loooong way off  so I plan to leave these as-is until just before installation, but want to do the research now.
PS yes the original-to-car parts will also be cleaned and stored.
Thanks!

[Mike S]

Not sure how to clean the crud off (maybe youtube?) but for protection I use Novus Plastic Polish no.1 . It cleans and also leaves a protective shine.

Mike

[firstgenaddict]

Use Spray away aerosol non ammonia window cleaner... available at SAMS.
Tooth brush with MINIMAL pressure... using too much pressure causes the bristles to ROLL OVER which negates their ability to clean in the crevices.
All of these parts were out of the same NASTY CONVERTIBLE...

[firstgenaddict]

I use Meguires or Mother's Leather and vinyl dressing creme for protection.

[ZLP955]

Great suggestions guys, thank you.

[Kelley W King]

Good old dishwashing soap and a soft brush. It says it is even kind to sensitive hands.

[ko-lek-tor]

Tim,
Although I have not used this product, I have heard and read that this is a must have to prevent cracking. It is kind of like a sunscreen for vinyl, rubber, etc. it is used prodigiously in the Aerospace industry. Called “303 Protectant”. https://www.google.com/search?q=tire+uv+protection&client=safari&channel=iphone_bm&prmd=simvn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjgnIfJ-5vcAhUaoYMKHa1WAKcQ_AUIEigC&biw=320&bih=445&dpr=2#imgrc=PF7suT97zi0gsM:&isa=y

Disclaimer- this link is used only as an illustration of the product and is not an endorsement of the product, nor an endorsement of Amazon.com. I do not represent or benefit, nor am compensated from or by either Amazon or 303 protectant.

[lakeholme]

X2 for 303 products which I think are available in Australia.
What you are looking for is UV protection.

[ZLP955]

Bentley (Your disclaimer is duly noted!) & Phillip, Just checked and we can get 303 down under! 

[Kelley W King]

I have been using 303 on my new boat and on my cars about a year now. I like it. Hope the uv claim works. It does soften vinyl and kind of dries so it is not so slick feeling. Kind of pricey but autozone has sales on it a lot.

[lakeholme]

I've been using 303 for over a decade. The 8 year old vinyl top on my 68 looks brand new. Stuff has been around since the 80s. Just been a well kept secret...
I do like the way it is not slick or sticky.

[68camaroz28]

Good old dishwashing soap and a soft brush. It says it is even kind to sensitive hands.

X2 as I used Dawn dishwashing liquid with a soft brush to clean our 68's original A-pillars and they looked about new. Never tried the 303 product but will.

[ZLP955]

Well I found myself home with a half hour spare so decided to have a go at cleaning up the spare dark blue pillar post covers I mentioned when starting this thread. Overall I'm really pleased with how they turned out, as a first of no doubt several sessions. I used everyday dishwashing soap, warm water and an old toothbrush.
Here's a 'before' shot, then an 'after', and a side-by-side of one cleaned and one not yet done.
The trim certainly isn't perfect, but much less cracked than my car's originals, and still in keeping with my attempts to retain used GM parts wherever I can.
I headed over to my local auto parts store and picked up some 303 Protectant, but haven't applied it yet as I'll give these additional cleaning before I'm happy they're done.

[ZLP955]

Following on from the above post, an observation I hadn't appreciated before today, is the difference in shape at the bottom of these original pillar post covers between passenger and driver sides. See 2 additional pictures below. Reproductions seem to be mirrored exactly from left to right, perhaps one of the reasons they don't fit like the General made them?
Fearing somehow I'd managed to buy a mis-matched set (as there are differences between '67, '68 and '69, as well as coupe versus convertible!), I had to go and check the originals still fitted on the car, and to my relief, those have the same differences as the spare set. Phew!

[firstgenaddict]

They look really nice when clean... it's amazing how much dirt these things accumulate.