Cluster plastic

[deutschemak]

Ok...sorry for the noob question here...But what is the best way to clean the plastic on the gauge cluster? :confused: There is dust on it, and since I don't want to scratch the plastic, wiping it off with a damp cloth seems counter-intuitive to me. So, you're help and insight is much appreciated!

[Don M]

I actually misted UQW on the plastic and it came out perfectly clear & non scratching. UQD would probably work as well.

[jamesboyy]

When cleaning the gauge cluster I use one or two light sprays glass cleaner on microfiber towel, and wipe in one direction then go back with a dry second to to remove any potential streaks etc, thought don't worry the light scratches/swirls cause you can polish it out, also try applying a sealant to the cluster

[Mike Phillips]

First, you're smart for asking this question as it's much better to work safe and avoid scratching or marring the plastic face of gauges, instruments and displays than trying to somehow polish scratches out of these surfaces.

1. Their location makes it difficult to hand polish and in most cases working by machine is even more difficult.

2. Plastic is changing but no matter what type of plastic you're working on it's at least as difficult if not more to work on plastic as it is clearcoat paints.


Tips...


Try to blow or vacuum dust off first. If the dust can be removed without pushing it, (wiping), the plastic surface this is automatically safer.

2. Use a product formulated for plastic like Meguiar's M18 Clear Plastic Detailer. The last thing you want to use is some type of liquid that stains the surface.

3. Use a clean, soft fluffy microfiber towel so any dust can bury into the nap.

4. Never use a shop towel or paper towels.


Hope this helps...


Be careful using glass cleaners. Most glass cleaners contain alcohol and while safe for glass and in most cases safe for plastic, you just never know and if it does cause a problem... fixing plastic on gauges can be difficult. It's also hard to test product on inconspicuous areas... there's usually no inconspicuous area on dash gauges, instruments and panels.


:)

[cardaddy]

Just dampen a decent (at least semi-fluffy) microfiber towel with your choice of interior cleaner/protectant and you're good.

[PA DETAILER]

DP Plex-All aerosol plastic cleaner,plastic polish,clear plastic cleaner polish,DP plastic polish,plastic protectant,headlight cleaner (http://www.autogeek.net/dp-plex-all.html)

I have found is perfect for this. Along with a clean MF.

Also megs interior detailer too. Got to use caution here. That plastic is usually very soft and will scratch just looking at it. Along with the radio display. Ever notice in a used car the radio display is usually scratched really bad? A part that should never be touched anyway!

Carrand 2 in 1 Electrostatic Detail Brush, dust brush, vent brush, dash brush, interior detailing brush, detailing brushes, car dash brush (http://www.autogeek.net/interior-detail-brush.html)

A soft and safe brush as above is also great for maintaining.

[Dogfather]

Megs QID is a great product for routine maintenance. Works great on guages, audio controls, etc.

[madmallard]

sorry for old thread bump, but would Plexus be a good product for addressing a swirly gauge face plastic?

[PA DETAILER]

sorry for old thread bump, but would plexus be a good product for addressing a swirly gauge face plastic?


yes.

[swanicyouth]

sorry for old thread bump, but would Plexus be a good product for addressing a swirly gauge face plastic?


IMHO, no.

This plastic is almost impossible to polish to a defect free appearance due to the "softness" of the plastic. Some may speculate, but ask someone who's actually done it.

I don't think these pieces are major dollars, so if it's bothering you - just replace it.

[Nth Degree]

If you can remove it they are easy to polish. I use ONR to clean.

[Britsdaddy]

I've had success polishing the gauge cluster with Megs Plastix and a Powerball. My wife's car got some dash cleaner on the gauge cluster which caused cloudiness. The above combo cleaned everything up and still looks good after a year.

[Don M]

I've had success polishing the gauge cluster with Megs Plastix and a Powerball. My wife's car got some dash cleaner on the gauge cluster which caused cloudiness. The above combo cleaned everything up and still looks good after a year.


:iagree:

although I did mine by hand

[Nth Degree]

Because of the sensitivity of cluster plastics and how difficult they are to access to polish it is a good idea to hang a towel in front of it when cleaning the steering wheel and the rest of the dash and console to prevent any overspray from getting on it.

[lawrenceSA]

Perhaps I was lucky with this one, but here is a plastic cluster out of an Audi S3 that I managed to polish using Menzerna SF4000 and a 4" Lake Country Grey CCS Pad

Before

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd393/polo_playa/IMG_5231_zps5lig5hf7.jpg (http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/polo_playa/media/IMG_5231_zps5lig5hf7.jpg.html)

After

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd393/polo_playa/IMG_5238_zpsjbdg5vlp.jpg (http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/polo_playa/media/IMG_5238_zpsjbdg5vlp.jpg.html)

I do certainly agree with the principal of 'prevention being better than the cure' so anything you can do to mitigate instilling the scratches in the first place is the better option.

Had this cluster not been removed from the car (by the owner) it would have been almost impossible to get the machine in there to polish it....