HVAC Screen Repair
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HVAC Screen Repair
I accidently scratched the digital read out screen on my HVAC unit. Nothing major, but it bugs me. 
Can I wet sand/polish out the little HVAC screen similar to how you repair scratches on headlights? Can I use the same method and polish? Is the screen made of similar material?
Anyone else ever try this?
Can I wet sand/polish out the little HVAC screen similar to how you repair scratches on headlights? Can I use the same method and polish? Is the screen made of similar material?
Anyone else ever try this?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Placitas NM
St. Jude Contributor '03 & '04
I accidently scratched the digital read out screen on my HVAC unit. Nothing major, but it bugs me.
Can I wet sand/polish out the little HVAC screen similar to how you repair scratches on headlights? Can I use the same method and polish? Is the screen made of similar material?
Anyone else ever try this?
Can I wet sand/polish out the little HVAC screen similar to how you repair scratches on headlights? Can I use the same method and polish? Is the screen made of similar material?
Anyone else ever try this?
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From: The Sunshine State
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In case I can't fix it, does anyone know whether or not I can just buy a new plastic screen or is it all one unit?
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I just checked a couple GM parts suppliers and could not find a part number just for the screen.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: oregon
Thanks. I've never tried to remove it before so I'm hoping I can buff out the scratch. It may even be a haze spot/mark from a cleaner that wasn't meant to get on the plexiglass/acrylic finish.
I just checked a couple GM parts suppliers and could not find a part number just for the screen.
I just checked a couple GM parts suppliers and could not find a part number just for the screen.
the gm number for the 01+ display is 10345293
should be able to find them for $250 online and sell your old one for $100
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Sounds reasonable and worth a try. If all else fails, but a used dual zone unit - the come up for sale often here on the forum.
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From: Kannapolis NC
It doesn't just pop out. You have to remove and disassemble the unit to take the screen out. I have a defective one with a good screen if you want to take it out. The buttons are all good but the unit will not power up the a/c and the display doesn't come on, just the lights in the buttons work. Physically it is in good condition from an 04. PM me if you want the one I have. It will take $40 plus your choice of shipping. If you only want the screen, I'll take it out and send it to you and the shipping will be less, but still $40 for the screen.
Drifting
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From: Placitas NM
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I stand corrected. I was surprised when I replaced the lights in the display that once your remove the screws, the front display fell apart. You are correct, there are screws that need to be removed. Thanks.
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Thanks for the all the replies. If I can't buff it out, maybe I will just cut some tint and apply it so that I can't see the mark. The unit works fine so I don't want to replace it. If I could simply buy a new plastic lens, OK, but not the entire unit.
Pro
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From: North Reading MA
I have seen a product made to take scratches out of lexan/plexi/plastics....I don't remember the name but it come in 3 or 4 grades depending on the severity of the scratches...And the booth I saw it displayed at had before/after pieces there.
Mine came back to life with Chadwick's, but was in ok shape before I applied it..It seemed to fill in the very light spidering.
Mine came back to life with Chadwick's, but was in ok shape before I applied it..It seemed to fill in the very light spidering.
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From: Kannapolis NC
I was offered $40 for my HVAC unit as a core return. I will still send you the lens, or the lens and buttons, or the whole unit for $40 plus shipping. Try polishing your lens and if you're not satisfied, send me a pm. I can send you some pictures. If I don't hear from you in the next couple of days, I'll go ahead and send it as a core.
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I have seen a product made to take scratches out of lexan/plexi/plastics....I don't remember the name but it come in 3 or 4 grades depending on the severity of the scratches...And the booth I saw it displayed at had before/after pieces there.
Mine came back to life with Chadwick's, but was in ok shape before I applied it..It seemed to fill in the very light spidering.
Mine came back to life with Chadwick's, but was in ok shape before I applied it..It seemed to fill in the very light spidering.
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From: oregon
i'm somewhat amazed you even have to think twice at a $40 offer, that's insanely cheap. by the time you drive to the store, buy supplies, and drive back you've probably spent half or more of that $40 and still don't know if it will work
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Thread Starter
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From: The Sunshine State
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I was offered $40 for my HVAC unit as a core return. I will still send you the lens, or the lens and buttons, or the whole unit for $40 plus shipping. Try polishing your lens and if you're not satisfied, send me a pm. I can send you some pictures. If I don't hear from you in the next couple of days, I'll go ahead and send it as a core.
Just curious what type of mod are you doing that requires a core exchange for the HVAC unit? LEDs?
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From: Kannapolis NC
I just replaced the 14 button lamps. Afterwards, the a/c would not come on, nor the display light up. I have to assume that when I connected a 12v supply to the bulbs to check that they all worked (which they did), I possibly shorted something in the processor portion of the unit. I bought a used unit which fixed the problem and haven't returned the core.
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I was able to buff/polish the white marks off the screen this morning. Looks as good a new. I used this lens cleaner and it worked fine. No sanding, just a good polish. Thanks for all the replies/input. 
