Resurface Gauge Cluster

[nubuilder]

I just got a different gauge cluster for my truck. The thing is, the clear plastic cover is fairly scratched up. Mostly light scratches from wiping/vacuuming it off, but there are a few deep ones (looks like someone was always putting stuff on top of the steering column).

What should I use to get these scratches out? Hand sanding with sand paper? Steel wool? Would a headlight restoration kit work?

I'd post pics, but a camera can never capture the small scratches.

This is all I can really get to show up. You can see the deeper scratches right in front of and below the gear indicator.

 

[Cowboy Cadillac]

Id try headlight restorer and see how much/many of the scratches it removes.

 

[canuckz71]

Swap the plastic from the cluster you have now? Looks to be the same style.

 

[PenguinLTZ]

I use this stuff on my motorcycle windscreens and helmet face shields, I bet it would work fine on that.

 

[nubuilder]

Swap the plastic from the cluster you have now? Looks to be the same style.

Yes, they are the same, but mine has the hair-line scratches too that you can see when the sun is low. If I'm ever going to try to fix one, I'd like to practice on this one.

I use this stuff on my motorcycle windscreens and helmet face shields, I bet it would work fine on that.

Scott, what do you use to apply this and where can I get it?




The only thing that really concerns me is the deeper scratch by the gear indicator. Do you think I should hit that spot with regular sand paper first? Say 400 then 800, and then go over the entire thing with the headlight kit/the Meguiar's polish?

 

[700 sportsman]

I would like to polish mine up as well, it has some fine scratches in it as well. I talked to rich about ordering a new one, but they were about $50-60. So I thought I could live with it for that much

 

[nubuilder]

ANGER WARNING!!!!


I just realized that they sent me a different cluster than I received pictures of!!!

I was sent this picture (damn near perfect face and 23,775mi):

And I received the one pictured in the OP (scratched face and 150,931mi).


I've emailed them asking.....well, basically..... in different terms obviously.

 

[700 sportsman]

That sucks, that last one looks pretty darn good.

I too was thinking about either a headlight kit, rubbing compound, or something similar to what Scott posted except a different brand, they have a 3 step process for fixing windshields.

 

[nubuilder]

That sucks, that last one looks pretty darn good.

I too was thinking about either a headlight kit, rubbing compound, or something similar to what Scott posted except a different brand, they have a 3 step process for fixing windshields.

Yeah...I know. That's why I bought it too!!!

 

[nubuilder]

UPDATE

Well, the seller (pretty sure its a junkyard) emailed me back.

Said they do have one with 23,000 miles on it and is willing to trade.

Do you guys think it is worth the extra shipping?

I just emailed them to see what shipping was to me.