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Exterior Care beginner 3 min read

Summer Console and Trim Restoration Checklist

Most car owners make this harder than it needs to be. Here's the straightforward approach that actually works—no fluff, no upselling.

Don't let the Aussie sun cook your dash and plastics. Here is exactly what you need to bring faded grey trim back to life and keep it that way through a 40 degree summer.

MT
Mick Thompson Senior Detailing Editor
| Updated: 27 February 2026
What You'll Learn
Summer Console and Trim Restoration Checklist

Aussie Conditions

Australian conditions are tougher than most—intense UV, red dust, coastal salt, and 40°C summers. European car care advice often doesn't cut it here.
Quick Summary

Look, I've seen too many cracked dashboards and chalky guards on 79 Series Cruisers to know that our UV is brutal. If you've been out west or parked near the beach, your trim is probably screaming for help. This is a quick list to get it sorted before the heat does permanent damage.

01

What You Need in the Kit

What You'll Need

0/8
Dedicated Plastic Deep Cleaner — Don't use dish soap. I reckon Bowden’s Own Agent Orange or a good APC is the go for shifting old grease.
Soft Boar's Hair Brushes — Essential for getting red dust out of the grain and around the gear stick.
Trim Restorer (Ceramic Based) — For exterior bits, Gtechniq C4 is my go-to. It actually lasts, unlike those greasy silicone sprays from the servo.
Interior UV Protectant — Aerospace 303 is the gold standard here. Non-greasy finish so you don't get that blinding glare off the dash.
Microfibre Applicator Pads — Grab a 4-pack. You’ll want fresh ones for different products.
Short-pile Microfibre Towels — At least 5. Use them to buff off excess so things don't stay sticky.
Toothbrush or Detailing Pick — For when your kids spill Maccas sauce in the console cracks. We've all been there.
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) 50/50 mix — Only for exterior plastics to strip old wax before restoring. Don't use this on the interior leather!

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02

Pre-Start Checklist

What You'll Need

0/4
Check Surface Temperature — If the dash is hot enough to fry an egg, stop. Work in the shade or early morning.
Identify Material Type — Is it soft-touch plastic, hard textured poly, or vinyl wrap? Different strokes for different folks.
Vacuum First — Never wipe a dusty console with a wet cloth. You'll just make mud and scratch the finish.
Test Spot — I learned this the hard way on a high-end Euro, some cleaners can stain 'piano black' trim. Test in a hidden spot.
03

The Game Plan

Tap each step to mark complete
01

Deep Clean

Spray cleaner onto your brush, not the dash. Agitate in circles to lift the oils and Aussie dust, then wipe away immediately with a clean microfibre.

02

Decontamination

For exterior plastics, use your IPA mix to wipe down. This removes old waxes and silicones so your restorer actually bonds to the plastic.

03

Apply Restorer

Apply a few drops of restorer to an applicator. Work in small sections. If it’s really thirsty plastic, it might soak it up instantly.

04

Level the Finish

After 2-5 minutes, buff the surface with a dry microfibre. This prevents streaks and ensures a factory-flat finish rather than a cheap shiny look.

05

UV Protection

Apply your UV protectant to the interior surfaces. This is like sunscreen for your car. Don't forget the top of the door cards where you rest your arm.

04

Final Inspection

What You'll Need

0/3
Check for 'High Spots' — Look at the trim from different angles to make sure there are no dark oily patches left.
Check Controls — Make sure you haven't gunked up the window switches or volume knobs. Give 'em a click.
Glass Check — I always end up getting trim spray on the inside of the windscreen. Give the glass a quick wipe with a dedicated cleaner.

Watch Out

Avoid 'shiny' silicone dressings like the plague. They act like a magnifying glass for the sun and will crack your dash faster than anything else. Also, never apply protectants to the steering wheel, pedals, or gear knob, I once did this on my old ute and nearly slid off the road when my hand slipped mid-turn. Keep the grip bits clean, not slick.

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