polish for the dash cluster clear plastic??

[jayharrell]

Well i pulled my dash cluster apart last night and got all the needles painted, bulbs replaced, painted the bessle, but my clear plastic piece *not sure what its called* that has the numbers painted on it *ie speedo and fuel level* is scratched up and painted on.

Whats the best polish out there for getting this thing clear and nice??

I figured just some light rubbing compound or regular paint polish.

Any idea's or recomendations?

ttt

[Longhorn321]

I don't know any name brands but there is such a thing as plastic polish for just such an application. I work for BMW and we used to sell a product for polishing the instrument clusters and other clear plastic parts (rear windows of convertibles). It worked great. I suspect you can find something like it at advance auto parts or something like that. I would not use compound....to harsh. Car wax might be ok but I would check it on one of the places that is behind the bezel first to make sure it does not leave a haze or something.

[JJanzen]

Go to a plastics supply company/distributor that sells acylic sheets like plexiglass, etc. The one we use in Denver is Regal Plastics. They will sell a polishing compound that will be best suited for the lens. Just a fair warning, I don't believe any of them will give you like new results.

[dan42]

I thnk that plastic is too soft - your best bet is just to order another one.

[Longhorn321]

Originally Posted by dan42

I thnk that plastic is too soft - your best bet is just to order another one.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that they are available and IMO they are pretty cheap.

[chipflyer]

I just did mine using this meguiars
It worked great, I removed the lens and did it by hand, wasn't brave enough to try it on a buffing wheel but would like to try it. I bought the stuff at Walmart, like $6 if I remember correctly.

Jeff

[prg machine]

www.gibbsbrabdlubricant.com

[SkylineNXS]

They make polish specifically for clear plastics, i have some but dont remember the brand, it should easily remove the scratches and polish it up, i dont know about removing the paint though...

BRAD

[Mud Duck]

Hello
I use a product called Plexus its made for Jeep soft tops it takes the scratches out of the windows. I also use it on my Motorcycle hemet face sheilds it works great. I don't think it will harm the paint on your dash.

[Longhorn Man]

the numbers and letters are on the inside of the lens... be carefull around them, they CAN be polished off. More likely, you'd wear a spot real thin without paying attention and the number would look retarded after you got done. Not much work needs done on the inside anyways.
I have always used mothers wheel polish. Always have it laying around, and it does so good, I never considered spending more money on another product.

[Shane]

Novus Plastic polish ... best thing EVER for plastic. Like Longhorn Man said, be very very careful on the side with the silk screening on it.

[jayharrell]

The back side with the numbers is fine. Just the front. I took some 2000 grit paper to some hidden spots last night. Just need to polish the front.

I agree with Longhorn, lookin to spend 3 or 4$ rather then 30.

Thansk for the info guys. I'll see if i can get some pics tonight after we get back from the circus with the kids.

[El Jay]

Don't laff.

Tooth paste.
Not a tooth gel, but plain ol' fashioned tooth paste & a very soft cloth.

[corn]

I just used some Meguiars cleaner wax on the lens on my S10. Came out great!

[jerry moss]

Crest toothpaste, not gel but the plain old white gritty stuff. it works great and is cheap too.

[jayharrell]

Well i hit the local Walmart and got the Meguair's PlastX. $3.97 a 10oz bottle. Worked like a charm. I successfully ruined the last of the good dish towels, but it was worth it, "Baby, it says use a soft dry cloth".

That old plastic is brittle. I got the cracking and breaking rubbed out where you can't see it on a galloping horse with some 2000 grit sandpaper and this PlastX, but the camera flash makes them very visible. I plan on trying this stuff on my parking light with a drimell buffing wheel Sunday. Might work.

My repaint isn't anything fancy, but i think it'll work in a black and white interior.

BTW, the 72k on the odm is really 172k. Figured someone would notice.

[El Jay]

Originally Posted by jayharrell

Well i hit the local Walmart and got the Meguair's PlastX. $3.97 a 10oz bottle. Worked like a charm. I successfully ruined the last of the good dish towels, but it was worth it, "Baby, it says use a soft dry cloth".

That old plastic is brittle. I got the cracking and breaking rubbed out where you can't see it on a galloping horse with some 2000 grit sandpaper and this PlastX, but the camera flash makes them very visible. I plan on trying this stuff on my parking light with a drimell buffing wheel Sunday. Might work.

My repaint isn't anything fancy, but i think it'll work in a black and white interior.

BTW, the 72k on the odm is really 172k. Figured someone would notice.

Lookin' goooooooooooooooooood!

I can understand why the wifey would get P.O.'ed.
Back in the olden days, before disposables, nothing was better than old diapers. They got laundered 2, 3, 4 times a week, or more.

[jayharrell]

Originally Posted by El Jay

Back in the olden days, before disposables, nothing was better than old diapers. They got laundered 2, 3, 4 times a week, or more.

ElJay, your kids must have smooth shiney back sides. lol

As for the tade, you wouldn't want this one. I just rattle canned it. Its not near nice enough for anyones truck. Hell i should probably just throw it in the trash. lol

[prg machine]

Originally Posted by jayharrell

Well i hit the local Walmart and got the Meguair's PlastX. $3.97 a 10oz bottle. Worked like a charm. I successfully ruined the last of the good dish towels, but it was worth it, "Baby, it says use a soft dry cloth".

That old plastic is brittle. I got the cracking and breaking rubbed out where you can't see it on a galloping horse with some 2000 grit sandpaper and this PlastX, but the camera flash makes them very visible. I plan on trying this stuff on my parking light with a drimell buffing wheel Sunday. Might work.

My repaint isn't anything fancy, but i think it'll work in a black and white interior.

BTW, the 72k on the odm is really 172k. Figured someone would notice.

since the plastic is brittle..................use www.gibbsbranslubricant.com


that is the best stuff to restore plastic parts and polish it. I use it on safety glasses

[Sequoyah]

Originally Posted by jayharrell

Well i hit the local Walmart and got the Meguair's PlastX. $3.97 a 10oz bottle. Worked like a charm. I successfully ruined the last of the good dish towels, but it was worth it, "Baby, it says use a soft dry cloth".

That old plastic is brittle. I got the cracking and breaking rubbed out where you can't see it on a galloping horse with some 2000 grit sandpaper and this PlastX, but the camera flash makes them very visible. I plan on trying this stuff on my parking light with a drimell buffing wheel Sunday. Might work.

My repaint isn't anything fancy, but i think it'll work in a black and white interior.

BTW, the 72k on the odm is really 172k. Figured someone would notice.

Turned out nice I've used on my headlights (Honda) out here. Keeps them from yellowing.

[bobthecop]

I've used Brasso, it is a very mild abrasive, also works great on watch crystals.

[Jerry Jones]

Looks good, wanna trade?

[muscletrucks]

Permatex Headlight Lens Restoration Kit $ 13 - 15 dollars. This works really good. It is made for plastic headlight lens to make them clear again. If has three different stages.