choupette.944

While working in my instrument cluster, I noticed some white spot on the instrument frame… When touching it, kind of spread some kind of white dust. Looks like mold… Is it possible on plastic in a closed environment? The car is rust free so not a lot of humidity in it. I find it really strange.

I rubbed it off, cleaned it and will spray some paint over it.

Martin

goblues38

mine has the exact same issue. I assumed it was dust. I figured a convertible would be more exposed to dust and stuff. I am dreading taking it apart.

90 S2 72,000 miles

choupette.944

Looks a lot like mine.

I first tried to dust it off with some compressed air vut it didn’t moved. I had to unglue the clear plastic part to get to it. That’s where I could see it is not dust. The coating looks like it is somewhat rubberized. Maybe that’s what is in the compound that is the problem. It doesn’t survive well the years… Anyway, I painted on piece with black matte paint, and I think it will look better.

M.

mazdaverx7

I had the same issue with my 85.2. When I had the cluster out to install led lighting, I took the clear lens off and that oxidation buffed right off. I used a product called "Plastix" made by Meguires. It's a plastic polish and it worked wonders to clean the oxidation and to buff the clear lens.

choupette.944

I used the same product for buffing the clear lens, it does work great!

I tried it on the affected area, yes the white dot are not as evident as before, but I feel they might come back.

left part was buffed using Plastix, right only with soap and water.

I think I will go forward with the repaint. I will loose the brownish look as only have matte black paint, but it should be better than dotted white!

Lizard944

I use the Meguiars two step Clear Plastic cleaner then the polish. You can clean the inside by just removing the Phillips screws on the back and open the case. No need to remove the plastic lens.

DSMblue

This appears to be a "normal" problem for 944's and 968's. I posted my refurb process in the 968 forum.

KevinGross

Mould will grow anywhere and requires no fertilization, watering, sunlight. I'd just wash it with soap and water, and optionally treat it with your favorite plastic dressing. I like Meguiars.

J1NX3D

It's not mold, it's old plastic that is weeping whatever it's composed of. I tried to clean the spotting off mine and ended up sanding it back and painting it flat black with great results.

Jay Wellwood

Likely not mold. Outgassing of the rubber material has left an accumulation of some sort residue of some sort is more likely.

Regardless, looks unsightly.

DLarsen

I had the white spots on the instrument cluster plastic surround. Looked like the measles. I took apart the cluster, sanded the plastic and repainted the plastic with a flat black spray paint. Did this about 2 years ago. Still happy with the results.
I used a rust-oleum flat black spray paint (made for use on a variety of materials included plastics). Took my time spraying the paint, as to avoid runs (3 light coats). The lens wasn't much of a challenge removing, as the adhesives age was losing its grip. I also used Meguiars PlastX polish to remove any fine scratches in the lens. Gluing it back on, I used a Loctite product for plastics.

choupette.944

I took the same route and same products. I am glad to see that after 2 years, everything look pristine!

Thank you for your information

Martin