Daditude

Hi folks.

I pulled my gauge cluster to fix my bad odometer and realized that the plastic on the gauge cluster has some hard buildup on it - it feels like if someone was spray painting nearby and paint got on it, but its clear. Feels rough to the touch (back of it is smooth).
I always thought the instrument cluster looked foggy but didn't realize the issue until I pulled the cluster out.

Porsche still sells these clusters new but they cost $390.

Any advice on a fix for this? Can I polish the plastic with something or should I just shell out for a new unit?

Thanks for any pointers.

Brad

Zirconocene

I have seen people on RL recommend this product, but have not used it myself: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002UD0G...v_ov_lig_dp_it

Good luck

968gene

I would try a headlight restoration kit that includes sandpaper..

Daditude

I’ll try both I guess - it’s trash if I can’t clean it up anyway!

968gene

Patience will pay large dividends. Don’t rush any of the steps and you should be fine. Just keep in mind the optics of the plastic so you don’t get waves in the surface.

Jfrahm

I have a few clusters I have taken parts out of and might have a good clear cover, if it comes to that. They all need some polishing at this stage in life though.

Autobreza

I use the Meguiars Plastix cleaning and polishing products on clusters I repair. First the cleaner if it has defects then the polish. Gives a great finish. Takes time to work since it’s a very fine grained formula but it treats the plastic nicely. I use microfiber cloths.

DLarsen

I've used the 2 Meguiar's products below before on my gauge cluster ..............excellent results taking out minor scratches and swirls.

Autobreza

@DLarsen That's actually the products I use. Couldn't locate pics of them yesterday, thanks.

Jfrahm

Here are a couple pics of what I think is a 968 cluster probably an 89 944NA cluster (160mph speedo) I have with the tach robbed out of. the clear plastic needs a polish and there is an eyebrow crack that's probably hidden by (caused by?) the dash surround.
Part number is 944.641.311.64 - but that part might just be for the plastic shell and not related to the gauges.

Qtrfoil

Don't take off the 'Unleaded" sticker. According to Doug DeMuro it's a "quirk." I think I've seen it pointed out approvingly elsewhere as well.

Zirconocene

Funny (to me, at least) story from recently. I was at the gas station (in OR, so I had to tell someone what to put in the car) and told the teen attendant, "Please fill it with regular unleaded." He gave me a funny look, and responded, "So, just regular?". He wasn't being sarcastic, he was just dealing with an old person.

It was a reality check for me, that's for sure.

Cheers