Cleaning Fuzzy Dash Panels?

[Gyrhead]

Back in 86 when I bought my 2R car, I took a white linty cloth to the fuzzy dash panels and immediately figured out why that was a Bozo NO-NO!. I tried everything to get the lint off the "plasti-suede" to no avail but had the bright idea then to go to my local Ford dealer and buy both panels brand-new. Of course, they are now NLA. Since my car has sat in storage for nearly 15 years, these new panels have some mold/dust on them and I don't want to make the same mistake(s) again. Does anyone have a tried and true method to get these parts clean again without leaving residue or making scratches in the soft material. I still have the old panels that were in my car when I bought it so I can try any method on them first. I've thought about a suede brush. Any ideas?

Does anyone have any experience with the shelf life of the original FoMoCo Charcoal Gray interior spray paint. I bought a can back in 86 (wish I had bought a case) and it still seems to have legs. I sprayed a little of it on a old speaker grille as a test with good results but I want to be sure it's going to be OK.

Thanks

Paul Fisher

1986 2R, Cloth, Original Owner, bone stock and soon to be on the road again!

[dsrk98]

Masking tape works good to get the lint off.

[KevinK]

can

The shelf life on the paint is over when it no longer comes out of the can. It should last a while just be sure to mix it well before spraying or you will get a clump and clog.

[Otto Man]

I have pondered this exact dilemma and wondered if someone had a "test dash" to try various techniques.
Jason, your dash might be the one...(IF you find that AC Delete panel)
I always thought a simple toothbrush "cleaning", or brushing ever so lightly might help but have been afraid to do this myself. Has anyone else taken a crack at this?
Welcome to the SVO Party.

[BoostedSVO]

I'll Try

I just happen to have a spare passenger side I will test some methods on. If anyone wants me to try something specific let me know.....Mike>>>

[Eyelawdoc]

I clean mine with my shop vac and a fabric brush head (gently).

[Gyrhead]

Finally found something that worked

Well, like many of you said, the masking tape works great for removing the fuzz, but since the car sat so long, the fuzzy panels were covered with mildew and perhaps mold. Having nothing to lose , I used some Scrub Free Mildew Remover (in a pump bottle). I think the stuff is basically bleach but less harsh (maybe dilluted) I sprayed it on and wiped it into the panels with my hand in light circular motions for good coverage. I didn't worry about the colored film idiot light windows or blinkers (just avoided spraying the stuff on them directly). After getting good coverage and letting it sit for a minute or so, I rinsed it down with the hose. I must say, the results were astounding. Even after they dried, the panels look brand new and the mold/mildew is gone. They look clean and there's no scratching from abrasive cleaning tools (like a wire brush)

I would recommend this procedure (however gutsy) to anyone trying to get these panels clean of mildew. Problem solved!

[Paul LeDuc]

Thanks Paul, I searched using "mildew" and found your solution. Looks like I've got some cleaning to do!
Paul