Remove and replace your scratched up instrument cluster plexiglass

I am no automotive expert. Not even a "wrencher." But this may help. I go to a crazy place to get my eyeglasses -- same kind of plastic but thicker than the dash panel, I would guess. They always tell me to never use any product on my glasses. Use the very soft cloth that comes from the eyeglass company. I had some finger prints and other marks on my instrument cluster so I used the eyeglass cloth and it cleaned them perfectly -- with no scratches. Might be worth trying. Granted, I don't have scratches or dust but this method might help folks clean their instrument cluster without scratching.

Look specifically for lens cleaners, not just microfiber cloths. Even camera lens cleaners, like this might help:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1097470-REG/zeiss_2127990_lens_care_kit_2oz.html

 

I reached out to them last week and just got a response last night. They were away for about 5 days or so, but they are all back now. They should be able to get a hold of now Let me know if you have any issues getting a hold of them and I can ask for the best contact method.

Best way to reach them is via Facebook messenger. Here is the link: .

Honestly, their products are the best in the business and come with a 10 year warranty. Completely invisible once installed and don't leave any fingerprints.

 

Was able to connect and ordered a full setup. Do you have pics of yours installed? Excited to try them out for sure!

 

What did it cost if you don’t mind my asking?

 

Brand new lens. IPA was used to ensure there was no residue on the lense. Two coats of Armorshield IX ceramic coating were applied: no scratches from the microfiber applicator, no scratches from the provided microfiber buffing towel. The coating is self leveling and 9H hardness.

 

Has anyone accent painted the gray trim?

 

What is IPA, and do you have a link to the coating you used? Thanks

 

Isopropyl Alcohol

 

I’m going to be ordering the kit from Premier Protection but in the meantime I wanted to give you some insight into what all I’ve tried. I had an old cluster cover to work with and used M205, Novus’ 3 stage process and microfiber towels. None had any success. I looked at a Facebook forum and came across a thread devoted to our “awesome” clusters and one individual mentioned PlastX. I was skeptical because of what I’ve read on here about it but this guy said the new formula works wonders. I figured I was going to order a new cluster before putting the PPF on it so what the heck? I bought a simple tire shine foam at Autozone for $2 and the PlastX and tried it on my current cluster. I can safely say I’m impressed. I tore off pieces of the foam, applied the PlastX to it and went in tight circular motions with pressure. This is the end result. It will probably show tons of micro marring in the sun but it took away the surface scratches which were so annoying to look at. Give it a try. At the worst, you’re buying a new cluster for $35 anyways. I even put some of it on the AT piano black indicator. Fix your plastics, Toyota!!

 

Post your results in the sun. Mine is just nasty but was replaced and I don't want to risk scratching it again.

 

Here you go. Just like I thought. Tons of micro marring in it when the sun hits it. It definitely took away the visible (what I would call) surface scratches you get when you run a cloth over it or try to clean it for the first time. Deeper scratches will remain but are less visible. All the polishing however will show the abrasions you put on it in direct sunlight. The same with the piano black plastic on the AT shift indicator.

I don’t know if it’s the nature of the beast with this ‘acrylic’ and it would show similar swirls when brand new. It’s almost like you’ll have to hope for the best with a new one and get one that doesn’t have any scratches straight out of the box and then put something over it that will hide this micro marring so that it looks crystal clear. It’s a truck. I get it. Drive it. Mud it. Etc. I just wish Toyota would give owners that take pride in their vehicles a fighting chance when it comes to keeping them looking newish as long as possible. A lot of these come looking like crap before you even take delivery.

I guarantee if someone could fashion a better piece of plastic to replace this one, they’d sell like hotcakes.

 

Well that sucks. Guess I will just hit mine again with compressed air. I can use a brillo pad on my 25 year old commuter car and have less scratches than a tissue and cleaner on the Tacoma. Not sure who manufactured these but I bet he was the lowest bidder.

 

Sorry, just to confirm, is this with or without the film from premier protection on it?
Thanks

 

Without.

 

Got it. Are you going to apply the film to your existing screen or a new one?

Do you mind sharing photos either way? I bought the kit and debating if I should get a new screen before applying the kit or trying to apply to my existing.

 

I think it comes with 2. Is that correct? If that’s the case I’ll put it on the new one first and then ( if I don’t screw it up) on the old one to show everyone how it looks without getting a new one.

 

It does come with 2 correct.

If you could do that, that would be awesome!

 

Happy to do it!

 

My new gauge cluster comes in this evening. My Premier Protection films came in yesterday and I was able to put my radio head unit one on this morning with no major issues. My AT shift indicator one has some bubbles and wrinkles but I'm hoping some time or heat will work those out. Definitely install error on my part. These films are precision cut and I can definitely say they hide the marring and scratches on my radio and AT shift indicator. I'm impressed! I would liken their thickness, feel, and application to a Zagg screen protector. The self healing ones. Here are some pics of the radio head unit. I didn't put the film on the SD cover or radio knobs but they are included.

The true test awaits for the arrival of the cluster! Stay tuned.

 

Pic of AT shift indicator in direct sunlight. Scratches and marring hidden!