Instrument panel scratches

[chris76]

I made the mistake of wiping the dust off my instrument panel lens with a clean microfiber cloth, and it scratched the hell out of it. This has got to be the softest plastic on the face of the earth. Then tried Meguiar's PlastX, which cleaned it but left millions of swirl marks which look like crap when the sun hits them. I would like to replace the plastic lens. Could I get the dealer to do this on a warranty repair? If not, does anyone have any "how-to" steps for replacing this panel?

[Uncle Gary]

Mine came "pre-scratched"-courtesy of the dealer prep. The real problem is that the lenses are slanted outward, and catch the sun's reflections during the daytime-one of the few real design goofs on this car IMO. I waxed mine with a lens cloth and S-100 carnauba wax and have let it go. I'd probably do more damage trying to replace it, and it would only get scratched again.

I agree, I've never seen such soft plastic.

[kenchan]

once scratched i too would recommend waxing it.

i use glass MF towel and Prima Clarity to clean the cluster lens.
no issues on scratches/swirls even while shined in the sun.

[chris76]

The lens assembly is really cheap from Majestic Honda -- only $11.98 (part #4909752). I think I am going to try and get it replaced under warranty though.

[celph titled]

Originally Posted by chris76

I made the mistake of wiping the dust off my instrument panel lens with a clean microfiber cloth, and it scratched the hell out of it. This has got to be the softest plastic on the face of the earth. Then tried Meguiar's PlastX, which cleaned it but left millions of swirl marks which look like crap when the sun hits them. I would like to replace the plastic lens. Could I get the dealer to do this on a warranty repair? If not, does anyone have any "how-to" steps for replacing this panel?

damn. i am in the same boat as you. made the mistake of cleaning it and scratched up. so used PlastX. made it worse with nasty swirl marks.

My next step is to use this. Plexus. I heard alot of positive things about this product from all kinds of car forums. A bit expensive but excited to try it out.

anyone else have any other ideas?

[dman]

damn. i am in the same boat as you. made the mistake of cleaning it and scratched up. so used PlastX. made it worse with nasty swirl marks.

My next step is to use this. Plexus. I heard alot of positive things about this product from all kinds of car forums. A bit expensive but excited to try it out.

anyone else have any other ideas?

I've used plexus for the instrument panel. It didn't make a big difference w/ the swirl marks.

[chris76]

I think replacing the sucker is going to be the best option. I know I'm being kind of OCD about this, but it's a 2 week old car ... the gauges shouldn't look like crap yet. I just got off the phone with one dealer who said it would not be covered under warranty (big surprise). The kind of plastic they used is obviously the cheapest grade of clear plastic available, since it has no scratch resistance at all. Looks like I'll be replacing it myself.

[secondspassed]

If any of you guys replace the lenses please take some pics and put up a DIY for major rep!

[PaFitter]

Mine was pre scratched too,and I made it worse with a dry cloth also. I took 303 protectorant and put on my gauge lens and they all but disappeared. Apply wet,let dry, do not buff off like instruction on the bottle. I use 303 protectorant on my plastic canoe,and noticed the light scratches disappeared until finally washed off by repeated exposure to the water. 303 protectorant is hard to find ,but most marine store carry it. Good for other plastics in the car too.

http://www.303products.com/

PaFitter

[Fitamusprime]

rub toothpaste in a piece of cloth rub it gently with soft cloth and will get rid of that scratch

[chris76]

It looks like replacing the piece isn't too hard... I'll post pics when I replace it.

[Fitamusprime]

heres a link How to Get Rid of Scratches on a Car Window | eHow.com

[chris76]

After doing some reading, I am convinced that there is no way of mechanically polishing plastic with any type of abrasive that will not leave some amount of micro scratches/swirl marks.

[chris76]

TK69A00J26220234701KDAV10

[Lyon[Nightroad]]

Replace it and put a layer of 3m protective film over it before it can get scratched. Problem solved for all eternity.

[doughn]

whoa no wonder mine also have scratches too.... argh!

[chris76]

Might be hard to put the 3M protective film over it due to the fact that it's not flat...... Good idea though. The fragility of this plastic is ridiculous.

[chris76]

Update on the Part # ... not sure what number Majestic Honda was using ... just double checked with Bernardi and it's 78156-TF0-J11.

[Black3sr]

I have some scratches on mine as well. Looks like they are on inside as wiping front does nothing.

Now on my slot cars and static models I use Future floor with Pledge instead of a clear coat. It is a common finish. I know using it on model windshields will fill scratches. Can give it a try if dealer will not replace.

[chris76]

Perhaps any of us with this problem should contact Honda corporate ... not sure if it would make a difference or not, but this visor lens should NOT be scratching simply by wiping dust off with a microfiber cloth. To me, that is a defect in workmanship. When I replace mine I am going to look at sending it out to a professional plastic place to have some kind of anti-scratch coating applied. I just e-mailed a place that does this, we'll see how much they would charge...