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Cleaning Plastic lenses covering gauges?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by MSU Spartan, Jun 26, 2012.

  1. Jun 26, 2012 at 12:56 PM
    #1
    MSU Spartan

    MSU Spartan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm now driving my third Toyota and I'm scared as $hit to clean the plastic over the gauges with anything. Every past Toyota I've tried to carefully clean, has ended up with scratches. I'm very anal about keeping my truck clean and having the gauges dirty is killing me, but I don't want to scratch. Help!!
     
  2. Jun 27, 2012 at 11:15 AM
    #2
    Chris(NJ)

    Chris(NJ) Well-Known Member

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    Is it just dust?

    I use a longer strand mf towel and gently wipe them off. Never had an issue :shrug:
     
  3. Jun 27, 2012 at 5:05 PM
    #3
    MSU Spartan

    MSU Spartan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yes, usually just dust, but it always seem to scratch. On my last 4Runner I used eye glass cleaner and a very soft micro fibre cloth and again, scratches.
     
  4. Jun 27, 2012 at 5:18 PM
    #4
    penguins_cc

    penguins_cc Well-Known Member

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    I'm resigned to it, I guess. First month I had my truck, I wiped with similar micro fibre and eye glass/lens cleaner, resulted in scratches. Nothing so far I've tried has had much effect.
     
  5. Jun 27, 2012 at 5:19 PM
    #5
    blackhawke88

    blackhawke88 wo ai ni bao bei ^_^

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    hit it with a keyboard duster?
     
  6. Jun 27, 2012 at 5:21 PM
    #6
    jtgroce

    jtgroce Got R Did

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    I've always used a wet wash cloth, ever tried that?
     
  7. Jun 27, 2012 at 5:22 PM
    #7
    Johns Taco

    Johns Taco I'm not 4x4, and have an open diff. So i'm 4x1

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    That's really brilliant! Must do this soon.
     
  8. Jun 27, 2012 at 5:27 PM
    #8
    TexasTacoma37

    TexasTacoma37 Well-Known Member

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    I use mcguires interior detailer spray on a microfiber cloth to clean basically everything in my interior, including the gauges.
     
  9. Jun 28, 2012 at 3:36 AM
    #9
    MSU Spartan

    MSU Spartan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That's what I use on the interior as well, just haven't tried it on the gauges. Looks like this will be what I try on this Toyota. Hopefully I can go scratch free.
     
  10. Jun 28, 2012 at 4:12 AM
    #10
    tlh178

    tlh178 Well-Known Member

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    congrats on your new truck, nice to see another sparty on the board!
     
  11. Jun 28, 2012 at 5:57 PM
    #11
    MSU Spartan

    MSU Spartan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks!:thumbsup:
     
  12. Jun 28, 2012 at 6:10 PM
    #12
    Rackster

    Rackster Well-Known Member

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    I sympathize...I can't stand the scratching either. Cleaning dry invites more scratching than while wet...yet if too wet, I've gotten drips and runs on the inside of the panel. I believe that they make the gauge panel cover out of polycarbonate...because it is inexpensive, light weight and generally strong. However, it's easy to scratch and doesn't handle impacts well at cold temperatures.

    Vaccuming the cover with a very soft brissle attachment might be good to get the bulk dust, dirt, grime, but perhaps a wet microfiber will help?
     
  13. Jun 28, 2012 at 11:35 PM
    #13
    6spd

    6spd Well-Known Member

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    meguiars plastix and a super soft MF towel. just a dab, goes a long way.
     
  14. Jun 28, 2012 at 11:39 PM
    #14
    I Liquid I

    I Liquid I Well-Known Member

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    Depending on how anal you are about that... you might want to do what I am about to do...

    Take it out and Clear Coat it.

    Should scratch less... hopefully
     

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