Dial Gauge Problem

[my996]

I was cleaning the surface of my dial gauges with a standard window cleaner and started to notice spots developing right away. I thought some water might clear up the problem but it only got worst. Thought it was condensation and the problem would resolve itself in a few days. No such luck. The spots are still there as you can see in the attached photos. Any suggestions on how I can fix this problem? Will I have to replace the clear face to solve the problem? - I hope not!! I have tried to wipe them off but I think they are on the inside surface of the clear glass or plastic (what ever the material is).

[my996]

#2

Edited August 17, 2005 by my996

[Costa]

It looks like the window cleaner has attacked the plastic faces.

Possibly the only way to remove those spots is to get the plastic lightly 'buffed' using a plastic polish with an approprite buffing wheel/soft towel etc.

The only cleaning product I use on the instrument cluster faces (and all other plastic lenses - Head/Taillights etc) is PLEXUS. You could try to use some Plexus product and see if it removes those spots.

Plexus is designed for plastics.

[my996]

Should I try to remove the plastic before I buff it out?

[Costa]

You could try it with a small soft towel etc with the cluster in the car.

Or you can remove the instrument cluster assembly as a whole from the vehicle. Do a search on Renntech for 'instrument cluster' to find instructions. I know that there are a number of posts here (and Pics) that show the removal proces, it is quite easy and quick.

You can also pull the cluster assembly apart and remove the facia from the gauges. Note - I think that the clear plastic is set semi-permanenetly into the surround but at least you will be able to get to the rear of the plastic lenses if required.

Edited August 17, 2005 by ZX7R

[JimPDX]

I agree with Costas...

Try to do a very light buff. I have used Maguires plastic cleaner and plastic polish on my headlights to take out some scratches. It worked real well.

What was the brand name of the cleaner you used? This will help member avoid the product.

One other thing...spray the cleaner on the cloth first next time and do it that way...

Good luck.

[dipspanigrahi]

I had a similar problem with my 1997 boxster, bmw 740, and lexus lx 470 (seriously)

windex=bad for guages plastics (imo)

i wont touch the stuff anymore

I used the plastic polish that the local dealership recommended

i think it was macguires.

i placed a small amount on a clean dry soft towel (like an old t-shirt) and just went to town

changed the place on the cloth, little more compound, repeat

i would clean residue between buff cycles with a wet cloth.

it takes some time and effort, especially if the cluster is kept in place but it got most of the imperfections out for me.......

i then used a trick that a detailer suggested and after i was done buffing as much as i could stand, i sprayed pledge (furniture wax-based polish) and buffed a couple of applications with another t-shirt- it replace a little fo the normal plex "sheen" that one takes off with the polish.

you could barely see anything had been there when i was done.

hope this helps.

let us know how it works out.

Edited September 3, 2005 by dipspanigrahi