This is a fairly simple DIY for getting most if not all the scratches off of the Plastic Gauge Cluster Cover. It will work for pretty much any smooth plastic as well such as Headlights, Tail lights, Corner Markers, etc… I got sick of seeing scratches on my cluster when I would drive around with the T-tops off.
Most scratches are caused by rubbing dirt particles into the plastic surface. Typically this is done when you wipe the dust off of something with a dry cloth.
I removed the plastic cover from the cluster. Mine had push tabs that held it in place.
Here is the part after years of improper “cleaning” techniques.
You can pick up a starter Plastic Restoration kit for $19.99 from: http://www.novuspolish.com/
The 2oz Starter Kit comes with:
- 2oz Polish 1 - Clean & Shine
- 2oz Polish 2 - Fine Scratch Remover
- 2oz Polish 3 - Heavy Scatch Remover
- Two NOVUS Polish Mates
- Product Brochure
- Heat-Sealed in Polybag
I had an 8oz plastic cleaner and 2oz fine scratch remover that I used. But, the 2oz kit should be plenty.
You will need Gloves and 3 Lint Free Cloths. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the part otherwise you have to keep cleaning off your greasy finger prints.
I removed the rubber guide for the trip odometer reset and cleaned that seperately. Then I cleaned the gauge cover using the plastic cleaner that came in the kit. I broke up the cleaning, buffing, and polishing into 3 cloths so that I would not be re-contaminating the cloths as I used them
Apply a liberal amount of scratch remover to the plastic surface. Spread the scratch remover over a larger area before you apply pressure. This ensures you get the remover between the part and the cloth. Apply this with the second cloth. Buff the part with pressure in a circular motion. Do not wipe the part in a straight motion.
Allow the paste to dry and turn into a haze.
With the third clean lint free cloth, polish the haze off the part to reveal your “like-new” part.
Repeat steps if needed using the same Clean, Buff, and Polish cloths.
Hopefully this will help you fix that dull looking cluster in your car.