Clear Film for Instrument Cluster?

[matthewkristof]

Not sure if this belongs in the Maintenance thread or not, but since my question involves a 4th Gen, I started here.

Like many of you, my instrument cluster gauge is scratched to hell. I have since purchased a replacement but before installing it, I wanted to add a type of film to it to prevent future scratching. I recently tinted some home windows with a privacy film called Gila, but it only applies to glass and not to plastic. I have perused Amazon and other stores and can't find a definite item I'd like to purchase and try, as many are expensive and don't really mention their use on plastics.

Does anyone have any recommendations on this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[leftyguns21]

ive often wondered about this too. hopefully someone has an answer
too bad zagg doesn't make one. they seem to make one for every other device. maybe find one and cut to size?

curious too, how much was the replacement?

 

[matthewkristof]

I don't mind cutting something to size, I just want something that is transparent and doesn't look like it's on there. 3M has some clear film for headlights and body coverings, but I doubt that will work.

My notes say I purchased it for $22.35.

 

[Nervo19]

Maybe protective film meant for a computer screen. It does not leave a residue. Trim as needed.

.

 

[nevada]

Not sure if this belongs in the Maintenance thread or not, but since my question involves a 4th Gen, I started here.

Like many of you, my instrument cluster gauge is scratched to hell. I have since purchased a replacement but before installing it, I wanted to add a type of film to it to prevent future scratching. I recently tinted some home windows with a privacy film called Gila, but it only applies to glass and not to plastic. I have perused Amazon and other stores and can't find a definite item I'd like to purchase and try, as many are expensive and don't really mention their use on plastics.

Does anyone have any recommendations on this?

Thanks in advance.

laptop/lcd screen protector should work. depending on the size, you may have to get 2, and split the difference. or maybe one for a 19", on the diagonal might be just the right size.

Maybe protective film meant for a computer screen. It does not leave a residue. Trim as needed.

.

I was going to suggest the same. I have this on my old laptop, it works great.

 

[Radial GT]

I used plastic buffing compound on my scratched up plastic and it looks new. Perhaps just buff it once in a while.

 

[MONTYMTB]

I used plastic buffing compound on my scratched up plastic and it looks new. Perhaps just buff it once in a while.

Something like this? Says it's for "hard" plastics - would the cluster be considered hard or soft I wonder...

 

[MarkinWMich]

I was thinking of one of those headlight restoration kits.

 

[Radial GT]

The stuff I picked up was 3M Plastic Buffing compound. My local paint supplier had it. It doesn't really define if it is for hard or soft plastic. For how easy it scratches I would say it is soft plastic though hahaha.

The first time I did this, I buffed it when I changed the LEDs in the cluster. The second time I did it with the cluster installed in the dash, and just rubbed it in with cheese cloth. Both times turned out great. It keeps on looking nice for a couple years.

 

[matthewkristof]

I'll need to measure the new part I have to see what screen size film I'd need...but they look expensive at about $60. I'd prefer to go this route.

My wife's G37 does not scratch at all and there's nothing on it. Love how clean and new it looks.

 

[Ask10]

:gossip: ...a little secret.

When I worked in a detail shop, we just used buffing compound and a paper towels for mild scratches and a battery powered dremel for deeper stuff. Worked a treat and lasts a long time. Did my wife's Corolla back probably 5 years ago and it still looks good.

The headlight compound works okay too if you're patient, as does car polish.

 

[CookieRoe]

Yep, the clear plastic is easily scratched. I use "headlight plastic polish" with great results. Fine scratches are greatly reduced. BUT, if they are deep...............

$22.80 on partznet.

:hatsoff: