Replacement Instrument Lenses?

B

BenSD

New member
I'm getting pretty tired of the scratches on the instrument lenses on my 4th gen sport. While detailing the inside of my runner after going on a trip to the desert, I blew all the grit off of them, then used a super soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe off the remaining stuff. This is the same cloth I use to clean the front element of all my camera lenses, including one that cost me $6,500. It has worked perfectly fine on those, but for whatever reason, it scratched the hell out of the the instrument lenes on my runner.

Is there a cheap/easy way to buy another clear plastic piece that covers the instruments, and is it something that is easy to replace? I figure if I replace it, I'll just use canned air to clean it, and never touch the damn thing again.
 
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camera lense = not plastic.

just use a moist towel if there are smudges on it.. otherwise.. I just run a swiffer throughout the car...

now for those scratches, you might want to use a plastic polish. Meguiars has a nice one.
 
iFORCE said:
camera lense = not plastic.

just use a moist towel if there are smudges on it.. otherwise.. I just run a swiffer throughout the car...

now for those scratches, you might want to use a plastic polish. Meguiars has a nice one.
Click to expand...

I realize that the lenses are soft plastic, but the same cleaning principles still apply ---- remove the abbrasive grit, then gently clean using a soft, non-abbrasive microfiber cloth.

I'll give the plastic polish a try.
 
i saw post either here or on yotatech probably about 6-9 months ago about the same topic. someone had looked into replacing them b/c of the scratches.
 
Yeah, I feel your pain. The same thing happened to me coming back from the ocean last summer. I really scratched them up while trying to wipe the dust off.

I remember the post a while back about this same problem. A few people mentioned using Meguire's 17 clear plastic cleaner to clean it and then move in with the 10 to polish it like new. It looked good when I was done with it, but when the light hit it at such an angle, the scratches were back. And now (6 months later) they are pretty noticable in any lighting condition. I have tried other numerous products but none seemed to work. I even went as far as removing the dash and pulling the lens out to make it easier than trying to polish in the 3 small openings. That made it much easier, but its hard to say if it was worth the trouble.

I think partznet has the lens for about $30 or so, from what the other members said. I emailed them a while back, but don't think that I ever got a reply. Honestly, it may be worth just replacing it and never touching it again. The canned air may be the most effective way to clean it without leaving scratches.

Let us know what you decide to do, because I'm sure that there are a number of people who have the same issue.

Tom
 
Just replace it, Ben. I had to replace mine only a month after I got mine new 4-R. The part is $21 and it's easy DIY, only took me 15 minutes to replace. Now I just use keyboard cleaning compressed air, no more scratches.
 
I use the 3M Plastic Cleaner to clean the insturment panel after using it on my motorcycle windscreen and helmet visor with good results. It does a very nice job of cleaning plastic without scratching. Many gp cleaners have alcohol which may soften the surface and cause scratching.

I used the 3M Plastic Polish (a different product) to restore an older, slightly scratched windscreen with positive results. I'd suggest giving it a try before replacement.

I'm definitely sold on the 3M line - I also use their glaze and wax regularly with spectacular results. (no affiliation with 3M)
 
Mine were all scrathed to hell as well. I used Mothers plastic polish to get rid of them, but once a month it looks like the plastic is hazy or something. A quick wipe with a microfiber towel and they are clear again. I reapply about once every 3 months (or when I wax the truck). Very good results. I also use the plastic polish on my headlights, fog's, and taillights/reflectors in the bumper.
 
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