Remove and replace your scratched up instrument cluster plexiglass

Like Canadian Caber said, I’d personally try the film before messing with replacing the entire cluster. I was in a similar boat as you, but I bought mine used so it already had light scratches when it came to me. I went through the standard cleaning routine that I used on my 1st gen for almost two decades. Dry fast food napkin. Scratched the shit out of it.
The screen protec film hid everything. I’d definitely suggest ordering the second set incase installation does awry

 

Sounds good. I'll check this product out. Can you clean as normal after the film is installed?

 

Yes, it’s so nice to be able to clean the instrument cluster, multimedia screen and shift indicator display without any issues.

It was expensive for me being shipped to Canada but was well worth it.

Also, any few bubbles that may remain will dissipate after a few days in hot weather.

I was dismayed too that the instrument cluster could scratch so easily. WTF Toyota?

Had just bought my new truck and I was lucky that I spotted a thread about this shortly after I joined Tacoma World.

 

@chargedmr2, I have an extra set (dash cluster, radio, shift indicator) of the Screen ProTech protectors for the Tacoma. I’ll gladly send it to you solely for the price of shipping. PM me if interested.

 

So, does the multimedia screen scratch easily too? That’s got to be more resistant since it’s a touch screen. Guess I’ll apply the screen protectors on everything since the product is a package deal anyhow.

 

That would be great! I’ll send a PM shortly. What about that magic solution that it comes with? Do I need that to make it work? Or just soapy water?

 

Stereo screen did the same thing but not as bad. The full set comes with films for dash cluster, stereo and automatic shifter indicator. It’s awesome that 2010HDFatboy offered to hook you up! This place can really be incredible!
I’m back to cleaning with dry napkins after the film installation

 

So you're saying if I've already scratched it to shit, the Screen Protech Kit will hide those scratches and protect from future scratches? Just hesitant to drop $54.95 on some plastic film when a replacement cluster shield costs $30.

 

Depends on the severity of the scratches. Mine weren’t gouges or super deep or anything. In glancing sunlight they were really annoying but otherwise I couldn’t see them.
The protec film hides or “repairs” existing scrapes and scratches to a point, but I’m sure they wouldn’t hide a deep scrape or gouge from an impact with keys or something.

If you were to buy a new cluster you’d still be in the same boat, as it’s the same material as the old one and would get scratched eventually.

I bought the extra set of protectors with plans to get another cluster and add a film to it before installation if I didn’t like the results on my scratched one.
Like many others in this thread I still have the backup set. There’s a speck of dust in mine that may drive me to redoing the cluster eventually. If you wind up getting the films, definitely follow the installation tips here and let the dust settle in the cab, or remove the cluster completely and take it inside to avoid debris underneath it

 

Thanks for the tips! I'll try it out and report back. I wonder if they'll use the same shit plastic on the 4th Gens.

 

just any kind of spray wax?

 

It’s the red bottle from Meguiars that they offer. It’s meant for the final clear coat on car waxing so I thought why not try a soft plastic. It works well! Spray some Quikwax on a soft microfiber towel and wipe in long single directional wipes to remove dust while applying the compound.

 

Thank you. I will try anything.
You know what drives me nuts is the radio you clean the glass and even though it’s clean afterwards it still looks like fingerprints are there. And even put the screen protector on it but I’m thinking of taking it off now and putting the solid one on.

 

This one?

$7 Meguiar's A1624 Quik Wax - Easy-to-Use Spray Wax for Gloss, Shine & Protection - Wet or Dry Use, 24 Oz.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P9OF00C?th=1

 

That’s the stuff. It works better than anything else I’ve tried. No streaks and dries quickly! But be careful when wiping the surface if there’s lots of dust. Like someone previously mentioned, no matter how you try and remove the dirt you will scratch the surface. On the first application I would spray a tiny bit on the plastic to lubricate the surface allowing less cleaning/wiping friction. Once you have the first application on, it’s all about maintenance and cleaning with the same solution over the long haul.
Using this makes for a Crystal clear surface and keeps it protected. In this photo you can see how clear it looks. I did clean it once before without wax, just normal car interior cleaner. There are a few scratches from when before I started using it.

 

no one makes a clear lens protector film/overlay to go on the Speedo gauges?

 

Lol
The brand, cost and installation process is mentioned so many times in this thread…
Screen ProTech

 

Well that link never loads for me when I click on it. #2 when I google it all I see is something for the navigation screen, not for the speedometer cluster.

 

There is a company that makes a screen protector that goes on the clear crappy plastic screen. i installed one and then later took it off as its junk and started to change color.

 

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Others have been happy with cheapo overlays from Amazon.
Google could probably help you with your browser issues and finding what you’re looking for.
Good luck!