polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jayharrell · 04-04-2008, 09:17 PM

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 · 04-04-2008, 09:35 PM

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** · 04-04-2008, 09:36 PM

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 · 04-04-2008, 09:36 PM

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

SkylineNXS · 04-04-2008, 09:36 PM

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 · 04-04-2008, 09:48 PM

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.

Longhorn321 · 04-05-2008, 12:08 AM

Quote:

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.

Longhorn Man · 04-05-2008, 12:09 AM

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* · 04-05-2008, 12:09 AM

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.

chipflyer · 04-05-2008, 12:14 AM

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 · 04-05-2008, 12:31 AM

www.gibbsbrabdlubricant.com

jayharrell · 04-05-2008, 12:41 AM

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** · 04-05-2008, 05:21 AM

Don't laff.

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

corn · 04-05-2008, 05:58 AM

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

**jerry moss** · 04-05-2008, 07:18 AM

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

jayharrell · 04-05-2008, 08:25 AM

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** · 04-05-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

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.

prg machine · 04-05-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

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 · 04-05-2008, 03:53 PM

Quote:

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 · 04-05-2008, 05:05 PM

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

Jerry Jones · 04-05-2008, 05:57 PM

Looks good, wanna trade?

jayharrell · 04-05-2008, 06:22 PM

Quote:

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

**El Jay** · 04-05-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayharrell

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

I wouldn't know.
The youngest is 30, so he hasn't worn diapers for a while.

muscletrucks · 04-05-2008, 08:32 PM

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.

HomerJ · 04-05-2008, 08:37 PM

I used Plast-X on mine, too. I still have a couple of deeper scratches, so I may try the 2000-grit sandpaper on those. Other than the deep scratches, Plast-X did a great job of removing the light scratches and clearing up the lens. Like some of the others mentioned, I also used it on my wife's 98 Camry (271,000+ miles) headlights to remove the yellowing and clear them up.

HomerJ

04-04-2008, 09:17 PM	#1
jayharrell Gettin By on Gettin By Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cedar Creek, Tx Posts: 1,033	polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? 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

04-04-2008, 09:35 PM	#2
Longhorn321 Size Matters Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lyman, SC Posts: 9,189	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? 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. __________________ "Reading the owners manual is only for quitters." Jason Harper, Bloomberg News. ...WOOOO HOOOO!!!!

04-04-2008, 09:36 PM	#3
JJanzen Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 252	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? 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. __________________ Blue72 Red72

04-04-2008, 09:36 PM	#4
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? I thnk that plastic is too soft - your best bet is just to order another one. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

04-04-2008, 09:36 PM	#5
SkylineNXS Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Elgin, IL Posts: 658	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? 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 __________________ 2000 GMC Sierra EXT Cab Short 4x4, finally mine... 1966 C10 SWB Fleet, 250 I6, three on the tree.... Previously Owned.... 1987 Chevy R10 "Silverado" (at least the badges were) Short Step 350 700r4.... 1972 Chevy LWB Fleet 350/350 EXTENDED CAB ALL THE WAY! .._..~...-...._...____ .._..-...______\|_\|__\____ ..-..~.\|_(O)__\|_\|__\|_(O)]

04-04-2008, 09:48 PM	#6
Mud Duck Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Turtle Lake ND Posts: 4	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? 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.

04-05-2008, 12:09 AM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? 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.

04-05-2008, 12:09 AM	#9
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? 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. Last edited by Shane; 04-05-2008 at 12:10 AM.

04-05-2008, 12:14 AM	#10
chipflyer Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Topeka, Ks Posts: 2,293	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? 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 __________________ I'm not a pessimist, I'm just optimistic that bad things are going to happen. 1971 Cheyenne Super K10 - tilt, cruise, air, am/fm, tow hooks, factory buckets! 1986 Jeep J10 pickup, - 5.3L Vortec with 4L60e and NP241.

04-05-2008, 12:31 AM	#11
prg machine Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: oregon Posts: 1,069	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? www.gibbsbrabdlubricant.com Attached Images __________________ 69 K-20 cloned to a 67 with front clip and some other stuff. 383 .040 over Crane roller cam lifters and rockers ,1.6 intake ratio, Open chamber heads, 9.5-1 compression ratio, 2.02 intake valves , Edelbrock performer Air Gap manifold Carter AFB performer 750cfm, MSD ignition, SM465 NP205 4.10 gears:

04-05-2008, 12:41 AM	#12
jayharrell Gettin By on Gettin By Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cedar Creek, Tx Posts: 1,033	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? 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.

04-05-2008, 05:21 AM	#13
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? Don't laff. Tooth paste. Not a tooth gel, but plain ol' fashioned tooth paste & a very soft cloth. __________________ '69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck

04-05-2008, 05:58 AM	#14
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? I just used some Meguiars cleaner wax on the lens on my S10. Came out great!

04-05-2008, 07:18 AM	#15
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,915	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? Crest toothpaste, not gel but the plain old white gritty stuff. it works great and is cheap too. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

04-05-2008, 08:25 AM	#16
jayharrell Gettin By on Gettin By Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cedar Creek, Tx Posts: 1,033	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? 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. Attached Images Last edited by jayharrell; 04-05-2008 at 08:27 AM.



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04-05-2008, 05:05 PM	#20
bobthecop Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Yukon Oklahoma Posts: 2,647	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? I've used Brasso, it is a very mild abrasive, also works great on watch crystals. __________________ Happiness is towing your "new" truck home. 1972 C-10 1982 GMC (parts truck??) 1969 c10 parts truck 1969 C-10 ( my sons) 1992 Silverado 4X4 (now the boys truck)(now mine again) 2002 Tarus (my wife loves that car)

04-05-2008, 05:57 PM	#21
Jerry Jones Happy Camper Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern California Posts: 8,408	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? Looks good, wanna trade? __________________ RIP El Jay! Love you brother!

04-05-2008, 08:32 PM	#24
muscletrucks Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kansas City Posts: 431	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? 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. __________________ 1972 GMC Sierra Grande 3/4 Ton 4x4 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 1943 Farmall M

04-05-2008, 08:37 PM	#25
HomerJ Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Norman, OK Posts: 222	Re: polish for the dash cluster clear plastic?? I used Plast-X on mine, too. I still have a couple of deeper scratches, so I may try the 2000-grit sandpaper on those. Other than the deep scratches, Plast-X did a great job of removing the light scratches and clearing up the lens. Like some of the others mentioned, I also used it on my wife's 98 Camry (271,000+ miles) headlights to remove the yellowing and clear them up. HomerJ __________________ 67 C-10 LWB "Cow-butt-spotted" (neighbor's term) - work in progress. 350/TH400/3.73 67 Chevelle SS Clone 454/TH400/3.73

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