Hello, I just bought a 1974 Barracuda with what appears to be the factory polyglass spare in the trunk. It’s showing it’s age a bit and I was wondering what the preferred method would be to preserve it? I don’t know if there are any issues with using a product like modern tire dressing. My second thought was to just wipe it down with armor all. Obviously it’s not going to be used on the road again. Thanks

Do NOT use ArmorAll, It contains alcohol, which dries out the rubber. I would recommend several applications over time of 303 Aerospace protectant. Amazon sells it.

Honestly, in all the years that I used Armorall on tires & vinyl, I never experienced any cracking or drying out.
Seems to me any alcohol evaporated quickly.
I still use it in winter on the door seals on the daily driver; keeps the doors from sticking. Those 1996 seals are still mint.

I have used Armorall on the dash pad of the 1972 Barracuda since I bought it new. The pad looks like it did when I got it from the dealer in March of 1972. I also use it on the rubber seals as well with good results.

I used Armoral on a dash and destroyed it. My upholstery guy told me to use Vaseline, let it sit them wipe the extra off. Never had a problem since.

I wouldn't have thought about vaseline. The rubber looks pretty dry so that might be worth a shot.

This ^

X2 - Had same advise from old upholstery guy too . . . used this on my "dried" out leather seats in 300Hurst . . . took a long time, but they came back really well ! . . . I have always sprayed my door seals with silicone spray . . . soaks in and keeps them supple for sure . . maybe that might help on the tire ??

Griots Garage Rubber Cleaner followed by Aerospace 303 protectant. This is a date coded tire from 1970.

back in the day [1968 to around 1980ish] we used lemon pledge. it had to be the lemon stuff, although i don't remember just why.
i haven't touched the rubber or interior material since it was put in storage, but today it's still soft and no cracks.
i don't know if i will continue the lemon pledge or not.

Does the 303 form any kind of a barrier? That would be my only reason to not try it. This thing is dry as a bone and may need several applications.

The key is cleaning up the old rubber first before applying a protectant. That's why I recommended the Griots rubber cleaner

No....it’s not a wax. 303 Aerospace is a good product,and will not produce a glossy shine...which you DONT want.